Zephyr Targets Client Access with Replacement Program

December 9, 2008 Alex Woodie

Zephyr Development is conducting a Client Access replacement campaign to try to convince AS/400, iSeries, i5, System i, and Power Systems shops to drop the IBM 5250 emulator and instead use a less-expensive emulator: Zephyr’s PASSPORT.

Texas-based Zephyr traditionally focuses on mainframe emulation solutions, but it occasionally touts its System i (AS/400) solutions, such as it has done this fall with its new Client Access replacement campaign.

Zephyr’s argument hinges on the high price of Client Access and the lack of pricing transparency. “Client Access has often been perceived as being ‘free of charge’ or even a compulsory part of the iSeries OS, both of which are not the case,” the company said in a press release announcing the replacement program. “Furthermore, trying to establish the true cost of Client Access can take some effort.”

Zephyr recommends that System i (i-based Power Systems) customers ask their business partners to tell them how much Client Access costs by comparing the cost of their systems with and without Client Access. Following such an activity, customers may be surprised at the hidden costs, Zephyr says.

By comparison, Zephyr has posted a price list for its products on its Web site. PASSPORT PC to HOST, the company’s Windows-based emulator, costs $149 per computer for the first nine units, and drops to $99 or less when 100 or more seats are purchased.

For more information on Zephyr’s Client Access replacement program, visit the company’s Web site at www.zephyrcorp.com.