Oracle Drops MySQL Support for IBM i

by Alex Woodie

Citing "very low demand," MySQL announced last month that it will no longer provide the MySQL database running on the IBM i operating system. The company, which is owned by IBM archrival Oracle, says it will continue to provide source code and limited product support to customers who want to work with the database on IBM i. Representatives with IBM Rochester say they are looking into ways to continue supporting the open source database, possibly with Zend Technology.

On December 7, MySQL announced the end of life (EOL) of MySQL binaries it developed for several operating systems, including i5/OS V5R4, IBM i version 6.1, AIX version 5.3, Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 3, SuSE Enterprise Linux version 9, OpenSuSE Linux version 9, and the generic X86 Linux distribution developed with Intel's ICC compiler. New support was added for the FreeBSD and Fedora operating systems.

Last month's announcement covers all versions of the MySQL database, including the binaries for the free community edition and the for-fee enterprise and commercial editions. It also includes the IBMDB2I product that allowed DB2/400 to function as a storage engine for MySQL, which MySQL owned. IBM i users are always free to compile the MySQL code themselves.

While finished binaries of older releases of the database for i5/OS V5R4 and IBM i 6.1 remain available for download, MySQL will no longer release fixes or enhancements in for the IBM i operating system in finished binary form. Those product lines have reached the end of the road at MySQL. The announcement also marks the end of sales and most forms of technical support for the enterprise and commercial editions of MySQL on IBM i. Customers can continue to get "limited" support from the vendor for running the database on these platforms, and can also get access to source code, if needed, according to the announcement, which can be viewed at www.mysql.com/support/eol-notice.html.

IBM tried to get Oracle to reconsider its decision to drop support for IBM i, but was unsuccessful, according to Allison Butterill, the application development offerings manager for Power. "We really wanted Oracle to continue to provide those binaries for our IBM i customers, and we know there were many customers that downloaded it from their website," she tells IT Jungle. "And they decided in the fall that they would withdraw those binaries. They cited business reasons; that the business justification wasn't there."

Support Questions

While MySQL won't be supporting the database on IBM i anymore, it isn't the end of the world for MySQL-on-IBM-i enthusiasts, and there are several options for IBM i customers to not only obtain the database, but to support it on the IBM i server as well.

The first support option is to go to the developer community and check forums on the Web with support questions, which is the standard way that open source software is supported, says Butterill, adding that only 5 to 10 percent of the thousands of IBM i shops that downloaded MySQL for IBM i bought support contracts from MySQL. "A lot of customers did not have a formal support agreement with MySQL, so the support is the same as they were using before," she says.

In the future, technical support may be available from IBM, Zend, or a third party. Butterill notes that Zend is already distributing installable code for MySQL for IBM i--including binaries for IBM i 7.1 for both MySQL and the IBMDB2I storage engine--and that IBM and Zend are investigating options for expanding the agreement to include formal technical support as well.

There has been no formal announcement about supporting MySQL through Zend, but there are ongoing discussions about it, says Ian Jarman, manager of Power Systems software. "We're certainly looking at that and considering it," Jarman says.

A Changing Relationship

The end of IBM i support by MySQL marks an abrupt downturn in the 3.5-year-old relationship between IBM Rochester and MySQL. Things looked promising in 2007, when IBM and the independent Swedish company entered into a formal partnership and announced plans to get MySQL running on the platform with the launch of i5/OS V6R1 in early 2008.

In late 2008, after MySQL had been bought by Sun for $1 billion, the two vendors continued to work together, and released the first private beta of the DB2/400 storage engine, which was released as a public beta called IBMDB2I in March 2009. IBMDB2I was added as a fully supported feature in MySQL version 5.1.35, which became available in May 2009. According to MySQL's website, IBMDB2I was removed with MySQL 5.1.54, which was released in November 2010.

Things really started changing when Oracle obtained MySQL with its acquisition of Sun. "I think it would be fair to say that the conditions of the relationship changed quite dramatically over the years," Jarman says. "If you think about it, when we originally developed this contract and support arrangement with MySQL, it was an independent company. Then it was taken over by Sun. Then it was taken over by Oracle. So, yeah, things have changed quite dramatically over the period. So it's not really a surprise given that MySQL was taken over by two different companies that they're business objectives have changed some years later."

By the way, with the elimination of support for IBM i 6.1 and AIX 5.3, MySQL now is officially not supported on any IBM Power servers, including newer Power7-based Power Systems servers, older Power6-based System i or System p servers, or even older still Power5-based iSeries or pSeries machines. MySQL has not been adapted and is not supported on newer releases of the operating systems, including IBM i 7.1 and AIX 7.1. No Power-based Linux distributions are officially supported.

At the top of every Web page on the MySQL website is a link that says "Recommended servers for MySQL." The link leads to Oracle's webpage for Sun servers. "It doesn't really surprise me that Oracle is beginning to say they will support fewer and fewer platforms as they try to shore up their Solaris business," Jarman says.

Yhe article was originally published at Four Hundred Stuff

Linux on the PS3 Playstation

The Sony PS3 is sold as console for gaming, but the Sony playstation 3 is also a powerful PC which allows to install an alternative Operating System such as Linux.. People usually use the console to play games, but the PS3 console can do much more. If you install Linux on PS3 you will be able to use your PS3 console also as another computer.

However we must mention one problem. In March Sony disabled the "Other Os" feature with the newì firmware v3.21. The update is not mandatory, but customers who decide not to install it, would be cut off from a number of other features such as signing in to PlayStation Network.This prompted a class action filed on April against Sony,

To conclude the Linux installation is still possible, but you should be aware that some other PS3 features will become unavailable There are many benefits that can be achieved by installing Linux on a PS3 and they are de scribed in the article at http://www.ps3mart.com

As you know I am always on the lookout for interesting news on the AS/400 and I found the following at http://blogs.systeminetwork.com

January 4, 2011

IBM i Enthusiast Asks for Cloud-based i

Aaron Bartell isn't the kind of guy to sit on the sidelines and think, "If only." No, Aaron likes to make things happen. Take, for example, his current idea for personal instances of IBM i.

Aaron would love to see IBM i more readily available to developers who might like to practice on it or get to know it better.

To that end he has asked IBM to create an affordable program that provides access to IBM i. Take it away, Aaron:

Cloud-based i

I'm curious to know how many developers have an idea to pursue on IBM i but can't because of a lack of access to a machine. I've found that it's incredibly difficult to obtain access to your own instance of IBM i. You either need to be incredibly fortunate to work for somebody that lets you use their IBM i system to expand your personal horizons, or you need a big wallet to purchase an entry-level machine at around $15,000.

I'm on the IBM ISV Advisory Council and have submitted a formal request for an end-user lease program that would let developers lease an IBM i LPAR "in the cloud" for market rates—about $65 per month.

IBM does offer the Virtual Loaner Program (ibm.com/systems/vlp), which lets you configure a new instance of IBM i via a web browser in about five minutes and two hours later IBM emails you login credentials to the automatically created IBM i LPAR. I've been using this VLP service for about four years and am amazed at how seamless it is. The only issues are that there are legal limitations on how you can use the machine, it's only accessible via a VPN connection (i.e., you can't host a public website on it), and your use expires after two weeks.

IBM has the technology, it just needs us to demand that the company take it further for the benefit of not only current IBM i customers, but also for the next generation of developers who are coming out of colleges in droves and only know Java and .NET.

Again, please let me know (aaronbartell@mowyourlawn.com) if you would like to have access to IBM i in the cloud. I need to go back to IBM with numbers and examples of how people would use such a service if it existed.

One thought I had is if IBM doesn't fly with the idea, would it be affordable, profitable, and possible for a third party to run with it and make it happen?

—Rita-Lyn Sanders, Senior Industry Editor

Posted by rsanders at January 4, 2011 12:49 PM

The Top Ten Success Factors in Application Modernisation on the IBM AS400

Author: Amy Grenham

Businesses considering the ongoing maintenance of their software systems are increasingly opting for the modernization route rather than replacement. Here are the top ten lessons learnt from a decade in application modernization.

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1. Evolution not revolution – Take small steps to change an existing system incrementally for a robust, cost effective end result.

However attractive a clean break may appear, it’s a high risk /high failure option. Instead, break down the existing situation into smaller steps and make your changes as part of a rational and sequenced process.

2. People are the key, not the technology.

People don’t hold documentation for each of their business processes. Many of the quirky IT workarounds and fixes needed to keep things ticking day to day, exist in the heads of the IT team. Programming is not just coding, its problem solving. That’s why people who know about the business are just as important as people who know new technology.

3. Get up to speed on integration technologies, in particular Java.

In order to move legacy applications on and benefit from the latest technology, it’s time to embrace modern programming languages.

Between Java and C#, it’s Java that comes up trumps as it is supported by multiple operating systems. Java offers much greater integration capabilities than legacy languages such as RPG or COBOL. What’s more, Java skills are readily available in the marketplace, so it makes financial sense to buy in additional resources when required.

4. Make sure that IT, Finance and the business are talking to each other.

Communication between departments is the key to the success of a project. If people a

re not talking to each other and understanding what is going on, then you have to find a way of bridging that gap for the project to succeed.

5. It pays to stay current on your software maintenance.Â

And this may mean staying in touch with your vendor. Even if you are not planning to change anything right now, when the time comes you will know what enhancements, fixes and features are available to you and you will be in the enviable position of being aware of your options.

6. Use testing tools and try out new ideas.

With the right testing tools and test automation you can start making changes without fear of any horrible repercussions. If you can’t measure a known baseline against which you can test any software change, you are taking a high risk with your existing set up. Manual testing is not going to cut it – it’s inaccurate, labour intensive and therefore expensive.

7. A system that has been around for 20 years cannot be replaced in two years.

A system that has been around for 20 years, represents 20 years of work, not just the original 2 years that it took develop. Fixes, features and refinements will have been introduced over the years until the system operating today maybe considerably different to the original.

8. There is no room in modern software for Waterfall project management techniques.

Waterfall project management techniques are characterised by long periods of non-delivery. Instead, opt for Agile practices. The result will be full involvement of the technical and business teams in a process of continual development and delivery. Not only does this make for better risk control, you can more effectively manage the project scope.

9. The ground-up IT replacement project only succeeds at the point that business processes are made to fit in with the new software.

We are yet to see a brand new system that is truly tailored to the business. The management of a project of this scope is fraught with difficulties, the main issue being the number of parties with differing requirements all competing for limited resources. The big re-write typically ends in an IT compromise, bending existing business processes to work around the new system.

10. Modern and legacy applications can happily co-exist.

Legacy and new applications, living together in perfect harmony, happily ever after.

www.desynit.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/operating-systems-articles/the-top-ten-success-factors-in-application-modernisation-on-the-ibm-as400-3865021.html

AUTHOR:

Amy Grenham is a marketing communications professional.

Application Mapping – Special System i News Series

As you know I always on the lookout for news and opportunities on the IBM iSeries (AS/400) systems.

I found something interesting at http://www.databorough.com and I have copied it below for your convenience.

Robert Cancilla authors a series of four articles on how Application Mapping has changed the way companies are managing, maintaining and modernizing their Legacy IBM i Applications.

The whole series is available as an eBook(pdf) download here, or use the links below to download the individual articles in the series.

Individual Articles

Application Mapping - IBM_i_the_present_and_the_future.pdf Enterprise Application Discovery - Automated_Application_Audit.pdf Legacy Application Design Recovery - Modernizing_Legacy_CA2E_&_RPG_applications.pdf Automating system wide changes - Writing_programs_to_update_your_programs.pdf

Zend optimized PHP Server 5.0 Web Application Development and Management for IBM i and IBM Power Systems

Zend Technologies, the PHP Company, today announced that Zend Server, an enterprise-ready solution for the operation and management of PHP applications is a first for the IBM i operating system environment to IBM Power Systems ™ platform. Zend Server for IBM i, companies are now using modern PHP-based Web applications on existing business logic and corporate databases efficiently and safely.

“PHP and Zend are a leading platform for the rapid development of web front ends for RPG and COBOL applications,” said Ian Jarman, Manager, Power Systems Software at IBM. <"The commitment by IBM and Zend, the technological cooperation has a robust, fully supported solution that help our customers improve the performance, reliability and security they expect from us in the operation of business critical applications on IBM i will have done". Zend Server for IBM i – Duration and management functions

Business-class PHP – An up-to-date, fully tested, supported and documented PHP stack for high reliability and minimal risk
Rapid Response problem – Application Monitoring and Diagnosis allow early problem detection and rapid root cause analysis
Optimal application performance – Built-in optimization, acceleration, and job queue ensure high performance and low resource utilization
Leveraging the power of the IBM i – a 5250 Bridge and PHP Toolkit to make PHP applications easy to build and run on IBM i

Customer Experience

“We chose Zend Server for our IBM i platform to an attractive front-end ordering system for our warehouse distribution system to create,” said Scott Campbell, Programmer / Analyst at Value Drug Mart in Canada. “This allowed us to easily self-service to hundreds of customers who order now online, track order fulfillment and call loans without lengthy faxing. Automating this process reduces errors and reduces our support staff to focus on higher things.”

Zend Server for IBM i is integrated with Zend Studio for IBM i and the Zend Framework, offering a complete solution for developing, debugging and PHP applications on IBM i

“Can program Integration Server with Zend Zend Studio, we monitor and debug everything in one place”

, Campbell said. “We can spot and resolve performance issues without unnecessary downtime and provide tighter code in less time than before. Under this approach, we expect a significant improvement in the speed of our e-commerce sites.”

Because IBM and Zend partnership began, tens of thousands of IBM i customers from all over the world have the PHP language, Zend Solutions for the introduction of business-critical web applications used.

Zend Server EDITIONS

Zend Server for IBM i combines all the features that were previously offered separately in Zend Core for IBM i and Zend Platform for IBM i. It is available in two editions:

Zend Server for IBM i is the commercial edition, software updates and security patches, creates a 5250 bridge, integrated application monitoring, code tracing, and problem diagnosis, full page caching and Job queue functionality. The commercial version is gold and platinum support for up to 24×7 telephone support.
Zend Server Community Edition for IBM i provides a complete and certified PHP stack, PHP Toolkit and performance optimization tools plus the first year of Silver level support from Zend. This edition is in all new distributions of the integrated IBM i operating system, and it can also be downloaded for free from zend.com.

Zend Server for IBM i exceeds Zend Core for IBM Zend Platform for IBM i and i, to provide better performance and easier management of the PHP environment. With the release of Zend Server for IBM i, both Zend Core for IBM i and Zend Platform for IBM i is an end-of-life process in power.

product information DOWNLOAD

Zend Download Server for IBM i: http://www.zend.com/products/server/downloads

Zend Server for IBM i Information: http://www.zend.com/solutions/i

Zend Server for IBM i Webinars: http://www.zend.com/resources/webinars/i5-os

IBM i on Power Systems: http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/

About Zend Technologies

Zend Technologies, Inc., the PHP Company, is a leading provider of products and services for developing, deploying and managing business-critical PHP applications. PHP is running 35 percent of global sites and has quickly become the most popular language for building dynamic Web applications. Deployed at more than 30,000 companies worldwide, the Zend family of products provides a comprehensive solution to support the entire lifecycle of PHP applications. Zend is in Cupertino, California.

For more information, please visit or call +1 408-253-8800 http://www.zend.com.

Zend, Zend Technologies, Zend Framework, Zend.com, Zend Studio, Zend Core, Zend Platform and associated logos and symbols are registered trademarks of Zend Technologies, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. IBM is a registered trademark and IBM Power System is a trademark of IBM Corporation.

This article was originally published at: Webhosting Blog

Does coding System i programs with WDSc causes headbanging?

According to this video, posted on YouTube, from Aaron Bartell, it does



Code Aaron, code!
If you like it, share the love..

The article was originally published at http://www.i4everyone.com