February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 43
- LEAD ARTICLE: Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 2
- FEATURED ARTICLE: RPG Academy: Database Modernization—Methodology, Part 5
- FEATURED ARTICLE: 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results
- NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Next IBM i CIO Summit Tackles Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and More
- WEBCAST: Node.js on IBM i Webinar Series Pt. 2: Setting Up Your Development Tools
- FEATURED VIDEO: Design an Invoice in 10 Minutes
- EVENT: Everything You Need to Know About IBM i 7.4

Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 2
Extension files future-proof your data, but you also have to future-proof your extension files!
By Joe Pluta
In my previous article, I explained how to use extension files to encapsulate a legacy database. This allows you to add new data points to the database without the impact of changing an existing master file. This is important because changing a master file requires that you recompile every program with a file specification for that file, and that can be an expensive proposition. It may even be impossible if you're missing current source for any of those programs. But if you're not careful with your extension files, you'll wind up in a similar bind. I ran into exactly that situation with the customer extension file I talked about in the previous article. While it wasn't used as extensively as the customer master, it had begun to proliferate throughout the system to the point…

RPG Academy: Database Modernization—Methodology, Part 5
Time to start discussing the second big step in our database modernization methodology: moving business rules to the database. It’s going to be an interesting trek, and I hope you join me in it!
By Rafael Victória-Pereira
The previous four TechTips (you might want to re-read those articles, starting here) covered the conversion of DDS files to DDL objects, which is the first of three database modernization steps (convert the DDS files to DDL objects, move business rules to the database, and take advantage of DB2’s advanced functionalities). The general idea is that you’ll gain a lot with these steps, in terms of performance, database user-friendliness, and flexibility. It’s not an easy path, and some steps may sound a bit weird (yes, I can imagine what you’re thinking about step two, which I’ll start explaining in this TechTip), but it’ll make sense in a while.
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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2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results
This year marks the sixth edition of the popular IBM i Marketplace Survey Results. Each year, HelpSystems sets out to gather data about how businesses use the IBM i platform and the IT initiatives it supports. Year over year, the survey has begun to reveal long-term trends that give insight into the future of this trusted technology.
By HelpSystems
Past surveys have sparked many thoughtful conversations about IBM i, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an engaged community. We thank those who shared the 2019 results while at IT conferences, briefings, and team meetings.
2019 brought the launch of IBM i 7.4 and many new breakthroughs for IBM i in the cloud. We can’t wait to see how these technologies support growth for IBM i users in 2020.
Editor's note: The 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results is a free download from the MC White Paper Center.