Top OS/400 Stories from Around the Web

(IT Jungle) The AS/400 was built to be an application server. The user community is very application development oriented and willing to spend money on application development tools. The circumstances involving PHP for building Web applications fit right into the modern System i community. What has happened, what is happening, and what is likely to happen is worth a closer look. READ MORE >

(System iNetwork) PHP is not going to replace RPG. But if you think working in Java is only slightly less painful than swallowing cleaning products, PHP might well be the answer. The interest in PHP has been good, but it could be much better if IBM got behind it with the exuberance it once showed when persuading people to try Java. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Processor announcements are like firecrackers. Some have a slow fuse that makes you wonder if it's time to take a closer look to determine whether the fuse is still burning or whether the firecracker is just a dud. The IBM Power 6+ processor is a bit like that. We're waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting for an explosion. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) The first quarter of 2009 was not particularly kind to IBM, but it wasn't exactly a doomsday prognosticator's dream either. Revenues were lower across all of Big Blue's major product groups, but the Power Systems group did comparatively well. The highlights: revenues dropped more than 11 percent, but earnings per share increased. But the devil is in the details so follow this link. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) It seems like years since it's been clear, but the future of Sun Microsystems has a direction now that it has been sold to Oracle. The sales part is clear, but it's the where do we go from here part remains somewhat foggy. One good thing is that at least the talk about how a Sun/IBM deal would play out with the antitrust regulators has ceased. READ MORE >

(MCPress) Serious financial problems at Nortel are casting a dark shadow on its relationship with IBM where Nortel had an important place in the unified communications arena. VoIP, which is the special dish that Nortel brought to the IBM System i party, has had a lukewarm reception thus far. Better times are expected, but is Nortel in shape to help System i customers integrate their communications and data? READ MORE >

Vendor Announcements, Promotions, and Deals

(IT Jungle) Just like you wouldn't expect the president of the Union Pacific Railroad to drive a train, we can't expect the big cheeses of corporations to have a hand in steering IT infrastructure responsible for business functions. That may be changing in terms of information technology as executives become increasingly dependent on IT for delivering more useful information and doing it faster. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) The joining of data and voice communications is known by the handle of unified communications. Much has been talked about the part voice over IP will play in the UC arena, but VoIP is a bit premature for most businesses to consider at this point. Still, the integration of voice and data can be accomplished with benefits that largely apply to the areas of help desk, tech support, and sales and marketing. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Virtual tape libraries are very good at accelerating the backup process. They can reduce the cost of storage and they can boost security by supporting i OS encryption. If you are relying on IBM and EMC to give you the entire VTL story, you could be missing some important details. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Those of you who work for companies in the distribution, construction, and manufacturing businesses, know the importance of ERP software that runs on the IBM i. And if you have workers that make use of laptop PCs, the toughness factor is important in your environment. So it just makes sense that ERP software companies would provide a rough, tough laptop, right? READ MORE >

Redbooks, White Papers, and Other OS/400 Resources

(S4i) Centralized document storage and maintenance play an important role in improved customer service. But any CMS technology needs to take security into account. This white paper puts document access control in the spotlight and discusses the benefits of automated management. READ MORE >

(Aberdeen) This analyst report on ERP in manufacturing serves as an industry benchmark. It quantifies ERP usage, identifies preferences for fully integrated suites versus point solutions, measures total cost of ownership as well as the business benefits derived from best-in-class implementations. Those participating in the survey will have access to the full benchmark report, including advice on best practices and maximizing business value from ERP, as soon as it is published. Individual responses will be kept strictly confidential and data will only be used in aggregate. To participate, follow this link. READ MORE >

(Vision Solutions) Data protection and recovery options include such things as journaling, RAID, vaulting, mirroring, and high availability. There's a lot to consider, but this 29-page report reviews IBM i (i5/OS) and AIX resilience and recovery technologies and best practices choices. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

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

April 22-24 -- Reno, Nevada - looksoftware's 2009 U.S. conference--a free three-day event--will highlight the company's application modernization success and feature sessions presented by industry leaders, looksoftware speakers, plus partners and customers. Topics will include application modernization's impact on reducing costs, increasing productivity and improving business performance; new trends such as cloud computing; and looksoftware's business and product plans. It will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. LEARN MORE >

April 23 -- Webinar - RPG and COBOL application modernization for RPG and PHP programmers is the focus of this online session featuring the integrated tool set from System i vendor BCD. The presentation will include insights into creating new IBM i and multi-platform PHP or CGI Web applications, implementing Web portals, and improving information access and management. The presentation begins at 1 p.m. EDT. LEARN MORE >

April 23 -- Webinar - Security expert Carol Woodbury will show how to automate processes to document security policies, discover differences between the current settings and policy requirements, and fix the settings to match policy requirements during this online session featuring SkyView Policy Minder software as an IBM i and i5/OS security compliance management tool. This session begins at 8 a.m. PDT. LEARN MORE >

April 26-28 -- Reno, Nevada - The COMMON 2009 Executive Conference focus is on maximizing IBM Power Systems investments. It includes a keynote address by Ross Mauri, general manager of IBM Power Systems; IBM executives discussing future strategy; an industry roundtable, and top concerns presentations. It will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. LEARN MORE >

April 26-30 -- Reno, Nevada - The COMMON 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition is COMMON's largest educational event of the year. It features in-depth IBM i and AIX education that includes all-day pre-conference workshops, all-day integrated seminars, open labs, and a wide variety of regular-length sessions. An online session guide is available at the link below. A separate link is available for the pre-conference workshops. The "Week at a Glance" link highlights activities such as first-timer sessions, expo hours, receptions, and guest programs. LEARN MORE >

April 28 - Webinar - IBM Systems & Technology Group General Manager, Jim Stallings, and Al Zollar, General Manager, IBM Tivoli software, will discuss new server, storage and software solutions in this online session beginning at 11 a.m. EDT. Topics on the agenda include cloud computing, maximizing energy efficiency, and cost reductions related to system flexibility. LEARN MORE >

April 29 -- Webinar - Accounts payable solutions ranging from the distribution of purchase orders to the archiving of checks and supporting documents will be the focus of this online presentation hosted by ACOM Solutions. An emphasis will be placed on efficiencies and cost advantages gained when accounts payable departments transition from paper check payments to blended solutions that enable both printed check and electronic payments. The session begins at 11 a.m. PDT. LEARN MORE >