This year IBM will release the new i5/OS Version 6 Release 1. Yes, the keywords are NEW VERSION, which is IBM's way of saying, "We want more money from you for all of our hard work on this software." The enhancements that IBM has discussed for this version thus far are really nice.

A list of announced enhancements can be found here.

You have probably heard that you will need to convert program objects for use on the new version. You can find information on the conversion process and conversion FAQs here.

For a preview of the new version, visit the V6R1 preview site.

To get up-to-speed on the new version, read the Redbook i5/OS Program Conversion: Getting Ready for i5/OS V6R1.