IBM Brings Freebie PHP to the Mainframe
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Mainframe maker IBM has announced that it has created a variant of the PHP programming language that runs on its mainframe systems equipped with several of the most recent releases of its z/OS operating system. PHP is, of course, one of the most popular scripting languages out there on the Internet, and is increasingly in the programmer toolbox at all data centers--whether or not they use mainframes. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories from Around the Web

(CBR Online) One of the reasons IBM has moved forward with its Integrated Delivery Centers is to provide a logical alternative for mainframe companies that view big iron as too expensive or not in tune with their IT infrastructure plans. Another reason is the expected growth of mainframe reliance in some specific vertical industries. Have you noticed the importance of the European market in this development? READ MORE >

(InfoWorld) Mainframe software vendor, Software AG, has finalized the purchase of webMethods, put a new CTO in charge of mainframe software development, continues to support open-source technology, and is expanding its distributor and customer lists. Service oriented architecture and/or Web services anyone? READ MORE >

(IBM) Instant messaging, Web conferencing, point-to-point video capabilities, mobile device support, and Voice over Internet Protocol voice chat are all bundled in Lotus Sametime 7.5.1. If you'd like to give Sametime a try, IBM is offering a 90-day trial version for z/OS users. The suggested list price is $57 per user for a one-time software license. READ MORE >

(Serena Software) A software change management and configuration report by analysts at Forrester noted that "Serena supports more integrations than many other vendors between its product and relevant categories of tools like integrated development environments (IDEs), service desk applications, and portfolio management tools." Since Forrester's last report, Serena has had numerous upgrades, including the addition of Eclipse, Visual Studio, and Windows Explorer clients. READ MORE >

(Cincom) Data access, integration, and analysis for mainframe SUPRA databases are now being made available through a partnership between software vendors Cincom Systems and JasperSoft. Open-source software is the foundation for JasperSoft's business intelligence technology, which is claimed to be used by 5,000 commercial customers in 81 countries. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

See our full calendar of events at
http://www.itjungle.com/big/big-calendar.html

June 13-15 -- Nashville, Tennessee - The Gartner Enterprise Architecture Summit puts the focus on integration efforts that include SOA, BPM, tools, governance, security, and organizational structures. Keynote speakers include Chris Anderson, editor in chief of Wired magazine, and Brand Niemann, senior enterprise architect at the Environmental Protection Agency. LEARN MORE >

August 12-17 -- San Diego - IBM technical training tailored for enterprise-class IT professionals will be featured at the SHARE user conference. More than 700 technical sessions and hands-on labs will be presented by industry experts, top developers, and experienced users. Session topics range from implementation of new software releases to in-depth views of the latest technologies. Session topics will include services-oriented architecture, Web services, ITIL, and mobile computing. A preconference workshop on DB2 for z/OS is also on the agenda. If you don't know about SHARE, you should. It has been educating IT professionals since 1955--the longest history of any IT user group. LEARN MORE >