COMMON (user group)
COMMON is the largest association of users of IBM Power Systems and IBM-compatible technology in the world.[2][3] Power Systems are midrange computers, a class between mainframes and microcomputers.[4] The users' group is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides education, tools, resources and networking opportunities for IBM i users. Members include users, IBMers, vendors, industry experts, recognized speakers, business leaders, and academics.[5] HistoryIn 1969, the IBM System/3 became the first of IBM's mid-range computers,[6] following by the System/34 and System/36. The IBM System/38, announced in 1978, was not very successful but its architecture was the basis of the IBM AS/400,[7][8] released in 1988.[9] There were 250,000 AS/400s installed in businesses at the end of 1994[10] with a corresponding number of people supporting the operation of those computers. A strong culture and community grew up around the IBM platform in the three decades since the AS/400 was launched and underscores its' popularity and success.[11] The 1990s were the heyday of COMMON with thousands of members attending semi-annual educational conferences. Financial problemsThe Late-2000s recession had a severe effect on COMMON activities. Event attendance, which had increased throughout the 1980s and 1990s, dropped substantially.[12] IT professionals were working longer hours and had smaller budgets for training and education, which resulted in COMMON changing from two conferences per year to one[12] and shortening the conference length from five days to four. Free attendance for volunteers was also eliminated and sponsorship was required for social events.[13] Current statusIn the 2020s, over 100,000 organizations used mid-range computers.[14] Following a hiatus from COVID, bi-annual conferences resumed, as did additional educational offerings.[15] As of 2021, there were over 26,000 members in LinkedIn's group for AS/400 and iSeries professionals.[11] Thousands of users have spent much, most or all of their careers using IBM i. A 2021 Forta poll showed 56% of respondents had over 30 years' experience with AS/400, many of whom would be retiring soon. Those who replace them will rely on user groups for education and help from peers, which was the reason Common was founded.[11][14] As of 2020, the IBM midrange systems held a 36.3% market share, especially prevalent in critical industries such as banking, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and retail. Most enterprises depend on the AS400/iSeries/IBMi in these sectors, with most or all of their workload operating seamlessly on this system.[16] The platform remains an important IBM product with a bright future. IBM releases new hardware/software versions every two or three years that make quantum advancements in functionality and processing power.[14] IBM makes new product announcements at Common events where users can ask IBM developers questions.[17] In a 2021 survey of users, 43% were running most or all of their business applications on Power Systems. This reflects the platform's enduring legacy. Over half of those users expected to stay with their current hardware; a small percentage of users planned to move to another platform.[14] Member resourcesOnly members can utilize Common resources. Memberships can be acquired by individuals, company or user groups.[5] A popular feature of membership is the Common Conference, held twice a year at varying locations in the US. The spring conference is named "POWERUp"; the fall conference is named "NAViGATE".[15] Nearly nine hours of educational sessions are scheduled each day; an exhibition expo is open on the second and third day, with about 40 vendors including IBM, offering software and hardware.[18] Common schedules internet-based education, including Webcasts and Webinars. A Career Center for employers and job hunters.[19] A new collaborative effort between COMMON and IBM has been launched. New 2 IBM i (N2i) seeks to help new IT professionals learn necessary skills and optimize the platform.[20] Events
Local user groups
See alsoReferences
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