By Eden Watt, Vice President, Application Innovation, Able-One Systems & Amy Anderson, DIrector of Business Development, Zend

In a previous blog - http://info.ableone.com/blog/php-in-the-enterprise-an-introduction - we reviewed the myriad of reasons to use the PHP scripting language for your web and mobile applications.  In addition, we briefly reviewed how Zend makes this Open Source language a robust platform for enterprise application development.  But did you also know that Zend Server provides a native PHP solution for IBM i and that thousands of organizations are running PHP apps on IBM Power platforms?

Today, we share the Top Ten Reasons for using PHP from Zend Technologies to modernize your IBM i applications.

NUMBER 10:

The IBM i integrated operating system lets you focus on your application instead of the underlying technology and, unlike other platforms, you don’t have to worry about the stack underneath it.

You’ve heard of LAMP (Linux, Apache, MariaDB or MySQL, PHP) and other stacks that come into play for deploying PHP but if you’re on IBM I, your database and application server should be all set.  Maybe we can call it iP or iAP..

The original architecture of AS/400 included integration of relational database, security, networking  and storage management with use of single-level storage to remove the necessity of customers managing storage.  Combine this with an object-based operating system to ensure integrity and reliability, the technology independent machine interface (“TIMI”) which allowed compiled programs to move from one release and one processor family to another without recompilation and expectations that multiple workloads can be run on the machine with load-balancing capabilities and you have a platform built to handle the most complex business applications.

Compared to IBM i, most open source stacks require a “Do It Yourself” approach that is prone to configuration errors and component mis-matches.  This forces the developer, who wants to focus on building great applications, to deal with operating system settings and load balancers.  On IBM i, these things are handled, giving the developer more time for innovation.

NUMBER 9:

PHP Runs Best on POWER8

As is well documented, the POWER8 processor is significantly faster than POWER7, and improves user throughput.  Among its many advantages, POWER8 handles dynamic languages, including PHP, more efficiently than POWER7.  So without any modification to the app and without changing and settings on the processor, POWER8 will just be faster.

At the same time, the open source PHP community has released PHP7, which provides a 2x performance improvement over its predecessor, PHP 5.6.  So between a faster processor and a faster PHP kernel, IBM i customers will find that tremendous performance gains when they run PHP7 on POWER8.

NUMBER 8:

"Cadillac support" at open source prices

IBM i service and support has long been the envy of the tech industry.  IBM i support has consistently ranked in the top 5 for customer satisfaction.  Many customers would even agree that they have been somewhat spoiled by IBM’s long term support for the software and operating system.

Zend has followed IBM’s lead in providing extended support for older versions of PHP that the open source community has dropped.  For example, both PHP 5.3 and 5.4 are no longer supported by the community, but Zend has a multi-year commitment to supporting those versions. 

When running business-critical applications, slow and incompetent support is not an option, no matter how it’s priced.  Both IBM and Zend deliver fast response times and expert level support so that businesses can operate smoothly and confidently.

NUMBER 7: 

Your web & mobile apps will be easier to manage and fast to deploy

Zend Server is an enterprise PHP application server powering deployment for web and mobile development.   In PHP, deploying an application is the process of copying, configuring and enabling a specific application to a specific base URL on Zend Server or on a cluster. Once the deployment process has finished, the application becomes publicly accessible on the base URL. Zend Server automates the deployment process, providing productivity gains as well as minimizing human error in the deployment process.

But the biggest productivity gains come from using Z-Ray, which gives developers real-time, non-intrusive insight into their website and mobile applications, improving performance and speeding time-to-delivery.  Z-Ray is available in Developer, Professional, and Enterprise Editions.

NUMBER 6:

Leverage your IT assets and deliver leading edge solutions

The prevailing assumption at most businesses is that analytics, content management, and mobile apps must all be built on the x86 platform.  If you run your core business applications on IBM i, that assumption forces you into an expensive and labor intensive exercise of building and maintaining an extract and transfer process to move data from IBM i to your new applications. 

But the x86 platform is not a requirement for your new applications.  Zend Server runs natively on IBM I, and it is the very same code base that runs on x86 platforms.  By building your web & mobile applications on IBM i, you can avoid the hassles and expense of maintaining a data transfer process.

Zend lets you better leverage the resources you've already bought and enable new technologies with minimal disruption to the business.

NUMBER 5:

Easier Systems Management

As every IBM i customer knows, the integration of the hardware, operating system, database, and storage drastically simplifies systems management.  Your PHP applications can enjoy the same level of integration and simplicity when you deploy them on IBM i. Just  as IBM i manages the system components on behalf of your core business applications, so will it manage the same for your web & mobile applications when you build them with PHP on IBM i.

NUMBER 4:

Procedural or OO Development – It’s your Choice

Many of the development languages currently in use for web & mobile applications require an object oriented development approach.  While this is a proven technique for app development, it can be a daunting step for IBM i shops, where the development team is steeped in procedural programming .

PHP helps you bridge that gap.  With Zend Server on IBM i, you can start with a procedural approach that will be comfortable and familiar to your RPG and COBOL developers.  As your organization grows in its familiarity with PHP, you can start using some of the objects in the Zend Framework.  And if you have developers who are eager to go all in on object-oriented, they can easily go there with Zend Server.

No one is forcing you into a new development paradigm, but it's there if you want to go there.  ie, procedural to OO programming; go when you want, if ever.

Take advantage of a programming language with millions of developers worldwide, used by some of the most popular online content management systems

Use Zend Studio PHP IDE, which allows developers to edit code and with debug and build automation tools. 

 NUMBER 3: 

Easy to secure, less vulnerable to hacks

People in the x86/open source world don't know what they’re missing but those of us that have managed this platform for years, know that this true..

IBM i security plus Zend Guard to protect PHP applications with encoding and obfuscation, prevent reverse engineering and to secure website intellectual property.  

NUMBER 2:  

Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in the industry

You’ve heard it before.  Managing enterprise applications on IBM i has been reported as the most economical platform.  The vast majority of IBM I shops believe the platform delivers better ROI than other servers.

So now you can take advantage of this for your web and mobile interfaces too with PHP Zend for i.

NUMBER 1:

Native Integration to extend your legacy applications

Zend has an open source PHP toolkit for the IBM i that enables native integration with all IBM i objects – RPG, ILE, CL, C, data areas, DB2/400…

The holiday season is upon us and gift-giving can be stressful if you don't know what to get for the people in your life. To help, we've curated a list of 24 unique gift ideas for the tech savvy person in your life; best of all, many of these can be purchased online so you can avoid the crowds at the store.

1. Navdy Mounted Windshield Projector

Say goodbye to fumbling around with a smartphone with the Navdy ($319, preorder). It's a portable device that includes a mounted projector that keeps you distraction-free and still headed to the correct destination. You can control different aspects of your phone with both hand gestures and voice control. It works with both iOS and Android. 

2. iHome Flask-Shaped Speaker

While you can't actually put alcohol into the iBT12 iHome speaker ($50), it's a flask-like product anybody would enjoy. It's Bluetooth-enabled and includes a leather-style case for on-the-go use.  

3. Surface Pro 4

Never hear them complain about a tablet again with the Surface Pro 4 ($899 and up). The latest Surface has a fingerprint reader, a new pen, and more capabilities that could make it suitable for replacing a laptop. 

4. Amazon Echo

Get some hands-free help around the house with the Amazon Echo ($180). You can ask Alexa to do almost anything, like play a song or update a list on a smartphone.

5. SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Yes, the SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($150) floats — perfect for when you’re lounging in the pool. The incredible sound can be connected via Bluetooth, so you won't miss any calls while sitting back on vacation. Not planning to be by a pool anytime soon? It's also great for the shower or bath.

6. Skylock, the Keyless U-lock

Skylock ($159 to preorder, ships 2016) is a Bluetooth-enabled, solar-powered lock that automatically unlocks when you approach, and it locks automatically when you snap the shackle into the lockbar. If your phone dies, just enter in the numeric code you chose during initial setup manually. If someone attempts to steal the bike, Skylock will send an alert. 

7. Mophie Juice Pack H2PRO

Whether they’re an adventurer or just slightly clumsy, the Juice Pack H2PRO ($130) for the iPhone 6s and 6 is a perfect gift. It doubles as both a waterproof case and an extra battery.

8. Truffol Station 5 USB Charger

This portable USB charger ($39) is both stylish and functional. Whether he or she is heading to a music festival or going backpacking for the weekend, this universal battery pack can keep phones, tablets, speakers, and cameras charged. It has five outgoing outlets and a built-in surge protector. 

9. MonoRover R2

If you’ve always wanted a product like a hoverboard, the MonoRover R2 ($599) is what you need. It moves based on ankle and feet gestures and almost looks like something from Back to the Future II.

10. Marshall Stanmore Speaker

Feeling like splurging on your audiophile? This Marshall Stanmore Speaker ($400) is the ultimate gift for any music junkie. It's vintage-inspired but updated for the 21st century. The speaker connects via Bluetooth or the included coil cord that can plug into any standard headphone jack.

11. Smartwatches

There's no doubt that smartwatches are the new It gadgets to have. While most people would want an Apple Watch ($350-$10,000), there are other alternatives. The Pebble Steel watch ($150) offers similar features, as does the Moto 360 ($300 and up).

12. Fitbit Charge HR

The Fitbit Charge HR ($150) is a great activity tracker for the anyone who wants to keep an eye on their health. It has a battery life of up to five days, tracks sleep, and, most importantly, can effectively monitor your heart rate. 

13. GoPro Hero4 Silver

The Hero4 Silver ($400) is the first GoPro with a convenient touchscreen display, which means that filmmakers no longer need GoPro's mobile app to see what they're shooting. It weighs only 2.9 ounces but can capture incredible 4K video at 15 frames per second and 1080p at 60 frames per second. The action camera, released earlier this year, will also be available in a surf edition (with board mount) and music edition (with mic stand and instrument mounts).

14. R2-D2 Car Charger

R2 units are the ultimate helpers, and this R2-D2 car charger ($32, originally $40) is no exception. The charger sits in a cup holder and plugs into a cigarette lighter. It can charge up to two USB devices at once, and R2's dome even rotates and lights up. When power is connected, the bot will whistle and beep.

15. Chromecast Audio

Chromecast Audio is a small device that plugs into your speaker for streaming music through Wifi. At $35, Chromecast Audio is an affordable way to enjoy the music you love on your existing speakers. Chromecast Audio uses Wifi to stream lossless high-resolution audio to your sound equipment. 

16. NFL Otterbox Cover

Hardcore NFL fan? Show your pride and protect your phone with the hardcore NFL Defender Series case. Built gridiron tough, the NFL Defender Series case protects your device from drops, scrapes, fumbles and tailgating penalties. The OtterBox roster features all 32 NFL teams – $45 sale price, $60 regular.

17. Bluesmart Smart Carry-On Luggage

Bluesmart is a high-quality carry-on suitcase that you can control from your phone, like a boss. From the app you can lock and unlock it, weigh it, track its location, be notified if you are leaving it behind and find out more about your travel habits. You can also charge your phone 6 times over with a built-in battery. Price ranges from $150 - $500. 

18. KOHLER Moxie 1-Spray Showerhead

Moxie lets you stream your favorite music, news or talk radio right in the shower with you. The Moxie showerhead holds a portable wireless speaker that pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices to deliver high-quality audio to your shower. On sale on Amazon for $100.

19. Walnut Laptop Stand

Upgrading the workspace is easy with the Walnut Laptop Stand ($129). Constructed at an angle, the stand is perfect for anyone who regularly uses his or her computer at home.

20. Nest Protect

Nest Protect reliably detects and alerts you to the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home for a one-time purchase of $228. The alarm speaks to you in a calm, clear, human voice, telling you the location of the danger. It also provides smartphone alerts and battery status updates to help protect your home while you're away.

21. Ringly Ring

Ringly creates beautiful smart jewelry and accessories that keep you effortlessly connected to the things that matter most. Ringly connects to your phone so you can receive subtle notifications about what’s important. Through the Ringly app, you can set custom color and vibration patterns for different types of notifications. The accompanying ring box also acts as a charging station; simply place your Ringly in the box to recharge when the battery is low. At $195, Ringly is a great gift for the tech and jewelry-loving person in your life. 

22. Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System

Backed by more than 25 years of clinical research, Tranquil Moments sound programs are based on the DELTA, ALPHA and THETA brainwave patterns associated with deep states of sleep, relaxation and renewal. Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System ($199) has gentler ways to wake you and help you feel more refreshed in the morning: gradual-on wake-up light, blue-enriched white energy light, wake to any combination of chimes, sounds and soothing light. 

23. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale

Fitbit Aria Scale is the only smart scale that wirelessly talks to your computer. The scale measures weight, percent body fat and wirelessly transmits the information to your online profile at Fitbit.com (no subscription fee required) where your body mass index is automatically calculated for $129.95. You can keep these results private on your profile. Track your weight, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat over time with the online graphs and mobile tools to help you reach your goals.  

24. BB-8 App-Enabled Droid by Sphero

Bringing a new part of Star Wars: The Force Awakens into your home, BB-8 is the app-enabled Droid whose authentic movements are at your control with iPhone or iPad.

BB-8 relates to your interactions, showing a range of expressions and actually perking up at the sound of your voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously. Rather than using the Force, BB-8 is powered by induction charging and connects via Bluetooth Smart BLE with your iPhone, iPad, or other device. Its tough polycarbonate shell keeps it safe from water and the dark side. This gift is extremely popular and just in time for the new Star Wars movie; get it for $149.95 before it sells out.

What other must-have tech gifts would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

By Eden Watt, Vice President, Application Innovation, Able-One Systems

Gartner, IDC and other industry analysts produce compelling research which drives organizations towards technology innovations which transform business. A key concept in this research involves what they call the Third Platform, also known as SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud), which is defined as consisting of the inter-dependencies between mobile computing, social media, cloud computing, big data/analytics, and now the Internet of Things (IoT).

According to this terminology, the first platform refers to mainframes, which began in the 1950’s and continue today, for example with IBM i, z, p servers. The second platform represents the client/server architecture, which became popular in the 90’s and also continues today with desktop applications interfacing with back-end servers (including ‘mainframes’). 

Figure 1 below is a graphical representation of the Third Platform, from IDC. For a great summary of this material, including videos, check out http://www.idc.com/prodserv/3rd-platform.

It’s important to note that if your platform is considered ‘first’, this doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to go or be replaced, however, it’s important to consider how one incorporates newer capabilities and technologies with existing applications and infrastructures. This leads us to the ever popular topic of modernization.

Modernize means to enhance something to make it current. Some organizations may not consider their projects to be ‘modernization’ projects but if you’ve extended your enterprise systems to enable mobile or web interfaces, perhaps enabling customers to order online, perform web inquiries, fill out e-forms… or used web services to automate business processes or interfaces between systems… or upgraded your DB2/400 database to SQL… or mined your data sources to perform business intelligence or advanced analytics… or provided more advanced tools for your developers… or re-engineered business processes to reduce manual steps or increase automation… well, you get the idea. If you have enhanced your business applications and application management in any of these areas, then this is typically considered a modernization project.

Some object to the term because it implies that what you’re starting with is old or out of date. And we typically refer to modernization of ‘first platform’ systems as legacy systems or some, who do not want to offend, have called them heritage systems. The bottom line is that if the core of the application, including the user interface design, database, and application code was developed in the 90’s or earlier, then it fits in this category. It’s not a bad thing and it doesn’t mean that it hasn’t served the business well, both in the past and today, however, it’s probably a safe bet that the original architecture was not designed to take advantage of current technologies in the “third platform” which is important to remain competitive and support your business goals.

The specific business drivers for a modernization project can be varied, ranging from the need to deliver applications to customers and partners, integrate applications after acquisitions or line of business changes, reduce manual, paper-based or redundant processes, deliver operational efficiencies and workflow improvements, streamline, automate, assist executives in analyzing business trends, enable roaming employees to do their jobs from mobile devices and so on.

The technology evolution we’ve seen in the 2000’s is leading to, “Nothing less than the reinvention and continuous transformation of every industry in the world,” according to IDC’s Chief Research Officer, Crawford del Prete. 

So, whether you are reacting to a specific, upcoming business challenge and related modernization project or are working with your organization to plot a strategic direction for the future, IT leadership is critical to business success in this Third Platform Era.

On December 2, 2015, we’re hosting an event for Application Managers to collaborate on the latest strategies and technologies for modernization on IBM i.

Modernization has been stated as a top concern with organizations, particularly those with mission-critical applications on IBM i servers, in numerous studies. IBM i has a solid reputation in areas such as low cost of ownership, power, scalability, reliability, and security but because of its initial, widespread growth in the 1990’s via software applications developed in that timeframe, many organizations today are working with systems that may need to be updated or extended to take advantage of current technologies.

The key goal of any modernization project must be to leverage your investment in key enterprise systems by extending them to align with current business goals and technology innovations.

The IBM Power Systems running the IBM i operating system, previously known as AS/400 or iSeries, can continue to be a strategic platform to operate your business for years to come but we believe ongoing application modernization, extensions, and/or retooling are key to ensuring that the rest of your organization believes this too.

However, modernization is used to describe a wide range of tactics and strategies and not every approach makes sense for every organization. We will continue to share customer stories, the latest technologies and strategies on this blog, at our events, and in our dealings with our customers. If this is of interest to you, we’d love to see you at our event which we plan to make both informative and collaborative so you can determine what make sense for your business.

To explore options for modernizing your applications, join us in-person for a special event on Wednesday December 2, 2015 from 12 PM to 3 PM in Toronto. Register today.

Able-One Systems is a proud reseller of Veeam, a provider of backup, disaster recovery and virtualization management software for VMware and Hyper-V virtual environments.

The Veeam video contest asked their reseller community why they recommend Veeam over legacy backup to their customers.

In Able-One’s video, Todd Cox, our Chief Technology Officer, explains how easy Veeam is to use. Todd manages a large group of technicians and technicians love it for customers because of how reliably the service is.

Vote for our video entry in the Veeam Video Contest here: http://go.veeam.com/video-contest-voting-canada.html

Vote today for your chance to win:

• 2 NHL prime seat tickets for a Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago BlackHawks game on Friday Jan. 15th at 7:00 pm; plus a $200 Visa gift card to enjoy!

• 2 NHL prime seat tickets for a Calgary Flames vs the Boston Bruins game on Friday Dec. 4th at 7:00 pm; plus a $200 Visa gift card to enjoy!

2 lucky voters will win one package!

The last day to vote is Wednesday Dec 2, 2015, so vote now at http://go.veeam.com/video-contest-voting-canada.html!