Six Steps for Successful Application Modernization
Guest Blogger: Mike Otey, Senior Technical Editor for System iNEWS magazine
The IBM i is a highly successfully and ultra-reliable computing platform that’s in use in all kinds of businesses world-wide from order-entry, human resources, and education through inventory and distribution systems. I’ve worked with the IBM i system since the days it was originally called the System/38. Over time the IBM i’s secure, robust and high performance architecture has proven to be an excellent platform for enterprise level applications. However, the vast majority of today’s IBM i applications are green screen applications that are not readily accepted in this age of graphical applications.
Users and management expect today’s applications to be graphical. You can’t expect a green screen application to gain acceptance in the enterprise today – no matter how practical and useful it is. Today management won’t buy an application that’s not graphical and users will balk at using one. That said, many IBM organizations still have a number of 5250 green screen applications. These applications fulfill vital business functions and most are highly customized to meet the needs of the business. They may be run in a graphical application like the IBM i Access 5250 emulator or even the older RUMBA 5250 emulator, but that doesn’t make them graphical. Most IBM i based business are looking for ways to move these 5250 based applications to a more modern graphical interface.
If you’re familiar with my work with the System iNetwork you’ll know that I specialize in IBM i and Windows integration. I did my share of straight-up RPG programming. I programmed on the platform for more than a decade and I certainly know the ins and outs of the platform. My work led me into the areas of integrating the AS/400, now the IBM i, with Windows systems in variety of different ways.
I find it surprising that , even today, most businesses using the IBM i don’t realize or take advantage of the powerful integration features that the IBM i has.
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The State of Global Data Synchronization
My introduction into Global Data Synchronization started in 2002 as an IT manager for an early adopter of Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) standards in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. At the time, CPG companies were the only sector actively synchronizing item data in the United States. Since then, GDSN adoption has expanded to many other sectors with the latest entrants being Food Service and Healthcare. (If you are new to GDSN, check out our Jargon Buster page.)
LANSA folks at U Connect 2010
I’ve just returned from a very busy, well attended U Connect 2010 conference held in San Antonio where this increased activity was evident.
As GS1 US celebrated their 10th year for the conference, it was obvious that there were a lot of new companies in attendance. It was exciting to see how the momentum has picked-up for the GDSN initiative and how the standards are being adopted by more and more companies as a better way of doing business. There are now more than 5 million GTINs (unique trade items) in the GDSN network, exchanged between 92 countries! (Find the latest stats by opening this PDF version of the GS1 Global Registry Statistics report.)
The LANSA team met throughout the week with companies at all stages of adopting Data Synchronization methods and tools. We have many customers that have been using the standards for a number of years that are looking to expand the use of attributes, increase the use of integration with their ERP and/or PIM (Product Information Management) systems and increase the number of trading partners they exchange item data with. For the newer entrants, they are learning from the companies that have come before and are looking for integrated, smart solutions right out of the gate so they get the most value for their investments.
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