IBM Seeks More CODE/400 Converts with WDSc 7.0
by Alex Woodie

IBM tomorrow is expected to announce the Version 7.0 of its WebSphere Developer Studio Client (WDSc) for the i5/OS and OS/400 platform, including the new scaled-down version of WDSc that was previewed last year, a new modeling view in the Advanced Edition of the tool to help RPG and COBOL programmers visualize their code constructs, and the capability to develop and deploy modernized applications that simultaneously use WebFacing and HATS techniques. READ MORE >

Midrange LUGs Are Changing the Way They Operate
by Dan Burger

Adapt or die. The words represent the harsh reality of local user group (LUG) existence in the IBM System i community, which still often refers to itself with the collective moniker "the IBM midrange." Since the later part of 2006, LUGs in two major metropolitan areas--Denver and Phoenix--have discontinued their operations. In other locations, LUGS are struggling to survive. There are strongholds, however, and they are doing relatively well with membership totals in the hundreds, regular meetings that are well attended, and annual tech conferences that are successful endeavors. READ MORE >

Server Sales Up a Bit in 2006, But Q4 Looks a Bit Weak
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Sometimes, it is not what people say that matters, but what they don't say. The analysts at Gartner and IDC usually race to call each past quarter's server sales by revenue, shipments, and platform type. But this time around, only Gartner has thus far released numbers, and as it did last year at this time, the company is talking about all four quarters of 2006 instead of singling out the fourth quarter. READ MORE >

As I See It: Disorderly Conduct
by Victor Rozek

Can you focus? Can you read this article without bits of your attention splitting off like excess electrons? Is your concentration stronger than the pull of distractions? Mine isn't. I wish I could write my articles in one sitting, but usually I can't. My mind wanders and my body follows. The kitchen needs tidying; the mail waits to be retrieved; Bill Moyers is on the radio and I revel in the reminder that wisdom has not perished from public discourse. READ MORE >