March 2003

• In This Issue: Optimism Resurfaces -
• Letters -
• No More Armchair Quarterbacks - It's easy to sit on the sidelines and critize IBM's marketing strategy for the iSeries. But by getting involved, we in the average iSeries shop can do a lot to promote the platform in our own community.
• f.y.iSeries -
• A Development Tool for All Seasons - Michaels, ross & cole's mrc-Productivity Series is a Swiss army knife of application generators. It can build Web sites and traditional, Web, wireless, and data-based apps without the user knowing any traditional computing languages.
• Hot New Products -
• IBM Launches New Servers, Repackages the iSeries - IBM drastically repackages the iSeries and refreshes the product line with new Power4-based servers.
• Don't Count Us Out Yet! - As IBM's January announcement revealed, Big Blue is investing heavily in new iSeries hardware and new packaging for software and support.
• Future Directions: Are You Ready for e-Business on Demand? - We need to find ways to leverage technology in ways that reduce the complexities caused by the proliferation of computer devices, operating systems, networks, and applications. In this first of a three-part series, learn about one way IBM Rochester is meeting this challenge with its e-business on demand initiative.
• V5R2 Delivers More BIFs to RPG IV - With 75 built-in functions currently available, you can more easily use native dates, times, or timestamps in your programs; name a simple data structure for use as a search argument for key file I/O operations; and write your own user-defined functions.
• Creating Standard Data Types in RPG IV - Standard Data Types are a handy RPG IV technique that, when used consistently, reduced errors, improves program comprehensibility, increases code consistency, and eases program modifications.
• Graphical Debugger Makes Procedural SQL Debug Even Easier - In V5R2, the Toolbox for Java iSeries System Debugger simplifies the debugging of SQL procedures, functions, and triggers. Use it with the SQL "Source debug view, and make quick work of bugs in your SQL!
• SEU Supplements and Alternatives - Despite its lack of bells and whistles, IBM's venerable SEU remains one of the most popular means of editing source code. A few products without a steep learning curve also remain on the market that can augment or substitute for SEU.
• Secure Your FTP in Ten Minutes - Unauthorized use of FTP can be a serious security loophole in the hands of the wrong people. This utility, which is simple to install and use, can control FTP downloads.
• Building a Six-Column Report Using AFP - Want to create a six-column report for the iSerie using AFP and RPG ILE coding practices? Here's one way to do it.
• Dr. I. Doctor - Dr. I. Doctor helps troubleshoot errant pings and answers questions about building data centers.
• Tech Corner -
• DSNless Connections Using ADO -
• Displaying User Accesses -
• iSeries SQL Timeout -
• Hot Tip: Printing Samples of iSeries Fonts -