New iSeries Upgrade Guide, Part 3
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

If you are trying to figure out the least-cost upgrade path from your AS/400 or first-generation iSeries machine into the new second-generation iSeries line, you had better have a lot of patience unless you can get your hands on IBM's configuration tool or you are a reader of The Four Hundred. It's a bear and a half to figure out what these upgrades cost. I know, because I went to the trouble--big trouble--of pricing out all the upgrades. You're welcome. READ MORE >

FAST400 Undaunted by Revamped iSeries Line
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Storage Solutions Group, the marketing company based on the Isle of Man that peddles the FAST400 interactive governor buster for AS/400 and iSeries machines, has not been fazed by the recent revamping of the iSeries line. Business is brisk, and SSG's managing director, Colin Wells, doesn't expect that to change. In fact, changes in customers' buying patterns, the advent of a reseller channel, and a likely price increase make SSG's financial prospects seem pretty good. READ MORE >

Should IBM Create OS/400 Blade Servers? It Can Do It
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

IBM may not be one of the first companies to enter the nascent blade server market, but it has undoubtedly found a lot of prospective tire kickers, early adopters, and enthusiasts for the blade server concept. The company says that it has shipped 5,000 blade servers in the 10 weeks that it has been shipping product, and that it is talking up its future plans for the BladeCenter platform, including four-way 32-bit Xeon MP and two-way 64-bit Power and Itanium blades. READ MORE >

Admin Alert: A Checklist for Applying Cumulative PTFs
by Joe Hertvik

In last week's column, I discussed how to use IBM Web sites to identify and obtain OS/400 PTFs. This week, let's change gears and work through an OS/400 PTF checklist to help you prepare your system for cumulative PTF application, apply the PTFs, and restart your system when you're done. READ MORE >

Mad Dog 21/21: When the Saints Go Marching In
by Hesh Wiener

Biblical scholars and theologians may argue forever whether Moses was the single most important figure in the Old Testament. There are plenty of contenders, to be sure. But Moses enjoys a special distinction: In Venice, he is a saint. The evidence is the church of San Moise, built in the 10th century and remodeled endlessly since that time. READ MORE >

But Wait, There's More. . .

Get the Latest OS/400 PTF Guide . . . SPSS Reports Soft Market for OS/400 Business Intelligence Software . . . ASNA Launches New Consulting and Services Division . . . Lakeview Claims 20 Percent Growth in EMEA Sales for 2002 . . . Wizz400 to be Acquired by CRM Developer for Sports Clubs . . . Resolutions and Innovatum Form Pack for 21 CFR Part 11 Remediation . . . IT Security Top Concern of U.S. Manufacturers, Dataquest Reports. . . READ MORE >

Reader Feedback and Insights

We value your feedback and your insights into the OS/400 market. Feel free to send a letter to the editor. We will consider your letter a candidate for the reader feedback column associated with this newsletter, but we will contact you before we make your email public. READ MORE >

We're Going to COMMON, Are You?

Why should you go to COMMON? Work and fun! The iSeries is evolving into an incredibly powerful, open system. Update your knowledge and help your company leverage its iSeries investment. Also, tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and learn how technology drives the Indianapolis 500. Space is limited, so register for COMMON and sign up now for the optional tour. READ MORE >