> -----Original Message-----
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List On Behalf Of Tom Schmidt
>
> On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 16:59:38 -0400, Thomas David Rivers wrote:
>
> >I was stumbling around today and found this patent:
> >
> > http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6886160.html
> >
> >The abstract reads:
> >
> > A method of distributing mainframe software and data using
PC-based
> > data media is disclosed, comprising a mainframe program for
converting
> > a mainframe sequential dataset or all or part of a mainframe
library
> > of texts or load modules to a sequential dataset of fixed length
records
> > and for reverting these converted records to its original form in
the
> > same or another mainframe data center, and procedures for
downloading
> > the converted mainframe data to a PC and uploading the PC file to
a
> > mainframe.
> ...
> >
> >I know many companies deliver mainframe files this way - have been
for
> >a long time. Simply convert your load modules with TSO TRANSMIT and
> >plop that on a web site. In fact, the drawings in the patent
reference
> >IND$FILE, IEBGENER, etc...
> >
> >Just thought that was interesting...
>
> Hmmm... it looks like a whole lot of prior art to me. A WHOLE lot.
Indeed. One must wonder if the term "patent" has any meaning left at
all....
-jc-
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