Extension files future-proof your data, but you also have to future-proof your extension files!

By Joe Pluta

In my previous article, I explained how to use extension files to encapsulate a legacy database. This allows you to add new data points to the database without the impact of changing an existing master file. This is important because changing a master file requires that you recompile every program with a file specification for that file, and that can be an expensive proposition. It may even be impossible if you're missing current source for any of those programs. But if you're not careful with your extension files, you'll wind up in a similar bind. I ran into exactly that situation with the customer extension file I talked about in the previous article. While it wasn't used as extensively as the customer master, it had begun to proliferate throughout the system to the point…

Time to start discussing the second big step in our database modernization methodology: moving business rules to the database. It’s going to be an interesting trek, and I hope you join me in it!

By Rafael Victória-Pereira

The previous four TechTips (you might want to re-read those articles, starting here) covered the conversion of DDS files to DDL objects, which is the first of three database modernization steps (convert the DDS files to DDL objects, move business rules to the database, and take advantage of DB2’s advanced functionalities). The general idea is that you’ll gain a lot with these steps, in terms of performance, database user-friendliness, and flexibility. It’s not an easy path, and some steps may sound a bit weird (yes, I can imagine what you’re thinking about step two, which I’ll start explaining in this TechTip), but it’ll make sense in a while.

This year marks the sixth edition of the popular IBM i Marketplace Survey Results. Each year, HelpSystems sets out to gather data about how businesses use the IBM i platform and the IT initiatives it supports. Year over year, the survey has begun to reveal long-term trends that give insight into the future of this trusted technology.

By HelpSystems

Past surveys have sparked many thoughtful conversations about IBM i, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an engaged community. We thank those who shared the 2019 results while at IT conferences, briefings, and team meetings.

2019 brought the launch of IBM i 7.4 and many new breakthroughs for IBM i in the cloud. We can’t wait to see how these technologies support growth for IBM i users in 2020.

Editor's note: The 2020 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results is a free download from the MC White Paper Center.