I know that IBM added a lot of new programming features to CL in the past two releases. However, one of the features I’ve been hoping for–the ability to do output operations to database files–doesn’t appear to be among them. Please tell me that I’m wrong and that there really is a way to update a database record within a CL program.

–David

You’re right in thinking that IBM has not added CL commands to write, delete, and update database records, David, but that does not mean that there is no way to update a record in a database file.

Part 2

A few weeks ago, I walked you through some of the major security enhancements that IBM has woven into the i5/OS V5R4 release for the System i5 servers. Back, by popular demand, is more insight into the new security enhancements, which Big Blue is hoping you will put into practice to make your i5/OS platforms even more secure than the legendary security of the OS/400 platform.

One key area of improvement found within V5R4 includes a new set of APIs to help in the management of encryption capabilities and the cryptographic keys themselves. With V5R4, the Cryptographic Access

Reminiscent of Y2K fever, i5 administrators are now being asked how they might deal with a global influenza pandemic. Understanding that a real pandemic could usher in radical, albeit temporary, changes to company business and even threaten the business itself, prudent and cautious executives are requesting written feasible plans for keeping their networks and their i5 boxes humming a corporate tune. This week’s column discusses some things to consider in pandemic planning.

The Boring Background

Avian bird flu has already swept through millions of birds in Asia and Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that we are in phase