Managed Business Solutions (MBS), which has built a reputation in the HP community around its application support expertise, teamed with new HP 3000 player Terix to create what the companies call the first “end-to-end, nationwide” homesteading support services in the US MPE marketplace. MBS steps beyond its role as one of HP’s four authorized Platinum migration partners, joining with Terix, which has signed on hardware talent such as former HP channel partner tech guru Chris Gauthier’s GCC Data, and MPE Forum chair Paul Edwards, who has written MPE training courses for HP. The two companies said in a press release issued at mid-month that they want to prolong HP 3000 customers’ investment.

“With thousands of businesses relying on the HP 3000, ongoing support of this environment is a critical matter,” said Jim Olding, Terix’s executive vice president. “The MBS/Terix partnership provides homesteaders an alternative to migration. Together, our flexible support offerings keep HP 3000 service requirements covered.” Terix is supplying 24x7 operating system-level and hardware support in the arrangement.

MBS steps in with its years of experience supporting MPE applications, as well as system tools. The company’s work in the Platinum migration program doesn’t conflict with the homestead offering, according to senior VP of marketing and business development Anne Foster. “MBS has approached the HP 3000 situation with a neutral stance, adhering to our ‘Stay, Port, Build or Buy’ philosophy,” she said. “The MBS/Terix alliance fits perfectly into our Stay methodology. Many companies either do not wish to move, or cannot afford to make the transition, to an alternate platform at this time. This alliance will enable homesteaders who wish to stay on their HP 3000 platform the ability to maximize this key business asset.”