RE: ILE adoption rate

>You forget a third group - those who would
>like to go to RPG IV/ILE but can't, because
>of management decisions.

You're right: I did forget.  Please forgive me.

>For those in this position, it is
>with increasing alarm that we see
>developments such as procedures,
>pointers, free RPG, etc. that makes
>us feel that not only have we missed
>the boat, but it is rapidly disappearing
>over the horizon.

A prior employer of mine deliberately stayed back-level on hardware and
software to save the money.  No PC's in the building except the accountants.
That sort of thing.  How soon I forget.

>In my case, I work with one of over 2 dozen
>subsidiaries around the world who use the same,
>Head Office supplied software.  Any changes
>have to be (at least partly) justified
>on the basis that other subsidiaries can
>use them.  And we can't use a language (i.e.
>RPG IV/ILE) that is not in common use
>every where else

I stayed late, worked through lunches etc. and fiddled with this stuff
without messing with the production software.  Not by any means a good way
to get experience, but it was better than the alternative.  Now, there are
time-share places (EDI Consulting have a free one!) where I can tinker off
the boss' machine.

>Trying to convince my manager of the benefits
>of change is useless, as he must follow a
>policy dictated by the overseas Head Office.

That hurts.  You must have a central Quality Assurance bureau who approve
all the changes then?  Perhaps there's the lever to pull.  Just an idea.

>So Buck, while I'm not happy with the status
>quo, I am forced to accept it.

I wish there were something I could say, but even if you can't get changes
made on the employer's software, do at least try to write some stuff on your
own.  Especially try subprocedures - that little bit of experience just
might be what gives you a leg up over other candidates for your next job!

Good luck!!
  --buck