Uncategorized - The Mainframe DevOps Experts

NOW AVAILABLE: IBM Rational Architecture Management and Construction solutions v7.5

October 6, 2008 by Kenny Smith

IBM has released the next version of their software development platform. These are based on Eclipse 3.4 and include the new WebSphere Application Server 7.0 with full Java EE 5.0 support. This includes EJB 3.0 support, JPA support, and the newest web services extensions.http://www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=ca&infotype=an&appname=iSource&supplier=897&letternum=ENUS208-305#h2-chargex Starting pricing levels are as follows:Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software: … Read more

And then came Chrome

September 11, 2008 by Kenny Smith

So, I have a long diatrabe about standardizing on Firefox and then another open source browser gets released. I’m currently writing this blog post on Google’s new browser Chrome. It is a different experience for sure, but some of the same familiar features that I like such as tabbed browsing, and formatted code when you ‘view … Read more

Domino & Notes 8.0.2 Update released

September 3, 2008 by Kenny Smith

For those that missed it, IBM release 8.0.2 to Notes on Friday of last week. This release is highly focused on performance. IBM’s goals were to reduce the startup time of the Notes client and improve the overall performance of the Domino server. For some real world measurements, Darren Duke has posted some of his … Read more

Moving to Firefox as a corporate policy… a soapbox rant

July 14, 2026September 3, 2008 by Kenny Smith

I have recently had the great displeasure of using a time and expense application that works only in Internet Explorer 6. The company is Infinite Computer Solutions, and I don’t mind using their name because of the frustrations this application has given me and the time its taken from me. The application is so bad … Read more

Using templates in Eclipse to create micro formats

July 14, 2026August 21, 2008 by Kenny Smith

I’m currently reading Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design. In it I’m finding lots of good design tips, and learning many new HTML elements I’ve never heard of. The guy is really an excellent writer. This book is right up there with my other favorite The Zen of CSS Design: Visual Enlightenment for … Read more

New Vista vulnerability released

August 8, 2008 by Kenny Smith

As mentioned on Slashdot this morning, a new vulnerability has been released which shreds all the security built into Vista. Yes, Windows Vista is considered to be much more secure than XP. I was actually starting to use and like Vista on a new hard drive I recently purchased. This newly discovered type of attack … Read more

Resources for Freelancers

August 6, 2008 by Kenny Smith

Yes, Strongback Consulting is a full fledged company, but I started as basically a freelancer. In getting my business started I’ve learned a few things about the tools that are really necessary for the business. I’ve learned some hard lessons in the process. Some like to say that experience is the best teacher. That’s not … Read more

HATS on YouTube

July 13, 2008 by Kenny Smith

Why should a 52 year old midrange/mainframe programmer write a blog?

July 7, 2008 by Kenny Smith

You know the guy. Mid 50’s, slightly balding. Never wears his reading glasses when he needs them. Always has his signature stained coffee cup with him that reads “Home is where my tools are”. There are pictures on his desk of him fishing with his grandkids. He’s a malcontent, and loves to complain about office … Read more

What’s Next for RAD 7.5?

June 11, 2008 by Kenny Smith

I’m participating in Portal 6.1 training today. Good stuff. Here’s a screen cap from one of the presentations which shows what’s going to be new in Rational Application Developer 7.5 and WebSphere Portlet Factory 6.1. The biggie is support for JSR 286, the new Portlet API. ©2016 Strongback Consulting