February 21, 2018

MC Systems Insight

Lead Article - Security

Speculating About Speculative Execution

Pondering what we do about mitigating Spectre and Meltdown.

By Steve Pitcher

There's been a lot of talk about Spectre and Meltdown since Google developers first announced the vulnerabilities on January 3, 2018. Rightfully so, as this type of vulnerability is arguably the biggest security concern in the history of computing.

On January 10, 2018, in the PSIRT blog entry, IBM released information regarding the current Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities, which affect almost every processor in the world, including IBM Power Systems. On January 13, they also released a set of operating system PTFs for IBM i 7.1 (MF64553), 7.2 (MF64552), and 7.3 (MF64551) along with firmware PTFs previously released. On January 26, IBM released additional PTFs for IBM i 7.1 (MF64571), 7.2 (MF64565), and 7.3 (MF64568).

Feature Article - Commentary

IBM Partnering: Panacea or Peril?

Lately, IBM has been on an outsourcing spree, particularly with things that are core to the IBM i. How does that make you feel? Can we talk?

By David Shirey

It all started last summer. That feeling of queasiness, of uncertainty, a feeling that things just weren't quite right.

It's easy for me to feel that way. I'm pretty much a "glass half empty and cracked on the bottom to boot" sort of person. And living in the IBM i world probably hasn't helped alleviate that tendency.

White Papers

SB LANSA PPL 5650

Why Migrate When You Can Modernize?

Explore the main considerations you should be aware of before embarking on a (migration or modernization) project. Take a deeper dive into business motivations and factors that could potentially influence your decision to migrate or modernize your existing IT platform and its risks.

Download your copy today!

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Profound Logic Solution Guide

More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation.

Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects.

The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the companyare not aligned with the current IT environment.

Get your copy of this important guide today!

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Webcast

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Node Webinar Series Pt. 1: The World of Node.js on IBM i

Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

Part 1 will teach you what Node.js is, why it's a great option for IBM i shops, and how to take advantage of the ecosystem surrounding Node.

In addition to background information, our Director of Product Development Scott Klement will demonstrate applications that take advantage of the Node Package Manager (npm).



watch now!

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LANSA Webcast

Low Code: A Digital Transformation of Supply Chain and Logistics

Learn how businesses leverage Low-Code to continue to deliver value through digital transformation. Discover how the power of Low-Code is helping many businesses evolve their supply chain, increase ROI, and achieve more tangible results.

Watch this webcast now.

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Trial Software

HelpSystems SC PPL newsletter logo

Easiest Way to Save Money? Stop Printing IBM i Reports

The thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing.

Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution.

Rerun another report? Never again. Try the Robot Report Management Solution FREE for 30 days.

Request your trial now!

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Comply in 5! Well, actually UNDER 5 minutes!!

TRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms.

Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product.

Request your trial now!

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Feature Article - Security

IBM i Security Event Logging and Active Monitoring: A Step by Step Guide

Active monitoring and log collection are at the top of the list of effec­tive security controls. IBM i (AS/400, iSeries) users have to solve some special challenges to implement this critical security control. 

by Townsend Security

Editor's note: This article introduces the white paper

IBM i cus­tomers often run multiple back-office applications on the IBM i server and it is a well-known repository for sensitive information and an active target of cyber criminals and state actors. In this eBook we discuss the core requirements for a successful active monitoring strategy, how to identify sources of security information on the IBM i platform, and steps you can take to implement an IBM i active monitoring solution. 

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  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: