Latest News From MPBA
We're often asked for more information and regular updates on our services. As usual, at MPBA, we're always happy to oblige! In this section, you'll find information on:
- Purging your Systems
- SOX and Audit Trails
- How to Claim your Free Analysis Tool
- How to get hold of Roger!
Nervous About Purges?
Purging your systems of old redundant data is always a nerve-racking process. Ask MPBA about their Data Purging Service, and you can put aside those worries about making errors. Careful planning for an operation like this is required, as MPBA will need total access to your system, and you will need to shut down all transaction processing to safeguard your data.
As MPBA need to be on-site for this operation, a typical job will cost £1,500 plus expenses, and take around three days. If you need to schedule the work over a normal weekend, this can be arranged but the cost will be higher. Holiday weekends may also be possible, depending on availability, but premium rates will be charged.
Contact us today to discuss your purging requirements.
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance and Audit Trails
It's always a good policy to keep your SOX auditors happy, and MPBA have a couple of utilities which can help you do just that.
Cost Audit Trails: MacPac uses security in depth, and maintains many audit trails. However, there is no audit trail in MacPac for changes to costs. MPBA's Cost Audit Trail (CAT) utility provides this missing link in your SOX audit compliance. The CAT utility costs £600 plus implementation.
Inventory Accounting History: Many history files provide a view of the previous period, and the IA month-end process is no exception. Unfortunately, the transaction data in IA110ap, IA120ap and IA130ap is over-written and lost when the next post or trial IA process is run. MPBA's Inventory Accounting History utility keeps the data in three incremental files, so previous months' data isn't removed. The IA History utility costs £600 plus implementation.
iSeries History Log Analysis Tool
This small suite of programs and queries will help you quickly highlight "rogue" jobs and users on your system. Poor performance could be caused by mediocre database design, inefficient programs, or excessive and clumsy use of Query: MPBA's History Log Analysis Tool will help you pin-point the problem.
The tool uses data stored in history files as far back as the QHST* files are retained, 30 days on a typical installation. They produce information on disk and CPU usage, and response times. Batch performance data is separated from interactive performance data, the results can be presented by user or job name, and in either a detailed or summary form.
Better still, this is all available FREE. Contact Roger Mullenger (roger.mullenger@mpba.co.uk) for examples of the output, and to arrange for installation.
Roger's Retreat
Ever wondered where Roger goes to get away from all his clients? Now he can run ... but he can't hide. Click on the picture to view the location map and see if you can follow the path. If you can - why not drop Rog an email to let him know his secret's out?
Of course, if you want to join him, it's part of the HRP (Haute Route Pyrénéenne ). Roger's walked about 400 km (250 miles) and climbed 24,000 metres (80,000 feet) so far, about half way and says it's no problem.
But I wouldn't suggest you attempt it, unless you're as mad as he is!
