Soltis' views on system architecture and his unique approach to protecting business software assets led to the most successful commercial computer platform in history.

By Chris Smith

The man known as the father of the System i and today's Power Systems retired from IBM last week after 40 years with the company. Creative, outspoken, and honest about the science he followed in researching ways to perfect the most successful commercial computer platform of all time, Frank Soltis leaves his post as chief scientist for what today is still known in the hallways of Rochester as the AS/400.

Can anyone really predict the future?

By Ron Exler

This time of year brings holiday cheer--parties, days off, time with family, gift exchange. It also brings out the prognosticating pundits who want you to believe they know what will happen in 2009. News flash: they don't know. But in an age-old tradition, to meet the expectations of their audiences, they spout predictions anyhow. So go ahead, read them; we all do. Consider this though: when was the last time you saw an analysis of last year's predictions to see how these pundits fared? Answer: rarely if ever.

What we can do with some credibility, however, is point out some important issues to consider in 2009 for those in decision-making roles involving enterprise technologies. Not predictions per se, but current truths that will extend into 2009 and affect how enterprise technology gets done to effectively serve enterprise missions.

How do you let the good guys in while keeping the bad guys out?

By Chris Peters

A lack of physical security combined with diabolical social engineering practices presents an ongoing challenge to network security personnel. Even if your company doesn't have a wireless network, it's a pretty sure bet that some of the laptops in your organization have built-in wireless capability. That means that a wireless laptop could act as a bridge, forming an opportunity for access to your internal network to anyone with an antenna, some precocious software, and the will to hack into your world.

Do you really know that your security is what it should and could be?

By John Earl

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the white paper "The State of System i (AS/400) Security," which can be downloaded free from the MC White Paper Center.

How good is the security on your IBM i (System i, iSeries, AS/400)? Are you confident about the controls you have put in place? Can you demonstrate that you're compliant with regulatory requirements that affect your industry? Do you know whether your system is better secured than the average System i?