#ibm db2 for iseries as400

[gandgtechme-blog]

AS400 Security - Is your data fully secure on IBM i AS/400 iSeries?

Introduction

The first incident of hacking dates back to Alexander the Great, when he cut open the Gordian knot, which was considered one of the toughest knots to untie. A prophecy said that the one who unties the knot is destined to become the ruler of Asia. Alexander took up the challenge of solving this knotty problem and when he struggled to undo it, cut open the knot with his sword and became the first hacker in the world. He reasoned that since that was a solution to the problem, the method did not matter. Similarly, in today’s hi-tech world where businesses and people in general store trillions of confidential and private information, it is extremely critical to prevent data breaches.

There are hackers spread all over the globe in different locations, coming up with innovative ruses to hack data. This can even compromise national security or bring down a business empire completely when it falls in the wrong hands. IBM i AS/400 iSeries passwords are considered to be as tough and impregnable like the Gordian knot. However, much has been debated about the security of data on IBM i AS/400 iSeries.

How secure is your Data on IBM i AS/400 iSeries?

The Gordian knot is characterized by intricate loops and patterns, which is how passwords are encrypted. However, with a little astuteness, the password can be decrypted through lateral thinking, a concept which was later popularised by Edward De Bono. The Gordian knot that Alexander solved is also a great example of lateral thinking, where you can find solutions by applying a different perspective on the problem. Similarly, there is a possibility that by applying a different thought perspective, it is possible to hack data protected by the IBM i AS/400 iSeries.

Hackers will not try to obviously breach security directly, instead, they will resort to more misleading methods to trick you and gain access, much like the Trojan horse. By creating a CL program that mimics the user’s sign-on screen by overriding the QDSIGNON display file, the user is tricked into providing their credentials on this screen. The user will not find any difference between their regular sign-on screen and the screen that is mimicked by the program. The Trojan program also closes once the information is retrieved. Yet another method to steal user information on an IBM i AS/400 sig-on screen is through a display file comprising the User-defined Data Stream (USRDFN) keyword. Using a trace command, Trace ICF (TRC-ICF), it is again possible to get the user ID and password details.

Managing IBM i Encryption keys

Though these are common and plain hacking methods that are used, there are other tougher hackers lurking on the internet. Hence it is absolutely essential to implement best practices in information security management such as auditing and compliance checks to identify vulnerable areas and address them. For example, encryption keys should not reside on IBM i with encrypted data. Improper management of encryption keys makes it easy prey for hackers. The implementation of SSO or single sign-on help eliminate a major percentage of threats to password management.

[usajobsite]

RPG/Synon Developer

*local candidates strongly preferred

*ONLY in-person interviews will be conducted, NO Skype, NO exceptions

*contract may be extended beyond 6/28

Required Skills (10 + Years)

IBM I Series

RPG Programming

Synon Programming

DB2 and SQL Database Knowledge

SQL Programming.

ETL Capability

RPG and Synon and SQL Support for the implementation of two critical COTS applications Real Estate and The OneSolution System from the AS400

Seeking a programmer/business analyst to assist in the implementation of a COTS Real Estate System from a home grown iSeries AS400 application. As well as support the implementation of the OneSolution Financial system from the AS400 Naviline System by aiding in the construction of interfaces and reporting if necessary. Expertise in RPG/SYNON programming is required to drive the success of this endeavor. Performs the analysis, definition, design, programming, development, initial testing, and implementation of software, database, and applications. Assists in the evaluation, implementation, upgrade, and support of changes to existing software, databases, applications, and/or SQL-related projects. Creates and modifies enterprise reporting processes, develops and maintains the necessary documentation, ensuring that all projects are developed according to established standards, procedures, and specifications. Performing technical problem determination, resolution and support for interfaces, databases, applications or SQL projects within development, test and production environments. Analyzes business process flows to improve efficiency of county employees: reviews department reports/forms and flow chart diagrams of current business processes and systems; evaluates work flow methods/procedures to assess strengths/weaknesses of existing systems; interacts with department director and system users, vendors and other government officials to define details of work flow; develops needs assessments to document current/future needs; recommends solutions to software needs, discusses current analysis, needs assessments, and recommendations with department managers. Develops strategies for integration, conversion and customization of new software into business processes. Develops a variety of technical documentation: develops user documentation to support new software: develops/designs required reports. Provides software training, technical support, information, and assistance to users. Maintains a working knowledge of a variety of computer programming languages, operating systems, and software programs associated with work activities, which should include RPG, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, scanning, web administration, network management, communications, diagnostic, utilities, internet, and email; maintains working knowledge of various computer programs utilized by county departments.

RPGSynonDeveloper from Job Portal https://www.jobisite.com/extrJobView.htm?id=213860

[gandgtechme-blog]

A beginner’s guide on understanding IBM i AS/400 Operating System (OS)

Introduction

We live in a digital age where technology is constantly evolving every minute. None of these would have been possible without the role of tech giants such as IBM today. This IT company is known for selling the largest volume of sophisticated mid-range systems such as System/34, System/36 and System/38 in the industry. IBM has constantly strived to evolve and deliver high performance processors with evolved operating systems that make it possible to operate at high systems while keeping it cost-efficient. This has been a huge boon for the industry since it provides a two-pronged advantage of running business solutions on cost efficient platforms and protecting their investments on applications that form the very core of their business.

Understanding the IBM i AS/400 Operating System: A Beginner’s Guide

The basic philosophy of IBM’s architecture is ensuring the integration of the middleware components required by the business to IBM’s architecture, symbolised by “i” in IBM i series. To this mix, there are also automated components and efficient data management capabilities that enable the customer to manage their business with ease.

IBM i AS/400 OS is heralded as one of their greatest accomplishments. The IBM i AS/400 Operating System (OS) is one such model that was designed to fit in departments of large companies as well as cater to small businesses, and penetrate almost every business line globally. This model succeeded in the sophisticated midrange products and is known to have an uptime of almost 99.9%.

What makes the IBM i series unique is the breadth of integration that it offers. The System/38 architecture was created based on IBM i’s core architecture design. The feature includes the use of a relational database, single-level storage so customers do not have the huge responsibility of managing storage, ability to handle multiple workloads, and a technology independent interface eliminating recompilation between programs.

The AS/400 comes with a wide variety of interesting features, which may have to be added at an additional cost or managed separately.

· System Management: The browser based management tool, IBM Systems Director Navigator enables users including administrators to manage the IBM i partition. The advantages are tracking, monitoring, and planning performance and resource use.

· Data Warehousing: Enables it to function as a large repository of data since it includes multi-terabytes of hard disk space and multi-gigabytes of RAM.

· Development system: The AS/400 architecture also lends itself as a development system because of the integration with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and Java based commercial applications that IBM developed.

· Groupware services: For corporates, Dominos and Notes provide sophisticated features such as online collaboration, email and project file sharing.

· Ecommerce Support: AS/400 can provide ecommerce support for a midsize company since it includes web server and applications that support this platform such as tracking and monitoring orders including vendor management.

From the beginning, the overall business philosophy driving the AS/400 was to make it an all-encompassing server that would replace PCs and web servers globally. In reality not only AS400/IBM i provided their customers with the maximum business value, probably far exceeded its original goal.

[gandgtechme-blog]

Why Is IBM I AS400 Still Used?

Introduction

IBM i AS400 operating systems were originally known as OS/400. IBM introduced this combination of the integrated system featuring hardware and an operating system comprising many core functions including an integrated database. It underwent a number of changes during IBM’s rebranding of its servers and in its subsequent release, was renamed as IBM i. It is also referred to as AS/400 or iSeries IBM Server. Though the reference to AS400 can be easily seen in many certifications and with professional associations, there is still a looming question of AS400’s relevance. The question is valid considering the fact that it introduced way back in 1988 and we are now in 2019! That’s a good thirty years gap and the technology today is way ahead of its times. It only continues to evolve rapidly with time.

So it is understandable that the platforms themselves would have gone through numerous iterations and developments. Yet, what makes IBM i AS400 still relevant today is its upward compatibility. Surprising as it may, you can run AS400 on Power System servers even in the current time period.

The Question of Relevance

AS400 still holds sway in many companies since it helps power critical applications in areas such as hospitals, banks including government bodies. The AS/400 servers are used in legacy systems rather than running everyday applications such as employee based functions or office functions. Statistics also point to the fact that the majority of users rely on IBM i AS400 to run their business applications. There is also a possibility that the workloads to the application can increase. Nevertheless, there is always a section of the audience who may prefer to move to other platforms for other reasons. Since AS400 was developed almost three decades ago, there is a sense of apprehension surrounding its relevance in today’s robust business environment.

Another aspect to consider is the skills and expertise required to maintain and run this niche platform. Since it was created a while back, even the individuals who created it may be close to moving it. This also means that their expertise goes out along with them. So it is crucial to have a transition plan in place to ensure talent does not die out with them.

Key reasons why IBM i AS400 is still a good choice even today is its reliability, scalability, security, and compatibility.

IBM i, as already stated, is upwardly compatible. What this means is that it helps cut costs by preventing expensive time consuming code migrations when platforms are updated.

Its image as a not so modern platform could not have been farther from the truth. In fact, its healthy mix of both native and open source development languages gives it both a modern and traditional balance.

With the appropriate software, any security concerns can be ruled out.

Most importantly, IBM i can not only handle a 4 core server but is scalable enough to handle up to 256 core machines!

Last, but not the least, when it comes to the question of reliability, IBM i AS400 stands tall. The platform is known to be up and running almost all the time.