IBM Corp is at last getting serious about trying to convert System 36 users to the AS/400 – at least in the US, and this week announced a string of upgrade come-ons. It is offering double the usual trade-in credit for customers turning in a System/36 or 38 in exchange for an AS/400 9404 or 9406 F model and for the first time, the credit is more than you could get for most of the System/36 models on the used market.Participating customers also get a conversion credit for each AS/400 CPU bought under the promotion. Orders for the AS/400 systems must be placed on or before August 31 for installation no later than September 30. Volume and other discounts up to 20% of the single unit purchase price can be combined with the promotion, but it can’t be combined with special bids. The trade-in credit goes from $2,000 off an AS/400 F10 to $10,000 off an F60 to F95; the conversion credit ranges from $1,000 to $9,000. IBM is offering bigger conversion credits to users moving from a 4300, 370, 390, 9370 or alien multi-user system. The rebate depends on the 9406 F acquired and range from $3,000 to $100,000 – plus from $2,000 to $50,000 for conversion services.AS/400 orders have to be placed by December 10 for installation by January 14, 1994.
