Re: IBM dumb move #3,912,347

[Bob Larkin <blarkin@xxxxxx>]

Gosh Batman, I had the same problem. Just surfed over to www.as400.ibm.com,
clicked on the manual, and I had HTML, with hotlinks, right in front of me. Got
the information I needed, but decided I would really like a manual. No problem,
go back a link, and I select a .PDF version onto my hard drive. A 1.396M file
took less than 30 seconds on my DSL line (128/384).

Here's what I have now-
1. Instant access to every IBM manual, updated to the most current level.
2. A .PDF image of the manual, WITH hotlinks from the index, on DISK.
3. I can copy the .PDFs to a CD,
4. Access available anytime, anywhere in two different formats. HTML and PDF

What did I loose?
1. Hundreds of pounds of unneeded material.
2. The responsibility for keeping the manuals updated
3. Waiting for manuals to be delivered.

IBM gains -
1. They can get out of the printing business
2. Reduce pollution and waste.
3. Conserve resources
4. Ability for non customers to view the AS/400 manuals.

I personally keep a few PDF manuals on my PC, but usually rely on the web.
IBM is  only changing delivery methods, the paper manual is still here, only IBM
IS  shipping them electronically. Gee, eManuals!

Sounds like we need to move into these bold new things.

Bob

"Marion, Bob" wrote:

> It is really annoying when fighting problems and can not find manual.   A
> few weeks back when I upgraded to V4R4, wasted a lot of time trying to
> locate manuals on SQL for V4R4.
>
> Changing distribution of AS/400 manuals:
>
> Eliminate hardcopy of manuals unless purchasing
> Eliminate softcopy of manuals on CD
> Eliminate loading manuals on AS/400
> Have only internet access to manuals
> Locate certain manuals at different URLs and have us guess which manual is
> where.
>

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