AS/400/IBM i history and evolution, IBM POWER hardware (POWER9, POWER10) and performance, open‑source language support (PHP, Java, Node.js) and RPG integration, platform modernization and awareness, blockchain technology, robotics and future of work, leadership and communication strategies, interview and resume tips, LinkedIn‑powered resume tools.
The AS/400 has come a long way
It’s very easy to get confused about what to call the platform because of all the changes in names over the years. Here is a quick history of the AS/400 (AS400), iSeries and the IBM i from Nick Litton. He puts it into perspective. In reality, the IBM i is really different from its predecessors. It runs on IBM POWER servers, the latest of which is POWER10, that has been designed to handle the most demanding, data-intensive, computing on earth. Since the platform is backward compatible (that is, you can write older versions of RPG along with modern ILE), many RPG developers find it easier to do things the old-fashioned way, which gives the perception that the platform is old and outdated. This could not be further from the truth. The beauty of the platform is that, in addition to RPG, you can write code in any number of open-source languages, including PHP, Java, and Node.js. As Torbjorn Appehl writes, the "i" in IBM i stands for integration. And this is what makes this platform so powerful, efficient, and forward-thinking. So, where do we go from here? We must continue to build awareness around the capabilities of the platform among the development community, IT management, and the C-level. Part of building awareness is understanding the evolution of the platform.
News
Looking to move your IBM i to POWER9? If you have not seen it already, iTech Solutions has a must-read post on IBM’s announcement about the new POWER9 chip. “It’s always exciting when IBM announces new hardware.” POWER9 is here for the IBM i Looking for all of the details regarding POWER9 and its rollout to the IBM i, you can find it all out over at IT Jungle.
Trends
What you must know about Blockchain There are a lot of technology trends out there. It’s hard to know which ones to follow. Blockchain is one you definitely need to pay attention to. It is ”far from a short-term trend; blockchain is a revolutionary approach to transactions that major companies are beginning to embrace.” A robot is your next coworker Technology is changing how we work and it requires organizations to embrace change even more than they have done in the past. “In order to stay competitive, businesses across all industries need to think about not only embracing these disruptive technologies but how the technologies will impact the organization.”
Leadership
How to get people to listen Does this sound familiar? “It’s frustrating to work with someone who doesn’t listen. Whether your colleague interrupts you, rambles on, or seems distracted, the impact is the same: You feel ignored…”. This is not just a co-worker but can also be your manager. Especially when pushing ideas as big as IBM i modernization. Take some tips from this article on how to approach difficult discussions. The best leaders ask questions Leading with a question is a good way to lead your people. “Many leaders are finding they can no longer rely solely on their past experiences. To lead well in the future, leaders need to ask questions that unlock better answers and better solutions.“
Career
LinkedIn-Powered Resume Building Assistant for Microsoft Word LinkedIn and Microsoft make it easier to build your resume than ever before. Here is a quick video and associated article. Five interview tips for seasoned leaders It’s not always easy to recognize how you come across in an interview. Here are five things to be aware of as you interview, especially if you have been around a while.
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