March 4, 2020
March 4, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 44
- LEAD ARTICLE: Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 3
- FEATURED ARTICLE: RPG Academy: Database Modernization—Methodology, Part 6
- FEATURED ARTICLE: Developer Kit: Making a Business Case for Modernization and Beyond
- NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Remain Software Milestone Enhancements Boost Efficiency and Productivity for Organizations on IBM i and Multi-platform
- WHITE PAPER: 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results
- FEATURED VIDEO: Design an Invoice in 10 Minutes
- EVENT: CIO Summit — March 23-24, 2020 in Dallas

Practical RPG: Encapsulating Your Data with Extension Files, Part 3
Replace file specifications with your own field definitions.
By Joe Pluta
In my previous articles on this topic, I introduced extension files as a way to future-proof a legacy database and showed how to encapsulate those files in SQL access to allow growth. But I left out one important detail: When the compiler sees a file specification, it defines all the fields in that file. If you remove the F-spec, you have to define those fields yourself. And that's even trickier if you already have an extension file.
IBM Releases Fourth Quarter Results
IBM Report Details Steps to Secure Data for Quantum Era

RPG Academy: Database Modernization - Methodology, Part 6
If the previous article left you curious about what an I/O Server is, this one will explain it with a little help from an expert. Keep reading to find out more!
Written by Rafael Victória-Pereira
Last time around, I mentioned that some business rules can be moved directly to the database as constraints and your input/output code can also go somewhere else: an I/O Server. One of the experts I discussed this topic with is Patrick Sheehy, of Global Modernization Champion at Tembo Technology Lab (the company behind AO Foundation). Patrick was kind enough to share the company’s view on I/O Servers, which I share in italics below.
Why Migrate When You Can Modernize?
Explore the main considerations you should be aware of before embarking on a (migration or modernization) project. Take a deeper dive into business motivations and factors that could potentially influence your decision to migrate or modernize your existing IT platform and its risks.
More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation.
Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects.
The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the companyare not aligned with the current IT environment.
Get your copy of this important guide today!
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!
Low Code: A Digital Transformation of Supply Chain and Logistics
Learn how businesses leverage Low-Code to continue to deliver value through digital transformation. Discover how the power of Low-Code is helping many businesses evolve their supply chain, increase ROI, and achieve more tangible results.
Watch this webcast now.
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Developer Kit: Making a Business Case for Modernization and Beyond
Editor's note: This article introduces the white paper Developer Kit: Making a Business Case for Modernization and Beyond, which is free to download from the MC White Paper Center.