System reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) characteristics enhance the productivity of customer and IBM personnel when problem determination and resolution is required. When a failure is analyzed and isolated to a single part or parts, the communications facilities of electronic customer support can enable a direct link to IBM Service or to the customer's maintenance provider. Electronic customer support may be accessed via modem for remote support, service, and information for improved system availability.

The IBM Application System/400* (AS/400*) family consists of various processor models that offer a broad range of processing power. These attractively packaged systems feature the latest technology, superior quality and reliability, and improved price/performance. This family supports a broad range of users with a single flexible, high-function operating system, a wide offering of communications capabilities, extensive connectivity, a rich office offering, strong integrated PC support, and many unique programmer productivity tools. The AS/400 family is designed for ease of operation with extensive menu prompts, and comprehensive help text available. Also included is innovative electronic customer support which provides automatic on-line problem determination and capability for direct connection to IBM and user support data bases through the use of a modem. The 9404 System Unit is designed for a "quiet office" environment such as a private office or library. The 9404 Models B20/C20/C25 and all of the D, E, and F model System Units with the Expansion Unit (#7100, #7110, or #7120) are acoustically designed to operate in a "general business" environment, such as administrative, bookkeeping, word processing, and terminal areas.

The AS/400* family consists of 12 processor models, which offer a broad range of processing power. These attractively packaged systems feature the latest technology, superior quality and reliability, and improved price/performance. This family supports a broad range of users with a single flexible, high-function operating system, a wide offering of communication capabilities, extensive connectivity, a rich office offering, strong integrated PC support, and many unique programmer productivity tools. The AS/400 family is designed for ease of operation with extensive menus, prompts, and comprehensive help text available. Online education is included with each system, providing built-in education. Also included is innovative electronic customer support which provides automatic online problem determination and capability for direct connection to IBM and user support data bases through the use of a modem. The 9406 is offered in seven models. The modular, rack-mounted packaging offers users an opportunity to select a system that satisfies current processing requirements while providing a base for extensive future growth.