AS/400 transformation and IBM i roadmap; the need for RPG developers to expand skills with RDi and open‑source languages (PHP, Node.js, Java, JavaScript); open‑source tools and their role in modernizing IBM i; industry news on IBM’s evolution, transportation job openings, and talent challenges; digital transformation stages and modernization strategies (APIs, DevOps, microservices); open‑source developer trends and Node.js resources; security topics including IAM modernization and GDPR compliance; emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT and their impact on employment, education, and business.
AS/400 Transformation
There are two IT Jungle articles this week that give a unique perspective on the market. They seem to be at different ends of the spectrum, but in reality, they both lead to each other.
Dan Burger, in his article, discusses the roadmap for the IBM i (AS/400) addressing the technical debt that exists in the marketplace. It’s true. Far too many shops are behind the curve and they need to play catch up.
But, as the article points out, current IT Management is not always in it for the long haul. Therein lies the challenge.
Alex Woodie, in his article, Reassessing IBM i Value: Worthless Iron or Legacy Goldmine?, speaks to the number of private equity firms that are betting big in the Mainframe and AS400 market. They see it as a low risk, profitable investment.
The articles are evidence that we are having the right conversations. Our job, as the IBM i community, is to connect the dots.
The question is: how do we get from here to there?
Core skills: RPG and Open Source
It is clear there is a real need for RPG Developers now and in the future. But gone are the days when you only know how to program in RPG.
Now, and even more so in the future, developers will need to not only upgrade their RPG skills by using RDi and other modern tools, but also acquire new programming languages and skills.
Open source development such as PHP, Node.js, Java, and Javascript are clearly part of the path forward. They are the key to modernizing, as well as the gateway to leveraging AI, Machine Learning, IoT and Big Data.
We have seen major software vendors in the market like Fresche Legacy, with their BCD product line, and Profound Logic move in this direction.
This is all evidence that this is what the future of the IBM i landscape will look like.
News
The IBM Evolution is by design
IBM has been around for over 100 years. There are not many companies that have reached that milestone. To do so, it has had to evolve.
As this article points out, it has been designed to do so. As a result, it is a major player in AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics and IoT.
Job openings hit a record high in transportation
The transportation industry often gives good insight to the overall economy. Some statistics show the rate of hiring is slowing in this sector, but not for the reasons you would think.
It “would suggest that businesses in the industry are struggling to fill their existing positions due to the lack of talent.”
I believe we will start to see the same in the IBM i market in the years to come. As a result, employers will begin offering different incentives to retain and attract talent.
Modernization
The four stages of digital transformation
“How can you realise your business’s digital future? This is a question many CIOs, IT managers, and other business leaders are asking every day. Digital transformation is the metamorphosis of companies, a thorough and dramatic change in form or appearance.”
As Nigel Moulton, the EMEA CTO for Dell EMC’s Modern Data Centre Group, points out, Digital Transformation takes place in four stages: legacy, emerging, evolving and transformed.
Modernize without cutting the cord
A new way to look at modernization.
“While improving security has long been a top priority, improving data sharing between new and legacy applications using APIs, DevOps, microservices, and more speaks to how” companies are looking at Modernization projects.
Open Source
Stack Overflow Developer Survey for 2018
Check out what tools and technologies are at the top of developers lists in the open source community. Node.js, PHP and others are on the list.
It’s no wonder why the IBM i ecosystem of products are paying attention to it.
Node.js top ten articles for March 2018
If Node.js is your thing, here is a list from Mybridge of the Top 10 ranked Node.js articles that can, or may, help advance your career.
Security
How to modernize your IAM strategy
What is IAM? It stands for Identity and Access Management. It’s been around for a while, but it has evolved.
Learn how “security leaders modernize their IAM strategy in this era of unprecedented complexity.”
What is GDPR and why you should know about it
If you do business in the EU and/or have customer information on anyone in the EU, then you need to be familiar with GDPR and how it might affect your business.
It is set to roll out in May 2018.
Trends
How Blockchain could change employment and education
Blockchain is a technology that people are trying to get their heads around. Many of the examples of blockchain reference financial transactions.
Here is an article that touches on how it will be used in education and employment.
The changes that IoT and AI will bring
“Businesses are using AI-powered IoT solutions to better engineer products.”
We are just starting to scratch the surface in our digital world. How does AI and IoT fit into the picture? Here is an IBM Think 2018 talk that gives you a peek at what the future will hold.
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