PKS Software Takes an AX to Interactive Workloads
by Alex Woodie

Getting a true graphical user interface and eliminating dependence on interactive workloads are important issues at many OS/400 shops these days. Thanks to IBM's pricing scheme for the use of the 5250 data stream, there is plenty of incentive to do both. PKS Software recently introduced a new OS/400 software product called AX/ware ServerBuilder 400 that can turn interactive workloads into batch workloads, and deliver an XML-based, platform-independent GUI along the way. READ MORE >

PRISM Getting Collaborative-Commerce Extensions
by Alex Woodie

Baan Process Solutions has begun shipping the first of six planned modules that are designed to allow users of its ERP systems to collaborate more effectively with customers and suppliers over the Internet. The Customer Order Tracking module of the iBaan Collaboration suite integrates with Baan's OS/400-based ERP suite, PRISM, as well as its Windows-based ERP suite, Protean, and allows customers of Baan's clients to track the status of their orders using a Web browser. READ MORE >

iMessaging Improves Text-to-Speech in Voice Response System
by Alex Woodie

You might have heard the clunky, unnatural voices when dialing an 800 number to get information about your checking account, or an airline flight. It's no big secret in the industry that the first-generation of text-to-speech technology for integrated voice response systems (IVRs) left something to be desired. But the text-to-speech capabilities of the next release of iMessaging Systems' IVR system, due out next week, holds promise for vast improvements over previous versions. READ MORE >

ShowCase Introduces Multithreading with Essbase 6.2
by Alex Woodie

OS/400 shops that have large amounts of data to load into multidimensional databases will benefit from the most recent release of ShowCase's Essbase. With Essbase 6.2, ShowCase is debuting multithreading for loading multidimensional databases, which will allow companies with multiprocessor AS/400 or iSeries servers to more easily take advantage of that horsepower for loading the data. READ MORE >

Elite Document Solutions Releases OS/400 Spool File and Document Viewer
by Dan Burger

Elite Document Solutions, one of two companies created out of the former FORMation mg, recently launched its first product. eliteVIEW provides real-time access to AS/400 and iSeries spool files through a Web browser or local client in a Windows environment, rather than traditional 24x80 green-screen viewing. The software allows users to access and view spool files, reports, documents, and electronic forms in a variety of file formats, including TXT, RTF, HTML, PRT, PDF, and PCL. READ MORE >

News Briefs and Product Shorts

Transidiom Brings Payback for Life Insurance Company . . . Session Switching a New Feature for B.O.S.'s eTwin@x Controller . . . Maximum Availability Lands First North American Customer . . . Vision Solutions' Symbiator in OEM Deal for OneWorld Barcodes . . . J.D. Edwards Maintains ClusterProven Status for OneWorld . . . READ MORE >

Reader Feedback and Insights

We value your feedback and your insights into the OS/400 market. Feel free to drop us a letter to the editor and we will post them in a reader feedback column associated with this newsletter. READ MORE >

Correction

The article "Surf's Up for Teamstudio with Screensurfer Edition 1" misstated the number of Screensurfer users that Teamstudio has. The company reports about 100 clients for Screensurfer and about 10,000 clients for its Notes/Domino solutions. Guild Companies regrets the error. The story has been corrected. [Correction made 6/6/02]