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Highlights: New developer news letters, IBM Data Studio for Informix, get the OAT, save your pennies? yes it is all in here. Now get in there and start reading dudes! Welcome to the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) Insider! Designed for IIUG members and Informix user group leaders, this publication contains timely and relevant information for the IBM Informix community. Contents:
Now. Turn the page? hit the 'pg dn' key... click down the page... whatever tickles your fancy but read this issue of the IIUG Insider and then write me a note (david@iiug.org) . Do it NOW. :) :) :)
Greetings to all cheetadudes. Hello world. Despite expectations, I survived the IBM Information On Demand conference. This was a huge event, chocked full of keynotes, speakers, labs, people, fun, exhibitors, food and work. It was very worthwhile attending, from and IBM and an Informix perspective. I guess the lasting impression for me was the strong and obvious presence of Informix. Informix is now part of the mainstream of this event. Equal billing in the key notes. Strong presence in the tracks. On the lips of many of the exhibitors. It felt very very good. I was fortunate enough to attend the Informix Customer Advisory Council, held on the two days prior to the conference. This was a meeting of a small number of invited clients, the purpose being to outline the Informix product direction and to hear from the support teams about how they are improving the users Informix experience. My take is simple. There is an extraordinary effort going into this product to make the entire user experience the best in the industry. It was exciting to hear about the next strategies around both product and support (clearly I do not get out enough... :) ). We also had an Informix Community Reception prior to the main Conference. This was one crowded, noisy and fun place to be... well to the extent that geeks have fun. :) Even though the Informix community was still a small part of the overall conference we were louder, more noticeable and more fun that anyone else. It was great. The only thing I did not get was a decent cup of coffee. Dang. Moving on... For those of you that do not understand the game of Rugby... it would appear that New Zealanders don't either. Enough said... Moving on again... I had very positive feedback from at least one person about our effort to save the planet by recycling bytes from the Insider. While enthusiastic, this level of response is unlikely to win us the Nobel prize for ecological awareness. But we are not disheartened. This issue of the Insider is also made using recycled bits and bytes. Just doing our bit to reduce our carbon footprint. I hope you enjoy it. So what is in this issue this month. Well all sorts of stuff you should read. So, as always, here is the call to action. READ THIS RAG. If you have decent coffee available then grab one. Else make a pot of tea, sit down, lean back and give attention. David Fraser President's Note The good part about being president of the IIUG is I can add this text to the Insider as David is running around New Zealand checking out all the sheep herds (last time I heard from David he told me he was driving 600 miles. Is New Zealand that big?). For all of you who missed The IOD conference, IBM has once again outdone themselves. The only two problems I could find out with the conference were that there is just way too much to see and it requires a short few days vacation to rest and soak your feet afterwards. Next year's event will be at the same place during the last week of October, so mark your calendar. In this issue of the Insider there are many big announcements including the Open Admin Tool (OAT) which is now available on the IIUG Web site for all members to download, the new Informix Developers Newsletter, which is under the strong guidance of IBM Extraordinaire Mark Jamison, and the announcement and availability of the new IBM Data Studio tool. On a personal note, I need to thank a few IBMers who made the entire IOD experience the best it could be, including one of the ONLY events at IOD where the room had to be closed due to fire codes and a lack of seats - Jerry Keesee's Informix Roadmap. But back to the Thank Yous on behalf of the IIUG, special thanks go to Cathy Elliot, Cindy Fung, Bruce Weed, Terri Gerber, Gary Proctor, Christy Maver, Bernie Spang, Carolyn Woods and of course Mr. Informix himself, Jerry Keesee. And most important, Thank You to all the Speakers for their great sessions!! Also, Kudos to the entire IOD staff headed by Mary Ann Alberry. Mary Ann and her staff are always there to help the entire Informix Community. Great job on IOD (but next year can you make sure they don't take all the coffee away during the breaks so quickly? Even if David Fraser does not like coffee, others do! :) ) Finally I would like to congratulate a very special person. His name is Clarence, but we all know his as Madison. Yes, Madison Pruet was promoted to the special position of STSM (yes I know it is another IBM acronym). What is an STSM? It stands for Senior Technical Staff Member. This is a very important and prestigious designation at IBM and it is afforded to very few individuals. Many of us who know Madison, know him as the man behind replication and many other important features of IDS, or, as I refer to him, the Father of Modern Database Replication in IDS. I once saw Madison explain how to set up and use replication to a customer in under 30 minutes and that customer dropped me an email and told me it took them a whole 15 minutes to set it up. This is all because Madison has made this feature so easy to set up and use. Clarence Madison Pruet joins the other STSMs from the Informix Community. The group now has five very special members including Kevin Brown (Chief Architect of IDS), Scott Lashley, Jonathan Leffler, and John Miller III. Congratulations Madison, this was long overdue in my opinion! See you all at Mandalay Bay next year, of course after we see you all at the IIUG Informix Conference in Overland Park (Kansas City area), Kansas ( http://www.iiug.org/conf ). Some have asked me when the registration will be available as they can't wait to register. The registration will be up sometime this month, so watch your email boxes for more details! Stuart Litel
The IIUG IDS vNext - New Feature survey is closed! WOW. This has been a great survey. Thank you to all who have responded. The bloke who ran the thing said that 672 people started the survey and 594 completed every question. These are fantastic results and are twice the number of responses we had last year. So what happens now??? Well there is analysis work to do and a report to write. Kate Tomchik and Andrew Ford are on that now. We will post the results in the next Insider. So that means you just need to hang around to see the results. Announcing the NEW Informix developers newsletter!There is a new Informix developers newsletter on the way. This new newsletter will be a highly technical affair with articles written by Informix engineers, DBAs and developers from both inside IBM and out in the real world. :). So. This really is your opportunity to be published. Topic areas lined up include: The newsletter to be emailed to all members and will also be available for download from the IIUG website. Stu tells me that the first issue will hit the in-boxes mid November. Special thanks for making this happen to the very very energetic Mark Jamison and all the help from Cathy Elliot, Jerry Keesee and special thanks to all the Informix Developers worldwide. Interested in submitting an article, you can contact Mark at devnews@iiug.org. Unleash the power of IBM Data Studio with Informix Dynamic Server!For data management practitioners who need a flexible and yet extensible environment that provides support for various stages of data lifecycle, the newly announced IBM Data Studio V1.1 offers a comprehensive solution that helps you design, develop, deploy, and manage data-driven applications throughout the data lifecycle. Unlike other client-side data management solutions that often only provide functionality for one aspect of the application lifecycle or focus exclusively on database administration, IBM Data Studio complements the Rational Software Delivery platform providing unparalleled flexibility for a heterogeneous data server environment across platforms. Key features specific to Informix Dynamic Server include: Data Studio helps promote collaboration across roles to optimize data server and application performance. It is built on the popular Eclipse technology and is compatible with the IBM Rational Software Delivery Platform products like Rational Application Developer and Rational Data Architect. You can further extent the environment with other 3rd party Eclipse plug-ins. IBM Data Studio is available for download (http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/download/search.jsp?go=y&rs=swg-ids) starting on October 31, 2007. Please visit IBM Data Studio site ( http://www.ibm.com/software/data/studio) for news and updates. You will find additional application development related topics tailored for the IDS community at the Informix Application Development site ( http://www.ibm.com/software/data/informix/ids/ad). We also invite you to join the IBM Data Studio forum for IDS at http://www.iiug.org/forums/datastudio/ to exchange and share ideas on your use of Data Studio. Lynn Chou Jonas Just remember this date... April 27th to 30th 2008. This is not just a US conference. This is a world-wide event and no matter where you live you need to figure out how to get there. Keep you eye on the Insider. We will announce the registration dates and the end of the early bird special. My feeling is that if you miss the early bird deadline you might be lucky to go at all. The conference is priced to sell out and considering the fabulous line up of speakers, events and features... it won't be hard. So if you are from India, China, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific or the Americas.. you need to be here. 
By the way, there has been much debate about the meaning behind the four pointy things in the logo. Four pillars of wisdom??? I have the following (and only printable) response. "Actually having just done an install in Kansas City, I recognize those pointy things. They are the pointy things that are on top of the Kansas City Convention center. Now what they mean other than that I have no idea At least one of them looks like a replica of George Jetson's apartment building under construction." - Jim Thanks Jim, Trev Also I am taking suggestions for memorable bylines for the conference. I doubt that any will be used in anger by the planning committee but if you have a creative bent, or you are just simply bent, then send your suggestions to me (david@iiug.org). Here are the rules:
As an Informix professional, you know that staying on top of information management trends is of vital importance to doing your job well. The technology is changing, data security threats are increasing, and business demands are becoming more and more complex. That's why DB2 Magazine has expanded its coverage to provide specific, detailed Informix tips, tricks, and advice, coupled with industry views, analysis and commentary. We've also expanded far beyond IBM data servers to cover data warehousing technologies, information integration, content management issues, application development topics and much more. Below is an example of the kind of Informix-specific information you'll find in the DB2 Magazine email newsletter. Take a look, and if you like what you see, you can subscribe here. It costs nothing, yet it's a valuable link to key information and resources. The IDS 11 Sysmaster Database Informix Application Development The IIUG View The Informix Zone at DB2Mag.com Subscribe to the DB2 Magazine email newsletter for more Informix news, tips, and views. Training, Certification and Upgrade news!New Information Management Training and Certification Web site! http://www.ibm.com/software/data/education/ Save 35% on your entire purchase at the IBM Press Bookstore! Now there is no better time to build your technical reference library of IBM Press books. For a limited time, you can save 35% off your order when you make a purchase at the IBM Press Bookstore on or between October 15, 2007 and December 31, 2007. PLUS you can receive FREE ground shipping in the U.S. To take advantage of this special offer, simply visit the IBM Press Bookstore, select your books and enter case-sensitive coupon code SAVEDB2 at Step 3 during checkout. Now is the time to upgrade to Informix 11! http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/services/ Thanks Nicole Silvia Hayes Increased levels of performance and speed, more flexibility, intuitive user interface enhanced functionality, and a wide variety of packaging options highlight some of the latest iDistribute V8.3 features. Gillani Inc., a leading provider of ERP and Supply Chain management software, announced the release of the latest version 8.3 of their products suite iDistribute), Gillani Financials® and FourGen® CASE Tools at the IBM Information On Demand 2007 global conference at Las Vegas, NV. The latest innovative offering of highly integrated and industry-leading iDistribute V8.3 ERP/Distribution Management Software, Gillani Financials V8.3 and the FourGen CASE Tools V8.3 Rapid Application Development Tools unites with the best of IBM's Informix and DB2 middleware technology to provide users with fast operations, workflow based menu'ing system and ease of use of Reports. The new release comes with user-definable and customizable icon selections on the tool bar for program initiation, giving users ability to select the operation they wish to perform. They also have a choice of using the standard two-pane menu with a hierarchy of program folders in one, and the display screen in the other. The latest offering includes 'Fast' operations feature that minimizes the inputs required by the user. With just a few keystrokes, users are able to complete counter sale, perform inbound functions, confirm picks, create purchase orders, generate invoices and process shipping. "Our focus is on the end user experience. With over 20 years of technology innovation, we've constantly endeavored to presenting information and insights in new and impactful ways that makes businesses more efficient," said Syed Kamal, CEO, Gillani. "This release reflects the powerful and intuitive navigation with easy-to-use icon program selection feature that minimizes user inputs while processing information quickly with 'Fast' operations. Together with our industry-leading iDistribute Enterprise Solution, Gillani Financials, and FourGen CASE Tools, we now offer customers a broad portfolio of solutions for today's most demanding information challenges." iDistribute is a complete end-to-end ERP and Supply Chain management solution. Delivered via the web, the system provides advanced Order Management capabilities including eSCM (Web OE, E-Commerce software), integrated with a comprehensive Inventory Management, Advanced Inventory Planning & Replenishment, Purchasing and Procurement and Gillani Financial Accounting functionality. The Gillani Financials Software includes General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Financial Report Writer, Budget Manager and Credit Manager functions. About Gillani, Inc. Richardson, Texas-based Gillani, Inc. is an IBM Premier Business Partner specializing in providing and implementing IT Solutions for today's dynamic marketplace. The company establishes a partnership with its clients to provide them with a range of IT Services, from vision to reality. By providing a full range of critical information technology services and solutions to its customers across the globe, Gillani is rapidly emerging as a key technology partner for many small, mid-size and large corporations. The company serves customers in manufacturing, wholesale/retail, 3PL, telecomm, technology, government and financial services verticals. Gillani, Inc. is experienced in enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, web and e-commerce design/hosting and IT outsourcing. The addition of iDistribute - Distribution Management and Gillani Financials - ERP solutions adds a new dimension and positions Gillani to achieve significant growth in the coming years. For more information, visit us on the at www.gillani.com, or call us at 972-918-0400. And Thank You to Gillani for being a Gold Sponsor to the IIUG! Live in India. There is an Informix User Group near you (sort of)If you live in India the contact Amar kamarali@in.ibm.com. He is a great guy and very very enthusiastic about Informix. He is charged with developing the India Informix Local User Group. So drop him a line and find out what is happening. :) News from the SAP manThe IDS 11 certification does not change the general Informix support scope we have in place at SAP. IDS 11 will be supported for the same SAP kernel releases (46D and 6.40) and SAP products sitting on top of those kernels as IDS version 10. In addition the same limitations regarding the support of the Java stack and Unicode remain in place. In other words: SAP Java Applications and Unicode on the ABAP side are still not supported. For a few months we have an Informix Page and an 'SAP on Informix forum live on the SAP Developers Network (SDN). The SDN can be accessed by everyone, independent of being an SAP customer or not. The link to this Informix SDN page is: http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/inf
The announcement regarding the IDS 11 support is provided there as well. With best regards, Dr. Christian Graf SAP AG You can download the Open Access Tool (OAT) from the IIUG website (if you are a IIUG member). :) The Open Administration Tool is the browser based graphic administration tool that is a must get accessory to IDS 11 (and some earlier versions I believe). It is free. Log into the member area of the IIUG and get it. Go to http://www.iiug.org log in and go to the software download section. We have also set up a new Forum for those of you who are interested in using the new Open Admin Tool. Just go to http://www.iiug.org/forums/oat. Barn it baby. :) Get your OATs on a PDAYes dudes... check this out:
End of Service dates have just been posted for IDS. IDS 7.31.0: End of service on 9/30/2009 The full announcement can be read at: http://www.iiug.org/url/eos.html The IDS 7-11 Trade up offer that can't be beatMake the Jump and Save with the IDS 7-11 Tradeup Offer: Customers Save up to 60% When They Move from v7 to 11. As IIUG members, you've undoubtedly seen what IDS 11 can do. Whether you've attended a training workshop, a "Cheetah" tech day, or experienced the many facets of IDS 11 at a hands on lab, you know that IDS 11 is an improvement upon an already innovative data server. But have you made the jump? Released in July with an extensive list of impressive enhancements, Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 11 has been praised for being the data server that provides continuous and global availability, highest OLTP performance, and lowest total cost of ownership. The new features and performance enhancements alone in this celebrated release have given customers plenty of incentive to switch to IDS 11. Now, with the IDS 7-11 Tradeup Promotion, customers have even more reason to upgrade. From now to December 31, customers still running IDS 7 can upgrade to version 11 and save 41-60% on the software licenses. Eligible IBM IDS 11 optional features have also been reduced by 25%. This means customers can experience IDS 11 performance at the price of renewal. With IDS being known for its seamless upgrades, this is a can't-miss opportunity. Encourage your customers to tradeup today! The IDS 7-11 tradeup promotion is a great incentive for customers to upgrade to IDS 11. IDS V7 will reach End-of-Marketing (EOM) on September 19, 2008 and End-of-Service (EOS) by September 30, 2009. To avoid support gaps, customers should plan to upgrade soon. The promotion is available to all customers worldwide. For more details on which products are eligible in this offer and to learn more about the tradeup offer, visit the official promotion site: http://www.iiug.org/url/tradeup.html For details on the EOM announcement, see: http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/rep_ca/9/897/ENUS907-169/ENUS907169.PDF Or check out http://www.iiug.org/news/announcements/ids_tradeup.php. Cheers, Christy Maver It's here: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/roundrep Now the rumor mill tells me that Madison has been a bit under the weather recently. Send him a card or something to cheer the poor bloke up a bit eh. :)
2008 IIUG Informix Conference Just a reminder... Save April 27th to 30th 2008 in your diary. This is a must attend event for all people on the planet who touch Informix. Not only will the conference be just fantastic but the location is inspired. Being in the same city at the US IBM Informix labs means that you will meet the very best of the Informix gurus, propeller heads, and pony tails. These guys and gals are seriously bright. It will be techo heaven. Registration if for the conference is not open you but when it is I will tell you. Then you will need to be quick to sign up cause Kansas only has so many beds. David
IDS Business Partner Training IDS 11.10 - Backup and Restore Features IDS 11.10 - Monitor and analyze recent SQL statements For WEBCAST MEETING INFORMATION - see further below for dial in numbers. For Meeting Guests or Participants Conference ID: 368715
*NOTE: For Hosts who intend to share applications, please visit http://www.webdialogs.com/join/host.asp/ to install the Host Options Kit. This need only be installed once and is only required for the Host. Conference call dial in information available at: http://www.iiug.org/news/announcements/partner_training.php JAZZ???? - Rational JAZZ!IBM Rational Jazz to bring new levels of collaboration, innovation and productivity to software delivery CEOs are calling for innovation. But how? In software delivery one answer is collaboration. Learn how the new IBM Rational Jazz project and other collaborative efforts and offerings are helping development teams improve agility, productivity and efficiency as they create more innovative software. See how innovations in collaboration and visibility are changing the way commercial software is developed. http://www.ibm.com/software/info/features/collaboration/
Informix 4gl... Register your vote here! I would just like to register my vote to restart development of Informix 4gl. Thank you, Rich Alexander What is new in CheetahCheck this out: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0705saraswatipura/ It has the full list of what's new. Have you looked yet!!!! Get in there dudes, dudettes and Jeanies. :) Where to get a copy of the Carlton Doe "Cheetah" bookGo to the Cheetah releases or beg. There are now signed copies out their selling for many thousands on ebay. :)
Informix Blogs and things Get the real oil on Informix from:
We met Eric at IOD!!!! Yes. It is true. We met up with Eric Huber, erstwhile owner and editor of http://www.informix-zone.com Here is what he had to say... "Another pleasure was to meet the IIUG board members and the IIUG president Stuart Litel face to face. During an evening dinner we talked a lot about the past, present and future of IDS. Those people are real Informix fans and they invest a lot of work to increase it's awareness. The INFORMIX community should give the IIUG as much support as possible. They deserve it !!" Eric. The pleasure was all ours. It was great to meet you and agree a mutual strategy of world domination. :) Trev
In response to your input, we have created a page on the IIUG web site containing all the links we used to include. Please find it at: http://www.iiug.org/quicklinks.html
The International Informix Users Group (IIUG) is an organization designed to enhance communications between its worldwide user community and IBM. IIUG's membership database now exceeds 25,000 entries and enjoys the support and commitment of IBM's Data Management division. Key programs include local user groups and special interest groups, which we promote and assist from launch through growth.
For comments, ideas, information, more ideas, gossip, lies and general dudette type chatter, please send an email to david@iiug.org. |
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