COMMON POWERUp 2026

Come get your first look at Python and learn some of the basics! Also, learn about the product offerings that enable you to do software development with the language on the platform. Upon completing this class, you will be able to acquire, install, and use the language on IBM i, as well as extend its power using contributions from the larger open source community. We will also explore Db2 Data Access and IFS file system access as primary use cases for Python on IBM i.

Learning Objectives:

1) Installation of Python on IBM i. 2) Multiple methods of use and access 3) Db2 data access from Python

Two of the most significant features added to ILE RPG recently are the DATA-INTO and DATA-GEN opcodes. The most common use case is to read and/or create JSON files. Since JSON has become crucial to IBM i businesses, these are must-know features!

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the basics of the JSON format. 2. Learn about DATA-INTO and how to use it. 3. Learn about DATA-GEN and how to use it.

A primer for business professionals on Information and Cyber Security (a.k.a “a crash course on security from a security nerd”) This hour session is intended as a fast-paced background primer for the business or IT profession who wants to understand the big picture of “security” (everything outside the IBM i server). Terms, roles and why it’s important to the businesses to understand and address on an ongoing basis. Definitions of “information” and “cyber” security Explanation of threats. External attackers and Internal threats. (Threats are constantly evolving. Addressing them is never “once and done.”) Definition of security roles: CISO, Security Analyst, Incident Response Analysts, Security compliance auditor, security reviewer, Network Engineer, Firewall engineer and help desk. Vectors of attack - phishing (general), phishing (specific or “spear phishing”) and their respective probabilities BEC (Business Email Compromise) SOC reports - what are they? What is a SIEM? Why is it important? Supply chain - being on the receiving end of security reviews as well as assessing your suppliers security Security tools - firewalls, EDR (End point Detection and Response), email filtering, SIEM, DNS protection, name server for Domain, Active Directory, Access Controls Identity Access Management - User IDs for everything, passwords, Single Sign-On Compliance vs. Security (“check the box” vs. a program of continuous improvement) Table top exercises - what they are and why they are important Physical security - don’t forget this detail. Why hack the organization if all you need to do is to steal a backup tape? Recommendation - Develop a program of continuous improvement (Work to keep ahead of the bad guys - or at least not be low hanging fruit)

Learning Objectives:

Provide a big picture understanding for the IT or business professional on the security topic. Help them communicate with and understand us “Security Nerds.”

Dependency management when operating multiple python projects can get crazy without a solid plan. In this session we will explore the world of Virtual Environments on IBM i and also the application of Jupyter Notebooks. These tools facilitate stable development and production of Python implementations.

Learning Objectives:

1) Explore some of the complexities of Python Module version management. 2) Learn how int use Virtual Environments on IBM i and Jupyter Notebooks. 3) Live demo of virtual environments in action.

Come and join Joey, IBM i ACS Support Team Member, as he presents a quick, live demo overviewing the usage and capabilities of IBM i Access Client Solutions IFS utility

Learning Objectives:

Gain familiarity with the IBM i ACS IFS utility

Come and join Wayne, IBM i ACS Support Team Lead, as he presents a quick, live demo over-viewing the usage and capabilities of IBM i ACS Printer Output

Learning Objectives:

Gain Familiarity with IBM i Access Client Solutions Printer Output