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The Greying of the Mainframe Elite
bobcote writes "The Boston Globe is running a story about the maintainers of the mainframes getting older and facing retirement. One of the problems is that many computer science programs don't include mainframes in their curricula anymore. From the article: "Amid concerns that America doesn't produce enough technically trained young people, mainframe computer users and developers are especially concerned. Most computer science students concentrate on small-computer technology, such as Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating systems, or the popular alternatives Unix and Linux. Few have been trained on zOS, the operating system that runs IBM Corp.'s massive mainframes."
Don't worry, this is Unix system. I know this.
Is this anything like the frightening shortage of Cobol programmers? 'Cause I think business should demand more Cobol in the CS curriculum too.
Moderating "-1, Disagree" is simple censorship. Have the guts to post your opinion.
''Some of us started dying," said Robert Stanley, 56, director of research for Air Traffic Software Architectures Inc. in Ottawa. ''Heart attacks and the like. Thirty years of Twinkie-eating."
It's a strange world -- let's keep it that way
No.
...phil
"For a list of the ways which technology has failed to improve our quality of life, press 3."
hmm.
In other news Ford says there are not enough straight 6 small block mechanics to keep their 1950's Ford Thunderbird servicing department open
"we just cant get the staff, its all Fuel injection and turbochargers these days, i can get qualified Engine diagnostics and managment technicians, but none know how to rebuild a 1953 Thunderbird alternator or rebore a small block" an unnamed official was quoted
The obvious maneuver for a mainframe expert:
1. Retire at age 60.
2. Put together a 40-hour training curriculum.
3. Take a course on education and public speaking at your local college.
4. Offer your training services at $300/hr, plus airfare, hotel, and per diem.
5. Work 1 week per month, and make $12,000.
6. (Optional) Set up a hot 19 year old college freshman with an apartment and a car, and bang her once a week until your heart gives out.
"The advanced societies of the future will be driven by competing systems of psychopathology." -JG Ballard
> It reminds me of the Cobol joke
Who's there?
Pfft. Everyone knows there's no such thing as two.
You have two hands and one brain, so always code twice as much as you think!
You know, that kind of reminds me of the behavior exhibited by a company that called me in to do some work on a piece of software that they wanted functionality added to.
They asked me what it was going to cost them before even agreeing to tell me what it is they wanted done (and wanted a solid estimate, not an $x/hour).
That had to be one of the weirdest, and shortest, negotiations for a project I've ever been on.
Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Sigh... Good times... good times...
I tried to pick up a job at a big iron shop once.
They looked at me like I was confused and said that they didn't run windows.
A manager I worked with had this up in his office:
Q: What happens if I train my employees and they leave?
A: What if you don't and they stay?
"Uh... yeah, Brain, but where are we going to find rubber pants our size?" --Pinky
Whoa! Four +5 Insightfuls in a row! This is bordering on intelligent debate... Where's the "In Soviet Russia, mainframe elite grey YOU!" comments, or "In South Korea, only old people use mainframes," or, Christ, even some good ol' frosty piss!? Can't someone call the GNAA!?
Cool, I need someone to mow my lawn.
I work with mainframes myself
Have another Twinkie, Big Iron. Don't let that Beowulf hit you in the butt on the way out.
Was that an OK start, or are there other sore points I should concentrate on?
Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
It was hilarious. I just kind of stood there and looked at the guy for a minute.
It turns out that his bosses had asked him if the functionality could be added and he responded yes, and that he could do it. He had taken two one-night classes on programming. It was rather amusing.
Predictably, he completely hosed it up and wanted someone to save him.
I just kind of grinned as I walked out the door.
Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
They're frikking looking forward to it!
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