Date addition is nice, but what about hours?

By Bruce Vining

In response to the recent articles on working with date durations, I received a note from Lori N. asking if similar support exists for smaller time frames. Specifically, Lori says, "Thanks for the articles; they are very helpful. I have a monitoring job that checks a data area to make sure we have sent updates to another system within a specific time frame. I used CEEDATE to get today and yesterday, but I'd also like to use a time interval so I can say 'If we have not sent anything in the last 6 hours, send an alert.' Is there something that takes the current time and subtracts a specific interval so I can compare the last times? If not, I'll have to be satisfied with checking dates. Thank you for your help with this." To which I respond, "Be satisfied with checking dates rather than hours? We should never compromise on such a basic need when working on i!"

Ever print out your passwords just before leaving on a trip? That's not necessary with the right password management software.

By Chris Smith

As I was getting ready to leave for COMMON in Nashville last spring, I wondered if I wouldn't need at least a few of the dozen or more passwords I have filed away that provide access to various Web sites, including the back of the MC Press Online news portal where we post articles. No password, no access to the site. No access, no news gets posted. Since passwords are usually filled in automatically by Windows, I don't have to commit them to memory (though I do know one or two).

Why mission-critical business systems need automation.

By Tom Huntington

When you think about systems management, do you think of software to automate the operation of those systems? If not, why not? In discussions with people in data centers across the country, I am often surprised by what seems to be a disconnect in their thinking about the relationship of automation software to systems management. On the System i, you can be as automated as you want to be.