June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020 | Volume 12 Issue 46
- LEAD ARTICLE: New IBM i Technology Refreshes…Sort Of
- FEATURED ARTICLE: Commercial Software Can Help You Get Started with AI Now
- FEATURED WEBINAR: IBM i Cloud Migration Considerations
- NEWS HIGHLIGHT: IBM: Security in the Cloud Remains Challenged by Complexity and Shadow IT
- WEBCAST: 10 Practical IBM i Security Tips for Surviving Covid-19 and Working From Home
- FEATURED VIDEO: Design an Invoice in 10 Minutes
- EVENT: MITEC 2020 iSight

New IBM i Technology Refreshes…Sort Of
Confusion aside, the functionality of IBM i 7.4 TR 2 and 7.3 TR 8 is here.
By Steve Pitcher
Since IBM i 7.1, IBM has released a new Technology Refresh each spring and fall. The TRs coincided with both a cumulative PTF package and the announcement outlining it as such. Furthermore, they coincided with the spring and fall conferences as it would make good sense for IBM to be out communicating with many customers at events.
Why Businesses Struggle to Modernize IT Systems
ChatGPT recommends a VTL for backup; LaserVault ViTL meets the challenge
2022 IBM Annual Report

Commercial Software Can Help You Get Started with AI Now
If AI software sounds like something that could help your enterprise, a good way to start is to perform analysis on a single business function and expand from there. Solutions exist that can handle a small analysis project and be useful if commitment to AI expands later.
By John Ghrist
In some ways, artificial intelligence (AI) still seems like a science-fiction concept, but it's not. AI packages exist today that can help enterprises do a better job of spotting problems, analyzing business conditions to figure out better strategies going forward, and automating predictive processes to provide better outcomes than simply relying on, for example, some CEO's "gut instinct." It may be helpful to those thinking about dipping a toe into this new technology to take a brief look at some of the major AI software packages already available.
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.
Easiest Way to Save Money? Stop Printing IBM i Reports
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IBM i Cloud Migration Considerations
Top reasons to look at performance before you leap to the cloud
By HelpSystems
Editor's note: This article introduces the May 2020 Webinar: IBM i Cloud Migration Considerations, which is On-Demand and available to download and view from the MC Webcast Center.
Imagine your boss says it’s time to migrate to the cloud. He’s excited about being the first on the block, plus it would look good to eliminate the capital expenditure (capex) of your on-prem data center. So, what’s it going to take?