This is the fourth article in a PHP on i5/OS series and it continues our discussion of the API toolkit included with the Zend Core product. In my previous article Use PHP to Bring i5/OS Resources to the Web, I explained that the API toolkit is a collection of APIs for accessing i5/OS resources from PHP applications. The Zend Core product splits functions for accessing i5/OS resources into two broad categories: a collection of functions for accessing db2 resources, and a collection of functions for accessing all other i5/OS resources. The following diagram provides an overview of the structure

I’ve been in the information business for almost 27 years, and sometimes it seems that I’ve spent half that time sorting data. Without question, putting data into proper sequence is a big part of our jobs. Card sorters are ancient history. Sort utilities (e.g., #GSORT and FMTDTA) still run, but hopefully not in new development. These days, logical files and SQL are the iSeries methods of choice for placing data into a certain order. Here’s another sorting method you may not be aware of.

The Reorganize Physical File (RGZPFM) command’s KEYFILE parameter provides a way to physically order records in

It’s not unusual for some companies to upgrade their System i servers every three years, which means that an upgrade may be in your near future. To help navigate the upgrade process, this week and next I’ll present a list of upgrade pitfalls to avoid. These pitfalls can cause delays, compatibility issues, and budget overruns. For your sanity and job security, watch for these costly mistakes when upgrading to a new machine.

Pitfall #1: Forgetting About Software License Transfer Fees

As you create your upgrade budget, find out what license transfer fees are associated with any third-party i5/OS software that