IDC Makes the Case for iSeries Wintel-Lintel Server Consolidation
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Every 12 to 18 months or so, IBM rejiggers or substantially revamps the OS/400 server line. Soon thereafter, like sunshine after much-needed rain, the analysts at International Data Corp present a study of one aspect or another of the OS/400 platform that helps IBM and OS/400 shops make their economic and technical arguments for the platform. With such a big repackaging of the OS/400 platform in January, IBM had a lot of options in commissioning a study from IDC. But this time around, IDC was instructed to focus on Wintel and Lintel server consolidation onto the iSeries. READ MORE >

IBM Serves Up 'Blue Ice' Packaging for Linux Across eServers
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Two years ago, when IBM caught the Linux bug real bad, it promised to get the open source Linux operating system running on all of its platforms, to get its core middleware and databases running on it, and use Linux as a kind of common glue holding the disparate eServer family of incompatible products together. With the "Blue Ice" Integrated Platform for eBusiness, which will soon be available on the iSeries, IBM is making good on this promise. READ MORE >

IBM Gives iTera and MaxAv Entry into New VAE Program
by Alex Woodie

IBM last week introduced and implemented a new value added enhancement (VAE) program that widens the number of software vendors that can get their customers discounts on hardware when implementing their OS/400 high availability and disaster recovery software. Among other changes, the new policy creates a second class of software for data replication and disaster recovery beneath the level of full-blown clustering, which should give iTera and Maximum Availability the opportunity to form reseller channels and compete more effectively against establish HA players. READ MORE >

Admin Alert: When Antivirus Tools Interfere with Software Installation
by Joe Hertvik

No matter how often I install IBM-supplied PC packages on Windows client machines, some of my installs always bomb out because of one culprit: antivirus software. And to make things worse, the install error messages are so obscure that it's hard to tell that virus checking is to blame. The solution here is fairly simple: Turn off virus checking and reinstall. But sometimes there's more to this problem than meets the eye. READ MORE >

Mad Dog 21/21: Blocking the Sewers of Cyberspace
by Hesh Wiener

Brace yourself. It's time to check your e-mail. It's probably got ads for pornography, sexual potency pills, absurd mortgage deals, offers for credit cards, and human growth hormone. There could be invitations to meet sex partners or to join the next group of pyramid schemers who will make tons of money pumping out messages like the one sent to you. You may be offered the chance to put software on your PC that will reveal the secret lives of your favorite personal suspects. READ MORE >

But Wait, There's More

Get Your Updated OS/400 PTF Guide . . . Inovis Buys Close Partner IPNet Solutions . . . Jacada and NetManage Report Second Quarter Results . . . Lawson Acquires British Business Intelligence Software Developer . . . Magic Software Signs Two Partnerships for iBOLT . . . The California Software Personnel Report: Two New VPs READ MORE >

WANTED: Sales Manager

Strong, profitable iSeries ISV is looking for an experienced, energetic Sales Manager to support sales strategy in North America and mentor our sales team to help them achieve greater success. Reporting to the CEO, you will also be part of the management team evolving our future sales strategy.

Qualified candidates must have a minimum of five years of software sales experience, ideally selling complex software, with at least two years in a managerial capacity. Working knowledge of iSeries and software management tools an added advantage. Excellent speaking, presentation and writing skills required, as well as the ability to motivate your sales team. Attractive salary and benefits package, commensurate with skills and background. Please respond with resume to jobs@softlanding.com .

AS/400 Security: Enemies at the Gate

The iSeries and AS/400 may have a rock solid reputation for security, but, trust us, that isn't the end of the story. Vulnerabilities exist, and the OS/400 fortress is not impenetrable. Watch for the Guild Companies Special Report on AS/400 Security coming August 19. Articles by iSeries security experts such as Pat Botz, Jim Fey, John Earl, Dan Riehl, and Mike Grant--each is presenting security topics at the Fall COMMON Conference and Expo--will give you access to the latest and most useful information on this vital topic. Don't miss our special report and visit the COMMON Web site for information on the security educational focus and registration information for the upcoming conference in Orlando, Florida, September 7-11.