mainframe

Why IBM?

Topics: Client Server vs. Mainframe, Why IBM?, Data Center, Hardware, Databases, Implementation

IBM conducts research into computer hardware such as semiconductor, nano technology for storage medium. IBM employees many researchers in fields such as mathematics, algorithms, and material science.

IBM offers hardware and software for all platforms, business solutions, e-commerce, consulting and systems architecture as well as support and documentation for their products.

Many vendors have targeted software products to use in conjunction with IBM hardware. Computer Associates for example offers a host of development tools to assist an IBM based software development ( Information Systems departments ) to be productive.

Sample of an architecture from IBM website check link for additional articles. Insurance Application Architecture by IBM is summarized here.

IBM Internet connection IBM is a leading player in technology including Electronic Commerce. A large portion of the profits made on the Internet were through IBM technology. IBM is continuing to emphasize commitment to Internet Commerce through partnership with Web Integrators.

Developer connection with information on Java, XML, WEB technology.

Links to IBM related sites

Find a job at IBM.

ROLE of the Mainframe

Many people have predictions on the role of the mainframe computer, WEB REFERENCE , has many articles on current computer platforms though I disagree with the prediction that the mainframe platform is no longer needed. My theory is that mainframes serve a vital role and have characteristics that make them better suited to certain applications and they will remain in that role for a long time. Support from my theory is in article 2 from web reference and the Data Center article.

Article 1. Paraphrased from Web Reference

To be sure, there's plenty to worry about when one contemplates Microsoft and its various competitors:
The market for desktop operating systems that compete with Windows appears stagnant.
Even the server market may be dominated by Microsoft, as Windows NT servers
displace Unix servers that displaced mainframes. In the Java Wars, Microsoft appears
to be losing some battles - but the campaigns are not spent. Microsoft continues to work
to halt the momentum Java, replacing it with ActiveX or incompatible versions of Java.

Article 2.
Mainframes are excellent data servers in Three-Tiered architecture. Existing mainframe services can be reused through the virtue of a flexible data layer. Mainframe
services can be made to look just like any other data service layer, thus preserving the transaction processing capabilities of mainframe. This is significant since mainframes tend to be optimal environments for high-volume transaction processing.

Article 3.
Legacy systems will fade out: As old mainframes and old pre-Web applications are phased out, the replacement systems will be Web-oriented and Web-friendly from the start.

SOFTWARE

IBM Software offerings

The IBM Users Group SHARE is a volunteer run association providing user focused education, professional networking and a forum to influence the Information Technology industry. They compile a CBT tape containing freeware for distribution to registered members.

CBT Tape is essentially a distribution point for an enormous collection of free software utility programs, working examples of system exits, REXX programs, CLISTs and many, many, many more helpful tricks and tools - all written and provided by MVS system programmers for MVS system programmers.
"It's an example of sharing in the truest sense of the word," says SHARE Director of Electronic Business Jeffrey Wilk, "Using it can save you time and money, make you a hero and make your job easier."

Computer Associates is helping to deliver IT solutions for 0S/390. Examples are "Top_Secret" security and XCOM data communication software. XCOM is a file transfer system for high-speed transfer of mission-critical information between a wide range of platforms, including IBM mainframes, etc... XCOM provides 'value added' file transfer capabilities, performing job submission and report distribution in a single solution.

Work from home Using IBM's Passport software via the Advantis network. Logon to any system through the Advantis Network.

Author: Mark Wittman