LOC Questions and Clarifications Memorandum

To: Solicited Vendors for Letter of Configuration (LOC) Number 3632236322, dated March 13, 2006March 13, 2006, for the Mississippi Department of Information Technology ServicesMississippi Department of Information Technology Services MDITS(MDITS)

From: David L. Litchliter

Date: March 24, 2006

Subject: Responses Submitted to Questions and Clarifications to Specifications

Contact Name: Donna HamiltonDonna Hamilton

Contact Phone Number: 9613601-359-9613

Contact E-mail Address:

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Vendors should note the following clarification for LOC No. 36322, both 550q servers should have the Value Pak Per processor D5 AIX V5.2 rather than the AIX V5.3 listed.

The following questions were submitted to ITS and are being presented as they were submitted, except to remove any reference to a specific vendor. This information should assist you in formulating your response.

Question 1: The two 510Q P-Series servers are requested to have a DVD-ROM drive. Are you planning to use NIM for "mksysb" system backups? If not, I would recommend to use the DVD-RAM instead, that way you can get a system backup of the machine.

Response: No, we are not going to use NIM. Please propose system configuration you deem best suited as per section 4.5 of the LOC.

Question 2: You have not requested any fiber cables for any of the systems, do you supply your own fiber cables?

Response: Yes, we usually buy our own fiber cables. Please propose fiber cables for system configuration you deem best suited as per section 4.5 of the LOC.

Question 3: Some feature codes will not match exactly. Some of the feature codes supplied in the RFP are generated from an IBM distributor. Mainline is IBM's #1 Tier 1 business partner and purchases equipment directly from IBM. For example, feature code 7305 - Software Preinstall (AAP) will be replaced by feature code 5005 - Software Preinstall. The difference is IBM has different feature codes for the same component based on whether the business partner buys direct from IBM versus purchasing through an IBM distributor.

Response: Acknowleged. Please propose system configuration you deem best suited as per section 4.5 of the LOC.

Question 4: For the 510Q's the quantity of 2 for feature code 8762 Zero-priced Express Product Offering Processor Entitlement for #7655, is not allowed by IBM. The IBM configurator will not allow quantity 2 for a 2-way 510, but rather forces feature codes 7362 (Qty. = 1) and 8762 (Qty. = 1). I verified this in the IBM Salesmanual for the 510, it states the maximum quantity of #8762 is 1.

Response: Acknowleged. Please propose system configuration you deem best suited as per section 4.6 of the LOC.

Question 5: The first 550Q has a graphics adapter but no display. Am I correct in assuming you either have an existing display or need the adapter for your application?

Response: We have an existing display for this 550Q.

Question 6: How much total memory do you require for each of the 2 550Q's?

Response: 16 gb minimum required for each 550Q.

Question 7: For the first 550Q, you indicate both AIX v5.3 and AIX v5.2. Can you describe the # of LPARs you will use in this system and their respective O.S. I am assuming a minimum of 2 LPARs since you would otherwise not be able to obtain both levels of software for a single image machine.

Response: Please note clarification of LOC below. Both 550Qs should have AIX v5.2. No LPARs will be installed on first 550Q. Two (2) LPARs will be on the second 550Q.

Question 8: For the second 550Q only AIX v 5.2 is shown. The IBM configurator will not allow Advanced Power Virtualization feature to be selected with AIX 5.2 since that feature requires AIX 5.3 to operate. Will this system also have multiple LPARs and AIX 5.3 was omitted on the RFP?

Response: Please note extension date of LOC. We have been notified that the IBM configurator has issues with this configuration setup. We want AIX 5.2 on both 550Qs. We want the Advanced Power Virtualization feature on both 550Qs for future use.

Question 9: For the services, do we need to configure the LPARs and VIO servers in

each system? If yes, can you provide the LPAR and VIO configuration for

each server ( ie # of processors, memory etc per LPAR)?

Response: Yes, you will need to configure the LPARs and VIO servers - one of each type on-site. There will be an even split on the processors and memory for two (2) LPARs.

Question 10: All of the systems have fiber adapters. Do we connect them to a SAN

and configure the LUNs? If yes, please provide the type of storage and

the LUN configuration for each server.

Response: No.

Please note that the deadline for LOC responses has been extended. LOC responses are now due

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 3:00P.M. CST.

If you have any questions concerning the information above or if we can be of further assistance, please contact Donna Hamilton at 601-359-9613 or via email at .

cc: File 36322

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