Hey IBM, can I just buy the fucking server please?

Ironically timed this topic, considering the board snafus of late…

I’ve been in the midst of a project to determine the best way to create a high availability server configuration. Since we currently have an IBM p520 only 2 years old, with plenty of space and memory for the apps we’re running, and since the aggregate uptime is in the +95% range, we’ve opted to go with another p520. This one will have a LOT more memory and a LOT more storage, as will the devices that will serve as NAS. We’ve decided on the HACMP cluster configuration, which seems simple enough. Problem is, I’m on a TIGHT time budget. I need to spend the money dedicated to this by the 25th at the latest. So, off I go to the IBM website, look up the part numbers and whatnots, call IBM, talk to the configuration guy, give hime the particulars, including my hot rush, and he says, “ok, I’ll kick this up the chain for you, you’ll hear from us shortly”.

OK, I says.

One day passes and nothing.

Next morning I get a call from Dingleberry McFuckstick at the local Major Computer Reseller…

DM: “Hey, we’re working on your quote for that server you’re looking for, just so you’re aware, we’ll have that to you right away”

Me: “Uh, you’re who with the what now? Why are you calling me? What quote are you talking about”

DM: “The quote for the IBM server”

Me: “I didn’t call you, why are you working on it? Is this an IBM thing?”

DM: “Yes, we’re handling that for them now, so I’ll have that to you right away, ok?”

Me: “Uhh, OK”

The next day…

DM: “Hey buddy, I’m working on that quote and it looks like I’m not allowed to sell you this machine so…”

Me: “Wait, first, buddy? Second, what do you mean you can’t sell it?”

DM: “Blah, blah, blah I’m not allowed to see the part numbers, so I’m referring you to the other company we own to deal with this high end server”

Me: “Fuck me, I need this RIGHT NOW”

DM: “They’re quick about it, I’ll put a rush on it for ya, they’re pro’s”

Me: “sigh—OK”

Today…

DM: “Hi there! I’ve got Ayoob Dum Fookar on the line, and he needs to come out for a site visit so he can determine your needs and configuration, so I wanted to introduce you so you can…”

Me: “Wait, what? I need a server, I don’t need a site visit, I know what I need, why can’t I just buy it like I bought the one I have now, which is the same one with more guts and brains?”

DM and ADF: “It’s an IBM thing, so when can I come out today because I understand you’re in a hurry?”

Me: “No shit! Fine, come out, but if I can’t buy because of this process, I’m gonna foot someone’s ass.”

ADF: “OK, I’ll see you this afternoon”
How bloody hard is it to tell a company “I’d like that model, right there, with the blinky lights and the sides that are bulging out from all the storage and memory, that’s the one, now who do I make this giant check out to?” and for the company to say “OK Sir, here ya go, you need someone help you to your car?”

Fuckers. Just sell me the server already, christ.

Welcome to the wonderful world of IBM purchasing.

Sometimes, the resellers are a giant pain in the ass. Sometimes, they’re worth their weight in gold. It’s pretty much random which one they’re going to be on any given day.

Since when is the p520 high end?

The p520 is the cute little entry-level server, that gets it’s cheeks pinched by the mainframe, and sand kicked in its face by the p595.

This is all I’m sayin! It’s a simple little 4u server that I need to run my apps, I don’t need all these feckin people, just a box ferchrissakes.

Ah, but which p520? There seem to be at least ten permutations of the basic server - processor speeds, amout of RAM, desktop or rackmount, etc.

If you don’t mind used, there are a couple up on eBay.

If yer so smrt bild it yerself :smiley:

Harsh criticism from someone who can’t fucking spell.

Note the smilie, I own a computer shop and I can build a server. I can also spell just fine thank you very much.

Dude, I think some ‘leet’ kid snuck in and posted on your account minute ago. After all, all spelling aside, an owner of a computer shop wouldn’t be telling somebody else to ‘build it yourself’ - that’s a habit that’s bad for business!
:slight_smile:

He also does maintenance and repairs, too. So telling people to “build it yourself” may actually be good for business. :smiley:

Oh, god, tell me about it. We’ve gotten a new AS/400, an i5, at work, and for the life of us, we can’t figure out how to order a rack-mountable console unit, we’re stuck with these things from 1996. Anyone know what goes there?

If this is the line I think it is, I think you can pop in any ol’ rack-mountable Windows PC and then you install the i5 Operations Console software on it.

Just be glad you don’t have a System z9. You may as well add the IBM people into your family tree permanently when you get one of those.

This is what you should get. :smiley:

Thank you for your contributions to my repertoire.

The p520 Express, I’m only looking at 8GB ram, 1TB of storage and a POWER6 dual and an HACMP license (or 2) This isn’t a huge deal, really.

I can’t do used though. Wish I could.

Great Vaulting Christ! That’s one big sumbitch!
Believe me, if I could find a way to make that work, the Sun truck would be pulling up in front of my place tomorrow. Not that I’ll EVER need that much juice, but that would be freakin cool.

I would, except I can’t get the part numbers from my sales rep, he’s not allowed to sell 'em, which means I’d still have to have Dum Fookar out to talk about it anyway. Dammit, now I’m irrationally mad all over again.

Just doing my part :wink:

I think these people are giving you a hard time because they have emotional issues brought on from having really weird names.

That is totally the server that we need to move the SDMB onto.