Free RPG Editor is Open Source, Runs on Linux
by Alex Woodie

RPG programmers who are looking to escape the limitations and fees associated with IBM's flagship RPG editor, Rational Developer for i (RDi), now have another option with RPG Next Gen, a free and open source RPG editor that is based on Eclipse and runs under Linux. Created by Mihael Schmidt of Germany, the RPG Next Gen project is still fairly young, but it shows promise as a lightweight and easy-to-use source code editor. READ MORE >

New Software Provides CL With Direct Database Access
by Dan Burger

Old habits may die hard, but here's one (or more) that will pass with few tears being shed or remorse being noted. IBM i programmers in the CL camp take note. All the time consuming grunt work you put into gaining access to database information using RPG, COBOL, or C user interfaces are no longer necessary. A new product called CL for Files (CLF) not only provides direct database access for CL commands, but also support for accessing both display files and print files. READ MORE >

IBM Targets Mid Market with Cognos Express
by Alex Woodie

IBM yesterday showed it's serious about competing in the mid market business intelligence space with the launch of Cognos Express, a collection of analytics, reporting, and budgeting tools for groups of 100 users or less. With its in-memory OLAP capability, streamlined implementation, and Web- and Excel-based interfaces, the $12,500 offering can be used without much help from IT staffs, which will put it up against the likes of in-memory BI leader QlikTech. READ MORE >

Profound Gives a Speed Boost to 5250 Screen Converter
by Alex Woodie

Application modernization is a high priority at many System i shops these days, but few of them have the time or money for a head-to-toe makeover. That leaves tactical green-screen-to-Web modernization tools, such as Genie from Profound Logic, a decent option for those wanting to get moving quickly. Earlier this month, Profound unleashed an upgrade to the on-the-fly modernization tool that brings back-end performance enhancements, as well as new screen customization options on the front-end. READ MORE >