Talk:RETAIN

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joke? (y/n)

• No, this is not a joke. It could probably use a better article, but there really is an internal IBM tool called RETAIN, and it really has been around just about forever. Since so many people are used to using it, it sticks around. One thing it's used for is tracking customer problems. Dave6 19:56, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)

[edit] Historical Information Added (only a limited beginning)

I have just posted an update to this "stub" article. I was deeply involved in the development of RETAIN and its applications during my IBM career, from 1970 to 1993, so the information provided here is as correct as my memory allows. I was, at one time, designated as "Chief Architect" of the RETAIN system, during a period in which we attempted, with scant success, at replacing its antiquated architecture with a new one. I intend to post some general description of both the genius, and stifling limitations, of the unusual architectural framework upon which RETAIN was built. This framework no doubt stands as the principle impediment that exists to replacing the RETAIN system, now well into its fourth decade. I believe that this history could be very instructive to many people both inside and outside of IBM.

I am now retired from IBM, but still working in the software industry. A full history of RETAIN would require someone else to fill in how the system has been modified in the years since 1993, including its current functions of feeding data to IBM web servers. Still, RETAIN is probably one of the most outstanding examples of a "legacy mainframe system" in existence.

Russ 06:46, 4 December 2006 (UTC)