Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly

IBM i Brief: The Push To Modernize the IBM i. Watsonx: AI for the IBM i platform.
Development: Do you know what QSHCURL is?
Learning: The Future of the RPG developer depends on this.
Hiring: Don’t Panic About RPG Developer Retirements: How Training and Open-Source Languages Can Ensure a Smooth Transition.

IBM i Brief

There are many signals that IBM is pushing to modernize the IBM i platform. We can see this through the TRs (technology refreshes), the wide range of open-source languages that are available to use on the IBM i platform, and one of their more recent endeavors, which is in supporting the ISV community.

This article dives into all the details surrounding IBM’s efforts to modernize its ISV (Independent Software Vendor) ecosystem, which includes companies that develop and sell software solutions for IBM i and other IBM platforms.

These efforts include providing resources and support for ISVs to modernize their applications and migrate to newer technologies, such as cloud computing and AI.

IBM is also working to improve collaboration between ISVs and IBM with the goal of creating a more integrated and cohesive ecosystem.

This article suggests that these efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of the IBM i platform.

AI for the IBM i platform

We touched on this in last week’s issue of Talsco Weekly. While AI has been around for a long time, it is becoming more mainstream in the enterprise.

Overview of Watsonx:
WatsonX, is designed to help businesses implement and manage AI and analytics projects in a secure and compliant manner.

It offers a range of tools and services that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization, including data governance, model development, and deployment.

The platform is built on IBM’s Watson technology and is designed to help businesses accelerate their AI and analytics initiatives while ensuring compliance with regulations and data privacy laws. Watsonx is available now and can be accessed through “IBM’s cloud platform“.

How could Watsonx be used with the IBM i?

watsonX can be used in an IBM i environment in a number of ways.

Businesses can use watsonx to develop and deploy AI and analytics models that can be integrated with their IBM i applications.
watsonx can also be used to help businesses manage their data more effectively, ensuring that it is properly governed and compliant with regulations and data privacy laws.
Additionally, watsonx can be used to help businesses automate processes and workflows, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Summary, watsonx offers a range of tools and services that can help businesses leverage the power of AI and analytics in their IBM i environment while ensuring security and compliance.

Development

Do you know what QSHCURL is?

If not, here is a quick introduction of how to curl your RPG Apps with QSHCURL.

The article covers how to use QSHCURL, a tool that allows IBM i developers to make HTTP requests from their RPG applications using the CURL command in QShell.

It provides step-by-step instructions on how to install and use QSHCURL, as well as examples of how it can be used in RPG programs to retrieve data from web services and APIs.

It highlights the benefits of using QSHCURL, such as improved performance and flexibility, compared to traditional RPG methods of accessing web services.

Enjoy.

Learning

The Future of the RPG developer depends on this

I have always been fascinated with the capabilities of the human mind and spirit. Why can some accomplish so much, and why do others struggle to realize their true potential?

It comes down to having a Fixed or Growth Mindset.

Fixed mindset = status quo

Growth mindset = endless possibilities

As this article points out, it is important to understand the differences between the two and how anyone (yes, anyone) can develop a growth mindset.

Understanding the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are fixed traits, while people with a growth mindset believe that they can develop their abilities and intelligence through hard work and dedication.

Embracing challenges and learning from failure. People with a growth mindset see challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indications of their limitations.

Cultivating a love of learning and persistence. People with a growth mindset are passionate about learning and are willing to persist through challenges and setbacks in order to achieve their goals. They also seek out feedback and use it to improve their performance.

Key Takeaway: The architects at IBM that are working on the IBM i platform, clearly have a growth mindset. They see endless possibilities for IBM i and its ecosystem. If you don’t believe me, check out the latest “technology refreshes for the IBM i“.

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Now it’s up to the rest of us in the IBM i and RPG community to realize its true potential.

It’s time to take action.

Hiring

Don’t Panic About RPG Developer Retirements: How Training and Open-Source Languages Can Ensure a Smooth Transition

As RPG developers on the IBM i platform reach retirement age, it has led to a concern about the availability of RPG Developers and the potential impact it will have on businesses that rely on mission critical RPG applications.

The one thing that needs to be addressed is that the availability of RPG developers, or the lack thereof, is not as big of an issue as one might think when it comes to the future of the IBM i platform.

Join

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.

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