Selling Linux to AS400 bigots (Score 1)

I am one, so I've got some perspective here. The AS400 (iSeries these days) is a great back office business system and database server. It is less impressive in the web connectivity department. Linux, on the other hand, is GREAT! as a firewall, as a web server, and if you could demonstrate an efficient way to connect php to an AS400 server program, you've got a dynamite solution to a mission critical problem. I think it's possible using sockets (not ODBC - that kinda sucks). I just haven't had time to figure it out yet. You could also mention about Samba and replacing Win2k Server with a $US65 alternative if your audience is captive to the evil empire (who isn't?).