IBM Implementation Services for System z - Server Time Protocol

Highlights

• Leverages IBM's knowledge and best practices for Server Time Protocol planning and implementation
• Enables concurrent updates to help maintain production continuity and responsiveness
• Helps eliminate maintenance and costs for your IBM Sysplex Timer device

Providing solution and service support for effective planning and implementation of STP

In April 2009 IBM announced that IBM System z10™ would be the last server to support connections to the IBM Sysplex Timer®(9037). As a result, it may be advisable for you to start planning to implement the follow-on solution to the Sysplex Timer - Server Time Protocol (STP) that can accommodate newer technologies and capabilities crucial for long-term business development. Being able to concurrently migrate from an existing Sysplex Timer based network (also known as External Time Reference (ETR)) to an STP network requires careful planning prior to implementation. An ineffective solution implementation could put your IT infrastructure at risk and lead to more complexities, costs and disruptions. IBM Implementation Services for System z®- Server Time Protocol (STP) is designed to help you quickly and safely implement STP in your environment. STP helps enable you to attain time synchronization within your multi server infrastructure, without encountering the limitations of using a Sysplex Timer. Through proven best practices and detailed planning, we help your in-house staff identify various implementation models and engage in the appropriate configuration requiredto effectively support STP. We are among the leading vendors with software and hardware capability, skills and resources who can provide end-to-end solution services to help you benefit from higher availability, eminent capabilities and improved performance from your IBM System z environment.

Enabling operational continuity and responsiveness through effective implementation

By swift and safe implementation of STP in your existing System z infrastructure, our service can help you reap maximum operational benefits with minimum turnaround time. Through improved availability, integrity and performance, STP helps enable improved time synchronization in your multiserver environment. STP also renders access to new and evolving System z based technologies and capabilities, there by placing your IT infrastructure at a vantage point.

Reducing power costs and hardware maintenance requirements

Unlike the Sysplex Timer, STP supports multisite system complexes of up to 200 kilometers without requiring an intermediate site. This helps to reduce the cost on energy consumption, floor space and hardware maintenance and support that your existing infrastructure might be dependent on. And with a single point-of-service contact for STP, we can help simplify your procurement process and service budgeting, and help improve overall solution management.

Leveraging IBM's knowledge and best practices for comprehensive planning and implementation

Our unique delivery strategy for STP synergizes detailed planning and customized implementation to upgrade your existing Sysplex Timer configuration. Additionally, our solution expertise can facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions among your in-house staff to boost productivity.

Why IBM?

Our in-depth experience from prior engagements with System z solutions and the IBMz/OS® operating system coupled with best practices can help you plan, implement and support migration within virtually any System z infrastructure. Our cross-industry portfolio in System z implementation, along with global service availability, enables us to provide round-the-clock, integrated and end-to-end support services to support your unique environment.

For more information

To learn more about IBM Implementation Services for System z - Server Time Protocol, please contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, or visit the following Web site: ibm.com/services/server

Additionally, IBM Global Financing can tailor financing solutions to your specific IT needs. For more information on great rates, flexible payment plans and loans, and asset buyback and disposal, visit: ibm.com/financing (US)