Trend Watch: Service Oriented Architecture and Web Services
April 3, 2017
This is the seventh post in a multi-part series with a focus on trends that are interesting and important, specifically in enterprise computing. In this post, I’ll continue my point-in-time analysis with a focus on the subject of integration, and a discussion on service oriented architecture (SOA) and web services like representational state transfer (REST) […]
ArticlesTokenized Encryption: Details Become Design
April 3, 2017
Once a project such as PCI compliance is approved, the first step is to hold a kickoff meeting. There are numerous reasons for a kickoff meeting: The CIO affirms the project’s importance and defines objectives, team members can acquaint themselves with each other, determine deadlines, identify potential obstacles and possible solutions, and establish requirements. But […]
ArticlesTips for Techies on Showing the Value of Their Services
April 3, 2017
People with strong technical backgrounds may not consider themselves good sellers. They prefer to install, upgrade, migrate and troubleshoot. But selling is a skill everyone must use, even if no money actually changes hands. Applying for jobs, writing proposals and emails, and participating in meetings are all types of selling because they involve uncovering a […]
ArticlesWhat to Consider When Using a Cloud or Managed Service Provider
April 3, 2017
Workloads are getting bigger. To manage all of this information and application data, businesses have a few options: store workloads on a company-owned server, tap the storage space of a managed service provider (MSP) or go with a hybrid model that combines a private, on-premises cloud with an MSP. So, how does a business decide? […]
ArticlesKeep Data out of Danger
April 3, 2017
If you haven’t seen “Attack of the Killer LOBs” yet, it’s coming soon to a DB2* environment near you. No, this isn’t a new science fiction movie—it’s a lurking danger in your environment today. Your vital data may have already been compromised, leaving you with a customer service, legal and compliance nightmare. Even worse, because […]
ArticlesWhy Organizations Should Reconsider Their Current Chargeback Systems
April 1, 2017
Imagine Mary, Fred and George are gathered for a budget meeting with Ellen, their company’s CIO, to discuss another budget shortfall. Ellen asks, “What caused this million-dollar shortfall?” George says, “We think it’s related to the decision by accounting to shift one of their major workloads from our Power Systems* platforms to our VMware tower. […]
ArticlesPowerVM LinkedIn Group
March 28, 2017
PowerVM is IBM’s advanced virtualization on Power Systems. Learn more about it in the PowerVM LinkedIn group.
ArticlesTrend Watch: Security
March 27, 2017
This is the sixth post in a multi-part series with a focus on trends that are interesting and important, specifically in enterprise computing. In this post, I’ll continue my point-in-time analysis by looking at the interesting and complex topic of security. z/OS Security When someone says “mainframe security” you probably think RACF. However, if you […]
ArticlesCopy an Open Spooled File
March 22, 2017
With IBM i 7.3, you can now copy an open spooled file.
ArticlesUsing BIF in Calculations Within DB2 Web Query for i
March 21, 2017
Built-in functions (BIFs) have been part of the IBM i ecosystem for years. This article examines the BIFs that are part of IBM DB2 Web Query for i.
ArticlesKeeping up With RDi Enhancements
March 21, 2017
Some recent RDi enhancements from V9.5.1 (September 2016) and V9.5.1.1 (December 2016). Covering RPG outline improvements and more
ArticlesTrend Watch: Open-Source Software
March 20, 2017
This is the fifth post in a multi-part series with a focus on trends that are interesting and important, specifically in enterprise computing. In this post, I’ll continue my point-in-time analysis of trends, this time looking at open-source software. Open-source software with mainframes is not an uncommon pairing. If in your everyday job you work […]
PodcastsBarry Schrager Looks at the State of Mainframes
March 20, 2017
Reg Harbeck talks with Barry Schrager who recounts his career and explains what’s missing among today's mainframe operators and administrators. Listen to the interview via the orange play button or read the transcript below. Reg: Hello. This is Reg Harbeck and I'm here today with Barry Schrager, who is the author of ACF2 and the […]
ArticlesIBM Research and Partners Help Traffic Run Smoothly in Madrid
March 20, 2017
Nearly every city plan takes traffic into account to help commuters. But people still face congestion on the road, whether they drive or take public transportation. IBM researchers, such as Paula Ta-Shma, research staff member, IBM Research–Haifa, are working to rectify that, using machine learning and a host of open-source tools. “IoT is leading the […]
ArticlesHow to Download Fixes
March 18, 2017
I still find customers that are unsure of how to download fixes, so I want to cover the steps that I use when I download fixes, using AIX 7.2 as an example.
ArticlesSelected AIX Versions Can Soon Be Licensed Monthly
March 14, 2017
IBM made an interesting announcement today. The Standard editions of AIX 7.1 and AIX 7.2 will soon be available to be licensed on a monthly basis under Passport Advantage. This is another example of Power Systems and AIX making their platforms cloud-ready as they transition to a hybrid cloud model. So far we have C […]
ArticlesTrend Watch: Modernization
March 13, 2017
This is the fourth in a multi-part series with a focus on trends that are interesting and important with a focus on enterprise computing. In this post, I’ll continue my point-in-time analysis of trends with a focus on modernization. Modernization is a dynamic subject because IT is in a constant state of change. Not all […]
ArticlesIBM i & RFE: Improving Future Business Value
March 9, 2017
In 2016, there was no way to get an RFE requirement created for IBM i itself. Now, there is.
ArticlesTrend Watch: Mobile
March 6, 2017
This is the third in a multi-part series with a focus on trends that are interesting and important with a focus on enterprise computing. In this post, I’ll continue my point-in-time analysis of trends with a focus on mobile devices and computing. DeviceAtlas.com reports that while smartphones are now firmly established as an important part […]
ArticlesDetermining the Size of QTEMP
March 6, 2017
I have a very short update this week. The blog entry “QTEMP – Temporary or Permanent Storage,” was written before IBM i 7.2 was available, but it’s still applicable. That blog explained how storage used by a job’s QTEMP library is actually permanent storage, and it also included some tips on how to determine the […]
PodcastsThe Mainframe’s Renaissance – A Conversation with Allan Zander
March 6, 2017
In this sponsored advertising content series, zTalk Business with Reg Harbeck, Reg talks to Allan Zander, CEO of DataKinetics, about his role in the evolution of mainframe applications, and how DataKinetics is using big data, analytics and block chain to help businesses find success. Reg: Hi. This is Reg Harbeck, I’m here today with […]
ArticlesSNMPv3 Auditing and Other Enhancements
March 1, 2017
This article describes the new support to audit SNMPv3 requests.
ArticlesTokenized Encryption: Getting Started
March 1, 2017
When I was engaged to implement cryptography and establish payment card industry (PCI) compliance, it was for a single division of a large conglomerate where each division had its own IT department with differing software, hardware, infrastructure and performed separate implementations. Although my client had the most processing platforms and data stores to integrate, and […]
ArticlesLinux on z Systems Accelerates New and Traditional Workloads
March 1, 2017
Savvy businesses know that tackling challenges requires IT strategies that serve today’s needs and provide room to grow to handle future demand. They also know that embracing open-source solutions is a smart way to add capabilities. Clients with mainframe environments are well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities because of the IBM z Systems* platform’s […]
ArticlesWhy Flash is the Fastest Growing Form of Data Storage
March 1, 2017
Flash memory is used every day in thumb drives and hand-held smart devices. But it’s no longer relegated to consumer electronics. According to a June 2016 survey from IT consultancy 451 Research, almost 90 percent of organizations have some form of flash-based storage installed in their data centers. All-flash storage systems are also becoming increasingly […]