Want to bring your IBM i applications into the modern web era, but dread the thought of a complete rewrite? 

We’ve got good news. You can modernise your IBM i applications without massive overhauls using Presto from Fresche Solutions.

Presto quickly creates modern, responsive web-based interfaces for your IBM i (iSeries / AS400) green screens straight out-of-the-box. 

Greg Patterson is an IBM i modernisation expert. He is also the Presales Team Lead at Fresche Solutions. He will host a webinar on Tuesday, 4th March.

Title: “Beyond the Green Screen: Scale and Modernize on IBM i”

In this session, Greg will show you how other IBM i shops have changed their web applications using Presto. 

He will discuss practical, low-risk ways to modernise IBM i. These strategies will provide real results. The focus will be on improving usability, scalability, and integration. All of this will keep your core systems safe.

Real-World Examples of IBM i Modernisation

Greg will dive into two specific success stories, demonstrating how companies like yours have:

• Replaced outdated interfaces with modern, intuitive web applications.
• Overcome scalability issues with flexible, high-performing systems.
• Solved integration challenges to connect platforms seamlessly.

You’ll see the actual challenges these companies faced, the solutions they implemented, and the tangible business outcomes they achieved.

Why This Matters for IBM i Developers

This session will show you how to:

• Avoid costly, time-consuming rebuilds. Learn how to modernize incrementally and strategically.
• Enhance the user experience for your IBM i applications.
• Improve scalability and performance to meet growing business demands.
• Integrate your IBM i systems with other platforms and technologies.

>> Register for the webinar now

Greg has over 20 years of IT experience, including 15 years at Fresche. He’s a trusted advisor to IBM i organisations across the world. If you’re an IBM i developer or IT Director looking to modernise your IBM i applications without a complete rewrite, this session is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Modernise your IBM i applications without starting from scratch.
• Learn from real-world success stories.
• Focus on enhancing usability, scalability, and integration.
• Discover low-risk, practical modernisation strategies.

Don’t let outdated interfaces and scalability issues hold you back. Join Fresche Solutions on this session and learn how to modernise your IBM i applications for the modern web.

The post Webinar: Scale and Modernise your IBM i Applications appeared first on Proximity.

This month, Andy focuses on an article originally published in IT Jungle on, ‘What’s New on PHP?‘ and includes an interview the originator, Alan Seiden to expand on the subject. We then broaden the conversation to the ‘whys and hows’ of developing in PHP on IBM i and introduce Pete Samways, who provides some real-life context on how it’s been done.

If you’re considering Python, PHP, Java or Node.JS for developing on IBM i, this should be a must read/watch post!

You can watch the video below or read the full article underneath.

Watch the Video:

PHP doesn’t get the publicity it deserves

So, in the July IBM i Update, I covered a presentation by Andy Youens at the iPower event in the UK on developing in Python on IBM i.

Python is one of the ‘big three’ native web languages on IBM i and it’s probably the most modern and clean language available and certainly gets all the buzz these days.

Nearly as ‘talked about’ is Node.JS, an efficient javascript runtime.

But of all the big three languages available it’s PHP, possible the most popular web language on the planet, that doesn’t receive the publicity it deserves.

This was picked up in an article by Alex Woodie at the end of October in which he covered an webinar by Alan Seiden, IBM i Champion, modern language expert and award winning speaker, on what’s new and exciting in PHP on IBM i in 2024.

In the webinar, Alan explains that, “People seem to have forgotten that PHP is just as robust a development language as RPG is on IBM i.” It’s solid, and you don’t get the foiboils and idiosyncrasies that you would when developing with Python and Node.js. And while it’s been a mainstay on IBM i for nearly 20 years now, it continues to evolve…

For example, Alan explained that PHP is mature and as such, enjoys toolkits that the other big two would be envious of. From connectivity, APIs, frameworks and resource, it’s all there for the IBM i developer where similar resources for Python and Node.js are well behind.

With this continual refinement in code and toolkits comes advantages with each new version becoming faster, moving from 32 to 64-bit and the ability to utilise more memory more efficiently – more than halving web page load times.

And, as PHP was developed as a web development language from the beginning, it’s a very practical tool for web developers and comes ready with everything you need to get started and build compelling applications without fear of unavailable packages or what module you want, the main extensions are built in so you’ll never have any compatibility issues.

Indeed, that’s why many vendors on the IBM i have used PHP to build their top tier tools, including the like of Fresche with their WebSmart tool and Curbstone too.

What’s new and exciting in PHP in 2024

But the crux of the presentation provided by Alan was in regards to what’s new and exciting in PHP in 2024…

In security, we enjoy JSON web tokens, built in support for cryptography, SSL/TSL and authentication methods.

With APIs, PHP now supports OpenAPI standards with Swagger and Postman integration, full REST & SOAP support with JSON now including validate. You can also call PHP from your RPG or CL code – always nice to have.

DB2 enjoyes undated extensions and PDO data object support.

Asynchronous programming has been a significant enhancement in PHP, allowing PHP scripts to handle multiple tasks at once. This can greatly improve performance when handling batch processing or making concurrent requests to IBM i resources without blocking the application.

And finally, it provides programming best practice… While you can still do things like undefined variables, it’ll warn you that this could probably create lag, so easy to use, forgiving while providing some back-up guidance too.

I’ve posted a link to the original webinar above, but for those who wish to dip their toe into PHP, where do you start, what should you expect and how does this all compare to the other big two languages anyway.

The power of PHP on the IBM i with Alan Seiden

Well, following Alan’s article, I took the opportunity to speak with him to discuss this and all things PHP…

[The below is a formatted summary of our conversation, for the full conversation, please watch the video]

Andy Nicholson: Alan, welcome to the IBM i Update!

Alan Seiden: Thanks, Andy. Great to be here, and thank you for everything you do for the community.

Andy: Alan, you’re well-known for your work with PHP on IBM i. With recent enhancements like new security features and ODBC connectivity, what do you think makes PHP such a solid choice for IBM i?

Alan: PHP has been here a long time and remains strong and community-driven. People often think of Node.js as the go-to for APIs, but PHP has supported JSON and other API-friendly features for years. It’s straightforward, performs reliably, and integrates well with IBM i.

Andy: I remember your presentation at Common Europe, where on the whole, I believe that PHP came out as a top choice for IBM i over other languages like Python and Node.js. What makes PHP stand out in your view?

Alan: PHP has everything you need built-in—there’s no need to build an environment from scratch. While other languages offer many module choices, with PHP, you have essential extensions in one package. This simplifies development on IBM i, allowing developers to focus more on solutions than on managing dependencies.

Andy: PHP is a widely-used language; how agile is it for IBM i development?

Alan: Very agile! PHP’s structure is straightforward, making it approachable for developers from RPG backgrounds. With frameworks like Laravel, Mezzio, and Slim, you have excellent options for organizing projects. PHP is flexible, too, allowing both procedural and object-oriented programming. I started with one line of PHP to send an email, and from there, it became a versatile language for various projects.

Andy: Can you share any specific success stories where PHP has enhanced IBM i systems significantly?

Alan: Absolutely! Curbstone Corporation, a PCI-validated payment solutions provider, processes over $8 billion annually on IBM i using PHP. Their systems run with a 99.9% uptime, handling both web and internal processes seamlessly. PHP has allowed them to build robust and scalable solutions.

Andy: How well does PHP integrate with traditional IBM i tools like RPG?

Alan: PHP works great with RPG, and the PHP Toolkit facilitates integration, letting RPG call PHP code and vice versa. This toolkit, which IBM, Zend, and I helped build, is highly mature and flexible. It can handle RPG program calls, data structures, and has reliable logging. This toolkit is one of PHP’s best assets on IBM i.

Andy: Many in our audience are experienced RPG developers. How easy is it for them to transition to PHP?

Alan: PHP is probably the easiest web language for RPG programmers to learn. Experience with SQL or HTML can speed up the transition, but PHP is accessible and can be learned independently. RPG developers often thrive with PHP due to its similarity in simplicity and focus on backend business functions.

Andy: For businesses considering modernization using PHP, what’s the best way to start?

Alan: Begin with a clear goal in mind. Look for opportunities that will yield big business benefits, like dashboards or integrations that can simplify data access. Start small, reuse business logic where possible, and focus on projects that will demonstrate value to executive teams.

Andy: And how is the PHP community for IBM i?

Alan: It’s strong and highly active. Our team has direct involvement in PHP’s core development, including database support and IBM i integration. With support from the community, PHP is well-established and continually evolving for IBM i.

Andy: In terms of security and performance, how does PHP on IBM i meet modern demands?

Alan: Performance improves with each PHP release, with recent updates yielding significant speed gains. For security, monthly updates address vulnerabilities promptly. IBM i users should stay current with these updates and have a testing plan. Keeping PHP versions updated is essential for performance and security.

Andy: Looking ahead, how do you see PHP evolving on IBM i?

Alan: We’re continually improving PHP for IBM i, especially in database connections and RPG integrations. The PHP community releases a new major update annually and minor updates monthly. Our focus on data handling and integration ensures IBM i compatibility keeps advancing.

Andy: Alan, thank you for your time and insight into the world of PHP.

Alan: No problem Andy, any time.

My thanks to Alan for taking the time to speak with me on developing in PHP on IBM i… his insight is invaluable as always and should you get the opportunity to see him speak – I heartily recommend it.

A real world example of developing in PHP on the IBM i with Pete Samways from StreamTech

Alan spoke much about developing in PHP and it’s advantages.

But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Therefore, to put this in context I thought a bit of real-life example would be in order.

As such, I spoke with Pete Samways, colleague and friend at Stream, an award winning transport and logistics system developed in PHP on IBM i, to provide some insight into how they developed this system, and some practical advice for those who are thinking of coding in PHP on IBM i.

[The below is a formatted summary of our conversation, for the full conversation, please watch the video]

Andy Nicholson: So Pete, welcome to the IBM i Update.

Pete Samways: Hello, Andy. Thanks for having me.

Andy: Could you start by telling us about your logistics management system?

Pete: Absolutely. As you mentioned, it’s a transport and logistics management system with a strong emphasis on customer service and tracking. We started developing it around seven or eight years ago. It’s browser-based, written primarily in PHP, though it also has substantial elements of RPG in the background. It uses the Db2 database on IBM i, and we currently have over 230 customers using the software.

Andy: Proximity began as an RPG shop, so what led to the decision to use PHP for this system?

Pete: Good question. Initially, we were looking to bring a modern look and feel to RPG applications for our existing customers, and at the time, PHP was probably the best language on IBM i for achieving this. Other options have emerged since, but personally, I’m still a strong advocate for PHP for various reasons we’ll likely discuss later.

One key factor was assessing how easy it would be to transition our existing RPG developers, most of whom are still with us, to PHP as their primary development language. Many IBM i-focused teams don’t naturally have those web-based skills, so PHP offered an effective path forward.

Andy: How did you integrate PHP with traditional IBM i features, such as Db2 and RPG, in your logistics application? Were there challenges in making these systems work seamlessly?

Pete: Yes, at the time, the main method of using PHP on IBM i was with the Zend Server, which was delivered as part of the IBM i ecosystem. To facilitate integration, we utilised the PHP Toolkit, an open-source tool that enables PHP to interact with traditional IBM i resources like RPG, CL programs, and files. This toolkit remains an essential tool for calling RPG programs within our Stream application.

Another critical component is the PHP extension database layer, which allows seamless interaction with the Db2 database. It provides functions within PHP for creating database connections, querying, and performing updates using SQL.

Andy: So would you say it was straightforward to work with IBM i?

Pete: Absolutely. It’s as straightforward as working with any database you’d typically use with PHP, like MySQL or MariaDB, with all the same functionality for connecting and querying.

Andy: Given the variety of tools available, are there any development tools or frameworks you’d particularly recommend?

Pete Samways: Definitely. If you’re writing PHP, a good integrated development environment (IDE) is essential. There are many out there, both free and paid, but we primarily use PHPStorm. It’s a paid tool but very capable, with features like code hinting, source control integration, and seamless deployment to IBM i.

For source control, we use GitHub, though any Git repository would work. In terms of frameworks, for structured development, Laravel and Laminas (formerly Zend Framework) are excellent choices. While Stream itself doesn’t utilise a specific framework for the web desktop element, our API layers use frameworks, which provide valuable structure and built-in functionalities.

Andy: It sounds like scalability and efficiency are essential in logistics. How does PHP handle large data volumes on IBM i?

Pete: Data handling is one of IBM i’s strengths. We’ve not encountered any speed issues with Db2, largely due to the close coupling between the database and processor on the same server. It’s different from cloud environments, where the database and processing might be on separate servers.

In terms of system resources, we’ve implemented resource partitioning to ensure specific areas get the resources they need. PHP isn’t a traditional IBM i workload, but we’ve set up specific memory pools for the web server to ensure efficient performance.

Andy: You’ve mentioned PHP’s adaptability for different customers. How have you managed to customise the application for varying client requirements?

Pete: That’s something we prioritise. Our approach to development is highly customer-driven, so we tailor features to meet specific customer needs.

Andy: Do you find PHP offers particular advantages for large, transactional applications on IBM i?

Pete: PHP is well-suited to heavy transactional workloads on IBM i, partly due to that close database-processor integration. Another advantage of PHP is its accessibility; it’s quick to learn, widely used, and has a wealth of online resources available. With around 40% of the internet using PHP, most problems you encounter have likely already been solved by someone in the community.

Andy: Logistics applications often handle sensitive data. How do PHP and IBM i support security and compliance?

Pete: Security is paramount. IBM i’s built-in security capabilities protect data at rest, while PHP and other web applications can encrypt data in transit. This combination allows us to implement a robust security framework within PHP.

Andy: How have customers responded to this solution? Are they aware it’s running on IBM i?

Pete: Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, though most users wouldn’t know it’s on IBM i. For them, it’s just software they access via a browser or mobile app.

Andy: Based on your experience, what best practices would you recommend for developers building large-scale PHP applications on IBM i?

Pete: First, I’d recommend using a framework. It provides structure and pre-built functionality, which is invaluable, especially when starting with PHP. Laravel would be my current top choice due to its support and available resources. Source control is crucial, and I’d also suggest automated testing from day one, as PHP is well-suited for unit testing.

Andy: Are there any new features you’re considering for Stream?

Pete: We’re primarily driven by customer needs, but we’re exploring how we might introduce AI elements, particularly around route planning.

Andy: And finally, how do you see PHP evolving for use cases on IBM i?

Pete: PHP remains a strong contender for IBM i web applications. The key players like Zend and the Seiden Group continue to support it on the platform, so I expect it to stay relevant for a long time.

Andy: Thanks very much, Pete, for sharing your insights on PHP on IBM i.

Pete: You’re very welcome, Andy—it’s been a pleasure.

And my thanks to Pete for joining me too. As a company that’s developed a successful PHP solution on IBM i, I hope his insight will be of use.

That’s it for this months update.

Should you wish to view any of the articles featured in full, please check out our IBM i blog here.

Until next time,
Andy

Catch our previous August IBM i Update. Alternatively, if you’d like to receive the latest IBM i Update hot off the press to your inbox, subscribe to the newsletter version on LinkedIn.

The post IBM i Update: October 2024 appeared first on Proximity.

Join ourselves and Remain Software’s Chief Technology Officer, Wim Jongman, for an upcoming webinar where we will examine the power of ChatGPT and how it can be used by IBM i administrators and developers alike to write code faster and more efficiently.

What to expect

On this webinar, you will learn how ChatGPT can help you to write code faster and more efficiently through:

• Craft SQL instructions
• Creating code snippets
• Code checking for bugs
• Providing contextual suggestions
• Decoding IBM i programming languages
• Documenting IBM i applications

Plus, you’ll receive a free copy of Remain’s ChatGPT client, AI Chat, which integrates seamlessly with Eclipse-based environments such as Rational Developer for i (RDi) as well as Remain’s flagship IBM i change management application, TD/OMS and MiWorkplace, their fully integrated IBM i development environment.

The webinar starts at 14:00 pm (GMT) on Thursday 29th February 2024 (1 hr duration + time for Q&As)

Register Now >>>

Interested to see the webinar but can’t attend the date/time? Don’t forget to register anyway and you’ll be sent the live recording after the event!

The post Chat GPT Webinar: Using AI Chatbots as your IBM i Development Co-pilot appeared first on Proximity.

In this update, I’ll discuss articles focusing on the top priorities for IBM i shops in for the coming year, plus some predictions from industry leaders too.

You can watch the video below or read the full article underneath.

Watch the Video:

The Top Priorities in 2024 on the IBM i

In mid January, Alex Woodie published an article on the top priorities in 2024 – and spoilers… it’s security and AI.

This should come as no real surprise because, as discovered within last years IBM i Market Survey, Cybersecurity has remained the top concern within IBM i shops since 2020 with the trend continuing right through to 2023.

Cyber Security as a Top Priority in 2024

Now the results for the 2024 survey are yet to be published but it would be a surprise if Cybersecurity doesn’t remain as the top concern…

Why, well the article sites a report published by Cybersecurity Ventures.

In this, it was reported that the forecasted damages from cyber security events would grow from $6 trillion in 2021 to $10.5 trillion by 2025.

By comparison, it was only $3 trillion back in 2015.

Indeed, drilling into the report, it revealed that it is forecast that Ransomware would cost its victims approximately $265 billion USD annually by 2031.

This is up from $20 billion USD in damages and equates to an attack every 11 seconds in 2021.

The reports suggested that companies should take a proactive approach to dealing with malicious threats with the largest growing area being in emails with malicious links with over 44 billion emails being send in 2023.

This is up 144% from the previous year meaning that companies should not only use enterprise grade security solutions but also invest in training to maintain security awareness throughout the workplace.

As a result, it was suggested that Cybercrime will propel global spending on cybersecurity products, services and training to $1.75 trillion USD, cumulatively, for the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

With expenditures for cybersecurity products and services globally to grow to nearly $459 billion USD on an annual basis in 2025.

AI as a Top Priority in 2024

With AI, Alex identifies that the rise of artificial intelligence promises a different kind of impact on companies with AI being either be the key to unlocking new business growth, or the downfall of companies that fail to adapt to new tech.

Alex went onto cite an article by the International Monetary Fund in which it explained that, “Up to 60 percent of jobs in high-income countries will be impacted” , dropping to just 26 percent for low-income countries, the IMF analysis found.

Within a given country, “workers who can harness AI seeing an increase in their productivity and wages,” the IMF stated.

And, As Alex continues in his article, IBM i is a platform dedicated to business process automation and as such, is destined to cross paths with AI at some point. It’s certainly something that IBM i Chief Architect Steve Will is keeping a close eye on.

“IBM i is probably internally already using AI for some problem determination,” Will said during a recent appearance on an N2i webinar.

“But we’re also working with some of our customers on specific projects that they want done with AI to make sure that we invest in the things that are going to actually make the most difference to our customer base. And you’ll hear more about that as we go through the first couple quarters of this year.”

As for predictions for the coming year, Steve also commented that, “2024 will likely see an even stronger presence of in-person participation, building on the connections and networking people enjoyed during the 35th anniversary celebrations, the whole community is going to want to talk to one another about what their companies are doing with security, open source, cloud, and AI.”

Brain May, VP at Profound Logic forecasts that “2024 will mark the emergence of generative AI as a pivotal force presenting unparalleled opportunities for those who date to embrace this evolution.

Going against the AI trend, Ash Giddings, product manager at Maxava, sees 2024 as the year in which IBM i shops taking steps to ensure business continuity.

He says, “The looming shortage of IBM i skills has been a concern for a while, and 2024 may mark a crucial turning point where businesses begin to experience adverse effects if proactive measures are not taken,”

Donnie McColl of Fortra predicted the need for more software to help bridge the gap following retirement of skilled IBM i professionals.

IBM Marketplace Survey 2024

Finally, as I record this, details on the the annual IBM i marketplace survey have been released.

Now, I’ll cover this in the next episode, but a quick summary on IBM i base investment as reported by Timothy Prickett Morgan of the very excellent Four Hundred.

Now the poll sample is from approximately from 300 respondents but the results show that, in 2024, nearly a third of IBM i shops are planning to invest in either hardware or software with, again, a third planning to invest in both.

These are big figures and looking at the past previous couple of years, follow a trend of continual investment into the platform – this can only be good for the IBM i business and paints an optimistic outlook for the year ahead.

Again, we’ll look at the results of the survey in more detail next time.

But for now, thank you for taking the time to read (and watch) the blog post.

Until next time,
Andy

Catch our previous December IBM i Update. Alternatively, if you’d like to receive the latest IBM i Update hot off the press to your inbox, subscribe to the newsletter version on LinkedIn.

The post IBM i Update: January 2024 appeared first on Proximity.

The architecture of the IBM i makes it less prone to viruses and other malware threats than other mainstream platforms. But there are always security fault lines and flaws that can be exploited — by actors outside or even within the organisation.

With IBM i playing a business-critical role, securing your IBM i should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Watch Fresche’s on-demand sessions to learn practical strategies for securing your valuable data from internal and external threats to your IBM i.

Practical advice for securing your IBM i

What Developers Need to Know About IBM i Security

Discover the essential elements of IBM i security that every developer should be aware of. Gain insights into industry-leading practices and equip your team with the know-how to build secure applications.

Watch Here

Zero Trust Security on Your IBM i

Learn how adopting a zero-trust security model can provide comprehensive protection for your IBM i environment. Understand how to protect against evolving threats and safeguard your critical assets in this session.

Watch Here

Top 5 Security Vulnerabilities on IBM i

Uncover the top vulnerabilities that pose risks to IBM i systems and learn effective methods to mitigate them. Stay ahead of potential threats by arming yourself with the knowledge needed to fortify your defences.

Watch Here

IBM i IFS Network Security

Protect your sensitive data by understanding the intricacies of securing the Integrated File System (IFS) on IBM i. Explore proven techniques to enhance your network security and maintain the confidentiality of your valuable information.

Watch Here

Ready to secure your IBM i infrastructure, protect your valuable data, and validate your IBM i security strategy?

Book your free IBM i security audit with Andy Nicholson today.

The post Practical Advice for Securing Your IBM i appeared first on Proximity.

For many reasons, IBM i enterprises are overwhelmed with securing their IT infrastructure. 

You’re busy with the day-to-day maintenance, support and actual build of the IBM i applications that run your business. 

So, where does IBM i security fit in, what do you need to do and how do you manage it? 

Many IBM i shops already have systems, policies, procedures and tools already set-up that are working – and, despite a moving security landscape, many of these elements have been in place for years. 

If you’re considering reviewing, revising and replacing these systems, or you’re considering systems for the first time, check out our Cyber Security webinar with Andy Nicholson  to discover a foundation for cyber security on IBM i on the link below.

View the Webinar

Surveys highlight IBM i cyber security as top concern

For the sixth year running, cyber security has ranked as the number one concern for IBM i IT professionals in HelpSystems (always) insightful IBM i Marketplace survey.

Why is cybersecurity at the top of the survey’s concerns? 

Well, Fresche, IBM and Forbes asked that same question within their 2022 cyber security report.  

The findings made grim reading.

• 43% of organisation don’t have any cyber security in place
• 61% of SMBs reported at least one cyber attack in 2021
• A penetration testing study revealed cyber criminals can penetrate 93% of company networks
• 83% of organisation are not financially prepared to recover from a cyber attack
• Nearly 50% of IBM i shops have little to no security knowledge and skills (with concerns that there are indeed limited security knowledge or skills within the IBM i community as a whole).

[SOURCE: Fresche, IBM & Forbes Cybersecurity in 2022 Report]

But the IBM i secure, right? Dispelling the myth that IBM i is impenetrable

IBM i is a safe platform, right? 

Well, not entirely.

For so many years, there’s been a general feeling that the IBM i is an impenetrable platform, immune to any kind of cyber threat.

And while the architecture of IBM i certainly makes it less likely than other platforms, unfortunately, there are always security fault lines in every business and flaws that can be exploited in every system.

And what about those particular fault lines and flaws? 

During the webinar, Andy will examine these  the top four risks as reported by IBM in greater detail – and crucially provide some practical guidance to combat these particular risks.

Malware

Malware or malicious software refers to worms, viruses, Trojans, and spyware — that provide unauthorised access or damage to the computer. 

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks down files, data or systems, and threatens to make public, erase, encrypt or even destroy data unless a ransom payment is made to the criminal.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of social engineering that tricks users into providing their credential or sensitive information. These are normally delivered via email or text messages disguised as a legitimate company – say a bank, government institution or business.

Inside Threats / Credential abuse

Typically, these come in the form of former employees, business partners, contractors or anyone who has had access to systems or networks. These can be considered a threat if they abuse their access permissions and as a result are invisible to firewall and intrusion detection systems.

Laying the foundation for security on your IBM i

Now we understand the types of cyber threats that can impact our IBM i, we can lay the foundations for protecting our infrastructure – and the application running on it.

During the webinar, Andy will provide practical advice and suggestions for IBM i security ranging from 

• Profile management
• User privileges
• Managing passwords
• Restricting access to your IBM i (closing the backdoor)
• IFS security
• Preventing phishing attacks through staff education
• Backup and recovery 
• High availability
• Creating plans and policies
• Importance of applying PTFs in a timely manner
• Implementing field-level data encryption
• Gaining cyber security accreditation
• Having appropriate cyber security insurance.

Protecting your IBM i never stops

Cyber Security is not just ‘implement once’ and move forward, it’s a continually evolving landscape with new threats being introduced on a weekly, if not daily basis.  

Businesses need robust methods, policy and solutions in order to be able to counter and succeed.

Proximity has travelled this path, it’s not easy, but with support and some really terrific products on the market, it doesn’t have to be that difficult either. 

View the webinar today to learn the foundations for your cyber security

View the Webinar

In the meantime, if you’d like to discuss your IBM i security, do not hesitate to drop Andy Nicholson an email on andy.nicholson[@]proximity.co.uk.

If you’re interested in learning more about IBM i security, why not check out this content?

Cyber security and the foundations for a more secure IBM i

IBM i security is the top issue and concerns (article from 2023)

Practical advice for securing your IBM i

And finally, why not view Fresche’s IBM i Security Suite of products (formerly Trinity Guard).

The post IBM i Security, it’s Not Easy but it Doesn’t Have to be Hard Either… appeared first on Proximity.

Businesses that implement a modern and intuitive web-based interface report increased productivity, streamlined workflows and improved access to information.

These benefits are crucial for companies that are prioritising digital transformation as a key driver for revenue growth.

In an upcoming webinar hosted by Greg Patterson & Yuval Ore from Fresche Solutions they will introduce you to WebSmart 13.4 – a key template-based rapid development tool for creating RPG, PHP, and Node.js desktop and mobile applications on IBM i.

There will be a live product demonstration of WebSmart 13.4 to discuss its new features and show you what’s possible.

What’s New in WebSmart 13.4

On this webinar, you will learn:

• How WebSmart enables you to quickly develop professional web applications.
• What you can build: mobile, eCommerce, web services for integration & more.
• About the significant new changes in recent WebSmart releases including: SFTP, IDE improvements, new PHP templates for API-based & report applications.

Join us at 18:00 pm (BST) on Tuesday 13th September 2022.

Register Now >>>

Follow the link to read more about developing RPG and PHP web applications on IBM i with WebSmart.

The post What’s New in WebSmart 13.4 appeared first on Proximity.

As you map out and implement your digital-first strategy, it is important to utilise the right technology & latest tools to give you an edge over competitors.

In an upcoming webinar hosted by Greg Patterson & Yuval Ore from Fresche Solutions they will introduce you to Presto’s latest update, with new features including: enhancements to the Visual Editor​, Dark Mode, and improvements to Presto’s IDE rendering engine.

There will be a live product demonstration of Presto 9.3 to show you what’s possible with the latest update.

What’s New in Presto 9.3

On this webinar, you will learn:

• How to create an instantly accessible web GUI.
• How Presto 9.3 improves user productivity by adding new functionalities.
• How Presto has evolved through enhancements to the Visual Editor, Dark Mode, and improvements to Presto’s IDE rendering engine.

Join us at 18:00 pm (BST) on Wednesday 7th September 2022.

Register Now >>>

If you’d like to read more about Presto 9.3 you can visit the product page.

The post What’s New in Presto 9.3 appeared first on Proximity.

Watch our video below to:

Understand what the pressing concerns are for the IBM i, find out how X-Analysis can provide insight & understanding into your IBM i applications, automate the documentation and mitigate risk to your IBM i.

The post Document, Manage, Enhance and Evolve Your IBM i Applications with Confidence with X-Analysis appeared first on Proximity.

RPG continues to be the backbone of IBM i development. So the big question is:

How can we leverage our investment in IBM i to create web applications?

RPG is one of the most common development languages used on the IBM i, with thousands of existing business apps built on the platform, thanks to its’ ease-of-use, versatility, and open-source nature.

Modern RPG also looks and acts like other programming languages, making it easier to teach which may help to close the IBM i skills gap in the future. the use of RPG as the language for new IBM i development has been on the rise in recent years, due in part to its’ free-form nature.

Using specialist tools, you are able to modernise existing RPG applications to deliver a modern web-based GUI and to develop new technologies for web and mobile.

WebSmart from Fresche Solutions is a rapid development tool for creating desktop and mobile web applications using modern programming languages for your IBM i utilising your existing RPG code. It is a tool that has been created to combat these issues and enable IBM i shops to bridge the skills gap and create exceptional digital experiences.

Rapidly Developing Modern Applications on IBM i

Join Andrew Nicholson from Proximity and Greg Patterson from Fresche Solutions on their upcoming webinar: Rapidly Developing Modern Applications on IBM i to learn:

• How WebSmart can provide you with the power to rapidly develop modern desktop and mobile applications using responsive templates
• How diversifying into modern programming languages can reduce the risk for your IBM i, by providing the opportunity to attract modern developers
• Exactly how WebSmart can help you rapidly develop modern mobile and desktop applications on the IBM in a live demonstration.

Join us at 3:30 pm on Wednesday 27th April 2022.

Register Now >>>

If you can’t make it to the live webinar, register anyway and we’ll send you a recording of the session once it finishes.

The post Leverage Your Existing RPG to Create Web Applications appeared first on Proximity.