RE: A little learning...

Dan said:

>I would imagine, but don't know for certain,
>that simpler, older technology work (think 
>purely RPG coding) would be off-shored much 
>more often than more complex or "newer" 
>technology work (think Java & RPG 
>working in tandem).
>
>I would be interested in knowing if others 
>think I missed the mark on that.

Java "programmers" are so easy and cheap to find that it is easy for a
consulting company to offer Java programmers for hire.  The real opportunity
is with people who can readily navigate an iSeries database AND application
code, and can advise on how to modernise using whatever technology is
appropriate.  Sometimes, that will be Java/browser and sometimes not.  If we
iSeries people become at least passing familiar with the technology, we can
at the very least spot a Java "consultant" who is giving bad advice.  The
other factor which argues against offshoring (you coined a new word...nice!)
is that many RPG-only companies have no specs.  Things sort of grow a little
at a time.  I think it is difficult for the typical small company to
outsource this routine work.  Imagine simply handing the project you're
working on now to a contractor that you expect to go away and return with a
finished work.  How would that go?

Sticking with the learning thread, it is remarkably simple to download
Apache web server, Tomcat servlet engine, Java SDK and Eclipse IDE to work
on web technologies on your own PC.  Free of purchase charges.  I would
definitely take the advice to read the "zzz in 21 days" or "zzz for Dummies"
books to get an overview of what is involved.
  --buck