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The machine was originally based on a custom IBM [[Complex Instruction Set Computer|CISC]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]], but was later migrated to a [[PowerPC]] based [[RISC]] CPU family eventually known as [[RS64]]. The latest models are based on the [[POWER5]](announced 4 May 2004) processor. |
The machine was originally based on a custom IBM [[Complex Instruction Set Computer|CISC]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]], but was later migrated to a [[PowerPC]] based [[RISC]] CPU family eventually known as [[RS64]]. The latest models are based on the [[POWER5]](announced 4 May 2004) processor. |
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The machine survives because the [[Hardware abstraction layer]] of its microcode allows the operating system and [[application program]]s to take advantage of advances in hardware and software without recompilation. This means that a program written and compiled on a S/38 can be run as a native 64 bit program. The HAL allows a system that costs $9000 to run the exact same operating system and software as a $2 million system. |
The machine survives because the [[Hardware abstraction layer]] of its microcode (called TIMI for "Technology Independent Machine Interface" by IBM) allows the operating system and [[application program]]s to take advantage of advances in hardware and software without recompilation. This means that a program written and compiled on a S/38 can be run as a native 64 bit program. The HAL allows a system that costs $9000 to run the exact same operating system and software as a $2 million system. |
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Additionally, tasks such as handling record locks and queuing updates are managed automatically by the system, making high-speed, multiuser applications easy to create, maintain, and extremely reliable. |
Additionally, tasks such as handling record locks and queuing updates are managed automatically by the system, making high-speed, multiuser applications easy to create, maintain, and extremely reliable. |
Revision as of 16:49, 10 September 2004
The AS/400 is an IBM minicomputer for small business and departmental users, released in 1988 and still in production under the name iSeries. The AS/400 is an object oriented system with an integrated database that was designed to implement E.F.Codd's relational database model in the operating system and hardware . All software necessary to run this computer is included and integrated.
The iSeries/AS400 is the follow-on to the System/38 database machine initially released in 1985. AS/400 (known as Silverlake) was released in 1989, and the product line was refreshed and named iSeries in 2000.
Features include an extremely fast DBMS, a menu-driven interface, multi-user support, terminals (IBM 5250) and printers, security, communications and an extensive library-based operating system, OS/400. The big selling point is that applications can run without modification on any model in the product line, from single-user development machines to 8- or 16-way multiprocessor clusters.
The machine was originally based on a custom IBM CISC CPU, but was later migrated to a PowerPC based RISC CPU family eventually known as RS64. The latest models are based on the POWER5(announced 4 May 2004) processor.
The machine survives because the Hardware abstraction layer of its microcode (called TIMI for "Technology Independent Machine Interface" by IBM) allows the operating system and application programs to take advantage of advances in hardware and software without recompilation. This means that a program written and compiled on a S/38 can be run as a native 64 bit program. The HAL allows a system that costs $9000 to run the exact same operating system and software as a $2 million system.
Additionally, tasks such as handling record locks and queuing updates are managed automatically by the system, making high-speed, multiuser applications easy to create, maintain, and extremely reliable.
Programming languages available for this machine include RPG, assembly language, C, C++, Java, COBOL, SQL, BASIC, PHP, and REXX. Several CASE tools are available: Synon, AS/SET, Lansa.
Commands in the Command Language (CL) are promptable and most provide cursor sensitive help to make entering parameters easier. A command consists of a three letter verb and a subject part. This is intended to make it easy to understand CL code. Examples:
- CRTUSRPRF - Create user profile
- DLTLIB - Delete lib
- CPYF - Copy file
It was designed as the successor of the IBM System/38 and the IBM System/36. The programmers that worked on OS/400, the operating system of the AS/400, did not have a UNIX background. Mr Frank Soltis, the head architect, says that this is the main difference between this and any other operating system.