Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly

IBM i Brief: Business App Visualization in the IBM i Marketplace. 🔒 Avatier introduces innovative MFA solution for secure password resets.
AI: AI is Coming📉. 📊 Survey reveals enthusiastic adoption of GenAI among managers. 🔍 IBM: AI Reshaping Banking.
Career: Reflection on Being Coachable 🤝.
Development: PHP 8.2.18 Released. 🌐 Supporting Legacy PHP Versions.

IBM i Brief

Business App Visualization in the IBM i Marketplace

“IBM i shops run an incredibly diverse array of software, including open source programs, packaged applications, and homegrown software.”

After all the IBM i was born to run 😆 applications (Application Systems/400).

Not just any business applications but critical ERP systems that run in a variety of industries, including banks, manufacturing, distribution, trucking, retail, eCommerce, and healthcare.

In this article, IT Jungle digs into Forta’s 2024 IBM i Marketplace survey.

Key Takeaways:

Over 70% of IBM i shops run half or more core business apps on IBM i
70% of respondents develop their business applications in-house
43% of these shops run over 75% of their core apps on IBM i
IBM i ecosystem remains strong, with over 10 active vendors (see chart)

The “Other” category, is significant for homegrown and diverse software contributions and represents a quarter of applications cited in the IBM i Marketplace Survey, highlighting numerous vendors excelling in niche industries without sufficient recognition.

🔒 Avatier introduces innovative MFA solution for secure password resets
Cyberattacks and data breaches are on the rise. Having a robust MFA solution is critical and will reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to your systems.

What is MFA? MFA verifies identity using multiple methods.

An example of MFA is logging into a bank account online where you enter a password (something you know), then receive a code on your phone (something you have), and perhaps even use fingerprint authentication (something you are) before access is granted.

Avatier, based in Pleasanton, California, has provided SSO and identity management for IBM i shops for 24 years.
They recently introduced a Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) now features a patent-pending human-assisted, multi-factor authentication technique, MFA-V.

This enhancement aims to reduce the risk of unauthorized password resets, providing an extra layer of security. By integrating with existing MFA solutions, SSPR ensures the authenticity of users requesting password resets, helping prevent data breaches.

The new MFA-V capability supports IBM i and is currently available.

AI

AI is Coming📉

Business Insider reports that many major financial firms are considering reducing the hiring of entry-level analysts as artificial intelligence becomes more integral to operations.

But wait, not so fast. Though some see the potential for AI to replace junior roles, human staff remain crucial.

Banks like Goldman Sachs are exploring AI technology cautiously, acknowledging the need to maintain traditional staffing levels. The financial industry faces potential disruption as AI adoption grows, with predictions of significant impact on workforce dynamics.

Takeaways:

Just as the introduction of robotics and automation in manufacturing revolutionized efficiency by eliminating repetitive tasks, AI is poised to similarly transform various sectors.

Historically, while automation displaced certain manual jobs, it simultaneously spurred the creation of new roles in emerging fields.

Similarly, AI will not only streamline operations but also foster new job opportunities in areas yet to be fully explored. This evolution underscores a shift, not a loss, in the workforce landscape.

Survey reveals enthusiastic adoption of GenAI among managers

The survey of some 1,200 INSEAD alumni showcased a strong embrace of generative AI, with two-thirds already incorporating it into personal and professional spheres.

Interestingly, concerns were more focused on misuse rather than job displacement, signaling a belief in AI’s democratization of information. The majority viewed GenAI positively, citing time-saving benefits and efficiency gains.

Organizations also showed significant interest in adopting GenAI, with executives foreseeing more benefits for companies than for individual employees.

Respondents were optimistic about AI advancements and the potential emergence of artificial general intelligence within the next decade.

Global Impact:

The survey highlighted regional variations, with Europe exhibiting a more cautious approach compared to North America and Asia. Sectors like energy and healthcare held differing views on AI benefits. Overall, the complex perceptions of GenAI’s societal role were underscored, signaling both promise and challenges as the technology continues to evolve rapidly.

🔍 IBM: AI Reshaping Banking

In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of innovation, reshaping industries and revolutionizing traditional practices.

Here is a quick video, that explores the transformative potential of AI in the banking sector through the insights of Jordan Worm, an IBM Cloud Native Technology Engineer. It provides a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and banking, offering a glimpse into the future of financial services.

Career

Reflection on Being Coachable 🤝

Are you coachable?

I believe coachability is one of the key ingredients of success.

It plays a pivotal role in the career growth and success of the IBM i developer. It requires a clear goal and self-awareness.

Embracing coaching involves acknowledging room for improvement, removing obstacles hindering progress, and committing to consistent practice.

I like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. I have always been curious and willing to try and do new things. But, as I get older, I realize that I have not always done a good job of seeking out coaches early enough.

Does this sound familiar?

It’s easy to procrastinate or try to “go alone” and figure it out.

Recently, I have onboarded some coaches to help guide, teach, and mentor me in a couple of areas of my business.

It has been transformative.

There is a good example in this article where:

Tiger Woods exemplifies the transformative power of letting go to rebuild for future victories. Embracing coachability means prioritizing improvement over busyness, accepting guidance, and actively working towards defined goals.

The IBM i ecosystem of products, languages, and various technologies is evolving.

As a community, it is virtually impossible to leverage the true POWER of the IBM i platform without our willingness to evolve, learn, and apply the feedback that we are given.

Make it a goal this year, to learn something new. Have you thought about learning to work with RDi or VS Code? Maybe you thought about learning to code in Python or developing APIs?

Whatever it is, don’t procrastinate. Set a goal and let go of any fears that are holding you back.

Development

PHP 8.2.18 Released

The PHP development team announces the immediate availability of PHP 8.3.6. This is a security release. All PHP 8.3 users are encouraged to upgrade to this version.

🌐Supporting Legacy PHP Versions

With the end of support for PHP 5, 7, and out-of-support 8 versions looming, businesses relying on legacy PHP applications may face significant challenges. Upgrading to modern PHP versions poses complexities due to breaking changes, diverting resources from innovation.

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