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...
May 29, 2026•12 min
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 ...
Jan 29, 2026•8 min
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 Ray and Alan explain the main problems: high maintenance costs, outdated green-screen interfaces, and the lack of developers willing to work with this old tool.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 o...
Nov 28, 2025•17 min
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 databa...
Oct 17, 2025•15 min
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 del...
Sep 04, 2025•14 min
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...
Aug 08, 2025•14 min
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....
Jul 03, 2025•22 min
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.
Jun 06, 2025•16 min
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•16 min
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 ...
Mar 18, 2025•17 min
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
Feb 24, 2025•16 min
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 ...
Nov 12, 2024•16 min
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 ...
Oct 15, 2024•20 min
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....
Aug 19, 2024•13 min
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 requirem...
Jul 09, 2024•17 min
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 extensi...
Jun 18, 2024•14 min
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 ...
Mar 21, 2024•17 min
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!...
Feb 06, 2024•15 min
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. • Advant...
Nov 30, 2023•16 min
What are the biggest misconceptions when dealing with test data? What is driving the protection of the data outside of the production? What are challenges when you anonymize data? In this episode, Alan Ashley explains different techniques of data protection, regulations for protecting PII, and why DOT Anonymizer is the best solution to protect your PII.
Oct 09, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In our 8 th iDevOps TechTalk podcast, we’ll discuss an important Git topic – The Build. If you are not using Git for IBM i source control, you are likely planning for it. A key part of the process you must understand is “ The Build ”. You may ask, why? Isn’t it just a standard IBM i build? No! Tune in as Jeff Tickner, CTO NA and Alan Ashley, Sr. Solutions Architect, discuss: The differences between a standard IBM i build and a build with Git. Understanding options and advantages with ARCAD versu...
Sep 12, 2023•14 min
Tune into this IBM i DevOps TechTalk on a key Git concept – Gitflow. Jeff Tickner, CTO NA, shares his knowledge and experiences from real-world implementations. Learn: What is Gitflow and the benefits. Bi-directional development with push/pulls and merging conflicts. Why you need this 2-way integration. Flexible Gitflow options. How Arcad’s tooling elegantly supports Gitflow for the IBM i Developer. Listen to this episode to get a jump on Git and partner with an expert on your DevOps journey....
Aug 17, 2023•10 min
The topic of this IBM i DevOps TechTalk is Test Data Management with the focus on data extraction. It features Alan Ashley, an expert in test data management, who will answers questions by our host, Ray Bernardi: Where/how to start a test data management plan What are the main benefits of data extraction How to manage data security & privacy concerns How to automate the test data management process How to maintain integrity between IBM i and non-IBM i databases during extraction Listen to th...
Jun 22, 2023•12 min•Ep. 6
This IBM i DevOps TechTalk podcast is on a very popular topic -- VS Code. It’s the first in a series of informative discussions. It features Andrew Clark, DevOps Product Manager, and Alan Ashley, Senior Solutions Architect, as they discuss VS Code for the IBM i. Listen in for great information and answers to questions: What is VS Code? What are the benefits of VS Code? What does ARCAD bring to VS Code? BYOT - Bring Your Own Tool. Choose your tooling!...
May 16, 2023•13 min
The topic of this IBM i DevOps TechTalk podcast is “Getting Started with DevOps.” It features Andrew Clark, DevOps Product Manager, and Senior Solutions Architects Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley as they discuss why every IBM i shop should be moving to DevOps and how to get started: Basic Steps you can take today Leveraging your non-IBM i team Key recommendations around tools and process RIO gains How Arcad tooling and pipeline integration can create the ‘automagic’...
Mar 14, 2023•16 min•Ep. 4
The topic of this IBM i DevOps TechTalk is “Moving to Git.” It features Jeff Tickner, Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley as they discuss what is Git and how to best use Git with the IBM i. Listen in for tips on: · Key Git Advantages · Git Considerations for a successful implementation · Working with branches and automated merges · Getting started and Arcad’s Centralized approach
Jan 12, 2023•20 min•Ep. 3
The topic of this IBM i DevOps TechTalk podcast is “Testing Tools.” It features Jeff Tickner, Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley as they discuss the importance of testing as we strive to ‘shift left,’ how to get started, methodologies, tools, and how testing can be automated and incorporated into your DevOps workflow. Listen in as the team shares key tips for success: Making testing more efficient with tools Take small steps Shift left – start with Unit testing Code free testing – use JUnit framework ...
Dec 22, 2022•22 min•Ep. 2
In our 1st IBM i TechTalk podcast, experts Jeff Tickner, Ray Bernardi and Alan Ashley discuss “automation” in IBM i application development. We’ll explore how to use the tools you already have (Jenkins, Bamboo, Jira, …) to automate a proven, repeatable process that improves quality, reduces the risk of defects, and frees your developers from tedious tasks! Use Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to detect bottlenecks and automate step-by-step, demonstrating an ROI at each stage in the process!
Dec 22, 2022•21 min•Ep. 1
