Top OS/400 Stories from Around the Web

(IT Jungle) When it comes to pricing the new Power Systems servers running i OS, IBM executives have been pointing to the savings customers can realize on the maintenance contracts. All buyers want to feel like they got a good deal and this is how IBM plans to send them home happy. The plan also continues the "total solution pricing" approach that keeps software in the purchasing equation and evades point-by-point comparisons with competitive hardware. READ MORE >

(Reuters) IBM's Chief Financial Officer Mark Loughridge brushed off the acquisition of EDS by Hewlett-Packard claiming it will have no effect on Big Blue's acquisition plans. Although the HP-EDS deal creates a much stronger technology services rival to IBM's Global Services, Loughridge pointed out that "IBM has a strong consulting services business in addition to its EDS-like outsourcing group that maintains and runs networks." READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) At the end of the first quarter of 2008, server shipments put on another good show by topping first quarter 2007. Despite a general uneasiness with our economic times, server replacements, the expansion of large Web datacenters, and growth in the emerging markets combined to keep server production humming at ever-higher levels. As always, it's the X86 servers that provide the fuel to keep this fire burning. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) One programmer's trash is another programmer's treasure. One programmer's pain can be another programmer's pleasure. When you're comparing integrated development environments, some programmers can take it personal. But, hey, you sometimes have to set some parameters, ask the programmers what they think, and let the survey chips fall where they will. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Popeye is the epitome of the simple, straightforward, do-right kind of guy. By his own self-assessment he would tell you, "I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam." And that brings me around to our favorite IT guys, the programmers. Just what the heck is a programmer? I'm glad you asked, because the answer is really good. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) In the age of the Internet, the rumor mill flies at least twice the speed of full tilt boogie. Speed, unfortunately, is not an indicator of accuracy. Such is the case with the recent gossipry about that IBM and Microsoft working to port the Windows operating system to the Power6 processors. This one gets dusted off from time to time. People never seem to tire of it. READ MORE >

Vendor Announcements, Promotions, and Deals

(IT Jungle) Most IT departments spend a lot of time putting out fires throughout their organizations. As the manager of this operation, you have to scramble across a variety of domains including such things as software, users, computers, and network information. There's a tremendous amount of data that is critical to your job. You not only need to collect that data, you need a way to rapidly sort through it and react. Consider this stuff your fire-proof suit. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Some RPG programmers laugh in the face of danger. Others hide until it goes away. Some take a stab at learning Java. Others look for alternatives that are much easier to master. Just because IBM once tried to convince RPG programmers to take up Java or switch careers, that didn't exactly turn out to be the truth. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) It's no secret, even though awareness levels are still dreadfully low, that system security is often compromised by weak passwords. One excuse is that when passwords are created with a degree of difficulty and randomness, people forget them and time is wasted resetting them. That's why you'll find a random password generator and automatic system for retrieving and resetting passwords if you follow this link. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Another way to a protect data from those who have no business pouring over your most sensitive database files is by monitoring the attempts to access those files. The use of triggers and journaling has been successfully implemented to accomplish this goal, but they can be complex and a drain on system performance. Things are changing for the better though. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) The Pepsi Cola bottling company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, wanted more fizz than its old RPG II applications could give. Rewriting applications was not an option, but modernizing them gave them the necessary pop. READ MORE >

(IT Jungle) Cornerstone Systems was one of IBM's largest server resellers. I said "was" because it was just purchased by another of IBM's largest server resellers, Mainline Information Systems. Combined the companies have a substantial mainframe and Power-based server customer list and nearly 700 employees, by far the biggest share of those belonged to Mainline. READ MORE >

Redbooks, White Papers, and Other OS/400 Resources

(LANSA) As organizations plot strategies that make use of existing applications while meeting modern technology and business challenges, application modernization initiatives are becoming more common. Generally these projects are weighed against the prospect of total system replacement and application rewrites. This white paper, written by Paul Conte, provides guidelines for dealing with the challenges, requirements, and demands that come along with application modernization. READ MORE >

(IBM) The issue of hardware-problem reporting that was once listed in the problem log with a SENT designation has become somewhat of a riddle since items such as the service processor and the Hardware Management Console have come into play. Some semblance of sanity has been reclaimed with the debut of i OS 6.1, and this tech paper explains how problem reporting is handled in this current release. READ MORE >

(NGS) Business intelligence on the System i and the new Power Systems servers comes in a variety of options. IBM is very fond of its own software called DB2 Web Query. New Generation Software, in this white paper, compares DB2 Web Query with the NGS alternative called NGS-IQ. Among other things, this report examines the capabilities of these two products, the cost of implementation, licensing terms, and product support. READ MORE >

(BOSaNOVA) When it comes to data security, it is necessary to take steps beyond firewalls, virtual private networks, and intrusion prevention systems. That's why the topic of data encryption has gained so much attention. This white paper looks at risk assessment and regulatory compliance while make a strong case for encryption. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

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

June 1 & 2 -- Nashville, Tennessee - The Information Builders 2008 Summit has a two-day track specifically for System i end users and ISVs interested in DB2 Web Query and its business intelligence capabilities. The session topics include creating and executing reports from DB2, step-by-step processes for embedding Web Query reports and graphs into Web sites, portals, and other Web-based applications. For registration and additional information, contact at Kathy_Drago@informationbuilders.com or by calling 800-969-4636. The entire conference stretches over five days and includes in-depth information and training for Information Builders products such as WebFOCUS, FOCUS, and iWay Software. LEARN MORE >

June 4 -- Webinar - A one-hour session about using SQL queries to access remote data will be presented by ProData Computer Services' CTO Schadd Gray. ProData's RDB CONNECT is featured throughout this Webinar. The software allows full SQL access to MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Postgre and DB2. Gray's topics of discussion include sharing data across platforms; importing and exporting remote data to and from the iSeries; using RPG, COBOL, and CL programs to directly communicate with remote databases; and using batch or interactive programs. The presentation begins at 2 p.m. CDT. LEARN MORE >

June 17-20 -- Chaska, Minnesota - This four-day conference, hosted by Help/Systems, features a variety of sessions including the latest in System i news from IBM experts, techniques for using Help/Systems automation and business intelligence products, and new ways for IT professionals to integrate their professional and personal lives. Among those presenting are Dr. Frank Soltis, the creator of the System i architecture; Richard Dolewski, an expert in disaster recovery; and Kent Milligan, a specialist in System i database topics. Help/Systems will also offer a two-day workshop on June 16 and 17 that will provide in-depth training on its products. LEARN MORE >

June 18 -- Seekonk, Massachusetts - OS/400 upgrades will be the featured topic at the monthly meeting of the New England Midrange Users Group. Guest speaker is Pete Masiello, an expert on systems management and technical support. RSVP no later than June 13. The meeting is held at the Ramada Inn and begins at 5:15 p.m. LEARN MORE >

June 25 -- Independence, Ohio - Data analysis and systems automation will be the highlighted topic during the Application Systems Users Group of Greater Cleveland meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and takes place at Harry's Steakhouse. Guest speaker is Tom Huntington, vice president of technical services at Help/Systems. LEARN MORE >

June 25 -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The Delaware Valley Computer Users Group will host a presentation on the new Power Systems and the DB2 enhancements for i 6.1. Guest speakers will be IBM's Rick Clements and Mark Anderson. The event, which will be held at the Union League of Philadelphia, begins at 5:30 p.m. LEARN MORE >

June 30 -- Irvine, California - The 15th Annual OCEAN Tech Conference, Vendor Expo, and Executive Breakfast-Briefing on ROI is scheduled to take place at the Irvine Hyatt Regency Hotel. This full-day event includes training for developers, systems support, and IT management and includes some of the top experts in the business as well as a vendor expo. The six educational tracks include RPG IV, i5Web Development, Security and Infrastructure, System i5 Integration, and New Technology. A discounted registration fee is available until June 1. LEARN MORE >