Fwd: SSA Interview -- BPCS-L

Warning ... this is a BIG thing ... a LOT of info here.

http://www.midrangeserver.com/mso/mso081903-story02.html

I thought some of you might be interested in this interview which an SSA executive gave to this 400 publication. My apologies to those of you where I just duplicated something you already knew. I got this out of the 400 newsletter that I am forwarding. The SSA interview is the 4th news item on the list. Go to the Vendor Announcements section ... at the very end there is an announcement of ANOTHER acquisition by SSA.

http://news.com.com/2100-1012_3-5064944.html

The interview helps put some of their recent acquisitions into perspective, such as what future impact on BPCS. Overall the presentation sounds very promising. Apparently they may have had some policy changes that I was not aware of.

QUOTE: We, as a company, have a policy of not sunsetting any product. UNQUOTE perhaps a misconception on my part ... I thought many versions of BPCS had already been sunsetted ... does this mean that BPCS will never be sunsetted, but they will continue to sunset some versions, or does it mean that all current versions can continue to infinity?

Some of what is being said does not seem to jive with some things a lot of people bitching about on this list in recent months ... it is prohibitively expensive to upgrade your AS/400 if you are no longer on their tech support.

Perhaps the policy changed because I told IBM that any further plans to upgrade us to the next iSeries had been sunsetted due to the high cost of BPCS key should we ever want to switch boxes, and this also probably applies to hundreds if not thousands of other IBM customers. However, I need to be nice ... there is something we may need to buy from SSA soon, and I been warning co-workers that we need to bend over backwards not to annoy them.

Does anyone know when is SSA fiscal year? Once upon a time purchases made right at the end of their fiscal year were peanuts compared to beginning, because the sales reps got better commissions by booking a deal sooner.

I would like to see a break down of SSA's 16,000 customers ... how many with BPCS vs. the other ERPs.

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OS/400 Edition
Volume 2, Number 32 -- August 22, 2003
   In This Issue
We Bring It All Together So You Don't Have To. View this page at <http://www.midrangeserver.com/mmo/mmo082203.html>http://www.midrangeserver.com/mmo/mmo082203.html Sponsored By BCD INT'L

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Top OS/400 Stories from Around the Web <http://www.midrangeserver.com/tfh/tfh081803-story01.html>(Midrange Server) According to a new survey of 1,400 chief information officers performed by Robert Half Technology, the workloads of IT workers are up across the United States. The good news, according to the poll, is that new projects and corporate expansion (driven in part by company mergers and acquisitions) are giving IT professionals more work to do. But it's another story if you ask whether a company's headcount is growing along with that workload.

<http://www.the400group.com/aiw/free/08-1803.html>(The 400 Group) IBM announced that the next release of WebSphere Development Studio client, Version 5.1, will be available through Passport Advantage on September 23, with the physical media shipping October 17. Enhancements include an upgrade to the latest Eclipse version (Version 2.1), the newest WebSphere Application Server runtime environment (Version 5.02), performance enhancements, and new developer features.

<http://www.iseriesnetwork.com/news/nwn/story.cfm?ID=17110&channel=news>(iSeries Network) COMMON is expecting its fall conference to be a big draw, considering that it will be held in Orlando, Florida. So far, 1,300 attendees have signed up (not including COMMON staff and exhibitors), but there's a surprise or two for late-comers: The closest hotels are already booked, and late-comers will be shuttled three miles down the road at the same $175 per night fee. There's also a $100 fee for attendees who don't stay at a conference hotel.

<http://www.midrangeserver.com/mso/mso081903-story02.html>(Midrange Server) Since being resurrected from bankruptcy in 2000, SSA Global Technologies has made a number of acquisitions, including last month's $135 million buyout of ERP vendor Baan. This week, SSA GT executive Graham Cooksley sat down with Midrange Server to discuss the acquisition and how it fits in with SSA GT's agenda.

<http://www.midrangeserver.com/mso/mso081903-story04.html>(Midrange Server) While many OS/400 shops in the automotive food chain should be taking steps to comply with the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act, passed by Congress in reaction to the Bridgestone/Firestone tire recall in 2000, few of them are, says Ron Ezsak, channel director at Active Web Services.

<http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5065839.html>(ZDNet News) At the Hot Chips semiconductor design conference at Stanford University this week, IBM announced it will incorporate multithreading technology--a process that lets one processor act like two or more processors--into its Power5 server chip. Big Blue said it had samples of the chips running in its labs and that it has booted the AIX, OS/400, and Linux operating systems on the chip. The Power5 is scheduled to become commercially available in 2004.

<http://www.midrangeserver.com/tfh/tfh081803-story02.html>(Midrange Server) IBM has responded to the lawsuit filed against it by The SCO Group, which claims that IBM violated its contract with SCO by illegally moving SCO's code and intellectual property to the Linux 2.4 operating system. IBM recently filed a countersuit that alleges SCO has violated IBM's patents and the GNU General Public License, under which SCO distributed its own brand of Linux. So what's an OS/400 Linux user to do? This article provides an idea or two.

<http://www.midrangeserver.com/tfh/tfh081803-story03.html>(Midrange Server) The SCO Group has issued a statement about the lawsuit Red Hat launched against it on the opening day of the LinuxWorld trade show. SCO also announced pricing for the SCO Intellectual Property License for Linux, which Linux shops can now buy to indemnify themselves from future lawsuits that SCO might file related to allegations that the company's Unix technologies have been misappropriated into the open-source Linux operating system.

<http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1225505,00.asp>(eWeek) IBM's Lotus software division is modifying its Domino platform to create two messaging and collaboration products exclusively for small and midsized businesses. The new products, Lotus Domino Collaboration Express and Lotus Domino Utility Services Express, are targeted at organizations with between 100 to 1,000 employees.

<http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1225476,00.asp>(eWeek) A mystery security researcher code-named Mycelium, who recently identified security flaws in IBM Lotus Sametime, claims that Big Blue did not fix those vulnerabilities in Sametime's Version 3.0 encryption scheme. Mycelium said it is still a trivial matter to recover users' keys and passwords from Version 3.0, because both the password and the key used to encrypt the password are sent in the same packet.

<http://news.com.com/2100-1014_3-5065099.html>(CNET News.com) IBM announced that it will cut 600 jobs. Five hundred of those jobs are in its microeletronics plant in Burlington, Vermont. Workers will have 60 days to find another position in IBM or leave the company. Big Blue is also requiring that a number of employees in its chip-making unit take a week of unpaid leave.
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Vendor Announcements, Promotions, And Deals <http://www.midrangeserver.com/mso/mso081903-story01.html>(Midrange Server) ASNA will roll out ASNA Visual RPG for .NET, which allows RPG programmers to transition their skills and reuse RPG code in the .NET environment. ASNA is also readying a new tool, called Importa, which, the company says, will "translate nearly all user interface independent business logic without issue."

<http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1225514,00.asp>(eWeek) BMC Software is launching products based on the MasterCell technology it acquired earlier this year through its IT Masters acquisition. Selling under the Service Impact Manager name, the product will also be further integrated with other BMC management tools, including Patrol Enterprise Manager.

<http://www.internetweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=13100692>(Internet Week) Check Point Software Technologies introduced Check Point Express, a VPN/security solution aimed at midsized businesses with 500 employees or less.

<http://www2.ibmlink.ibm.com/cgi-bin/master?xh=1lbIQ74MGSrp*a2USenGnN9332&request=announcements&parms=H%5F203%2D206&xhi=usa%2Emain&xfr=N>(IBM) IBM is releasing several new enhancements to its Infoprint Server for iSeries V5R2 and Infoprint Designer for iSeries V1R1 software. All Infoprint Designer and most Infoprint Server enhancements will be available August 22. But the new intelligent routing enhancement for Infoprint Server will not be ready until September 26.

<http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1225658,00.asp>(eWeek) Legato Systems, which is currently being acquired by EMC, still plans to upgrade several of its packages over the next year. Legato's Networker backup software will gain new features tailored for EMC storage and Control Center software. The company also plans to upgrade its AlphaStor product and to build a backup gateway for EMC's Centera product, and will soon enter into a resale agreement with IBM.

<http://www.internetweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=13100686>(InternetWeek) Hummingbird introduced Automated E-Mail Management server-based technology for automating the profiling of incoming and outgoing e-mail messages, for retention and regulatory compliance.

<http://www.midrangeserver.com/mso/mso081903-story05.html>(Midrange Server) Linoma Software introduced its latest release of Surveyor/400, which includes new graphical filters and command prompters. Linoma also released a new version of its Transfer Anywhere product, Version 1.3.0, which supports Open PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) certificates to encrypt or sign documents within your FTP, e-mail, and IFS (local) distributions.

<http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1224584,00.asp>(eWeek) PeopleSoft announced a new Workforce Performance Solutions suite. The package is made up of PeopleSoft's Enterprise Portal and HRMS Portal Pack, Enterprise Learning Management software, its eDevelopment product, and various pieces of its Human Resources application.

<http://news.com.com/2100-1012_3-5064944.html>(CNET News.COM) SSA Global Technologies announced Monday that it is buying supply-chain management specialist EXE Technologies for $47 million. SSA GT plans to merge EXE with its manufacturing enterprise software subsidiary.
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New Redbooks, White Papers, and Other OS/400 Resources <http://www.midrangeserver.com/tfh/tfh081903.html>(Midrange Server) Midrange Server produced a special report this week focusing on iSeries security. This report features special iSeries-based articles on VPN, vendor-inflicted security exposures, single sign-on, Integrated File System security, and protecting an iSeries from hackers.

<http://publib-b.boulder.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpieceAbstracts/redp3698.html?Open>(IBM) The draft Redbook Modifying HATS Projects<http://publib-b.boulder.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpieceAbstracts/redp3698.html?Open> explains how to create and modify Host Access Transformation Server (HATS) projects. It provides a general overview of the process, and provides examples of common customizations.

<http://publib-b.boulder.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpaperAbstracts/redp3646.html?Open>(IBM) The Redpaper WebSphere for IBM eServer iSeries Server Buying and Selling Guide, Second Edition<http://publib-b.boulder.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpaperAbstracts/redp3646.html?Open> is a one-stop resource for information on buying or selling iSeries WebSphere. It contains definitions, events, information sources, education, FAQs, and more.

<http://search400.techtarget.com/whitepaperPage/0,293857,sid3_gci917079,00.html>(Search400.com and Bytware) The white paper Top Security Issues for the IFS<http://search400.techtarget.com/whitepaperPage/0,293857,sid3_gci917079,00.html> reviews the many ways that the iSeries Integrated File System is used in OS/400 and how it affects the security of your box (registration is required).

<http://search400.techtarget.com/whitepaperPage/0,293857,sid3_gci919418,00.html>(Search400.com) The white paper The Need for Mirrored Backup<http://search400.techtarget.com/whitepaperPage/0,293857,sid3_gci919418,00.html> details a data availability technique called mirrored backup and explains what it does and how it can help provide resilient protection and restoration of a company's data.
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Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

August 28 -- The iSeries Nation is presenting an online chat titled "Host Integration Solution for iSeries." The session covers WebSphere Host Integration Solution for iSeries, which was designed to extend 5250 applications to the Web and to provide software for creating and deploying new host access applications. The presentation will be led by IBMers Alison Butterill and Brian Safron. For more information, go to the <http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/audience/Homepage.wss?view=ination>iSeries Nation Web site.

August 28 -- iSeries Network presents "IBM's Awesome Single Sign-On Strategy." This Webcast has IBM eServer Security Architect Patrick Botz covering the problems single sign-on addresses, why current approaches haven't caught on, and IBM's eServer approach and what it provides iSeries shops. For more information, go to <http://pentonevents.webex.com/pentonevents/onstage/g.php?d>the iSeries Network Event Information site.

August-September -- LANSA is presenting a number of seminars, workshops, and Webinars across North America in its LANSA Solution series. These seminars deal with various LANSA products as well as hot topics for LANSA users. Go to <http://www.lansa.com/events/solutionseries.htm>www.lansa.com/events/solutionseries.htm for dates and more information.

August-November -- ASNA has one-day seminars on ASNA Visual RPG and Caviar and running AVR for .NET. Future seminar locations include Hartford, Connecticut; Portland, Oregon; Denver; St. Louis; Houston; and Guildford, England. For a complete list of seminar topics, locations, and dates, go to <http://www.asna.com/0303_ASNA_Visions_seminars.asp>www.asna.com/0303_ASNA_Visions_seminars.asp.

September-November -- Bytware is conducting several workshops to help customers take advantage of the most valuable features of Bytware's monitoring, security, and paging products. Workshop topics include MessengerPlus, StandGuard, and MessengerConsole. Go to <http://www.bytware.com/products/workshops.html>www.bytware.com/products/workshops.html for more information.

September 7-11 -- The COMMON user group presents its fall 2003 conference and expo in Orlando, Florida. COMMON is the largest and most widely attended of the iSeries-specific conferences. IBM's own experts and many other industry professionals present sessions and hands-on labs. COMMON provides an excellent opportunity to network with fellow professionals, attend a multitude of educational tracks, and get real-world solutions at the vendor expo. The meeting also will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the AS/400-based IT department at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure theme park. Go to the <http://www.common.org/Conferences/conf.html>COMMON Web site for more information and to register.

September 23 -- MKS presents "Workflow-Enabled Software Configuration Management for the iSeries," a Webinar that demonstrates the product Implementer Software Configuration Management and its integration with MKS Integrity Manager to provide a complete audit trail for all software changes. Go to the <http://www.mks.com/campaigns/eventsept23.jsp>MKS Webinar registration site for more details.

September 25 -- MKS presents "Using IBM WDSc in a Team Enviroment to Successfully Develop, Build, and Deploy eBusiness Applications," a Webinar that demonstrates how native AS/400 and Java developers can access required software configuration management functionality directly from IBM's WebSphere Development Studio Client for iSeries product, working in conjunction with the MKS Implementer package. Go to the <http://www.mks.com/campaigns/midrangewdscsept25.jsp>MKS Webinar sign-up page for more information.

October 13-17 -- IBM presents an iSeries Technical Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando, Florida. According to IBM, this twice-annual iSeries event is where technical experts and programmers can get their questions answered by IBM's most knowledgeable Rochester and Toronto gurus. Go to <http://www-3.ibm.com/services/learning/conf/us/iseries/>www-3.ibm.com/services/learning/conf/us/iseries/ for more information.

November 7 -- The Washington Area Midrange Users Group presents its annual technical conference (JAM) at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. The conference features in-depth educational sessions, presented by nationally recognized experts. The agenda includes breakfast with iSeries Chief Scientist Dr. Frank Soltis and a luncheon keynote address by iSeries marketing maverick Malcolm Haines. The cost is $225 for members and $250 for non-members, but there is an early-bird discount if you pay by July 31. Go to <http://www.wash-midrange.org/jam.html>www.wash-midrange.org/jam.html for more information.

November 18-21 -- EXTOL will host its 2003 user conference at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. Go to <http://www.extol.com/forms/uc2003/confinfo.cfm>www.extol.com/forms/uc2003/confinfo.cfm for more information.

April 28-30, 2004 -- ASNApalooza 2004 will be held at the Westin River Walk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. ASNApalooza is three days of ASNA Visual RPG instruction and technical insight, with an emphasis on the RPG development environment for Microsoft's .NET platform. Go to <http://www.asna.com/0303_ASNA_Visions_palooza2004.asp>www.asna.com/0303_ASNA_Visions_palooza2004.asp for more information.

May 19-21, 2004 -- Aldon Computer Group will present its annual Aldon User Conference 2004 in Chicago. Sessions will highlight the practical application of Aldon's software, including Affiniti, CMS, and eTEAM. Go to <http://www.aldon.com/events/user_conference.html>www.aldon.com/events/user_conference.html for more information.

June 20-22, 2004 -- The COMMON European Congress will present its annual conference in Cardiff, Wales. Initial planning has already commenced, but if you have any ideas for the event, go to the <http://www.comeur.org/bod1/pages/News.php?id_news=1>COMMON Europe Web site to see how you can contribute.

Editor: <mailto:jhertvik@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>Joe Hertvik Managing Editor: <mailto:spastore@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>Shannon Pastore Publisher and Advertising Director: <mailto:jdelroy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>Jenny Delroy Advertising Sales Representative: <mailto:kreed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>Kim Reed If you have a resource, event, or any other interesting item that you want to see publicized in Midrange Monitor, send an e-mail to <mailto:jhertvik@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>Joe Hertvik

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- Al Macintyre http://www.ryze.com/go/Al9Mac Find BPCS Documentation Suppliers http://radio.weblogs.com/0107846/stories/2002/11/08/bpcsDocSources.html BPCS/400 Computer Janitor at http://www.globalwiretechnologies.com/ Part time may get commission from some BPCS vendors for helping them ... I will now say in a post if the product I commenting on is also one potentially involved with this ... not that I have made anything from this yet.