Q: What is Presto?

A: Presto provides the right combination of IBM software development tools, engineered into easily consumable appliances, ready to use, with very low monthly pricing. 
 
Q: Why so many different Appliances? Why not one single solution?

A: Presto Appliances have been developed to satisfy the various roles on a software development team. Keeping costs as low as possible has been the goal from the start and so each role based Appliance offers just the right combination of tools without adding cost.
 
Q: How many users can access a Presto Server?

A: Presto incorporates the Express Edition of the IBM Jazz Products, hence a maximum of 50 users per server is the limit. Teams larger than 50 would require the purchase of a second server appliance.
 
Q: Can I buy Presto from anyone other than Black Diamond?

A: No. Presto is sold exclusively by Black Diamond via an OEM Agreement with IBM.
 
Q: What IBM tools are included in the solution?

A: The appliances vary by role however the following IBM products can be found in Presto in some combination or another: Team Concert, Software Architect, Software Modeler, Requirements Composer, DB2, Quality Manager, WebSphere Application Server, Software Developer, Data Modeler
 
Q: What else do I get with Presto besides IBM’s tools?

A: In addition to the IBM products Presto also includes the VMWare, the host OS, the installation and configuration services, Black Diamond’s Best Practices, and a set of utilities and add-ons to compliment the products and ensure their smooth operation.
 
Q: Can I define my own Appliance?

A: Black Diamond has taken great care and consideration in defining the Appliances and the contents of each based on roles within the development team however, we recognize that not all shops are the same and that in some organizations individuals wear more than one hat. In the unlikely event we determine that the existing set of appliances does not meet your teams’ needs we can work with you to define an appliance that will support your team.
 
Q: My company has a strictly defined desktop setup. How does Presto work with our companies software and security needs?

A: You can install your own software into the Presto images or deliver an image that meets your specs to Black Diamond. We will build a Presto image on your baseline.
 
Q: How do I finance Presto Appliances?

A: For companies who qualify, financing can be arranged via IBM Global Financing.
 
Q: Is Training available for Presto Appliances?

A: Yes. Training and other services packages have been developed for Presto.
 
Q: What if I already own Rational products and I want to use Presto?

A: If your organization is working with legacy or heritage Rational tools and is thinking about moving to the Jazz Platform, Black Diamond Software can help ease that transition with Presto. Call for details.
 
Q: Is Presto only for small companies?

A: Presto uses the Express Edition Jazz licenses which limits both cost and the number of users. If you have a large organization and would like to use the Presto concept, Black Diamond can build you Appliances using Enterprise Edition licenses. Call for details.
 
Q: Can I use other tools (from IBM or other vendors) with Presto?

A: Yes. If your company relies on some other technology or product, we can work with you to make sure your transition to Presto is as seamless as possible. Presto works very well with other Rational products such as Functional or Performance Tester, AppScan, BuildForge, etc.
 
Q: What if our company already has a well defined Development Lifecycle that we use today. Can we still use Presto?

A: Yes. Presto is not a proces and it is not a methodology. Presto helps to facilitate your process.
 
Q: What if we don't have a process that we follow. Can Presto assist with a process?

A: Yes. You can leverage built in best practices and workflows. You can also add-in IBM/Rational's Method Composer and create/define your own process.*
 
Q: Are the tools in Presto any different than what I can get from IBM directly?

A: Yes and No. On the one hand they are technically the same executables. On the other hand they are much lower in price, pre-installed and configured, and also offer Fixed Term licensing where none exists from IBM(Requirements Composer for example)
 
Q: How is it packaged? Does it come on DVD, is it downloadable?

A: Presto Appliances are shipped on DVD’s

Q: How many VMs is it?

A: Each Appliance; Server, Architect, Developer, Tester & Analyst is a separate VM Image.
 
Q: What is a Fixed Term License?

A: Fixed Term Licenses (FTL) offer you the flexibility to 'use' licensed software for a predefined period. In the case of Presto that period is one year. Ideal for customers with varying usage requirements over time, Fixed Term Licenses begin on the date that your order is accepted by Black Diamond and renew automatically on the calendar day following the expiration of a prior Fixed Term License or on the calendar day following the Anniversary date.
 
Q: Do Fixed Term Licenses include Maintenance & Support?

A: Fixed Term Licenses include Software Subscription and Support [may also be referred to as Software Maintenance] ensuring your access to product upgrades and Technical Support for as long as the FTL is in effect.
 
 
*The addition of Method Composer is an additional fee.