by Greg Schottland
I have the pleasure of talking to senior
management at many iSeries shops each week. A small but dedicated group
recite this headline to me at some point during our discussions. I often
ask “Do you think you’ll still be using the iSeries in 10 years.” The
answers are interesting. For some, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
applies. Their iSeries apps are working just fine, they still have RPG
developers and there is no reason to change now. For others, some event
has pushed them to move – loss of a key developer, the desire to
offshore development, consolidation of IT around a different platform,
or for ISVs, simple economics as users demand modern platforms.
I
wanted to discuss (if not defend!) those stalwarts that are not ready to move off the trusted, dependable
iSeries. Are these folks wrong, missing the boat, locked in the past? No! Not even close.
In almost all cases, these managers understand the cost and value of IT to their
businesses, having literally started the IT department in many cases. They
innately understand the economics. They are immune to the “gear-wow” of new
technology that for them, is not necessary today.
But…I must also temper this defense with a word of caution.
It is always better to prevent a fire than put one out. It is much easier to
take your time, analyze, design and implement the evolution of your IT
applications. It is no fun to have the clock of urgency and impending deadlines
loudly ticking while you try to do these same tasks. iSeries apps are large,
highly functionally and very integrated. You will want time to move these to
another platform whenever that day comes. And unfortunately, it will come
someday…maybe after we all have retired to the golf course, but it is
inevitable.
So my answer to: “Why modernize now, nothing is broken?” is
simple. Don’t. But, understand when that day comes, you’ll need some time to get
it done. So when you see that horizon coming into view, give yourself a few
years lead time. Start on the easy steps of analyzing what you have and where
you might move, when that day comes.
Until then, you won’t hear a word from me for staying the
course! It just makes sense.
[photo credit: SXC]