“Source Data’s People Are Flexible, Easy To Work With And IBM i Experts. I Can Count On Them To Get The Job Done.”
Background
La Paz Products, Inc. is a family business that makes and distributes cocktail mixes, including margarita mix. Founded by Larry Casey in 1968, La Paz has continually improved with streamlined and advanced manufacturing practices and high quality ingredients.
During the late 1990’s, La Paz migrated its custom software to an IBM AS400. With hands-on, dedicated support their AS400 has supported La Paz’s business for over 22 years.
In 2021, La Paz upgraded to an IBM POWER 9 9009-41G at V7.3 to support its 8 users with custom software that handles its shipping and accounts receivables.
IBM 9009-41G With V7.3 Approaching EOL – Need To Upgrade To Supported IBM i OS
Due to limited IT expert staff, staying current is vital.
“We had done such a big upgrade when we moved to our Power 9. We learned our lesson to keep current… Especially with the new system. With limited IT support and third- party desktop IT support, we don’t have people here with the computer knowledge to know what and when things need to happen.
“We depend on our Power 9 to create all of our shipping documents and accounts receivable – and knocking on wood, it has been working smoothly.”
Changes In Cyber Security Highlight Upgrade Importance
Vice President Laura Collins is thrilled to have Source Data’s Senior IBM i Engineer, Mark Walsh, upgrade her server from IBM i V7.3 to V7.5.
As Laura explains, “Until a few years ago, the IBM OS was rarely attacked by cyber criminals, but that has changed. Since January 2022, IBM has been coming out with security patches to address that, which is why it is so important for us to stay current with our IBM i OS.”
Preparation Essential For Successful Upgrade
“Mark came in during our slow time, several different afternoons, to prepare the version upgrade. He had researched the software downloads and patches we needed and applied them at convenient times during the week before he did the upgrade.
“Mark is so knowledgeable and flexible with our work schedule.
“He came in Friday afternoon to backup our V7.3 system before he started the upgrade so we would have a fallback solution, in case anything with the upgrade went wrong.”
Preparation Pays Off
“He did the version upgrade Saturday morning. Our POWER 9 is so fast, Mark had the job done in less than 2 hours. Then he did a Save21 of our system at V7.5.
“Mark does a fabulous job. He gets us totally.”
Source Data Products – Easy To Work With So Focus Can Be On Business
“So much of our time and mental energy is spent complying with business demands. We rely on Source Data through their newsletter and follow ups to keep us current.
Laura Collins Recommends Source Data Products
“I absolutely would recommend Source Data Products for an IBM i version upgrade. The flexibility for our work schedule is very helpful and you guys always take care of stuff when we need it straight away.
“Source Data’s people are flexible, easy to work with and IBM i experts. I can count on them to get the job done.
“I wouldn’t even try to do an upgrade ourselves. Leave it to the experts.”