Re: Why would you use MySQL with PHP instead of the native DB2 with PHP on iSeries -- WEB400

That IS good news. Is this using the original AEE model or the more recent ones you developed? Some of the early AEE versions had a few bugs/limitations that made full menu integration of web apps and green screen apps difficult. I can't take too much credit on the AEE design though. I think Mike S. was the original designer on the forerunner of AEE, ACS, the 5250 authentication, authorization, and access that, after 25 years, is still going strong as well.

The cross-platform model is my way of hedging, I guess. My latest i has only the ILE tools/compilers and only RDi for an IDE so all my latest i specific stuff is using the latest RPG techniques which will help me keep my RPG skills up if your future becomes reality. But my Java skills are currently putting more bread on the table so I am thankful to have them.

One last comment. You stated:

"And although much of the State's workload has migrated from 5250 to new Web applications, they haven't needed to upgrade their server. They're very pleased."

Great for the customer. Good for you. Not so good for IBM who wants to sell new hardware/upgrades. Yes, IBM still has that maintenance revenue (they hope), so that adds to the bottom line I guess but unless IBM is providing continuing services to a large organization like WVEIS, I would guess your success would be irrelevant to them. They want you to drive new sales/upgrades. Not keep people on their existing i.

IMHO

Pete

Nathan Andelin wrote:

Pete,

If you want to pursue a cross-platform business model, that's okay with me. I rely so heavily on the native virtual machine and things that run under it, that cross-platform would be impossible for me.

Since you were the product manager over the Application Execution Environment (Web based authentication, authorization, access, application hosting environment - for those who may be following), you might be please to hear that 2 of our former colleagues (Mike S. and Will S.) have developed, deployed, and are now supporting approximately 200 new RPG based Web applications under AEE, serving hundreds of concurrent users, who are serving about 300,000 students in the State of West Virginia.

In the past two years, they've only relied on me for about 50 hours of support. It just works. And although much of the State's workload has migrated from 5250 to new Web applications, they haven't needed to upgrade their server. They're very pleased.

If we could duplicate that type of success across enough other sites, folks wouldn't be worrying about the future of the platform. In my mind, there are enough unique things about IBM i that create competitive advantage, that I'm hopeful.

Nathan.

----- Original Message ----
From: Pete Helgren <Pete@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: Web Enabling the AS400 / iSeries <web400@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:43:18 PM
Subject: Re: [WEB400] Why would you use MySQL with PHP instead of the native DB2 with PHP on iSeries

You state a great reason for selling an i, if the customer doesn't already have a "business computing platform".

However, when I do install into an "existing account" where the "business computer platform" is Windows Server 2003 and the DB is MS SQL server (for example) they have hopefully already invested in those things. In other words, the assumption is that if they are insisting on an application that runs on Windows Server 2003 they already have other applications that run on the platform and they have the infrastructure and expertise to have your list covered. I work primarily with school districts and yes, they have plans, expertise and infrastructure to meet the items on the list. Usually I don't have to do much more than to verify those things on your list.

However, if they are on Windows Server and DO need those services, provision can be made for them, at an extra cost of course.

Pete