I have written a book that explains the 'mainframe mindset'. I think it really explains our thinking, in a way that the 'kids' really need to hear, and understand, before they (continue to) make all those mistakes we might've made, 'way back when...
My main point is: that mainframe systems (software AND hardware) were built expecting problems, and that makes them so robust. That is contrasted to many non-main-framers who start problem-solving AFTER a problem occurs (collecting data, recreating the problem, etc). I think the point is fundamental. The book is: "First Fault Software Problem Solving: A Guide for Engineers, Managers and Users", available in paper and e-book on amazon, and other places (Safari library online). The ISBN number is 1906717427. I have been trying to get this in front of 'the kids', and get it accepted by many of my senior colleagues, endorsed as 'that's important, Dan'. What do YOU (all) think? Am I off base? is it as significant (as I think it is)? There aren't too many books (I've looked) that explain THIS point. It is somewhat light reading - with concepts, arguments, examples of bullet-proof constructions, even on non-mainframe platforms (yes, there are some, not so many...), and illustrations/cartoons. What do you all think? Is reaching the 'kids' important? I think it is. I think z/OS and its related third-party products will have few supporters once us senior baby-boomer main-framers start retiring (hahaha) in 3 to 5 years. Unless we start collaborating with 'the kids', NOW. Dan (I apologize in advance for this 'commercial' message. Trust me, even if you all buy the book, it won't be so lucrative for me. Books rarely make authors rich, unless..). -----Original Message----- >From: "Blaicher, Christopher Y." <[email protected]> >Sent: Jan 6, 2014 3:15 PM >To: [email protected] >Subject: Re: Scary Sysprogs > >I have been a sys prog or ISV developer for over 45 years. I have always >HATED it when someone says "We have always done it this way", or the like. >Tell me why the old way is better or why the new way won't work. > >We all need to open up our minds to new ideas. Most of the people I work with >are half my age, some a third. I always look at what they come up with with a >positive how can we make this work attitude. Some ideas do work and some >don't and some aren't any better than what exists, but they all deserve the >light of day. > >We can still be grumpy old men, just don't stifle anybody's creativeness and >try to be nice to the younger crowd until they get to know you. > >Chris Blaicher >Principal Software Engineer, Software Development >Syncsort Incorporated >50 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 >P: 201-930-8260 | M: 512-627-3803 >E: [email protected] > >-----Original Message----- >From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of Ed Gould >Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 1:47 PM >To: [email protected] >Subject: Re: Scary Sysprogs > >On Jan 6, 2014, at 12:44 PM, Nathan J Pfister wrote: >> ------------------------ >> SNIP___________________________________________ >> That said, maybe I was just fortunate that I found my internship and >> first post-college job within the Federal Government in which it is >> nearly impossible to get fired, thus making change and new >> ideas/people not as much of a threat as in private industry. >> >> >Nathan: > >There are private sector companies that are similar (almost impossible to get >fired). >The cream does not rise to the top as the good people leave faster than one >can get used to. >The bad stifles all creativity and what is left is a garbage dump. > >SO I can only imagine what a government place is like and doubly wanting to >stay away from such places. > >Ed > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to >[email protected] with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, >send email to [email protected] with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN Thank you, Dan Dan Skwire home phone 941-378-2383 cell phone 941-400-7632 office phone 941-227-6612 primary email: [email protected] secondary email: [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [email protected] with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
