February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 43
- LEAD ARTICLE: Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 2
- FEATURED ARTICLE: RPG Academy: Database Modernization—Methodology, Part 5
- FEATURED ARTICLE: 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results
- NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Next IBM i CIO Summit Tackles Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and More
- WEBCAST: Node.js on IBM i Webinar Series Pt. 2: Setting Up Your Development Tools
- FEATURED VIDEO: Design an Invoice in 10 Minutes
- EVENT: Everything You Need to Know About IBM i 7.4
Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 2
Extension files future-proof your data, but you also have to future-proof your extension files!
By Joe Pluta
In my previous article, I explained how to use extension files to encapsulate a legacy database. This allows you to add new data points to the database without the impact of changing an existing master file. This is important because changing a master file requires that you recompile every program with a file specification for that file, and that can be an expensive proposition. It may even be impossible if you're missing current source for any of those programs. But if you're not careful with your extension files, you'll wind up in a similar bind. I ran into exactly that situation with the customer extension file I talked about in the previous article. While it wasn't used as extensively as the customer master, it had begun to proliferate throughout the system to the point…
IBM Quantum Computer Demonstrates Next Step Towards Moving Beyond Classical Supercomputing
RPG Academy: Database Modernization—Methodology, Part 5
Time to start discussing the second big step in our database modernization methodology: moving business rules to the database. It’s going to be an interesting trek, and I hope you join me in it!
By Rafael Victória-Pereira
The previous four TechTips (you might want to re-read those articles, starting here) covered the conversion of DDS files to DDL objects, which is the first of three database modernization steps (convert the DDS files to DDL objects, move business rules to the database, and take advantage of DB2’s advanced functionalities). The general idea is that you’ll gain a lot with these steps, in terms of performance, database user-friendliness, and flexibility. It’s not an easy path, and some steps may sound a bit weird (yes, I can imagine what you’re thinking about step two, which I’ll start explaining in this TechTip), but it’ll make sense in a while.
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.
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.
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!
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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2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results
This year marks the sixth edition of the popular IBM i Marketplace Survey Results. Each year, HelpSystems sets out to gather data about how businesses use the IBM i platform and the IT initiatives it supports. Year over year, the survey has begun to reveal long-term trends that give insight into the future of this trusted technology.
By HelpSystems
Past surveys have sparked many thoughtful conversations about IBM i, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an engaged community. We thank those who shared the 2019 results while at IT conferences, briefings, and team meetings.
2019 brought the launch of IBM i 7.4 and many new breakthroughs for IBM i in the cloud. We can’t wait to see how these technologies support growth for IBM i users in 2020.
Editor's note: The 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results is a free download from the MC White Paper Center.