The New Mexico State University Computer Center has recently installed a multivendor configuration of major system components. Although some special problems were anticipated because the University is not located in close proximity to metropolitan areas, the configuration has been profitable in terms of both economy and increased performance.The primary hardware, an IBM 360/65 computer, a quarter of a million bytes of core and channels were purchased from a non-IBM source, while other IBM components were leased or purchased from IBM. A third vendor supplied two million bytes of extended core storage, twelve disk and two tape drives. A major administrative teleprocessing service utilizes CRT terminals provided by a fourth vendor.The paper discusses the financial advantages of moving to a multivendor installation and explores maintenance problems arising from such an operation. Primary emphasis is given to unique problems which result from being in a location remote from vendor installations, and recommendations are made to others contemplating a multivendor installation.
/lp/association-for-computing-machinery/financial-and-operational-aspects-of-a-multivendor-installation-in-a-qqnKu1ERxL