February 2005 Newsletter
HARP Migration Update
By
Gene Calai, VP of Information Services, Partner
HARP, Quadax's Accounts Receivable management software, runs on a computer called the HP e3000. The HP e3000 hardware was built and sold by Hewlett-Packard for over 30 years. In 2001, Hewlett-Packard announced they would stop selling HP e3000s in 2003 and stop supporting them on December 31, 2006. This announcement caused us to re-evaluate the best platform on which to run HARP in the future.
Quadax feels we have chosen wisely when we selected the programming language that is the basis for HARP. It is written in a programming environment called Speedware 4GL developed by Speedware Corp. Speedware Corp. has announced their "support for HP e3000 customers has no expiry date!" In addition to that, Speedware 4GL runs on several computers besides the HP e3000. It is comforting to see that some companies go out of their way to help others in times of need.
As a result of these announcements, Quadax has invested countless hours of research resulting in the decision to migrate HARP to run on other computer platforms. Rather than locking ourselves into one computer, we have opted to enhance HARP so that it will run on two additional types of computers: HP-UX® and Windows Server® 2003. HP-UX is Hewlett-Packard's UNIX® computer, which is available from entry-level sizes up to massive mainframes. Windows Server 2003 is Microsoft's server software that can be used to run small to large business computers.
Moving off the HP e3000 also meant that we needed to find a different database. The TurboImage database that HARP uses on the HP e3000 does not work on other computers. The new database that we selected is called Eloquence®. Eloquence can mimic the TurboImage database, thus easing some of the migration pain. Eloquence also has several advantages over TurboImage. One is that you no longer have dataset capacities to worry about!
We are well into the migration project and have some very positive news to report. The HARP screens and batch processing functions are working on HP-UX and Windows. The on-line response and batch processing times to this point have been exceptional. The Quality Assurance Team has started the process of testing the new versions and we expect to have our first live HARP database up and running on HP-UX this spring.
Once the HP-UX version is fine-tuned, our next step in the migration project will be to get at least one live HARP database up and running on a Windows server. After we have run HARP on HP-UX and Windows for a few months at Quadax, we will have a good understanding of the requirements for our customers that operate their own HARP servers.
OK, but what does all of this really mean to you? It means that we are making good progress towards getting the HARP software migrated to other types of computers that have a future. HARP software will be supported and enhanced by Quadax for many years to come. Also, if you run HARP on a computer of your own, you will eventually have some choices to make.
What to consider if you run your own HARP server
Right now if your HP e3000 HARP server is running fine, you can rest assured that Quadax will continue to support the HARP software running on that machine for several years. The one issue you will need to address soon is hardware support. Most likely you currently receive hardware support directly from Hewlett-Packard. You will be able to do so until December 31, 2006. Before this date you will need to secure a new company to support your hardware. We can help you make that decision. We have experience using a third party hardware support firm (not Hewlett-Packard), who has supported some of the HP e3000s at Quadax for several years now. To date we have been very happy with their performance.
You will have other options as well. If you are not comfortable running your HP e3000 beyond December 31, 2006, you will be able to migrate to a new computer.
If you currently have a HP e3000 A-class or N-class server, you could take advantage of HP's "No Charge" hardware conversion kit. Basically, this kit converts your HP e3000 to a HP-UX computer and gives you the entry-level version of the HP-UX operating system. Please note that it only includes the hardware and the computer's operating system. There will be charges for other items, such as the Eloquence database and the actual work to perform the migration, which is still to be determined.
If converting your HP e3000 to a HP-UX computer is not a good option for you, then you should consider a new HP-UX or a Windows computer. The newer computers are much faster and will be supported by the hardware vendor for many more years than an older or converted computer would be.
There are many factors involved in making these decisions. It can feel overwhelming at times. When the time comes for you to make these decisions, Quadax will be available to assist in the decision-making process.
What is the timing for migrations to begin?
We expect to be able to begin migrating HARP standalone customers in 2006. The migration of the data and software should be a straightforward process. The most difficult part of the project will be proper hardware configuration, setup and testing. Obviously, if you migrate, you will either have your computer converted or you will get a new computer. It will have to be configured to replicate your existing environment. That means all of your peripherals such as terminals, workstations, printers, modems and network devices will need to work with the new hardware. Some of your existing equipment probably will not be compatible and will need to be replaced.
Before your migration can begin, we will work with you on an order placement and discovery process that will involve documentation and meetings to analyze your requirements. At the completion of this process, Quadax will provide a project plan and recommendations for your migration.
Do you have to migrate off your HP e3000?
You may not need to migrate anytime soon. Many HP e3000s, running today without Hewlett-Packard support, are over twenty years old! It really depends on your needs and if the HP e3000 that you have now is powerful enough to run your business. At this time, Quadax has not determined an end of support date for HARP on the HP e3000. We currently plan to continue running HARP on HP e3000s at Quadax for several more years.
What should you do, if you want to migrate?
Near the end of this year, 2005, Quadax will contact you with details on what you will need to do when you are ready to begin your migration project.
Other items for thought
What will change?
HP-UX and Windows do not have some of the data processing functionality that we use on the HP e3000. We have developed programs to handle Job Stream, Printing and Stdlist management right in the HARP software. These enhancements will make managing your HARP server easier, because you will not have to issue operating system commands to handle these processes.
The screens themselves will look just as they do on the HP e3000 and most terminals and PCs using Reflection should work just as they do now.
Training
For most non-operational users, no training will be needed. Operators will need training on how to run HARP on the new computer and can also receive free on-line HP-UX training via Hewlett-Packard's web site.
Summary
Overall, we're hoping that we can make the migration to an alternate operating environment as painless as possible. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress, and any changes that might impact your operation. Keep in mind that all migrations require sufficient time and planning to be successful.
You can learn more details about the HP e3000 at Hewlett-Packard's FAQ web page. If you are interested in learning more about Eloquence, you can visit their web site for more details.
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