IBM i cloud adoption and market trends, career advice, Node.js year‑in‑review and SQL security for IBM i users, hiring challenges and apprenticeship models for IBM i talent, RPG procedure‑driven training and IBM i community events, LISUG and WMCPA training opportunities, and links to subscribe, contact, and share the newsletter.
Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly
- IBM i Brief: The Cloud Is Here To Stay for IBM i Shops. Google: The Modern-Day IBM. IBM: An Aging Tech Giant's Reinvention.
- Career: 37 Pieces of Career Advice.
- Development: Here is a year in review for Node.js. How To Secure SQL Access for IBM i Users.
- Hiring: What Tech Roles Are The Hardest To Fill?
- Training: Dive into Procedure Driven RPG Training with an #IBMChampion! IBM i Training Opportunities through LISUG's Community Network. A Walk Into The World Of IT.
IBM i Brief
The Cloud Is Here To Stay for IBM i Shops “It is hard to draw the line in the timeline sands for when the first true cloudy instance of a Power Systems machine running a rentable license to the IBM i operating system was announced.” It has likely been done for several decades, but it seems to have been around since 2009 when we started hearing more about the hybrid cloud. In March of 2014, IBM introduced Power Systems on the SoftLayer cloud (now IBM Cloud). IBM i slices then became available in beta on IBM Cloud's Power hardware in February 2019, rebranded as Power Virtual Server (PowerVS). Over the past couple of years, it appears that there is more movement.
The 2022 IBM i Marketplace report showed 78% on-premises, 7% cloud, and 15% hybrid usage. By 2023, it was 82% on-premises, 8% cloud, and 10% hybrid, suggesting a tipping point in 2024. See chart.
Key Takeaways: As with any new technology or service, there is always an adoption phase.
The lifecycle where new technology is accepted and integrated by users or organizations, often following an innovation's introduction, growth, and widespread acceptance.
Here is Everett Rogers’s diffusion of innovations, which breaks down the adoption process into five different categories.
Image source: Whatfix What do you think the adoption curve looks like for AI within the IBM i community? Google: The Modern-Day IBM Chatter about Google's transition from vanguard to dinosaur is hardly new. The company just turned 25 — roughly two centuries in tech years. Is it now being compared to IBM? IBM: An Aging Tech Giant's Reinvention With a significant uptick in market value and a trailblazing role in machine learning and digital intelligence, IBM is reasserting its position as a tech innovator. The company's Watson computer system exemplifies its commitment to advancing practical applications of technology.
Career
37 Pieces of Career Advice “Here is a post, about the things I’d been told when I was just starting out. Some of them might be exactly what you need to hear right now. Some might not apply to you yet, or ever. That’s okay. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to make a big change, or aiming to reach new heights in your current role, I hope you’ll find something here that helps you navigate your own unique path.” - Ryan Holiday Is there one that stands out to you?
Development
Here is a year in review for Node.js Node.js is rapidly evolving, and it can be challenging for regular users to stay updated with the latest changes. Even as someone who works on the project, it’s possible to overlook certain commits. Therefore, this article aims to spotlight major changes and discussions occurring that took place on the Node.js landscape in 2023. How To Secure SQL Access for IBM i Users “Administrators often want to limit what SQL statements a user is allowed to run because of how powerful SQL can be. "What’s Different about SQL? SQL is a separate interface to the data and runtime SQL is part of the basic operating system. SQL uses the standard IBM i object authority to determine whether a user is authorized to execute the SQL statement. If the user has the right authority to the file and data, they can process the request using SQL, RPG, or any other function.”
Hiring
What Tech Roles Are The Hardest To Fill? If you do a quick search on “Hard to fill tech roles”, you will find that no matter what technical stack, it is hard to find good talent. While there may be challenges in finding IBM i developers to fill your openings, there are some simple adjustments that you can make. One approach might be to consider an Apprenticeship Model.
When hiring, while experience is relevant, a candidate shouldn't be overlooked for lacking specific role experience if they exhibit exceptional qualities. Leaders need to assess a candidate's eagerness for learning, self-improvement, and natural talent.
Are you struggling to find IBM i Talent? While we don’t always have a magic wand, but we are pretty good at finding exactly what you are looking for. If you are struggling to find the right IBM i direct hire or consulting talent, feel free to give us a call.
Training
Dive into Procedure Driven RPG Training with an #IBMChampion! The upcoming meeting of the Central Texas IBM i User Group (CTXiUG) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5th, at 6:30 PM (CT). Newly recognized #IBMChampion, Gregory Simmons, will present on Procedure Driven RPG. This session will cover the basics of a procedure, and then highlight the advantages of using procedure-driven RPG through real-world examples. You will learn how it enhances code readability, maintainability, and reusability, leading to a more efficient development team. Best of all. It’s free. Register here. IBM i Training Opportunities through LISUG's Community Network The Long Island Systems User Group (LISUG) has managed to thrive despite the challenges faced by other similar groups in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group's success is attributed to its focus on showcasing top-quality IBM i speakers, its unique meeting format that includes networking, dinner, and interactive sessions, and its commitment to inclusivity by welcoming both in-person and virtual attendees. LISUG also stands out for its fun and engaging events, such as the Night of 1,000 Stars meeting, and its efforts to give back to the community through an internship program with local schools. The group's upcoming big annual event will focus on Artificial Intelligence, with multiple sessions and notable speakers, including IBM i's own Mr. Open Source, Jesse Gorzinski. A Walk Into The World Of IT One of the largest IBM i user groups in the United States is the WMCPA (Wisconsin Midrange Computer Professional Association). They are well known for their Annual Spring Conference which is March 12th through the 14th. If you have been around a while or are new to IT or the IBM i platform, this is an in-person conference that you don’t want to miss. As usual, they have an IBM i world-class lineup. You can check out the schedule.
Join
Sign up for Talsco Weekly to get the latest news, insight and job openings for the IBM i professional.
Contact us
If you are an RPG programmer looking to explore opportunities or a client who is looking for a talented IBM i professional, please contact us. We look forward to assisting you.
Share
Do you know of someone who could benefit from Talsco Weekly? If so, please use the social media buttons to spread the word. Thank you!