Patient data is collected daily from the numerous hospitals in the system. Using complex queries against a database, this data is then compared to nationwide Medicare date to determine the efficiency and profitability of each hospital. These queries can be very computer intensive and were stressing their present system. In addition, a Magstar 3590 tape library was added which reduced tape-backup workload immensely by placing more data, faster, on fewer cartridges. The IBM solution improved response, reduced floor space, and allowed for less operator involvement in the tape environment.
All work is batch - submitted with controls parameters.
Now all jobs run faster, are more reliable, and take fewer backup cartridges. It is difficult to measure statistically the time reduction as each job run has different parameters and takes varying amount of time, however, performance is great with a reduction from 62 cartridges per night to 2.