- published: 10 Apr 2013
- views: 918775
RETAIN is a mainframe based database system, accessed via IBM 3270 terminals (or more likely, emulators), used internally within IBM providing service support to IBM field personnel and customers.
The acronym RETAIN stands for REmote Technical Assistance Information Network.
Historically, two different, but similar, systems were called RETAIN. The first, dating to the mid 1960's was a system that provided technical information to people in the IBM Field Engineering Division in the form of short bulletins or "Tips", organized according to machine type number or, for software, according to software component ID number. This information was accessible using simple query commands from IBM service branch office terminals. The terminals supported by this early RETAIN system were typewriter-type terminals, such as the IBM 2740. These same terminals were also used to access the IBM Field Instruction System (FIS), which provided education in the form of programmed instruction courseware. The RETAIN system was built on the same software framework as that of FIS. In fact, most of the early support for RETAIN was actually written in the language of a "course".
can we find something more prolific?
constant mentors make our world content
what if I was told to make you fall into amends?
it wasn't what we thought would be: retain what's left!
when will strong rain pour onto poor victims?
senseless acts formed for lack of confidence
sleep can only move on what is made as second's pass
learn by heart that they were human, what's left
families broken, not the way it's meant
lives were stolen, why would they be spent?
answers blinded, what were they to be? no one wins!