XAware Solves Integration Problems with 'Executable XML'
by Alex Woodie

Extensible Markup Language is normally not used as a language for writing executable code. Instead, it's typically viewed as a file format, albeit a very flexible one. But XAware, an IBM service oriented architectures (SOA) business partner, has found a way to wring more use out of XML's self-referential nature by hooking applications together using what it calls "executable XML." The company recently expanded on that theme with XA-Suite version 4.2, which was also certified for IBM systems, including the OS/400 server. READ MORE >

aXes Whacks Away at Legacy of Evil (Greenscreens)
by Alex Woodie

There's no denying that the OS/400 server (AS/400, iSeries, and System i) has an image problem, but the problem isn't entirely IBM's. While the IT giant has failed to adequately communicate the benefits of the system, there are business partners that have also failed to keep their OS/400 software applications up to date with customer expectations, i.e., replacing outdated green screens with Web-based GUIs. Arterial Software is doing its part to convert the legions with its aXes suite of iSeries Web enablement solutions, which was updated in August. READ MORE >

Tandberg Acquires Exabyte as Tape Market Consolidates
by Alex Woodie

Norwegian tape drive manufacturer Tandberg Data announced plans last week to snap up midrange tape maker Exabyte for $28 million, as the market for tape solutions continued its current wave of consolidation in the face of threats by LTO and cheap disk. The move is significant for iSeries shops due to the OEM agreement between Exabyte and IBM for the entry-level VXA tape technology, which has been losing market share to LTO. READ MORE >

Brooks Shakes Up Features, Pricing of IPDS Print Converters
by Alex Woodie

Brooks Internet Software last month launched two new iterations of its ExcelliPrint print conversion software that allows high-end IPDS print jobs to be printed on low-end printers. IBM shops looking for basic IPDS pass-through capabilities will find all they need in the standard edition, while iSeries shops looking for IPDS device management or the capability to save their IPDS output to PDF will need to pony up an additional $300 per device for the premium blend.READ MORE >