Re: File Read

> Since I asked the original question, how does one go about requesting
> such a thing from IBM?


It's somewhat interesting to be reading this thread. It's a deja vu kind
of thing for me.

A few years ago, I (and my partner) went to IBM database folks and
presented what we felt was a strong argument for READ triggers. We
prefaced our discussion with the acknowledgement that there would be
serious performance considerations, but that we felt that because of
the, at that time, contemporary reason we wanted READ triggers that the
performance issue might be acceptable, at least for a limited time.

One could argue that there is a performance issue for INSERT and UPDATE
triggers, so what's the big deal about READ trigger performance worries.
The difference is that there are almost always VASTLY more READs issued
that INSERTs or UPDATEs.

The argument we presented to IBM centered on Y2K. We were considering
putting together what we felt would have been the quintessential Y2K
tool. The tool's basic premise was to let normal, everyday operations
identify (at least to a great extent) where dates were being used and
keep track of not only where they were used, but keep statistics as to
the frequency of their use. In so doing, considerable quantification of
the work necessary to fix Y2K problems would be captured by users simply
doing their jobs. The tool would "learn" where exposures were and the
data gathered as to the frequency of use would give us a great impact
analysis payback. With that data, priorities could be set as to what
needed attention first, etc.

The tool, in my opinion, would have greatly eased the burden on IBM's
AS/400 customers. We simply asked IBM for a READ trigger so that we
could provide the function to customers. We even went down the road of
mentioning patching the SEPT as Leif has discussed, just so IBM knew we
had some amount of knowledge.

As you know, we didn't get the READ trigger, even given what I feel was
compelling reason to consider it. Bottom line -- good luck getting IBM
to listen, now. Keep trying, though.

Gary Guthrie
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