Category: SYSTEM I FILE CONVERSION
IBM Power Systems – Spectre and Meltdown
Posted on February 08, 2018at 11:26 am
On January 9, IBM confirmed that Spectre and Meltdown does affect IBM POWER Systems servers.
These new vulnerabilities are further reason for ensuring your System i server is running a supported OS release with the latest PTFs installed. The latest official word on this from IBM can be found at:
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/psirt/potential-impact-processors-power-family/
and details regarding the PTFs can be found on IBM’s Security Bulletin.
To ensure you are notified of future security alerts such as this you can subscribe to IBM’s Security Bulletins.
Information regarding compatible OS release levels and Coolspools versions can be found here:
http://www.coolspools.com/faq-supported-versions/
Occasionally during an OS/400 upgrade customers find their CoolSpools license keys have expired. We believe that this happens if a scratch install is done or if library QUSRSYS (where OS/400 stores its license keys) gets overwritten or restored as part of the upgrade. If this happens you just need to re-enter your original license keys by re-running the ADDLICKEY command you were sent when you first purchased the license.
If you no longer have a note of your license key(s), please contact our support team via our Help Desk portal and ask for a reminder.
Posted on November 03, 2015at 11:45 am
Communication in the modern world – converting iSeries files to xml
Communication has always been key to development, strategy, progress and indeed survival, but in the modern world individuals and organisations alike often suffer from communication overload. That is why it is increasingly important that information is filtered and delivered to the recipient in a meaningful and relevant way. Converting important data from your iSeries system to be shared across intranets, the world wide web and elsewhere requires a flexible file format. CoolSpools (http://www.coolspools.com/) has been developed to facilitate the conversion of iSeries spool files and database files to XML and a variety of formats including Excel, CSV, HTML, TXT, RTF and fully searchable PDFs.
Why xml?
XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML is a flexible, open and powerful way to help you exchange information among diverse platforms and applications, geographic boundaries and businesses. XML is widely touted as a key component in the solution to the problem of information exchange between applications and within BtoB environments. XML is simple, extensible and, best of all, nonproprietary.
In order for your applications to work with XML content, you need an XML parser. An XML parser is a set of APIs that assist in the creation, navigation (retrieval) or modification of XML document content. CoolSpools removes the need of a parser to create XML from your data from spool files and database files.
CoolSpools Spool Converter and Database
The CoolSpools Spool Converter and Database products have been installed across the globe, providing our customers with a simple and reliable system to convert data from their iSeries spool files and database files. CoolSpools runs only on IBM iSeries servers, without the need of a PC.
To see what they think of our CoolSpools software solutions take a look at our testimonial section on our website, where you will find a selection of genuine comments from a range of our customers /Testimonials.htm. You can download CoolSpools for a no-obligation 30-day free trial from /cooldown.php
For further information on how you could implement the CoolSpools software to convert your iSeries files to into xml format then email sales@ariadnesoftware.co.uk or phone and speak to one of our experts directly on + 44 (0)1625 547962.
CoolSpools Converts i Series files to XML
Posted on February 16, 2015at 2:32 pm
XML files (eXtensible Markup Language) are now widely used to share information with many different types of computer systems, in a format which is usable on all of them. Many web services use XML, because it is a flexible and open method of exchanging data between a diverse range of applications. CoolSpools ( http://www.coolspools.com/) can facilitate the conversion of your data from i Series technology into XML, without you having to get involved in the detailed programming or different technology.
Business as usual
As a non-proprietary language, XML is available in the public domain and is ideal for producing queries, reports and database extracts, whether you need to send these to customers, across businesses to trading partners or internally to staff. The brains behind CoolSpools have produced a software suite to facilitate information and data transfer from i Series systems to XML files and others besides. The advantage of using CoolSpools to help set up your file transfer to XML is that you know you are in safe hands and you can just carry on as normal whilst we set it all up for you.
XML – a standard for exchanging data
The back to back exchange of data between companies is key to the growth and success of businesses today. The ability to automatically place orders with suppliers, to check and confirm 3rd party stock and to receive next day delivery is what we expect as standard. At CoolSpools we understand the importance of sharing information and we provide packages specifically designed to facilitate the distribution of your System i data. So wherever you need to send your information, whether it is internal or external to your business, CoolSpools can handle it.
Impatience & high demand for information across the nation
We all live in a world increasingly dominated by social media, fly on the wall documentaries, texts, hashtag, Twitter and so on; where the culture is to expect everything to be immediate. In this environment we forget how slow information distribution used to be. By using CoolSpools you can ensure your stakeholders need not remember either!
Give us a call today and find out how Cool Spools can facilitate your XML file conversion on + 44 (0)1625 547962 or email sales@ariadne.co.uk.
Do you wish you could convert your spooled files to PDF files?
Posted on February 16, 2015at 2:01 pm
Well, the good news is that you can! CoolSpools was developed primarily to convert all system i series and AS400 series spooled files into a variety of more manageable and usable file formats, including PDF.
Wave goodbye to the mountain of paper…
There are still many organisations worldwide where vast amounts of reports are produced and printed out on printers and then manually analysed and distributed to the appropriate staff. However, with the CoolSpools Spool Converter solution, you can automatically generate reports to PDF files and distribute them electronically or publish them in the cloud.
Bespoke PDF files that save time and money
You might currently extract separate sections of the data created on your system to send to different departments or individuals. This can be handled within CoolSpools as we have devised a system which allows you to select which lines or pages to include or exclude and which people you wish to receive each section of information. The CoolSpools Spool Converter will do it all for you on a weekly or monthly or annual basis depending on your business requirements. All you have to do it set it up and instruct it what to send and to whom and it will run all by itself (making you look even more efficient!).
Spool Conversion, Security and more besides…
However, the CoolSpools Spool Converter does more than just spool conversion. It provides easy to use flexible functionality to enhance the converted output. Apart from producing bespoke reports, the Spool Converter also enables the originator to password protect and encrypt the outputted PDF files, as well as adding restrictions to the PDF and including digital signatures to authenticate the report and show it has not been tampered with.
Nothing to lose and everything to gain…
So, in summary, the CoolSpools Spool Converter will definitely save your business time and costs whilst reducing its impact on the environment by saving paper. It will facilitate efficiency and transparency across your organisation and help your business to meet targets and analyse your operation in a more efficient manner. So what have you got to lose? Give us a call today and find out how CoolSpools can facilitate your information dissemination on + 44 (0)1625 547962 or email sales@ariadne.co.uk.
AS/400 Data Management with CoolSpools Software
Posted on August 29, 2014at 1:26 pm
Your business relies on the accurate communication of data and information. If you’re using an IBM System i (AS/400 or iSeries) environment, your spool files can provide all the accurate data you need – but manipulating the data into the right format can be a painstaking, time-consuming task.
But help is at hand. Developed by the experts at Ariadne Software, CoolSpools is a powerful, simple and reliable System i file conversion tool. CoolSpools software can convert AS/400 spool files to Excel, PDF and XML.
Here are just a few of the many AS/400 CoolSpools document creation features:
- Inserting images into System i PDFs is easy with CoolSpools. Simply tell CoolSpools where to insert the JPEG or GIF format images as it converts your spool to PDF.
- When converting spool to Excel or PDF, tell CoolSpools the points at which the files need to be split – such as region name or invoice number. CoolSpools will split System i Excel output into separate files for you, saved in separate folders. Or it’ll split your converted System i PDFs into several documents, and can even email them to multiple email addresses.
- CoolSpools’ powerful spool file converter can automatically generate XML from your spool files for your web applications to access. This saves time on reprogramming the data, and as it’s coming from your spool files, the accuracy and integrity of your data is assured.
If you would like to read more about our CoolSpools solutions then visit our website http://www.coolspools.com/ or read some example reviews below to find out what our customers think.
“We use CoolSpools and are really pleased. It performs above and beyond. It has saved us 20% of our total paper bill”
Kenneth Mohn, Programmer, Large US Dairy
“Your support is the best. If you ever need a reference on your product (Coolspools) or your support, I would be happy to give it. If all support was as fast and good as yours, life would be so much easier.”
Jim Horn, CATCO, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
System i Excel – A need not a want
Posted on May 23, 2014at 12:36 pm
IBM system i Excel, is a cost-effective management tool kit offered by Coolspools. It gives you knowledge just when it is needed. It quickly distributes information from System i Excel into a variety of different formats including Excel, XML and PDF’s. Coolspools runs solely on the System i and it does not need a PC in order to produce Excel files.
This scenario can also be reversed as CoolSpools is able to convert Excel spreadsheets into database files so that the contents of the Excel spreadsheet can be extracted and written to a file in a standard “outfile” format therefore information can be easily processed by your applications.
If you would like a second opinion about whether Coolspools is the tool to use or our software is the right solution for your needs, then take a look at our website (http://www.coolspools.com/) or see below two testimonials that show what our customers think:
“I have used (CoolSpools) for about 3 years and … this package works extremely well. Support is outstanding, and … you get outstanding value for money.”
“We have purchased your software to archive our invoices. It has been working perfectly for over a year now with no maintenance whatsoever. I do not have to keep “fixing” it or taking a look at it, and I like that. Once I installed it, and got it to do what I want it to do, I basically forgot about it. It’s like the Energizer bunny, it keep going and going and going … Simply put, CoolSpools is really cool.”
How to Convert Spool to Excel with CoolSpools
Posted on April 30, 2014at 12:53 pm
A great way of creating Excel documents with data from an IBM AS/400, iSeries or System i environment is by using a spool file converter. But if this is something you’ve never done before, where do you start when converting spool files to Excel?
The answer: CoolSpools, from IBM experts Ariadne Software. Their range of AS/400 solutions includes a powerful spool file converter that can output to a wide range of popular file formats, including Excel.
But why convert spool files to Excel?
There are lots of great reasons to convert spool files to Excel. Perhaps the most important is this: because the information is coming directly from your AS/400 you can rest assured that it’s accurate and up to date. There’s no chance of human error and the
Is it difficult to convert spool to Excel?
Not with CoolSpools spool file converter. Extracting the data from your spool file and converting it into Excel is a simple procedure – and you have a great deal of control over it. It’s so easy to learn, and should you have any issues, you can find a wealth of helpful information at http://www.CoolSpools.com/support.
Is converting spool files to Excel a time-consuming task?
Again, not with CoolSpools! You can convert spool files to Excel quickly and automatically, giving you the information you need, in the format you require, whenever you need it. What could be simpler?
After I convert spool files to Excel, will formatting the exported files be a laborious task?
By now, you can probably guess that the answer is “not with CoolSpools”! The powerful CoolSpools spool file converter doesn’t just convert spool to Excel – it can also carry out a whole host of management and formatting procedures.
Such as?
You can split one file into many. Append your new Excel sheet to an existing workbook. Format the output, including conditional formatting such as colour coding. And ensure the right people get the right info by controlling email distribution of your Excel spreadsheets. All this can be managed using CoolSpools software.
What other file formats can I convert to?
CoolSpools doesn’t just convert spool files to Excel. You can also convert spool files to PDF, XML, TIFF, text files, CSV, HTML and RTF. It could well be the most powerful and flexible AS/400 spool file converter on the market today.
Find out more about how to convert spool to Excel with CoolSpools software at http://www.coolspools.com/.
Benefits of Using CoolSpools Software to Produce Excel Spreadsheets
Posted on April 30, 2014at 12:47 pm
One of the fastest and most reliable ways of creating Excel spreadsheets from System i, iSeries or AS/400 spool files is by using a spool file converter. And one of the best, most powerful ways of converting spool files to Excel is with CoolSpools software. Here are seven reasons why…
1. Accurate Excel documents with up-to-date info
Convert spool files to Excel using CoolSpools software and you’re creating new spreadsheets the quickest, most convenient, most reliable way. And as the data comes direct from your spool files, it’s guaranteed to be up-to-date – and there’s no chance of human error.
2. As many – or as few – Excel files as you need
One single Excel file containing an entire spool file dump would be unwieldy and difficult for users follow. Splitting the output into multiple Excel files manually would be a time-consuming, tedious task. So let CoolSpools spool file converter do it all for you! Or maybe you have the opposite problem: you have an existing Excel spreadsheet, and you need to add a new worksheet created by converting spool to Excel. No problem! CoolSpools software can append the output as a new sheet within your existing Excel spreadsheet.
3. Filenames that make sense
CoolSpools spool file converter doesn’t give your converted AS/400 Excel documents meaningless nonsense as filenames. You can define the filenames so they mean something to you. It’ll make it easier to find the file you want, as well as saving the time it’d take to rename your files manually.
4. All the info you need, none of the info you don’t
Pages and lines can be dropped quickly and easily. Just define the parameters of what you need to exclude (for example cells with specific values) and they’ll be removed from your AS/400 Excel documents right away.
5. Create Excel files as attractive as they are accurate
Presentation matters, both in terms of looking professional and producing easy-to-read materials. Colors, fonts, shading and borders can help – and all this can be done to your AS/400 Excel spreadsheets by CoolSpools. It can even handle conditional formatting for color-coding.
6. Excel can be created without a PC!
CoolSpools spool file converter can handle all of the above tasks without you ever having to log into a PC – it does everything within the AS/400, System i or iSeries environment.
7. Get Excel output from your database files
Extract data from your database files and convert it to Excel spreadsheets, CoolSpools software has this covered too, with the CoolSpools Database package. This software also boasts the same powerful formatting tools you’ll find with CoolSpools spool file converter.
Find out more about making Excel file creation easier than ever with CoolSpools software: visit http://www.coolspools.com/.
The Power of iSeries PDFs (And The Easy Way to Create Them)
Posted on March 05, 2014at 12:18 pm
One of the most commonly-used document formats in business is the PDF. It’s flexible, easy to distribute and easy to create.
And if you work in an IBM iSeries, System i or AS/400 environment, creating PDFs has got even easier! All thanks to CoolSpools spool file converter.
Developed by well-established global iSeries experts Ariadne Software, CoolSpools takes data straight from your spool files and converts to a wide range of file formats – including iSeries PDF.
Here’s what makes PDF such a useful file format – and how CoolSpools provides a simple, reliable way of creating them from your iSeries spool files…
PDFs can be styled and formatted easily
You have total control over the appearance of a PDF. Fonts, colors, styles, images – all can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
And CoolSpools makes it all so easy. When converting your spool files to iSeries PDFs, you can specify fonts, text colors, and insert images in JPEG or GIF format. Simple!
PDFs can be password protected
Your PDFs could contain delicate, confidential, sensitive information that you wouldn’t want to be seen by the wrong eyes. If so, password protection is essential.
And if you use CoolSpools spool file converter to produce your iSeries PDFs, they can be encrypted and password protected for your peace of mind.
PDFs can be locked and watermarked
To ensure the security and integrity of the information conveyed in your documents, you can make them read-only, and add a digital signature to ensure their authenticity.
And yep – you guessed it – CoolSpools software makes this simple! Your converted iSeries PDF can be locked to prevent recipients from editing, and a digital signature can be used to ensure your recipient knows it hasn’t been tampered with.
PDFs can be bookmarked or split into multiple files
If the information from your iSeries spool files results in PDFs that are many, many pages long, there are two simple ways to make your PDFs easier to navigate: bookmarking and indexing, or splitting the main document into several smaller ones.
CoolSpools software gives you both of these options for your iSeries PDFs. It can generate bookmarks and indexes, making large documents easy to digest. Or if you just want to give each recipient the section of your iSeries PDF that’s relevant to them, you can split your document into multiple iSeries PDFs based on criteria you specify.
Distributing PDFs is easy
PDFs are easy to distribute via email. But making sure the right recipients get the right PDFs is something that takes time if done manually.
CoolSpools software can even automate this process! Your iSeries PDFs can be emailed to multiple recipients, ensuring everyone gets the information they need, right at their fingertips.
Find out more about CoolSpools spool file converter, and its powerful iSeries PDF creation and management functionality, at http://www.coolspools.com/.
Simplest, Quickest, Easiest Way to Convert Spool Files to iSeries XML
Posted on March 05, 2014at 12:13 pm
XML is undoubtedly one of the most flexible ways of storing data, allowing it to be used and accessed by a wide variety of programs. And now there’s an easier way to produce XML if you work in an IBM iSeries, AS/400 or System i environment…
So, what’s this easy way to produce XML?
CoolSpools spool file converter and CoolSpools Database.
Why should I trust CoolSpools software to create XML on my iSeries?
CoolSpools was developed by Ariadne Software, IBM experts with years of experience of producing high-quality solutions for iSeries, AS/400 and System i. What they don’t know about these platforms isn’t worth knowing – and they’ve used this expertise to produce a powerful spool file and database converter.
So what, exactly, does the CoolSpools do?
Briefly: it takes data from your iSeries spool files & DB2 Database and converts it to XML, Excel and several other useful file formats. It can even convert spool to PDF.
What are the advantages of using CoolSpools to create XML?
There are so many! First of all, you know the data in your iSeries will be accurate, as it’s coming direct from your spool files and database, without any human interference. What’s more, it’s so quick – you’ll have usable XML files in no time, ready to supply your websites and applications with accurate data. And CoolSpools is so easy to learn to use – you’ll soon wonder how you managed without it!
Does CoolSpools only convert basic iSeries spool files?
Not at all. Of course, CoolSpools works well with basic *SCS files. But it can also convert *SCS, *AFPDS, *IPDS, *LINE, *AFPDSLINE and *USERASCII spool files.
Do I need any extra hardware to run CoolSpools software?
Not at all. You don’t need a separate PC to run CoolSpools software – it runs directly on your iSeries, System i or AS/400 server.
How do I find out more about CoolSpools software?
Head to http://www.coolspools.com/. You’ll find full details on the whole CoolSpools range of software, including CoolSpools Spool Converter, Database, Email and Spool Admin. Used together, the CoolSpools range is the complete information management system for iSeries, AS/400 and System i.
So stop wasting time, and start taking control of your data with CoolSpools. Learn more about the simplest, quickest, easiest way to convert spool or database data to XML at http://www.coolspools.com/.