A Second Career for the z800
by Hesh Wiener

Now that the new System z9 Business Class mainframes are making their way to the market, the z800 has reached the terrible two. Mainframes that are two generations old can drop from sight, or at least viability, like boat anchors. Prices of used z800s have plummeted, right according to the traditional script. But this time things might turn out differently. Depending largely on IBM's practices, the z800 could be reincarnated, not as popular platform for general purpose use as a mainframe, but as a cost-effective host for a diverse collection of workloads. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories and Vendor Announcements

(Enterprise Journal) IBM predicts mainframe transactions will double over the next four years because of the impact of service oriented architecture. This will lead to expanded sales opportunities for software vendors and Big Blue is trolling the ISV waters with this as a lure. READ MORE >

(Byte and Switch) CA's introduction of encryption software for the mainframe and IBM's impressive layout of new mainframe tools are indicators that the talk of the mainframe's demise is greatly exaggerated. Demand for the mainframe remains rock solid according to officials at CA. Pricing for the encryption software starts at $60,000. READ MORE >

(Dr. Dobbs Portal) Marlarkey. That's what you can shout at people who tell you that modern ideas like service oriented architecture and Web-based software are passing the mainframe computer environment like it was standing still. Look for big iron to remain in the middle of managing mission-critical, transaction-oriented applications that interface with other systems via the Internet. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

May 23-25 -- Secaucus, New Jersey - The Enterprise Information World conference will feature educational sessions on topics such as building and managing enterprise information management teams, increasing return on investment by cost effectively meeting regulatory compliance requirements, collaboration technologies and efficiencies, and the intersection of records management and security. LEARN MORE >

May 31-June 2 -- Scottsdale, Arizona - The AMR Research Supply Chain Executive Conference explores how business deploys its resources with focus areas in retail, process, and discrete industry. Topics include communicating results to external audiences, including investors, customers, and the press. Former President Bill Clinton, the keynote speaker, will talk in terms of matching capabilities with opportunities. Other speaker topics include bringing supply chain to bear for the rebuilding of New Orleans, the eradication of waste in the high-tech supply chain, and the scale-up of consumer product businesses in Africa. LEARN MORE >

June 12-16 -- Atlanta, Georgia - The Transaction & Messaging Technical Conference features the most current information on the CICS TS V3.1 and WebSphere MQ family of products including tips, techniques, and business integration solutions. The agenda includes hundreds of sessions, a product expo, and certification testing. LEARN MORE >

June 12 -- Phoenix, Arizona - The Tivoli Information Management (InfoMan) for z/OS Users' Conference will feature topics such as ITIL, ITSM, knowledgebase management, Web 2.0, and InfoMan integration with third-party applications. Included will be demonstrations of Tivoli Enterprise Portal, Tivoli Service Level Advisor, and the IBM Configuration and Change Management Database. LEARN MORE >

July 8-12 -- San Diego, California - The 2006 Enterprise Security Solutions & RACF Users Training Conference emphasizes technical education for current and future data security challenges in business and government. The event features more than 140 classes taught by leading security practitioners, professional instructors and experts. It includes a vendor expo and offers the opportunity to network with industry experts and peers. Continuing education credits can also be garnered throughout the conference. LEARN MORE >

August 13-18 -- Baltimore, Maryland - The SHARE User Events feature IBM technical training tailored for enterprise-class IT professionals. Educational sessions focus on real-world solutions that meet business challenges and influence future IT product development. In addition to the first-class training, SHARE presents a great opportunity for networking with other professionals who work at some of the world's leading organizations and have insights into the technology and products that companies and jobs are depending on. All SHARE User Event sessions and events will take place in the Baltimore Convention Center. LEARN MORE >

October 20 & 21 -- Chicago, Illinois - The Network and Systems Professionals Association annual conference, NaSTEC, features educational tracks on large systems/mainframes, distributed systems, and professional development and includes 24 total sessions. Topics include IT compliance, TCP/IP network health checks, and security, as well as others. LEARN MORE >