You've heard the hype. A business that is not an e-business is out of business. The question for most IT directors today is how to become an e-business.
IBM ships everything you need with OS/400. As of V4R5 and its Dec. 15, 2000, release of the IBM HTTP Server based on Apache, it now ships TCP/IP, two Web servers (HTTP Servers), SMTP/POP3 (e-mail), FTP (file transfer), TELNET (TN5250) and all of the required security protocols necessary to deliver Web-based content. IBM also ships its Net.Data macro language to quickly and easily deliver interactive content via the Web. In addition, it ships the WebSphere Standard edition application server that supports Java-based applications. The WebSphere Development Suite is now bundled with CODE400, VisualAge for Java, VisualRPG, and WebSphere Studio development tools for as little as $300 US (a remarkable bargain).
With a DSL connection and a good firewall appliance, you can use your existing AS/400 -- iSeries equipment -- and connect to the Internet for as little as $400 per month. Using the technologies described, you can do your first e-business pilot project with your existing hardware and software and leverage existing skills within your IT organization. You can properly protect your AS/400s using OS/400 standard object security. If you need encryption, IBM bundles SSL (secure sockets layer) support with OS/400. If you start out with Net.Data and learn some basic HTML, you can develop and deploy interactive e-Business applications within a month.
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About the author: Bob Cancilla is managing director of IGNITe/400, an electronic iSeries 400 Internet users group. He is also author of the book Getting Down to e-business with AS/400.
