News about IBM i startup MobiGoGo and AI voice generation; career tips on avoiding digital distractions and seniors learning to code; development resources for Node.js on IBM i and Python’s rise; modernization discussion on legacy systems versus digital transformation, cultural challenges, and governance; updates on IBM i 7.2 end‑of‑support.
Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly
- News: New startup serving the IBM i platform, MobiGoGo helps Git users. IBM pushes AI and voice.
- Career: Are you distracted? A story about a 65-year-old learning to code. Picking up a new language is not that hard.
- Development: There seems to be a lot of interest in using Node.js on the IBM i. Python is on the rise.
- Modernization: Legacy modernization vs Digital Transformation. Myths about modernizing legacy systems.
- Updates: Are you running IBM i 7.2?
News
IBM i Startup Tackles Git Integration Here again is another story of a IBM i industry veteran, Richard Schoen, who unveiled and IBM i startup earlier this year that helps bring software and services to market. Why is this story important: Because it’s a start-up. It’s a signal that the IBM i ecosystem is alive and well. Git, Open-source, AI, ML, and other digital technologies will spin off more and more of these start-ups in the years to come. The reality: The IBM i, can and does amazing things for the enterprise. You just have to be curious enough to seek out the information. IBM’s AI generates high-quality voices from 5 minutes of talking Be persistent. If you know you are on the right track, dig in and push forward. IBM continues to push forward with AI. Researchers at IBM recently created a better way to get from text to speech that learns different aspects of one’s speech making it more realistic. It won’t be long where we will not be able to tell the difference between AI-generated and human speech.
Career
4 Ways to Help Your Team Avoid Digital Distractions How many times a day do you check your smartphone? Check email? Get an app alert? We live in a world of constant digital distractions and it is hurting productivity. If you or your team is not being as productive as you could be, consider implementing some of the ideas shared here. 65-Year-Olds Learn How to Program Software As many RPG Developers look to retire there will be a need to find those who can step in. Learning to code or picking up a new language has nothing to do with how long you have been in the industry. It comes down to curiosity and your willingness to learn. The shortage of talent is not isolated to our community. It’s in virtually every industry. One of the best ways to find new developers is to target those who are in the middle of their careers. Maybe they have never developed before? That does not matter. In fact, that might be a good thing.
We have RPG Developers who connect the dots.
Is your staff retiring? We offer direct hire services along with staffing and consulting resources that will help you get where you want to go.
Learning to code – a skill for all ages Learning to code is something for all ages. We see coding taking place in elementary schools but also later in life. The key here is to be a forever learner. Be curious. Learn to code.
Development
A NodeJS Website on IBM i Here is a quick tutorial on how to set up a website using NodeJS running on the IBM i. Node.js Toolkit for IBM i For those of you who might be new to the IBM i community. Here are some resources regarding Node.js on the IBM i. Node.js on IBM i made easy
People are taking notice, but there is still a misconception among some that Node.js and other open-source software are difficult to install on IBM i. This article aims to show just how easy peasy it is to get Node.js installed, configured, and running fine on IBM i.
Here is also a good example of how to host and run a Node.js application on the IBM i. TIOBE Index – Python Python is moving up on the TIOBE Index. Some experts say that Python will move to the most popular language in the next several years. Some of you might be thinking, but I don’t know Python and don’t have a need for it. Don’t say, never. Let your work take you there. It is easy to pick up. Start learning Python here.
Modernization
The razor’s edge between legacy modernization & digital transformation Startups in the banking and auto industry are pushing the establishment to pivot and adapt to new technologies and ways of doing things. Fintechs are revolutionizing banking. And companies like Tesla and Rivian are disrupting traditional auto manufacturing. There is a culture clash in organizations who are seeking “business transformation”. The move from a “waterfall and siloed development” to DevOps and continuous integration is a big challenge both technically and culturally. Things to keep in mind: Not all legacy should be treated the same. There is a new operating model going forward that is made up of, Modern Application Architectures. DevOps. Automated Testing and Agile Methods. What is missed. The importance of the cultural aspects of Digital Transformation. Too much focus is put on technology. While tech is important it is not what will get you to the finish line. Myths of modernizing legacy IT systems How did we get here? AS/400 systems work and or decades they have served the business well. But times are different now. Digital Transformation is all around us and the question is, how do we move forward? One of the biggest problems that I see in modernization projects is the IBM i thought leaders are often not part of the decision-making process of both technology and the path forward. Do you know how many times I hear stories about how vendors have “sold” a migration to their new system that ends up failing? Daily. It fails because IT experts with knowledge of both legacy and emerging technology are not part of the decision making. Organizations need to have IT Governance in place. There needs to be “checks and balances”. It’s often a simple question from an IBM i Architect that helps avoid a costly headache.
Updates
End of support for IBM i announced Are you running IBM i 7.2? End of support will be April 30, 2021. See details.
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