Security

Kisco Improves Security Product

Kisco Information Systems presents Release 2 of its iFileAudit security product for System i. iFileAudit is an audit tool for tracking file changes in native System i databases at the field-content level. Release 2 offers the capability to specify key structures for flat physical files that do not have a natural file key defined. The new release also enables users to select fields within a file to exclude from reporting. Users can also ignore or focus on specific user profiles. Additionally, a new data export feature enables users to extract information from the iFileAudit database for creating reports with any query tool. Kisco. 518-897-5002. kisco.com.

Databases

Sun Offers MySQL Database Modeling Tool

Sun Microsystems debuts MySQL Workbench, a new visual database design tool that integrates data modeling, physical database design, database creation, and documentation capabilities into a single environment for MySQL developers and database administrators. The product supports i5/OS V5R4.

The MySQL Workbench Community Edition, which provides a base framework for data modeling and physical database design, is available as an open-source download. The Standard Edition adds specialized plug-in modules that can boost productivity and save time. These include reverse- and forward-engineering capabilities, synchronization to and from live databases, HTML and text-based documentation, built-in validation of models, and security management for modeled objects. Sun Microsystems. 408-213-6544. sun.com.

Networking

Nortel Offers SMBs Big-scale Communication Capabilities

Nortel introduces SCS500, a new SIP-based VoIP communication solution for SMBs. SCS500 includes presence/instant messaging, IP telephony, and conferencing for improved productivity and efficiency. The software also provides a straightforward graphical user interface. The communication solution supports the System i and is integrated with IBM Lotus Sametime and IBM Lotus Notes on a single, multipurpose application server for a more unified solution. Nortel. 800-466-7835. nortel.com.

Exchange Solution

EXTOL Adds Dashboard to EDI Solution

EXTOL improves EXTOL EDI Integrator, a high-speed transaction exchange solution, with Release 6.2. The release includes the capability to configure dashboards for viewing realtime, specific data about partner transactions, processes, compliance, and events. The new feature provides business views of supply chain activity and integration processes supporting orders, shipments, deliveries, and payments. Users can configure the dashboards to meet individual needs down to the single-user level. EXTOL. 201-847-1200. extol.com.

Systems Management

Coglin Mill Offers SMB-sized ETL Solution

Coglin Mill offers new editions of its data warehouse software designed specifically for SMBs. RODIN Data Asset Management tools perform data extraction, transformation, and loading processes for data warehousing and business intelligence applications. The tools also provide reporting and data conversions and compliance documentation. For small companies, Coglin Mill offers a new RODIN Select Edition package with a low-cost entry point and optional modules for growth. The company also provides a RODIN DB2 Web Query Edition, which automatically adds RODIN tables, metadata text, and data models to Web Query metadata for instant availability. Coglin Mill. 507-282-4151. coglinmill.com.

Programming Tools

CNX Launches Web 2.0 Development Framework for RPG Programmers

CNX unveils Valence Web Application Framework for the System i, a development environment for creating System i web applications. Valence enables RPG programmers and developers to create Web 2.0-based browser interfaces with RPG, and provides a tab-based portal for controlling user access to applications as they are developed. Conventional RPG shops can retrofit their existing interactive green-screen programs one at a time to work within this framework and add these programs to users' navigation trees when ready.

Valence uses JavaScript components on the front end and communicates directly with RPG business logic on the back end. The Valence framework controls System i library lists and security for all programs and enables users to access each option via a navigation tree. The Valence Web Application Framework runs natively on i5/OS with RPG. CNX. 312-251-0840. cnxcorp.com.

Systems Management

First Option Releases Monitoring Software

First Option announces iSeries Watchdog, a Java-based application that collects key health indicators of System i servers. iSeries Watchdog comprises a systems management monitoring site combined with client-based data collection and alert software modules.

The solution collects vital system data and then displays it in a color-coded dashboard for easy viewing. Watchdog can monitor system problems and halt messages, as well as monitor tape drive status, DASD and CPU percentages, and disk status. First Option is leasing the new solution on a monthly basis. First Option. 508-339-0588. 1stoption.com.

Networking

BOSaNOVA Releases Thin-Client Management Tool

BOSaNOVA releases a new edition of its thin-client management software, BOSmanager, Enterprise Edition. The new edition offers advanced features for managing a large number of thin-client units, including the ability to perform operations on groups or individually selected devices. Users can create, modify, and restore thin-client configurations to install a thin client without configuration. Additional features include push-and-pull updating of firmware and the ability to manage terminal server content using CrossRun server, BosaNOVA's thin-client deployment tool. BOSaNOVA. 623-516-0029. bosanova.net.

Application Development

ARCAD Improves Multiple Solutions

ARCAD updates several of its offerings with versions 8.7. ARCAD's Verifer enables users to create and manage functional non-regression tests. Noteworthy changes include an Eclipse plug-in, providing strong integration with IBM's WDSc and Rational products and management of test campaigns. Extract, which extracts data sets, offers enhancements to the data model analysis engine, including analysis based on data types, naming rules, and reference file. This solution is also available as an Eclipse plug-in or as an independent client. ARCAD's application life-cycle management solution, Skipper, also has a number of new features, including integration of J.D. Edwards components in the ARCAD-Changer change processes. ARCAD. 800-676-4709. arcadsoftware.com.

Systems Management

S4i Acquires Monitoring Solution from Centerfield

S4i Systems enters into an agreement with Centerfield Technology to acquire disk/HUNTER, Centerfield's spike monitoring solution for System i servers. Disk/HUNTER provides disk spike detection, notification services, and automated data collection/analysis capabilities. S4i's DASD-Plus provides diagnostic, cleanup, analytical, and reporting functionality to System i users so customers can obtain both a monitoring and a diagnostic solution from one vendor. S4i will provide ongoing product support for disk/HUNTER, as well as software enhancements. S4i. 800-231-5280. s4isystems.com. Centerfield Technology. 888-387-8119. centerfieldtechnology.com.

Databases

Sun Upgrades MySQL Open-Source Database

Sun Microsystems announces the upcoming availability of MySQL 5.1, an update of its open-source database designed to improve performance and simplify management of large database applications, including those on i5/OS and Linux. MySQL 5.1 features enterprise enhancements such as support for five forms of horizontal data partitioning and row-based and hybrid replication. The update also offers a new event scheduler and an upgrade advisor for enterprise-level subscribers. Sun Microsystems. 408-213-6544. sun.com.

Business Management

Halcyon Enhances Scheduling Application

Halcyon Software unveils Job Scheduler v3.0, an update of its systems management application for System i servers. Job Scheduler enables System i and other systems operators to create and run advanced scheduling patterns tailored for specific business operations. The newest version enables users to convert IBM-standard Job Scheduler entries into Halcyon groups and jobs using a simple command. The new version also supports multiple environments. In addition, operators can retain specific settings when adding or amending jobs. Halcyon Software. 770-216-4433. halcyonsoftware.com.

Databases

Information Builders Enhances IBM's DB2 Web Query

Information Builders announces enhancements to IBM's DB2 Web Query for i5/OS users. Developed in partnership with IBM, the new features include a Runtime User Licensing Option based on the set of reports made available instead of on the number of users who will access the reports. The new Report Distributor enables a wide deployment of reports via e-mail and printers to both internal and external users. The enhancements also include Web Services API and SDK for embedding DB2 Web Query content into any application, and an Excel plug-in for pulling data from within spreadsheets. Some of the new capabilities are available now, and the rest will be in place by the end of 2008. Information Builders. 212-736-4433. informationbuilders.com.

Security

Solidcore Adds i5/OS Support to Its Change-Control Software

Solidcore Systems, Inc., unveils S3 Control PCI Pro, a new edition of its S3 Control product that helps merchants address the file integrity monitoring and audit trail requirements of the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) on i5/OS. In addition, a version of S3 Control Enterprise Edition that supports i5/OS will be available later this month.

PCI Pro provides continuous file integrity monitoring for i5/OS systems, as well as Windows, Linux, and Unix. It also offers audit capabilities for databases, network devices, and Active Directory servers. PCI Pro is available by annual subscription. It is upgradeable to the Enterprise Edition, which goes beyond PCI compliance to also provide SOX compliance, improved IT operations, and increased IT availability and can help streamline Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) projects. The Enterprise Edition integrates with change-management and data center automation systems and provides change audit and validation for SOX compliance. Solidcore. 408-387-8400. solidcore.com.

Databases

ARCAD Announces Tool for Reducing Update Downtime

ARCAD Software announces the availability of ARCAD-Skipper WAP (While Active Promoter), a new tool that helps reduce downtime associated with data file updates for 24/7 business applications in the i5/OS environment. The product uses modern high-availability and change-management processes to let companies convert System i databases with a minimal amount of interruption to application availability. Throughout the process, users have normal read/write authorities and can continue to work as usual. ARCAD-Skipper WAP, which is part of the ARCAD-Skipper ALM suite, lets users structure the new file's members and its related logical files exactly as they are formulated in production. For nonjournaled applications, the solution's synchronization tool restores the source during the return to the production system. The ARCAD product, which can also convert several files concurrently, requires ARCAD Open Repository. ARCAD. 800-676-4709. arcadsoftware.com.

Business Management

VAI Enhances Software Suite with UPS Logistics

Vormittag Associates (VAI) integrates UPS Logistics Technologies' Roadnet, a tactical daily routing tool, as an option in its S2K Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software Suite. Roadnet uses algorithms and custom routing passes to sort out customer orders, fuel costs, drivers, traffic conditions, and vehicles to produce daily route plans. With the new Roadnet offering, VAI distribution clients can generate numerous routing options for maximum fleet investment. Vormittag Associates. 800-824-7776. vai.net.

Security

Linoma Software Enhances Encryption Suite

Linoma Software releases version 1.5 of Crypto Complete, its solution for protecting field-level data on the System i. This release adds new features for backup encryption and deployment across multiple production, development, and test environments. A free, fully functional 30-day trial of Crypto Complete is available from Linoma Software. Crypto Complete runs on i5/OS releases V5R2 and later. Linoma Software. 800-949-4696. cryptocomplete.com.

Business Management

Varsity Introduces Shipping Package for OneWorld

Varsity Logistics debuts ShipSoft YourWorld, a special edition offer that provides a core bundle of shipping execution solution modules targeted to the unique needs of Oracle J.D. Edwards SMB customers. ShipSoft YourWorld includes ShipSoft-Parcel, ShipSoft-Freight, ShipSelect, Export Docs, and ShipTalk AES. Together, these modules cover shipping needs such as automation, optimization, and tracking. The package is also designed to be expandable over time. Varsity Logistics. 650-392-7979. varsitylogistics.com.