IBM Cuts iSeries Deals, Gives Discounts on Model 810
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

It's the fourth quarter, and, traditionally, that means it's time for IT vendors to sell and for IT organizations to spend. While there is some hope of a turnaround in the economy, and maybe even an uptick in IT spending, nothing much happens in a vague spending environment without wheeling and dealing. Last week, IBM announced a bunch of iSeries deals to try to get companies to spend some money. READ MORE >

Some Salaries at OS/400 Shops Grow, Others Decline
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

If you're looking for a raise out there in OS/400 Land, it looks like you might do better than the 2.2 percent cost of living increase that is gauged to the U.S. Consumer Price Index, provided that you are not a PC support technician, system operator, or junior programmer. Salaries at OS/400 shops, says Nate Viall of the recruiting and salary analysis firm that bears his name, are bifurcating, and this has important implications for the OS/400 ecosystem. READ MORE >

Bellwether IBM Sees Stabilization in Third Quarter
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

The economies of the world are not in great shape, but with a steady sales pitch and a steady hand on the cost controls, IBM managed to grow its revenues and profits in the third quarter. Big Blue is still not firing on all cylinders, to be sure, but with the many countries and states dealing with huge budget deficits, and with millions of companies trying to steer through rickety economies, IBM is doing about as well as any titan of the IT industry could do. READ MORE >

EDS, Opsware Propose Data Center Markup Language
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

The Extensible Markup Language (XML), which is the follow-on to the HyperText Markup Language (HTTP), the foundation of the World Wide Web, spawned another variant yesterday, this time aimed at helping the systems in data centers to communicate better with one another and with systems management and provisioning tools. Data Center Markup Language, or DCML, is being spearheaded by outsourcing specialist EDS and its systems management software partner, Opsware, which sells provisioning software for servers. READ MORE >

As I See It: Dissecting Diversity
by Victor Rozek

I used to believe in diversity, but now I don't. I suppose that's a strange statement coming from one who is a product of diversity. My parents immigrated to this country but kept their language and culture until they died. So having grown up multiculturally, I understand the value of it. A second language, an expanded world view, a broader historic perspective: these are great and enduring gifts. Nonetheless, it would be hard not to notice that outside of ethnic restaurants and cross-over music, diversity isn't quite living up to its potential. READ MORE >

But Wait, There's More

IBM Ships New SLIC for OS/400 V5R2 . . . SSA Global Extends Cognos Partnership with OEM Deals . . . IBM Cuts 1,100 Jobs, May Create 10,000 New Jobs in 2004 . . . PeopleSoft Buys JCIT's 'Lean' Supply Chain Application for its J.D. Edwards Installed Base . . . Manhattan Associates Makes Acquisition for 'Slotting Optimization' Software . . . SeeBeyond to Resell Seagull Software's Connectivity Technology for OS/400, Other Platforms . . . IBM Acquires CrossAccess to Improve Database Integration . . . READ MORE >

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