Quite literally out of the blue, IBM have further invigorated support for their 10-year-old operating system by allowing the OS to run on its latest architecture, the Power9 – a processor type that it was never supported on.
​
IBM i 7.1 was originally launched on April 13th 2010 and is the longest supported release of any IBM i midrange platform in the family history since the birth of AS/400.  In October 2020, IBM announced that 7.1 will enjoy a support extension of two years, but even with this, this still limited the platform to incumbent servers and there wasn’t even the hint that Power9  would or even could be supported in the future. 

This is great news for IBM i shop of whom were limited on potential server upgrades, but it does come with some caveats.  First, upgrades are limited to a select few options – Power9 servers with the designations 9009-22A & 22G.  Next, there are some I/O restrictions which may have implications depending upon configuration.  Also, you will have to purchase your new box with 7.3 or 7.4 and you will have to be on software maintenance too.  Only with these, on a qualifying server, will you be allowed to download your 7.1 keys.  Even then, you may find your service fees double as you will also have to pay for the 7.1 service extension.

All being said, IBM have done the business in providing an upgrade path to their latest technology.  This is great news for businesses running on legacy IBM i.

For further reading please see the official IBM i release notes ​and the excellent article in IT Jungle.

Due to #Covid19UK restrictions this month, the date of the next @i_ug_uk education event i-POWER Midlands has changed from Tuesday 10th November to Thursday 10th December.

REGISTRATION OPEN HERE:
https://www.i-ug.co.uk/

Utilities 400 are proud members of #iUG and look forward to the rescheduled event.

#IBMi #AS400 #iSeries

From 'what is a Barcode' to investigating turn-key real-time barcoding solutions - we'll introduce you to what you need to know to help transform your barcoding potential. 

Successful IBM i enterprise use barcoding within all aspects of their operation.  From tracking work in progress, directing shipments to identifying appropriate parts and material and document control, the benefits of accurate information, real-time visibility and a highly efficient work force are clear. 
 
Join IBM i experts Utilities 400 for a webinar on everything you need to know on Barcoding for your IBM i enterprise.
 
During this 30 minute webinar, we’ll introduce you to

• Why barcoding is required.
• The different barcode types.
• How to create barcodes in an IBM i environment.
• How to choose the correct barcoding device for your processes.
• The importance of looking beyond ‘batch’ processing.
• Real-time, multi-faceted point of transaction technologies.
• How to deliver native IBM i barcoding that integrates with your ERP.

 
By the end of the webinar, you’ll have a fundamental understanding on how you can introduce real-time barcoding into your IBM i enterprise and the associated benefits. 
 
ShowMe Barcode offers a simple but powerful method of introducing barcode technology and/or upgrading from batch to real-time processing.  Using ShowMe Barcode applications provides business the opportunity to reduce errors and make huge gains in efficiency.  ShowMe Barcode works in parallel with your ERP providing appropriate information and instruction to the barcode operative while providing fully validated, live reading and writing to your IBM i.

REGISTER NOW to join us for this webinar on 4th November: