Case Study:
Data Center Optimization
Client Description
The client is a large financial services company running more than 20,000 MIPS in multiple locations.
Client Situation
This client approached ISAM with an interest in improving their SAM practices and identifying additional software savings opportunities with respect to software usage. Since the client’s usage data was relatively unclear, ISAM recommended its Data Center Optimization service.
Process for the Data Center Optimization
Once the optimization objectives were confirmed, the ISAM process included:
- Signed confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
- Collected the client’s mainframe software licensing data.
- Collected the client’s hardware configuration and any software usage data available.
- Loaded the client’s licensing and usage data into ISAM’s Software Intelligence Database.
- Various configuration models were developed to influence LPAR usage and software placement.
- Identified specific improvement areas and software savings opportunities.
- Developed and presented a report with specific recommendations for improvement.
- Savings available within multiple hardware and software scenarios
- Core products identified with candidates for consolidation or elimination
- Suggestions for specific product licenses
- The ISAM report also included suggestions for SAM best practices and tools to raise the company to “Best in Class” status for mainframe software pricing.
Results & Benefits
- The Data Center Optimization was completed in ten weeks.
- The client was able to eliminate software products that were functionally redundant.
- The client was able to consolidate workload and usage patterns to generate additional software savings.
- The client was able to have a better, more thorough understanding of its hardware and software environments and develop long-term roadmap for cost reductions.
- Total first-year savings: $2.5 million.