RE: free-format move *USA date value to 6-digit numeric in YMDfor mat

It is presumably good that more, rather than fewer, developers are using
current versions of the OS and compiler so they can be taking advantage of
the newest features.  IBM is likely assuming that developers with access to
the new toys will take advantage of them; creating better, sharper, and
slicker applications.  The word will eventually spread that iSeries/AS400 is
not the dying legacy dinosaur the world thinks it is, but a vibrant platform
that will attract the interest of businesses interested in reducing their
development and maintenance costs.  That, in turn, will increase demand for
OS/400 knowledge in college students.

Whether any of this is true is really idle speculation.  Only IBM knows why
the enhancements are dribbled out this way and what the long term goals are.


Donald R. Fisher, III
Project Manager
Roomstore Furniture Company
(804) 784-7600 extension 2124
DFisher@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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Why is it good for IBM, the platform or the client?
I hear that but I never have heard a justification for that view--other than
IBM says this so it must be true.
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