FAQ – Rocket iCluster
Rocket Software has acquired the iCluster business from IBM. Following is some information about the transaction, and what it means to existing customers and partners.
Q. What is iCluster?
A: iCluster provides a high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) solution for IBM i application environments. It is a logical replication solution for the IBM i operating system.
Q. Why did Rocket acquire iCluster?
A. iCluster is an ideal fit for our existing Storage, Networks and Compliance business unit (SN/C). We believe that by combining this HA/DR solution with our SN/C business unit, we will create new opportunities to provide our customers with a more comprehensive set of solutions for "business continuity". iCluster customers now have access to a wide spectrum of products and technology from Rocket that can bring value to their business, and Rocket is also adding tremendous skills to our team with the addition of iCluster employees to our staff.
Q: When was the deal signed?
A: This transaction closed on December 31, 2011 and was announced publicly on January 4, 2012.
Q. How will iCluster fit into Rocket?
A. The iCluster team will be joining Rocket Software's global organization of more than 900 employees and become a new brand – Rocket iCluster – within the Rocket SN/C business unit.
Q. Will Rocket retain the iCluster name?
A. Yes, Rocket will retain the iCluster name. Consistent with our branding model, you will see the Rocket iCluster brand name and logo in the market.
Q: What is Rocket planning to do with Rocket iCluster and Rocket HA Assist?
A: Rocket iCluster’s HA/DR offerings are a perfect complement to Rocket’s storage solutions. In addition, developing and providing solutions for IBM i is a core focus area for Rocket, where we have multiple brands on this platform. We plan to continue investing in Rocket iCluster and Rocket HA Assist to deliver new features and functionality and will work to further enhance this solution for HA/DR on IBM i.
Q. What are the financial terms of the deal with Rocket Software?
A. The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
Q. How many IBM employees are joining Rocket?
A. The number of employees is not being disclosed.
Q. Will iCluster employees remain in the same offices/city?
A. The majority of the team is based in Toronto, and we expect iCluster employees to continue to work in the locations where they currently work.
Q. What does this mean for existing iCluster customers?
A. Current customers will continue to have the same relationship they currently have with the development, technical support and field support teams. Rocket is firmly committed to the Rocket iCluster products, and we will continue to ensure that our products and services deliver the reliability that customers have come to expect.
Q. What does this mean for existing iCluster partners?
A: Over the coming months we will be working to establish direct relationships with iCluster partners and introduce them to Rocket Software. During the ongoing transition of business operations, partners may continue to order iCluster from IBM as they do today. In addition, Rocket is working closely with IBM to ensure that customer support needs are seamlessly managed and support delivery is unaffected. In most cases, the product contacts with which partners work today will not change.
Q. Who do I contact for customer support or any other question?
A. Support contacts will remain the same. IBM will also continue to manage the ordering process and will be working with Rocket Software to ensure that support calls are seamlessly routed and support delivery is unaffected.
Q. How can I learn more?
A. Rocket will host a webinar on January 18th and 19th, 2012. Click one of the dates to register for a session.
