AURA Equipments Beats IBM to the Punch with DB2/400 Engine for MySQL
by Alex Woodie

AURA Equipments is rolling out a new product that will provide a storage engine that integrates DB2/400 into the open source MySQL database, a feature that IBM said it would deliver, but which it has so far failed to do. The new product, called iStorage for MySQL, should make it easier for i5/OS shops to manage their System i-focused environment while still maintaining compatibility with the new generation of PHP applications, the French IT company says. READ MORE >

IBM Sets Sights on Microsoft and SMB with Linux/Domino Combos
by Dan Burger

IBM's Lotus groupware division gets its moment to bask in the media sunshine this week as it uses its annual Lotusphere conference as a platform from which to shout out about what it plans to unleash on its archrival in the groupware space, Microsoft. Lotus general manager Michael Rhodin had a laundry list of announcements to toss at the hungry press representatives while making the case that it can hit the small to medium business bull's eye that everyone seems to be aiming at these days. READ MORE >

Mirroring/400 Considers Move Into U.S. Market
by Alex Woodie

Small and medium size businesses in the United States soon could be hearing about another option for System i disaster recovery software: Mirroring/400. The Argentinean company, which is owned by Team Soft, is considering offering the remote journaling-based solution to North American System i shops that are looking for proven, low-cost alternatives to full high availability software, officials with the company say. READ MORE >

VAI Debuts System i Consultation Services
by Dan Burger

How do companies that are short on staff and experience take on unique projects or tasks? Often they turn to consultants. Sometimes the consultants bring an understanding of the specific business. Sometimes there are guaranteed completion dates. Still the fear of missed deadlines, cost overruns, and coming up short of goals can ruin a good night's sleep--for months and maybe even years. VAI, a trusted name in the System i software business, has introduced a service bundle plan that could get companies what they need and when they need it. READ MORE >