Warner Mach wrote:
I believe that I have identified an interesting phenomenon
in the ongoing mainframe vs distributed servers debate. I
call this the 'small server mob advantage.'
.
We all know that the ratio of technical people to end users
is much higher with the smaller servers. I consider the
small servers to be a primary driver of IT employment. At
first glance it might seem that the lower ratio for mainframe
support would put the mainframe at an advantage in the eyes
of management ... But, as it turns out, what happens is that,
over the course of time, the number of people in small server
support greatly exceeds the number of people in mainframe
support and they form a group that actively lobbies to move
everything off of the mainframe. This is the 'small server
mob advantage.'
.
Once a conversion effort is finished and it becomes apparent
that people costs now far exceed the mainframe hardware and
software costs, the deed is done. To go back would require
that management admit an error ... So I would advise that
the mainframe folks console themselves with the fact that
their small server brothers and sisters are able to find
gainful employment.
Hmmmm. I would advise the mainframe folks to be alert and
fight the battle early, then. We need to stand up and be
counted (although we may have to do it subtley / indirectly
for political reasons). Your points are exactly the kind
of information that needs to be promulgated before it's
too late. Although it may already be too late.
--
Kind regards,
-Steve Comstock
The Trainer's Friend, Inc.
303-393-8716
http://www.trainersfriend.com
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