Experience and the availability of experienced developers played heavily in our choice of WebSphere. Our staff has plenty of experience with both Java and WebSphere, and there are many experienced Java developers in the Green Bay area.
The selection of Windows 2000, on the other hand, was based solely on cost. Although we would have loved to put WebSphere on some IBM big iron, the cost of hardware, software and training could not be justified. We considered BEA WebLogic, but it also was cost-prohibitive; moreover, our staff lacked experience with the product and would have needed additional training.
Mission-Critical Database: IBM DB2 7.2, Windows 2000 Server, Compaq DL760
Primary decision factors: Interoperability, scalability, staff experience, migration paths
We had our hearts set on an Oracle database to provide mission-critical storage for NWC Inc. Unfortunately, the cost was too high. We bandied about the possibility of using SQL Server 2000 instead, but WebSphere doesn't play as nice with SQL Server as it does with DB2, Informix, Sybase or other corporate-class RDBMSs (relational database management systems), and our staff has experience developing for DB2. Because such a large percentage of our revenue is Web-based, we needed to consider the abilities of the development staff heavily: They will be required to use the database on a regular basis. Staff experience with DB2 administration and the availability of professional services with serious DB2 administration experience was relevant too. Using a combination of WebSphere and DB2 will provide NWC Inc. with features and functionality that would otherwise be difficult to implement.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
