IBM i DevOps TechTalk

ARCAD Software

IBM i DevOps TechTalk podcast by the experts from ARCAD Software.

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20 episodes
monthly
Avg 15 min
English

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July 21 · 13 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #29 - AI - PART 2
In this episode, Ray Bernardi welcomes Alan Ashley for the second part of their conversation about AI on IBM i. Together, they explore how MCP servers work, why they can be viewed as a toolbox connecting AI assistants to trusted application data, and how ARCAD MCP Server uses structured metadata to provide accurate context without exposing source code. They also discuss the importance of governance and security, including controlled access, API keys, audit capabilities, and restrictions on sensitive actions. Finally, they explain how ARCAD’s deterministic tools can reduce token consumption, improve the reliability of AI-generated answers, and help organizations control the growing costs associated with AI models.
May 29 · 12 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #28 - AI - PART 1
In this episode, Ray Bernardi welcomes Alan Ashley for the first part of a conversation about AI on IBM i. Together, they discuss why AI is becoming such an important topic for IBM i teams, how organizations can identify valuable use cases, and why context and governance are critical for successful AI adoption. They also explore the balance between innovation and security, the role of ARCAD MCP Server in delivering more reliable AI results, and how solutions like DISCOVER and DOT Anonymizer are already using AI to simplify application understanding, modernization, documentation, and data anonymization.
January 29 · 7 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #27 - Platform Engineering
In this episode, Ray Bernardi welcomes Alan Ashley to explain why platform engineering is becoming the next step after DevOps: creating an internal developer platform (IDP) that standardizes tools, environments, and “paved paths to production” so teams can deliver faster and more consistently. They then show how DROPS fits in: it orchestrates releases across mixed environments, integrates with common toolchains, provides end-to-end traceability, and even supports one-click rollback to reduce risk and manual errors.
Nov 28, 2025 · 17 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #26 - Synon
In this episode, Ray Bernardi welcomes Alan Ashley to talk about why Synon applications have become so difficult to manage today. After so many years of use, the technology hasn’t evolved, the code is hard to understand, and it’s getting harder to find people who still know Synon. Ray and Alan explain the main problems: high maintenance costs, outdated green-screen interfaces, and the lack of developers willing to work with this old tool. They also discuss why rewriting everything from scratch often fails — and why replacing an entire application can be risky. They then introduce ARCAD’s automated approach: converting Synon-generated code into modern free-form RPG and SQL while keeping all the business logic. This makes applications easier to maintain, easier to modernize, and much safer to move forward with. With ARCAD, companies can finally leave Synon behind and prepare their systems for the future.
Oct 17, 2025 · 15 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #25 - Discover - Part2
In this episode, Ray Bernardi welcomes Alan Ashley to explore how Discover is transforming the way teams understand and manage complex applications. Decades of development have left organizations with massive, intricate systems that are difficult to analyze and modernize. Discover changes that — using AI-powered automation to map, document, and visualize every dependency within your applications. Listeners will learn how Discover’s conversational AI, automated functional mapping, and deep database analysis make it easy for developers, business analysts, and IT leaders to explore their systems in natural language, identify obsolete or redundant components, and gain a complete understanding of data flows. With Discover, ARCAD brings clarity to complexity — empowering teams to modernize faster, improve governance, and make smarter decisions about their application landscape.
Sep 4, 2025 · 13 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #24 - Concurrent Development
In this episode, Ray Bernardi hosts Alan Ashley and Jeff Tickner to explore the challenges and opportunities of concurrent development on IBM i. They explain how moving away from traditional monolithic workflows and adopting Git can transform collaboration, enabling multiple developers to work in parallel without conflict. Listeners will also hear how pull requests, merges, and automation streamline the DevOps workflow—helping teams detect issues earlier, improve code quality, and accelerate delivery. With Git and ARCAD, IBM i development becomes more transparent, reliable, and adaptable to modern practices.
Aug 8, 2025 · 13 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #23 - DB2 Optimization
In this episode, Ray Bernardi hosts Alan Ashley and Jeff Tickner to explore the latest DB2 database optimization enhancements in ARCAD’s V25 release. They share how these improvements streamline efficiency, from optimizing ALTER TABLE operations to managing SQL objects, physical and logical files, and complex dependencies like views, triggers, and constraints. Listeners will also hear how detailed logs, spool files, and execution metrics provide greater transparency, making it easier to plan and optimize deployments. These improvements make DB2 management faster, more reliable, and less dependent on manual intervention.
Jul 3, 2025 · 22 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #22 - VS Code: Interview with Sébastien Julliand
In this episode, Alan interviews Sébastien Julliand about the rise of VS Code in IBM i development. Sébastien shares his journey from the Merlin project to becoming a key contributor to open-source extensions like Code for IBM i, Skipper, and CodeChecker. They discuss how VS Code is modernizing the developer experience, enabling integration with Jenkins, unit testing, and even AI tools. Listeners will learn why VS Code is quickly becoming the go-to environment for IBM i developers.
Jun 6, 2025 · 16 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #21 - Git misconception in the context of IBM i
In this episode, our experts explore common misconceptions about Git in the context of IBM i development. It highlights frequent misunderstandings—such as challenges with branching, collaboration, and tool integration—and clarifies how Git can fit naturally into traditional workflows. Listeners will gain practical insights to improve their development processes and unlock the full potential of Git within their organization.
Mar 18, 2025 · 16 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #20 - AI-Driven IBM i Application Analysis with ARCAD Discover
In this Podcast, listen in as Arcad's Senior Solutions Architects introduce ARCAD Discover, the ultimate visualization tool for IBM i applications: Graphical insights: Instantly visualize applications, data flows & dependencies. AI-powered analysis: Ask questions in natural language & get clear explanations. Cross-team accessibility: RPG, Java developers & analysts gain instant understanding. Fast & easy: Web-based, no install, real-time updates from ARCAD repository.
Mar 18, 2025 · 17 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #18 DROPS - Part 2
Listen in on this TechTalk podcast which features Jeff Tickner, CTO North America, and Alan Ashley, Sr Solution Architect, on the topic of managing Deployment processes. In this DROPS Part 2 TechTalk, we pick up on discussing advanced Deployment topics such as: How to integrate DROPS into an ecosystem of tools used in your organization such as Jenkins, Azure, AWS, Ansible, Bamboo, and Jira. Synchronize deployments between DB2 and Web with many moving pieces. Ansible key benefits. The efficiency of “Infrastructure as Code” to deploy across different environments.
Feb 24, 2025 · 15 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #19 Interface Ticketing Systems with Your DevOps Process
In this Podcast, listen in as Arcad's Senior Solutions Architects discuss the importance of linking development workflow tasks to tools such as Jira and ServiceNow. Full visibility of projects across platforms. Built in bi-directional tracking for automated real-time updates. Simple Arcad mapping to any ticketing system. Automation, efficiency, flexibility
Nov 12, 2024 · 15 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #17 DROPS - Part 1
Listen in on our 17th TechTalk podcast which features Alan Ashley, Solution Architect Sr, and Jeff Tickner, CTO NA, on the topic of DROPS. This episode is DROPS Part 1. ARCAD Software’s DROPS is a comprehensive Application Release Orchestration solution designed to simplify and secure the deployment of applications across all environments. Join us as we discuss its multi-platform support, how deployments can be centrally managed, how they can be fully automated and recoverable as well. DROPS is designed to streamline the release management process, making it easier to deploy applications reliably and efficiently across all IT landscapes.
Oct 15, 2024 · 20 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #16 Azure and the IBM i - Part 2
Listen in on our 16th TechTalk podcast which features Jeff Tickner, CTO NA, on the topic of Azure and the IBM i. This episode is Azure Part 2. In Azure Part 1, we covered building an Azure branching strategy, incorporating the IBM i, and our sync for .NET Developers. In Part 2, we take it further and discuss: The many benefits and ease of linking Azure’s Task Management system with branches so work items are now part of change. How to go beyond just seeing status updates but also the IBM i code changes as well which is great for non-IBM i developers and auditors. Integration of automated code review and unit testing into the Azure process. How to remove the manual effort IBM i Developers do now with Azure.
Aug 19, 2024 · 12 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #15 Strategy to move to a more modular code and Microservices
In this 15th episode, Alan Ashley interviews Andrew Clark and Nicholas Delessio on transforming monolithic code into microservices. They discuss the basics of microservices, the benefits of adopting them, the role of RESTful APIs in connecting microservices, and introduce ARCAD Transformer Microservices, a tool that transforms your RPG enterprise applications into modern n-tier architecture effortlessly for organizations dealing with modernization on IBM i.
Jul 9, 2024 · 16 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #14 Roles & Responsibilities
This TechTalk podcast discusses the importance of having control over who does what in the DevOps process through user Roles and Responsibilities. Join in to hear a great discussion with Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley, Sr Solution Architects and guest speaker, Genyphyr Novak, Software Development Engineer, as she shares past and current experience around security, audit requirements, and how it’s addressed in ARCAD including: Why restricting access is key in meeting regulation and Auditor requirements. How to start planning. Flexible options to control the level of security needed from out-of-the box roles to granular functionality that allows for customized roles and securable commands. Internal logs and self-documenting reports for audits.
Jun 18, 2024 · 13 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #13 VS Code & Arcad – Part 2
This IBM i DevOps TechTalk podcast is on a very popular topic, VS Code. This is Part 2 and features Alan Ashley and Ray Bernardi, both Senior Solutions Architects. Listen in as they discuss VS Code for the IBM i and share great information and answers to questions: What are VS Code extensions? VS Code versus RDi? What enhancements and new VS Code extensions have been added to the marketplace? What is supported or not supported with VS Code? What is Arcad doing with VS Code? Arcad’s Elias extension which has been enhanced to manage and change Maintenance Reports, provide deeper information from the repository, tie into CodeChecker. How to install and get started.
Mar 21, 2024 · 17 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #12 – Azure and the IBM i
Join us for the 12th episode of the IBM i DevOps TechTalk Podcast with Jeff Tickner, CTO NA, for a discussion on Azure and the IBM i. More and more businesses are using Microsoft’s Azure tool suite from workflow and Version Control with Git to Azure Pipelines and Boards. Jeff shares his experience integrating the IBM i including: · How the open-system Developers and IBM i Developers differ yet work together with Azure Git from the builds to the branch strategy. · How to bring the IBM i into the full CI/CD process and take advantage of different pieces of Azure. · Arcad’s sync with front-end .net Azure Developers and back-end IBM i Developers. · The drivers for success including education and finding the right partner for the journey, Arcad.
Feb 6, 2024 · 15 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #11 - Phased approach to DevOps and Git
Join us for this 11th episode of our Techtalk Podcast - Ray and Alan discuss the benefits and advantages of adopting a phased approach when moving to DevOps and Git. Transitioning to Git, especially in an IBM i environment, can seem like a daunting task, but our expert Ray explains how to make it a manageable and incremental process. Discover how Arcad can play an important role in facilitating the smooth integration of Git into your DevOps journey!
Nov 30, 2023 · 15 min
IBM i DevOps TechTalk #10 - Coding Standards
Join us for the 10th episode of the IBM i DevOps TechTalk Podcast, where we discuss the topic of "Coding Standards" - a cornerstone for achieving usability and maintainability in coding. In this session, Nicholas DeLessio, Developer and CodeChecker expert, joins forces with Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley, senior solution architects, to provide a comprehensive view on coding standards. Together, they address key points: • The significance of coding standards in modern software development. • Advantages of implementing these standards for your organization. • Specific challenges in the RPG coding environment and strategies to overcome them. • How ARCAD can facilitate the integration of best coding practices. Listen now to empower your coding strategies on IBM i!

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