The iSeries Holds Position in Gartner's Magic Quadrant
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

One of the toughest things that any IT manager or programming professional has to do is keep track of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the myriad computing platforms out there. All of our careers are based on making valid assumptions about what is hot and what is not, and about what is steady and what is trendy. This is one of the reasons why analysts at Gartner invented the Magic Quadrant, which is a visual representation of how the different platforms stack up against one another. READ MORE >

Novell Leaps at Linux, Mulls Putting NetWare Out to Pasture
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

The NetWare operating system, like the CPF operating system for the System/38, the granddaddy of the iSeries, is one of the granddaddies of the IT industry. Despite the onslaught of Windows and Lotus Notes/Domino in the 1990s, NetWare and its related GroupWise groupware are still very popular at OS/400 shops. As Novell bought open-source software maker Ximian this week, to leap into the Linux market with both feet, it also said that it would put NetWare in maintenance mode. READ MORE >

Red Hat vs. SCO: Prelude to a Class Action Suit?
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

When Red Hat launched a lawsuit against The SCO Group last week in the U.S. District Court in Delaware, to defend itself against SCO's allegations impugning the legality of open-source technologies used in the latest releases of the open-source Linux operating system, the first legal shot in what could become a volley that turns into a cannonball was fired. By suing SCO and setting up a $1 million legal-defense fund for open-source developers, Red Hat has taken a bold step. But a bolder move would be to put in an additional $1 million for open-source developers to file complaints against SCO for damaging their businesses. READ MORE >

Admin Alert: Feedback on ODBC Errors and WebSphere Express Installs
by Joe Hertvik

In previous columns, I've written about solving ODBC update problems and how to install WebSphere Application Server Express on an iSeries. These articles spawned some additional reader comments that taught me a thing or two about these situations. Here's what this grateful writer has learned from an active and involved readership. READ MORE >

As I See It: The Problem with Pensions
by Victor Rozek

I have a friend who flies the big jets for United Air Lines. This December he will command his last flight, as he nears the mandatory retirement age of 62. Having successfully navigated the friendly skies for nearly three decades, he was looking forward to a cozy retirement. And for a while things looked very bright, indeed. Over the years he had accumulated a sizeable nest egg of United stock that was valued at roughly $500,000. But then events conspired to create the perfect pension storm. READ MORE >

But Wait, There's More

IBM Pension Changes Ruled Discriminatory to Older Workers . . . MAPICS Returns to Profitability Following Frontstep Acquisition . . . Study Finds Need for IT Housecleaning in Insurance Companies . . . New Create!form Partner Signs 10 JDE Customers, Ascends to 'Gold' Status . . . iSeries Trainer Interskill Interactive Becomes Ajilon Learning . . . READ MORE >

Reader Feedback and Insights

We value your feedback and insights. Feel free to send a letter to the editor. Letters may be printed, unless otherwise specified, and edited for clarity or length. READ MORE >

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.