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Converting your System/36 files and programs to Native/400 can
seem like a jungle at first. But it doesn't have to be. While this
is a very involved and tedious task, you can experience a successful
conversion if it is handled by the right people. Argent Systems
International has years of experience performing all kinds of Sys/36
conversions with outstanding success. If you are planning a Sys/36 conversion,
you should take a moment to read the following information and warnings. It
just might make the difference between a smooth conversion and one that turns
into a nightmare!
WARNING #1:
Some
companies claim to have "magic" utilities that will automatically convert all
your files, OCL, and RPG programs to native 400 without any programming
whatsoever. While this sounds like a wonderful promise, the fact is, it is
simply not true! In all our years of performing S/36 to native/400
conversions, we have never found a single company who could live up to
such an outrageous claim. Not one! The fact is, while there are utilities that
will reduce the amount of manual programming required by this type of
conversion, (and we have our own set of utilities that we have used for years),
there will always be a considerable amount of manual programming,
testing and verification required to insure a successful conversion. Beware of
any company promising things that sound too good to be true.
WARNING #2:
If you have
received bids from several companies to perform your System/36 to Native/400
conversion, don't assume that the lowest bid is your best bet. Inexperienced
companies often bid low because they fail to do a proper initial analysis of
your current system, and they don't know that they have missed some of the
hidden pitfalls that await in all Sys/36 conversions. There are many
hidden quirks within all Sys/36 code that can cause tremendous delays
during the conversion process. Most companies who are not seasoned
professionals in this line of work will miss these problems up front, causing
costly delays and overages later.
WARNING #3:
Some
companies also deliberately "lowball" a bid just to get the job. Then, as the
project progresses, they will begin to hit you up for more money. This can
often bring the entire project to a grinding halt while contract disputes are
debated. We hear from companies all the time who have been burned by this type
of shady tactic. Don't be one of them!
At Argent Systems, we don't
believe in playing games with our clients. When you receive a bid from us,
there are absolutely no hidden numbers at all. We put everything in
black and white, including our proprietary formula that we have used with
great accuracy for many years. That's right, we actually show you
exactly how we arrived at every single hour and every single dollar on
the quote. Nothing is hidden. You can look at our quote with complete
confidence knowing that we have not "padded" anything! Try getting that
from other companies. The fact is, you have x number of items on your system
that need to be converted, and it takes x amount of time to convert each item.
It's just that simple. We list every detail so you can clearly see what you're
paying for. Never accept a quote from a company unless you can identify where
every dollar is being spent!
WARNING #4:
When you
contact a company to discuss your System/36 conversion, make sure they know
what they're talking about. Some companies are very familiar with the AS/400,
but that doesn't mean they understand all the details of how Sys/36 files and
programs work... and there is a world of difference between the two! Do
they understand how multiple record types in your old Sys/36 files can have
disastrous consequences at conversion time? Do they know the best way to
convert the sorts, file overrides, screen messages, etc. from your old OCL
programs into your new CL programs? Do they know the difference between
System/36 "mode" and System/36 "environment," and did they even ask you which
one you're currently operating in? If not, you may be headed for trouble!
WARNING #5:
Some
companies hire programmers off the street just to have enough manpower to
finish your project. The trouble is, once the project is over, those
programmers move on to other jobs and take all the knowledge about your
conversion along with them. What are you going to do two months from now when a
problem arises with one of your converted files or programs and the programmer
who worked on it is no longer around? This may seem like a minor point, but, in
fact, it is extremely critical.
Argent Systems never hires
contract programmers just to fill a job. Never! Our people have worked with us
for years, and they have all been "hand picked" from among the
best in the country. So when you have a question after we finish your System/36
conversion, you can be sure that we will have an answer! Be very careful of
contract programming companies who use "temps" or have a high turnover. In the
long run, you will be the one who pays for this!
THE SOLUTION:
Be sure
you understand from the start that performing a successful S/36 to Native/400
conversion is not a simple task. It requires detailed planning,
professional expertise, and precise timing. Make certain that you choose a
company who has hands-on experience in performing these conversions.
Check their quote carefully to know exactly how your money is being spent.
Never choose a company who fails any of the warnings above. Doing so will
certainly spell trouble.
At Argent Systems, we are very proud of our
track record! We have satisfied customers from
coast to coast and around the world who know first-hand the quality of our
work and the professionalism of our people. We invite you to
consider us to handle your System/36 conversion. At least give us a call and
decide for yourself. We'll give you honest, realistic answers without
all the games, and we think you'll soon agree with our current
customers who say,
"Nobody does IT better!"
To make sure your System/36 conversion is done right, contact us today.
Call 864-578-5996 or email us at: |
