RE: iNext Revealed As IBM i 7.3

I'd like to say this.

IBM, and COMMON, both offer their own methods for submitting suggestions
for improvements to IBM i. Hardware, software and otherwise. One of your
first methods of trying to get something added would be to submit a
request for enhancement through one, or both, of those processes. I may
not always sound this way but I do prefer a positive approach to such
things. Nothing grinds me down more than some snotty comment on how IBM i
is on the edge of extinction because it doesn't support someone's personal
pet wish of the day. The squeaky wheel doesn't get the grease, it gets
replaced.

Each release of IBM i has brought something new and exciting to the table.
Obviously, some more than others. And, what is important to one person
on one release may be deemed less important to what another person thought
about a different release. Are there people who are always going to
espouse that the next coming release is oh so exciting to where they come
off more as a cheerleader? Probably. However, even if they make their
money doing release upgrades I do not question their excitement and I
believe that they truly believe there are some gems in there.

Now, I do realize that it may be frustrating to some because people are
saying exciting stuff is coming but when you ask them what they won't give
you any detail. Sorry. That's just the way it's going to be. These
people have signed non disclosure agreements (NDAs) with IBM and are sworn
to secrecy. It is a tough call. Does one leak what IBM will allow them
to in order to encourage you to take steps like getting reservations to
COMMON, checking applications for stuff that's announced which will not
work on iNext (like Java 6)? Or does one not even provide any such
teasers and you miss out on some thing just because they don't want to
risk frustrating someone? On the devils advocate side, how do you
determine if it's for real and not just a hype for something, like COMMON?

Let me end this with an old joke.
Three women are talking about their love life. One women says her husband
is a football player and it's very vigorous. One says her husband is an
artist and is very gentle. They both ask the third why she's so quiet.
She replies her husband works for IBM and spends the night sitting on the
edge of the bed telling her how good it's going to be when it finally
occurs.

Rob Berendt