December 4, 2019
December 4, 2019 | Volume 16 Issue 41
- LEAD ARTICLE: Practical RPG: Moving Your Help to Panel Groups
- FEATURED ARTICLE: RPG Academy: Database Modernization - Methodology, Part 3
- FEATURED eCOURSE: AIX Security Basics eCourse
- NEWS HIGHLIGHT: IBM Launches Open Technology to Speed Response to Cyber Threats Across Clouds
- WEBCAST: Node Webinar Series Pt. 1: The World of Node.js on IBM i
- FEATURED VIDEO: Design an Invoice in 10 Minutes
- EVENT: TODAY: Sneak a Peek at MarkMagic X

Practical RPG: Moving Your Help to Panel Groups
The HLPARA keyword is a great first step to providing help, but HLPPNLGRP provides your users with next-level support. See them in play here.
By Joe Pluta
In my previous article, I described the underlying architecture of contextual help for the IBM i 5250 interface: define rectangles on your display and assign help text to them. I focused entirely on defining the rectangles and purposely didn't go into any detail on the actual help text. That's because the keyword used for defining the rectangles (HLPARA) is the same no matter which help text technique you use. Now that we know how to access the help text, it's time to learn how to write it.

RPG Academy: Database Modernization - Methodology, Part 3
It’s time to get your hands dirty and actually begin the database modernization process. Learn how to start and manage the physical-file-to-table conversion process in this TechTip.
By Rafael Victória-Pereira
The previous two TechTips discussed the organizational aspects of the database modernization process. It’s now time to start converting your old-school, DDS-defined physical files to “modern” and better-performing DDL tables.
What to Do When Your AS/400 Talent Retires
IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small.
This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business?
This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn:
- Why IBM i skills depletion is a top concern
- How leading organizations are coping
- Where automation will make the biggest impact
Enjoy!
Download your copy today!
2019 State of IBM i Modernization
The annual Profound Logic ‘State of IBM i Modernization Survey” takes a look at the trends and attitudes that shape the IBM i modernization market. We reached out to the IBM i community, and the response was outstanding: close to 800 people, nearly 300 more than last year, took the survey. This enthusiasm resulted in very interesting findings for how businesses plan to use and modernize the platform in the coming year.
As you read through each section of the survey, you will see our summary of the results and suggestions for the future. We hope the survey will help your business better understand what is possible for your IBM i platform in the coming year.
Node Webinar Series Pt. 1: The World of Node.js on IBM i
Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.
Part 1 will teach you what Node.js is, why it's a great option for IBM i shops, and how to take advantage of the ecosystem surrounding Node.
In addition to background information, our Director of Product Development Scott Klement will demonstrate applications that take advantage of the Node Package Manager (npm).
watch now!
What Most IBM i Shops Get Wrong About the IFS
Can you trust all of your users all of the time?
A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six month later.
A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:
- How phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated
- Three little-known ways malicious programs can reach your IFS
- Why the IFS is IBM i’s “Typhoid Mary”
You’ll also learn why some of the most common malware solutions still leave IBM i systems vulnerable—and what you can do to protect your organization.
Easiest Way to Save Money? Stop Printing IBM i Reports
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AIX Security Basics eCourse
Intruders and rogue employees alike are able to invisibly exploit weaknesses from the inside out. This online eCourse allows you to browse various AIX security topics to learn how to mitigate common threats to your AIX environment.
By Core Security
Editor's note: This article introduces the AIX Security Basics eCourse, which is On-Demand and available to download and view from the MC White Paper Center.
With thousands of configuration settings and permissions to manage inside of AIX systems, it can seem overwhelming to ensure these systems maintain proper compliance. From users, password services, file, and directory permissions to how file systems are mounted and configured, there are countless elements to be on the lookout for. As you expand this into many different systems and start adding in Linux machines, which have the same compliance rules, and then add in your Windows machines with the same compliance rules, you quickly understand the tremendous scope you are managing, even in a small configuration with a few dozen systems.