<snip>
They absolutely can and absolutely should emphasize the technical
issues instead (saying things like the scope of the patch would be
impractically large, would incur cost they can't afford, etc).
</snip>
But they have. In multiple places.
http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/ibmi/administrator/networks/i72-ssl-enhancements/
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/ssw_ibm_i_72/rzahu/rzahuwhatsnew.htm
http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=nas8N1020876
<snip>
Loading a Group Security PTF might result in the removal of a protocol
from the default protocol list. Subscribe to the Security Bulletin to
receive notification when a security mitigation includes this type of
change.
</snip>
This might be less than popular if now all your ancient browsers could no
longer connect.
IBM Security Bulletins
https://www.ibm.com/security/secure-engineering/bulletins.html
Here is one sample security bulletin
http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=nas8N1021697
And the 7.1 Knowledge Center lists ciphers available.
<snip>
IBM i 7.1 ... does not support elliptic curve so any ciphers containing
ECDHE with ECDSA will not work.
</snip>
https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rfe/execute?use_case=viewRfe&CR_ID=98870
And if you click on the Comments tab you will see:
<snip>
IBM intends to add significant new enhancements to the two most recent
releases, and some of those will only be added to the most recent release.
At this time, the most recent releases are 7.2 and 7.3. Requests for
enhancements to older releases will be considered, but are unlikely to be
implemented.
The size, complexity, and maintainability of the enhancements being
requested influenced IBM's business decision to implement them only in 7.2
and 7.3. As 7.1 is being stabilized and its End of Service date has been
announced as 30 April 2018, IBM has determined that the requested
enhancements will not be put into 7.1.
Posted by SteveWill on 24 Apr 2017
</snip>
How else do you expect them to communicate? List all the things that 7.1
will NOT have? Well, here's one. Rosie the robot will not pop out of the
back and bring Mr. Jetson his coffee. Perhaps sarcastic but there is
really no limit to what may not be there, or ever coming.
Rob Berendt
midrange.com
