Chapter 1 - Before the Power Is On With the AS/400, IBM has tried to graft the S/36's ease of use onto the S/38's integrated database and productivity features. In many respects, Big Blue has succeeded -- the AS/400 provides extensive help text, highly developed menu functions, on-line education, and electronic customer support. But the machine's friendliness stops short of "plug and go" installation, especially for shops converting from a non-IBM system or migrating from an IBM system other than a S/38. Even S/38 migration is not completely plug and go, although the AS/400 has inherited many S/38 characteristics: a complex structure of system objects used to support security, work environment, performance tuning, backup, recovery, and other functions. These objects let you configure a finely tuned and productive machine, but they do not readily lend themselves to education on the fly. As a result, the AS/400 requires thought, foresight, planning, and preparation for a successful installation. Believe me, I know. I have experienced the AS/400 planning and installation process as both a customer and a vendor, and I'd like to share what I've learned by suggesting a step-by-step approach for planning, installing, and configuring your AS/400. First I discuss the steps you can and should take before your system arrives. In subsequent chapters, I take you through your first session on the machine, address how to establish your work environment, and show you how to customize your system. I have outlined the installation process in the AS/400 setup checklist in Figure 1.1. You might want to use this checklist as the cover page to a notebook you could put together to keep track of your AS/400 installation. Before You Install Your System The first step in implementing anything complex -- especially a computer system -- is thorough planning. A successful AS/400 installation begins long before your system rolls in the door. The first section of the setup checklist in Figure 1.1 lists tasks you should complete before you install your system -- preferably even before it arrives. These items may seem like a great deal of work before you ever see your system, but this work will save you and your company time and trouble when you finally begin installing, configuring, securing, and using your new system. Let's look at each item in this section of the checklist individually. Develop an Installation Plan A good installation plan serves as a road map. It guides you and your staff and keeps you focused on the work ahead. Figure 1.2 shows a sample installation plan that lists installation details and lets you track the schedule and identify the responsible person for each task. [Although the installation plan includes important considerations about the physical installation -- e.g., electrical, space, and cooling requirements -- these requirements are well documented in IBM manuals, and I do not discuss them here. For details about physical installation, refer to the AS/400 Physical Planning Guide -- Version 2 (GA41-0001), the AS/400 Physical Planning Guide and Reference -- Version 2 (GA41-9571), the AS/400 Migrating from S/36 Planning Guide -- Version 2 (GC41-9623), or the AS/400 Migrating from S/38 Planning Guide -- Version 2 (GC41-9624).] An overall installation plan helps you put the necessary steps for a successful AS/400 setup into writing and tailor them to your organization's specific needs. The plan also helps you identify and involve the right people and gives you a schedule to work with. Identifying and involving the right people is critical to creating an atmosphere that assures a smooth transition to your new system. Management must commit itself to the installation process and must understand and agree to the project's priority. Other pending MIS projects should be examined and assigned a priority based on staff availability in light of the AS/400's installation schedule. Management and the departments you serve must understand and agree on these scheduling changes.