IBM i Brief on energy‑efficient Granite LLM and Europe’s first quantum data center; career insights into how popular programming language rankings are created and why RPG is often omitted; development updates on Code for i minimum requirements, IBM i web servers, and the new Mapepire DB2 connector; ERP challenges and problem‑solving approaches; IBM i security flaws revealed at a hacking conference.
Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly
- IBM i Brief: IBM’s Granite model LLM is more energy efficient targeting enterprise use⚡. 🖥️ IBM unveils Europe’s first quantum data center.
- Career: 🔍 How do they even develop the most popular programming language lists?
- Development: 💻 Code for i updates minimum requirements. 🌐 IBM i webservers unlock modern potential. Goodbye ODBC and Hello Mapepire.
- ERP: Are your facing challenges with your ERP system?
- Security: 🛡️ IBM i security flaws exposed at hacking conference.
IBM i Brief
IBM’s Granite model LLM is more energy efficient targeting enterprise use⚡
Energy constraints threaten AI growth.
States like Virginia are limiting new data center buildouts due to electric grid concerns. Jennifer Foster, co-chief investment officer at Chilton Investment Company, has identified opportunities in both hardware and software sides of the AI value chain. On the hardware side, she sees potential for optimizing AI architecture to reduce energy consumption, addressing the growing energy demands of AI infrastructure.
On the software side,
IBM is developing smaller LLMs that are more efficient and tailored to a specific use case. Unlike ChatGPT, which is trained on data from all over the internet, IBM’s Granite model LLM is trained on a more select dataset to assist in automating certain routine coding tasks. Smaller LLMs are helpful for enterprises to develop specific AI use cases and are also less energy intensive.
Note:IBMs Granite model is what is being used for Copilot on the IBM i.
🖥️ IBM unveils Europe’s first quantum data center
Located in Ehningen, Germany, this facility expands IBM’s global quantum computing capabilities. It houses two IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems and will soon include a Heron-based system. This advancement allows users to run more complex quantum algorithms, potentially accelerating progress toward quantum advantage and fostering innovations across the quantum ecosystem.
Career
🔍 How do they even develop the most popular programming language lists?
Topics addressed:
- How popular programming languages are determined
- Relevance to IBM i developers and their careers
Here is an interesting article that actually dives into how languages make it on the most popular programming languages list.
It also sheds light on why RPG is typically not on “the list”.
Measuring programming language popularity is complex.
Determining the most popular language isn’t straightforward. Popularity can be measured through web searches, job listings, book sales, lines of code, GitHub projects, forum posts, bootcamp courses, student enrollments, YouTube videos, and social media activity. Each metric offers a different perspective on a language’s popularity, making it challenging to declare a single “most popular” language definitively.
Aggregating the lists helps validate top programming trends.
Instead of using one index, use as many as you can.
Here are 9 popular indexes.
- PYPL: Measures Google search activity for language tutorials, indicating interest but not necessarily usage. PopularitY of Programming Language index
- Tiobe: Based on skilled engineers, courses, and third-party vendors worldwide. Not a direct measure of usage. Tiobe index
- GitHub Usage 2023: Measures top languages by actual usage on the platform. GitHub summary report
- Stack Overflow Professional Developers: Measures usage by self-identified professional programmers. Stack Overflow Professional index
- Stack Overflow Learning to Code: Indicates languages new developers consider important to learn. Stack Overflow Learning index
- Stack Overflow Other Coders: Represents usage by capable coders who may not be professionals. Stack Overflow Other Coders index
- IEEE Spectrum index: Measures programming language interest weighted towards IEEE member profiles. IEEE Spectrum index
- IEEE Jobs index: Reflects what employers are looking for in programming skills. IEEE Jobs index
- IEEE Trending: Identifies languages gaining buzz in the industry. IEEE Trending index
🔍 In summary, RPG is not on popular programming Lists due to its niche use in IBM i systems. Unlike widely adopted languages like Python or JavaScript, RPG's specialized enterprise focus, and lack of presence in modern education, contribute to its lower visibility in broader software development communities.
The Impact of Popular Programming Languages will have on IBM i Careers
For IBM i professionals, it is important to consider how programming language trends might shape your career path.
The best way to look at adding an additional programming language to your skillset is to consider the following:
- What are the current and projected job market demands for different languages in the IBM i ecosystem?
- How well does the language integrate with existing IBM i technologies and frameworks?
- What is the learning curve for the new language, and how does it align with your current skill set?
- Are there specific industry or business needs in your organization that a particular language could address?
- How does the language support modernization efforts and cloud integration for IBM i systems?
- What community support and resources are available for learning and problem-solving in the new language?
- How does the language align with your long-term career goals and the direction of IBM i development?
Summary:
Focus on languages that complement your IBM i (RPG) skills and align with your career goals. The “best” language will always depends on your specific need and business context.
Most importantly, stay curious and keep learning, its the best skill to have!💡
Development
💻 Code for i updates minimum requirements
The Code for i maintainers have clarified and updated system minimums, including IBM i 7.3 TR5 or higher, active SSH daemon, and enabled QSSHD user.
TR5 is crucial for the SQL EXTRACT() function used in the Object Browser. IBM i 7.3 is now out of support, with versions 7.4 and 7.5 recommended.
Learn more here or see the comments on Github.
🌐 IBM i webservers unlock modern potential
Why would you want to learn about IBM i webservers?
Well, of course it will allow you to integrate your existing systems with web technologies, offering versatility through multiple server options.
Not only that, it leverages robust security features, optimizes performance, and future-proofs skills.
So, understanding webservers on IBM i enhances system integration, security, and overall value in an increasingly web-centric tech landscape.
Learn how to create IBM i HTTP Server with IBM WEB ADMINISTRATION FOR i.🎥
Goodbye ODBC and Hello Mapepire
A cloud-friendly IBM i database access layer, built with simplicity and performance in-mind.
Why and when should you use it?
It is a database access layer written on top of secure web sockets. It was built to make developing modern applications in .NET Core, Node.js, PHP, and the likes, easier when using Db2 for i.
Takeaway: Mapepire is a new IBM i server job that clients talk to. It gives you the flexibility to use any hardware and any language.
Learn more about Mapepire:
- Mapepire - Node.js performance testing against ODBC
- IT Jungle- Read about the introduction of Mapepire
Notes from Alan Seiden & Jesse Gorzinski’s session titled, Forget ODBC! Here’s a New Db2 Connector at NAViGATE 2024.
Fun Fact: Mapepire was born in August 2024. Yes, this is emerging technology on the IBM i.😊
ERP
Are your facing challenges with your ERP system?
Identify the problem.
Begin by pinpointing the exact nature of the problems you’re facing with your ERP system. Is it a matter of data integrity, process inefficiency, or user adoption?
Here is valuable insight from a member of the IBM i community.
Whether you’re bouncing ideas off a team or just thinking through it yourself, it’s important to re-think everything with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to break away from the usual way of thinking. Real innovation happens when people feel free to explore new angles and push the boundaries.
Security
🛡️ IBM i security flaws exposed at hacking conference At the TROOPERS ethical hacking conference, researchers revealed critical vulnerabilities in IBM i’s Facsimile Support and Performance Tools. These flaws allowed local privilege escalation, potentially granting attackers root access. This discovery highlights the importance of continuous security auditing in IBM i environments.
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