IBM Explains Its Domino 8 on DB2/400 Spike
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Last week, this newsletter told you about how IBM had decided to not support DB2/400, the relational database at the heart of the i5/OS and OS/400 operating systems, as a data store for the new Notes/Domino 8 groupware that was launched weeks ago. This snub of the System i platform has annoyed many and will probably affect the Notes and Domino plans of some System i shops. Since this decision was made by IBM's Software Group, not the Power Systems division that controls the System i platform now, it has been tough to get an explanation. READ MORE >

Consumers Create a Feedback Loop into IT
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Sometimes, the corporate data centers of the world lead when it comes to the adoption of new information technologies, and sometimes they lag. And when IT is lagging, and a hot new technology is being picked up by tech-savvy consumers in their personal lives, it usually doesn't take long for these people, who are end users as far as their employers are concerned, bring that technology into the workplace. And that is where the IT organization's headaches begin. READ MORE >

Aldon Works on Acquisitions to Build Out Biz
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

In the wake of its acquisition by Marlin Equity Partners in May of this year, Aldon, the dominant supplier of application lifecycle management software for the i5/OS and OS/400 platform, is exploring its acquisition options as it seeks to build out a broader set of products to sell into this market. Thus far, the company's plans have been unchanged by the uncertainty in the credit markets, and business continues to be good, too. READ MORE >

Mad Dog 21/21: Leverage
by Hesh Wiener

Archimedes was talking about leverage, one of his favorite topics. He said, 'Give me a place to stand on, and I will move the Earth.' The Sicilian from Syracuse probably knew more about mechanical leverage than anyone of his era, which was the third century BC, but he didn't know about financial leverage. Some people are still finding out about financial leverage, particularly on Wall Street, and doing it the hard way. What they cannot learn from Archimedes they might try to garner from IBM, which looks like it knows a little more about the topic than most companies. READ MORE >