Re: Cheaper Servers?

Syd,

While I have not participated to this point, I've watched this thread with
great interest.

Your point about "iSeries relies on Windows" is a marketing decison and not
necessarily a technical one by IBM.  Client Access and Operations Navigator
are being moved from traditional C++ to Java.  Huge parts of the code are
all ready written in Java and there apparently is a major initiative to
move the rest to Java.  Same goes with the Ops Console.

What many users do not know is that XWindows is a live and well on iSeries
hidden away in PASE and in other deep nooks and crannies of OS/400.  I have
heard rumors that IBM has been experimenting with AT&T's VNC which is an
OpenSource utility that will deliver XWindows on any TCP/IP attached device
from web browser to cellular phone and anything in between.

It is therefore possible for our beloved iSeries to be completely client
independent and work with any device from your PDA to a PC and anything
inbetween.  For cheap systems, RS6000 technology is the logical path to
follow.  You have the RISC chips and almost identical hardware.  The
RS6000's all ready have low cost models in their product line. They have to
in order to be competitive with Sun, HP and other UNIX based iron vendors.

Our iSeries machines are identical to the RS6000's and come off the very
same assembly line in Rochester Minnesota.  The only difference is the logo
(the i vs p) and the OS loaded onto the box!

Once IBM finishes moving CA, Ops Nav, and the console to 100% pure java,
then any client can run the machine.



Bob Cancilla
IGNITe/400