LANSA Turns aXes into IBM i Cloud Enabler

I found an interesting article on the IT Jungle website and I have copied it below for your convenience.

LANSA Turns aXes into IBM i Cloud Enabler

Published: April 26, 2011

by Alex Woodie

LANSA is shipping a new release of its aXes Web enablement software that's designed to turn IBM i server environments into private and public clouds, including a platform for software as a service (SaaS). The vendor's new aXes-Cloud software, which ships with aXes version 2.0, enables organizations to make multiple IBM i server applications available to any browser-supported device. Version 2.0 also includes new query and spool file capabilities that IBM i users may find useful.

There's no denying the fact that "cloud" is extremely hot at the moment. Regardless of what the term actually means or whether it represents any true innovation compared to previous hosting models, cloud has taken off and embedded itself into the lexicon of the American businessperson. This has led IT vendors of all stripes to reposition their wares (or just re-write their marketing materials in some cases) to reflect a cloud basis, and you can't really blame them.

Cloud-mania is, thankfully, more subdued in the IBM i world, where hot technology and marketing terms du jour are usually ignored, and practicality and pragmatism have always ruled the day. That is not to say resellers and service providers aren't moving to roll out their own cloud hosting models in response to customer demands for lowering operating costs. Server outsourcing, as well as application service providing (ASP), have been a solid presence on the IBM midrange platform for more than a decade. But there is a clear trend of more IBM i workloads shifting from in-house servers to bureau-based computing centers, which is partly driven by the seemingly never-ending IBM i server consolidation cycle.

Chop Up the Cloud

This brings us to LANSA and its new cloud enablement offering. This offering is based on aXes, its screen modernization tool that converts 5250 data into HTML, which it obtained two years ago. aXes installs directly on the IBM i server, and uses a combination of XML and CGI techniques to enable on-the-fly screen conversions, without any source code changes or installation of client software.

LANSA unveiled a new aXes-Cloud component in aXes version 2.0 that, when installed on an IBM i server, turns that server into a "cloud gateway." This cloud gateway streamlines user access to multiple IBM i servers and applications sitting on the network behind the gateway. Users log on just once, and are automatically routed to all their applications, even if the apps are located on separate physical IBM i servers. "Users don't need to be aware that the cloud gateway exists," LANSA says in its announcement.

The Australia-based vendor, which has its U.S. headquarters near Chicago, sees several usage scenarios for the aXes-Cloud available with version 2.0. The first is for companies that run their own multi-server IBM i environments. Such an organization could use the aXes software to create a private cloud that streamlines user access to applications running on different IBM i servers.

This private-cloud scenario also provides the benefit of enabling browser-based access to IBM i servers that are too old, or too heavily customized, to support a direct aXes installation. According to LANSA, all IBM i servers sitting behind the cloud gateway server will operate as if the aXes-Cloud software is installed on it. That's a nifty little feat of IT magic that could prove useful.

LANSA also foresees aXes-Cloud being used by hosting providers to create public clouds for their customers. In the public cloud scenario, a customer can access any IBM i server installed behind a cloud gateway, including servers running at the hosting provider's data center, or even those that the customer keeps in house.

Benefits of the public cloud offering are similar to those of the private cloud. This includes making IBM i applications accessible over the Web, even if the underlying application or server infrastructure is too old or too heavily customized to justify its own Web-enablement project, according to LANSA.

Sharpening Cloud Business Models

Last but not least, LANSA is positioning the aXes-Cloud software to help ISVs turn their IBM i applications into SaaS offerings. LANSA says this offering will help by creating modern Web interfaces from 5250 applications without any programming.

One company that's using aXes-Cloud to bolster its hosting business is Evolution Systems, a Sydney, Australia-based IT consultancy with extensive expertise in IBM i hosting and SAP implementations.

In February, LANSA announced that Evolution Systems has adopted aXes-Cloud to bolster its IBM i hosting business, and to help create a new platform as a service (PaaS) offering to customers who want to outsource their IBM i workloads.

Geoff Boreland, founder and managing director of Evolution Systems, says the new software and its subscription-based pricing, "facilitates the fast and simple provisioning of new customers and additional users. We now offer hosted services with on-demand scaling whether up or down."

You can expect to read about additional IBM i business partners joining LANSA on the cloud journey. "We are currently in discussions with additional companies offering System i cloud solutions," states LANSA vice president of sales Kevin Corcoran.

Other aXes 2.0 Bennies

aXes version 2.0 brings several other new capabilities in the areas of spool files, database queries, and programmatic automation of 5250 applications.

Top of the list is enhancements to the aXes Data Explorer, which is a Web-based aXes program that allows users to query the DB2/400 database using IBM's SQL services. LANSA says aXes Data Explorer can handle all SQL queries, from the simple to the complex. It also lets users do things such as create and save SQL queries for later execution and export query results to spreadsheets, the vendor says.

The aXes Spool File Explorer, which enables users to access IBM i spool file output from the comfort of a Web browser, has also been enhanced. Users can view spool files on the Web browser as a PDF, HTML, text, or image file. The program also lets users create and save spool file queue searches for later use and export spool file data into a spreadsheet.

Finally, users can programmatically drive their 5250 apps with aXes-Robot, which is a brand new addition to the aXes suite. The aXes-Robot is a series of APIs that enable developers to basically simulate a user sitting in front of a 5250 session (hence the robot terminology). LANSA says this feature will be handy in several situations, including performing data entry as a batch program, using Web services to expose IBM i data that can only be accessed via 5250, or creating a connection between an ASP.NET website and a 5250 application.

LANSA is offering three flavors of the aXes-Robot API, including a .NET interface for Windows programs, a Java API that runs on IBM i and Windows, and an RPG-based API for pure IBM i environments.

aXes requires i5/OS V5R3 or later, and requires a FastCGI-enabled HTTP server such as aXes Application Server. The software supports recent releases of popular Web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome. LANSA offers access to aXes-Cloud through subscription and per-user licensing options. For more information, see www.axeslive.com.

SAP Training Tutorials

Are you interested in SAP? I found on TheSearchSAP.com some interesting tutorials as described below:

SearchSAP.com is the SAP community's resource for news, expert advice, technical tips and career guidance. Our collection of training tutorials are designed to help SAP users optimise their use of SAP software modules, SAP enterprise applications, SAP development tools and other SAP technologies. You'll find everything you need to know about SAP Basis, SAP BW, SAP HR, SAP Process Integration (PI) and SAP NetWeaver BI. And best of all? You can gain free access to these valuable resources by clicking on one of the below links:

SAP Basis training tutorial
In this comprehensive tutorial, you'll find answers to all your Basis questions. From the most basic question “What is Basis?” to the most advanced concerning customisation and configuration, gain a solid understanding of the features, benefits and drawbacks of SAP Basis.

SAP BW training tutorial
SAP BW is a comprehensive BI product that is centered around a data warehouse and optimised for SAP's R/3 environment.You'll find information covering all aspects of BI and BW with expert advice, decision-making analysis, case studies and business intelligence tools.

SAP HR and HCM training tutorial
This SAP HR training tutorial will guide HR managers, HR directors and SAP developers through SAP's HR/HCM modules, tools and processes. Improve your organisation’s SAP HR system with the latest tips and planning strategies from SAP HR and SAP /HCM experts.

SAP NetWeaver BI training tutorial
SAP BI (business intelligence) can have a huge impact on your business. Learn how and why business intelligence is used and find expert advice, decision-making analysis, case studies and more to help you get the most out of your SAP BI solution.

Major aXes Revamp Extends Cloud Computing for the IBM i

I have just read an interesting article in ITWire and I have copied it below for your convenience.

Major aXes Revamp Extends Cloud Computing for the IBM i -- Access your COBOL and RPG applications via the Cloud and via mobile devices

Sydney, Australia — April 19, 2011 — LANSA announces a new Version of the aXes 5250 Web Enabling Tool with a) the capability to offer access to new and existing IBM i RPG/COBOL applications via the Cloud, b) a complete overhaul of the pair of aXes browser-based query, access and reporting tools – DB2 Query and Spooled File Explorer and c) the ability to interact programmatically with 5250 data streams.

aXes Cloud Computing Software — aXes-Cloud significantly enhances the current Cloud computing offerings available on the IBM i.

Routing via a Cloud Gateway IBM i on which aXes is installed, users get browser-based access to their IBM i server running their line-of-business applications wherever their IBM i is situated. For a full description please visit: www.axeslive.com/products/cloud-computing-software.htm.

As a bonus, the browser access to the IBM i occurs on-the-fly without having to change any of the application code and without having to install any new software at the client PC.

aXes-Cloud, installed on the Cloud Gateway, enables any device that runs a browser (e.g., desktops, laptops, mobile devices) to be automatically connected to multiple IBM i servers. aXes-Cloud is a perfect solution to automatically connect users to their applications spread across multiple IBM i servers. Users log on to aXes-Cloud and it automatically routes them to the IBM i server and applications. Users don't need to be aware that the Cloud Gateway exists – they logon as normal.

aXes-Cloud provides a perfect opportunity for cloud computing service providers to add the IBM i to their offerings.

• Companies can use aXes-Cloud as a gateway to provide their own employees with access to different applications running on multiple IBM i servers.
• Hosting companies can host a Cloud Gateway that provides a switch connecting a single company’s multiple fixed and mobile users with browser access to that company’s IBM i server(s).
• Hosting companies that host IBM i servers belonging to multiple companies can use aXes-Cloud as a switch to route users from multiple different companies to the correct IBM i server(s) within the hosted environment.
• Application Software Vendors (ISVs) can host their application with a hosting company and use aXes-Cloud to offer the application to their customers via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.

No additional software needs to be installed anywhere except for a single copy of aXes-Cloud installed on a Cloud Gateway server. aXes-Cloud operates as if aXes were installed on each of the connected servers. Users enjoy access to their applications from any device and any location.

As aXes-Cloud is an extension to aXes it provides all of the aXes features for multiple IBM i servers and applications. From any browser, aXes users can securely access all their applications, work with their spooled files, query databases and manage operations on any connected IBM i server.

aXes Data Explorer for querying DB2 data from a browser — aXes Data Explorer is a Web-based DB2 query tool for querying DB2 databases on IBM i servers, using the SQL services provided by IBM. To use aXes Data Explorer, you only need a browser and a connection to an IBM i server.

Some of the aXes Data Explorer features include:

• Create and save SQL queries for later execution
• Handles SQL queries from the simple to the complex
• Export retrieved data to spreadsheets
• Works with all major browsers
• Nothing to install on the client device
• Accessible via mobile devices

aXes Spool File Explorer for accessing spooled file output from a browser — aXes Spool File Explorer is a tool for interrogating output queues and viewing spool files on IBM i servers. To use aXes Spool File Explorer, you only need a browser and a connection to an IBM i server.

Some of the aXes Spool File Explorer features include:

• Create and save spooled file queue searches for later use
• Export retrieved data to spreadsheets
• View spooled files data as HTML, text, PDF, or Image
• Works with all major browsers
• Nothing to install on the client device
• Accessible via mobile devices

aXes-Robot for Programmatically Driving 5250 Programs — aXes-Robot is an Application Program Interface (API) that developers access when creating applications that programmatically drive 5250 programs. aXes-Robot caters to a wide range of programming options with three versions of the API available: .NET (runs on Windows); Java (runs on Windows and IBM i); and RPG (runs on IBM i). No ActiveX controls are used.

The primary uses of aXes-Robot are:

• Performing data entry using a batch program
• Exposing as Web service data that is accessible only through a 5250 application
• Using a 5250 application as a back-end to your ASP.NET Web site

The aXes family of products is available for license from a worldwide network of reseller partners or from your local LANSA office. Visit www.axeslive.com for details.

For more information:

• www.axeslive.com
• www.lansa.com
• www.axeslive.com/products/cloud-computing-software.htm

Intrusion Detection on System i

I found an interesting article on the IBM i security IBMSystems Magazine and I copy below some important points:

IBM Intrusion Detection System notifies you of attend to hack into, disrupt of deny service to your system

August 2007 | by Jim Coon, Yessong Johng,

TCP Control Flags

Hackers, crackers, intruders, oh my! And each with their pride at stake, But rest assured with a System i, You'll have a host that they can't break.

Though the term hacker is used with pride by relative old-timers who remember the glory days of self-modifying code, patched binary code and jury-rigged wire connectors, it's since taken on more negative connotations, referring to someone who breaks into computers to disrupt service or "own the machine." Traditional hackers call these scurrilous creatures "crackers." We prefer the term hackers to describe both the malicious cracker and the ethical interloper. The malicious hacker is out to steal information, drive your business to its knees or take over your machine. The ethical hacker exposes the vulnerabilities in your system defenses so you can plug the holes.

The Intrusion Detection System (IDS) in IBM* i5/OS* notifies you of attempts to hack into, disrupt or deny service to the system. Prior to IDS, i5/OS took some protective measures against these types of intrusions. However, with the new IDS support, the i5/OS system can now tell you about the intrusions.

The types of intrusions on an i5/OS system that are caught, audited and, in many cases, discarded before they become a threat are multiple kinds of attacks, scans and traffic-regulation anomalies for TCP and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). In this article, we'll explain these different intrusions and provide an example of IDS in action.

You can read the article at: IBMSystems Magazine

Automatically Deleting Spooled Files through Expiration Dates

I found another interesting news on the IT Jungle website and I have copied it below for your information.

Automatically Deleting Spooled Files through Expiration Dates

Published: March 23, 2011

Hey, Joe:

Last year, I stumbled on a cool method for automatically deleting spooled files. When you create a spooled file, you can set the number of days that you want to keep that file on your system. Then once a night, you can submit a job that runs the Delete Expired Spooled Files (DLTEXPSPLF) command that will automatically delete expired spooled files. You should try it.

--Peter

After working with the Power i and its antecedents for almost 30 years, I always find it interesting when somebody shows me something valuable that I haven't used before. DLTEXPSPLF is a simple command that automatically removes all expired spooled files from all the system Auxiliary Storage Pools (ASPs) or the system ASP on your iSeries, System i, and Power i partitions.

DLTEXPSPLF takes a little planning because spooled files don't just expire on their own accord. Rather, you have to configure each spooled file with its own expiration date for later removal. This can be done before or after the spooled file is created.

To really understand DLTEXPSPLF, it's best to look at an example. Let's say that we want to set up all our INVOICE spooled files to automatically be deleted from the system after 30 days. We can easily do this by making the following changes.

1.Change the printer file that is used to create your target spooled file, so that it includes a target expiration period for newly created invoices--Let's assume you're using a third-party accounting package that uses a printer file called INVOICE to create all your invoice spooled files. If we want to designate that all INVOICE spooled files will expire after 30 days, we can change the EXPIRATION DATE FOR FILE (EXPDATE) parameter to *DAYS and the DAYS UNTIL FILE EXPIRES (DAYS) parameter to 30 days inside the INVOICE printer file. For this modification, we can simply run the following CHANGE PRINTER FILE (CHGPRTF) command.

CHGPRTF FILE(INVOICE) EXPDATE(*DAYS) DAYS(30)

This command changes the printer file immediately so all new invoices will automatically be tagged with an expiration date of 30 days past their creation dates. Note that this will work for any spooled files that are created through an associated printer file. Altering source printer file parameters can serve as an easy way to set different expiration dates for different types of spooled files.

2. Set up a daily job to delete all spooled files that have expired during the previous day--This can be done either through IBM's job scheduler or through a third-party i/OS job scheduler such as Help/Systems' Robot/SCHEDULE. Run DLTEXPSPLF this way in your scheduled job if you want to delete expired spooled files in all of your ASPs.

DLTEXPSPLF ASPGRP(*ALL)

Run DLTEXPSPLF this way if you only want to delete expired spooled files in your system ASP (ASP 1).

DLTEXPSPLF ASPGRP(*SYSBAS)

Spooled files always expire at 23:59:59 military time on their expiration date. So if you run DLTEXPSPLF once a day, it will delete all the spooled files that expired the day before.

To add an entry to the IBM job scheduler for running DLTEXPSPLF on a daily schedule, you can run the following ADD JOB SCHEDULER ENTRY (ADDJOBSCDE) command that IBM lists in its i5/OS V5R4 Information Center entry on DLTEXPSPLF.

ADDJOBSCDE   JOB(DLTEXPSPLF)  CMD(DLTEXPSPLF  ASPGRP(*ALL))          
FRQ(*WEEKLY)  SCDDATE(*NONE)  SCDDAY(*ALL)SCDTIME(010000)
JOBQ(QSYS/QSYSNOMAX) TEXT('DELETE EXPIRED SPOOLED FILES SCHEDULE ENTRY')

And that's all there is to automatically deleting your job logs. If you want to add any other types of spooled files to your automatic deletion schedule, change their print file attributes, provided you can find the print file they are created from.

You can also change spooled file expiration dates on the fly by running the CHANGE SPOOLED FILE ATTRIBUTES (CHGSPLFA) command to modify the expiration dates of files as they are created or as they sit in an output queue. To change the expiration date on a recently created spooled file to 30 days, all you have to do is gather the relevant spooled file information and run the following CHGSPLFA command.

CHGSPLFA   FILE(spooled file name) JOB(job number/user name/job name)
SPLNBR(spooled file number) EXPDATE(*DAYS) DAYS(30)

If you don't want to mess around with changing expiration dates on the fly, you can create your own program to change the expiration dates for all spooled files in an output queue. A few years, I wrote a program called MOVSPLF that was used to move spooled files from one output queue to another. This program creates a work file of all the spooled files in a particular output queue and uses CHGSPLFA to move each spooled file to another output queue. With a little modification, you can easily change MOVSPLF to set expiration dates for all the spooled files in an output queue. Click here to check out the architecture and code for the MOVSPLF program.

--Joe

DDS Conversion Tool

I found an interesting news on the IT jungle website and I have copied it below for your convenience.

DDS Conversion Tool Joins Profound's Web Development Tools

Published: March 15, 2011

by Dan Burger

Profound Logic Software has released an integral piece of its native graphical user interface platform built around IBM's Rational Open Access. The Profound DDS Conversion Module converts existing DDS source members to native IBM i objects that support a graphical user interface. It does this without relying on the green-screen protocol, a distinguishing factor compared to other application modernization methods. Profound is one of several IBM i ISVs making use of RPG Open Access.

The DDS Conversion Module is an important piece of the Dayton, Ohio, software company's Profound UI suite of application development tools designed for Web formats. Profound UI was announced in April 2010. Its approach is to use the native object-based architecture found in the IBM i, which allows the business logic to remain in RPG while obtaining the native GUI interface that many RPG programmers have asked IBM to deliver for so long.

RPG programmers with traditional display files (DDS) skills will likely appreciate how the Profound approach stays true to the DDS organizational method of separate record formats that represent different screens and subfile grids. However, unlike traditional display file objects, Profound UI creates what it calls rich display files that also store GUI metadata using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), a lightweight data-interchange format used to build dynamic HTML for browser applications.

Profound's RPGsp product, by comparison, is a combination of HTML working with RPG. "There was a learning curve for the typical RPG developer," says Alex Roytman, CEO at Profound Logic. "They are used to seeing things in record formats rather than HTML."

The DDS Conversion Module comes into play when modernizing green screens--whether adding features or functionality or not.

"The biggest benefit provided by the DDS Conversion Module," Roytman says, "is in moving forward with future development and in maintaining the applications. If you have a green screen with a GUI on top of it, you have to mess with the character-based interface and see how that propagates to the GUI, so you are maintaining it in two places. When adding new functionality with a refaced app then you have to create a green screen before doing anything else.

"Without DDS conversion, you have 5250 refacing for Web enablement. There is still a dependence on the 5250 for maintenance. It requires going back to the green screen to make changes and the logic gets put on top of the green screen."

The biggest advantage of using the DDS Conversion Module, compared to using a refacing solution, is it doesn't require any change to RPG logic. It also provides client-side scrolling in load-all subfiles, sortable columns, expandable subfile rows, and access to records and data within the running RPG program, Profound says. In addition, the converted screens can be maintained using the Profound's Visual Designer tool, which allows developers to add features to their applications without in-depth skills in technologies such as JavaScript, JSON, AJAX, and DHTML.

Naturally, new application development projects have to work with the databases on the iSeries and most will reuse the logic in existing applications. And although RPG gets overlooked or wrongly labeled as only a language for back end systems, it is certainly Web capable.

"There are a lot of RPG developers able to build Web apps from scratch without knowing HTML, AJAX, and JavaScript," Roytman says. In many cases, they have never crossed over into the world of Web technologies because they never needed to. RPG programmers are capable of building modern apps, but connecting the GUI front end with the back end logic has been an issue."

Roytman believes the success of Profound UI will be based on the fact that it simplifies the Web development process by using familiar concepts in combination with a variety of widgets used in customizing screens with graphical elements connected to RPG record formats and fields. He compares the look and feel of his company's Visual Designer tool to the Microsoft .NET design tool, Visual Studio.

"I always have thought Visual Studio is one of the easiest design tools from a layout standpoint. It's easy to get around," he says. "The concepts of our tool are RPG-like, but it looks like Visual Studio in the way the tool box contains controls that can be dragged onto a canvass, properties for each widget, and a listing of record formats. All of our drag and drop elements have the Visual Studio look and feel and the designer screen is very similar to how the app will look."

Profound Logic has worked with approximately 25 beta sites to fine tune the conversion process. Roytman says much of this time was devoted to increasing the support for DDS keywords.

"We don't support 100 percent of the DDS keywords," he says. "But there are keywords that are seldom used or not used at all. If you took your typical display file or the 10 typical display files a given company uses, the chances are pretty good that we'd be supporting all the keywords."

The entire list of supported keywords is available on the Profound Logic website.

Profound sells its UI modules individually or in packages. Pricing is based on system processor group. A company buying the basic handler and design tool should figure approximately $7,500 for each, or a total of $15,000 if they run on the P05 processor level. The DDS Conversion Module would be priced at $8,000.

For additional information, see the Profound Logic website.

MC Press Online Launches New Online Bookstore for IT Professionals

Redesigned from the ground up, the new MC Press Bookstore sports a clean new interface, more product information, and new training materials and e-book sections.

Ketchum, ID, March 10, 2011 --(PR.com)-- MC Press Online, LLC has announced the launch of its new feature-rich online MC Press Bookstore (http://www.mc-store.com) enhanced with new training materials and targeted at information technology professionals who need to keep their skills up to date.

The pace at which technology is moving today has never been faster, and many programmers, system administrators, and IT managers are under intense pressure to keep up with the new advances. In fact, according to leading IT staffing agencies, their jobs depend on it.

As the leading book publisher serving the IBM midrange channel, MC Press Online offers many titles on emerging and open-source technologies in addition to those developed and supported by IBM. A growing list of college textbooks and IT management books rounds out the product line. MC Press also publishes five high-tech newsletters and a news portal, MC Press Online (http://www.mcpressonline.com).

While MC Press has been offering books online since 2002, its original online store had several limitations and, eventually, a dated interface, all of which have been redesigned and completely redeveloped from the ground up, according to David M. Uptmor, MC Press Online publisher.

"The new store has more robust product listings and is far more informative than the old store was," says Uptmor. "We also have completely reorganized all store products to make everything much easier to find. There are now many different ways to view the products. It's a completely new experience from the user's viewpoint, one we believe will make customers want to return again and again."

A major enhancement to the store's content is the addition of a full line of training materials from Manta Technologies, Inc. (http://www.mantatech.com), the leading provider of training to the IBM i community. MC Press customers will receive an exclusive 5 percent discount off Manta's best price when they purchase Manta training through the MC Press Bookstore, according to Jeff Phillips, MC Press Online director of marketing.

"We now actually offer a price for training from Manta that is lower than Manta's own price," says Phillips. "However, you must click through from the MC Press Bookstore in order to get the extra 5 percent discount."

In line with current publishing industry trends, the MC Press Bookstore has opened a new e-books section where visitors will find a number of their favorite titles available in Kindle Edition via Amazon.com.

While the content, user interface, and functionality of the store have all been redesigned, so too has the pricing structure, says Phillips. Not only is the MC Press Bookstore now offering free ground shipping on orders of $100 or more for customers in the continental U.S., but prices on the current inventory of books have been adjusted in every case to ensure readers get the absolute best value possible, he says

For the budget-minded buyer interested more in the content than the wrapper, the Bookstore now offers a new "Scratch and Dent" section.

Because readers are generally interested in what people who have read a book think of it, the Bookstore has a review section where visitors can post their thoughts online. The Bookstore also has a new blog hosted by Katie Tipton, MC Press Online book editor, who will be writing about various authors and upcoming new titles.

Tipton noted that book code downloads are now available directly from the book's Web page, along with a link to the reader discussion forum. A popular feature of the MC Press Bookstore is the ability for readers to see a book's table of contents, index, and a sample excerpt—all in realistic PDF format—for every book.

As polished and attractive as the new Bookstore is, MC Press isn't finished with all the enhancements planned for the new site, according to the publisher. Among the major upcoming features will be a display of competitive pricing alongside the MC Press price, and inclusion of an affiliate program where other businesses can place an ad with a special link and receive a percentage of any resulting sales.

About MC Press Online, LLC

MC Press Online, LLC is the leading complete information resource for the IBM Power Systems (IBM i, AS/400, iSeries, System i, AIX, and Linux) community. Through its books, Web site, e-newsletters, and other products, MC Press Online delivers hands-on, up-to-the-minute information about Power Systems so users—from programmers to CIOs—can be more productive and better informed. MC Press Online provides information in a variety of formats to suit different needs. It publishes books, electronic publications, multimedia offerings, computer-based training, and Web-based education. Its Web site contains hundreds of technical articles, lots of code, and useful forums hosting discussions on topics related to the IBM midrange field. For more information, visit http://www.MCPressOnline.com.

Contacts for new book ideas and affiliate marketing opportunities:

Jeff Phillips
Marketing Director
208.629.7275 Ext. 503
jphillips@mcpressonline.com

Katie Tipton
Book Editor
208.629.7275 Ext. 505
ktipton@mcpressonline.com

This article was originally published at: Press Releases