COMMON POWERUp 2021: Full Schedule

9:45am CDT

ODBC: A Better Way to Connect to Db2

ODBC is a technology that allows for platform- and database management system-agnostic calls to a database, as long as your have the correct driver installed. The IBM i Open-Source Software team has made the strategic decision to support ODBC as our first choice for database connectivity for Db2 for i. This session will cover how to set up ODBC on your IBM i, Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and then how to use ODBC to connect to your IBM i machines from anywhere.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to download and configure ODBC datasources_x000D_ 2. Learn how to connect with ODBC once datasource has been set up_x000D_ 3. Learn how ODBC allows development from non-IBM i systems and then move those some programs to IBM i with little to no changes

Speakers

Mark Irish

Software Engineer, IBM

I am a software engineer at IBM working on open-source software enablement for the IBM i. I am particularly knowledgeable about Node.js and Machine Learning software libraries. Feel free to talk to me about your open-source questions and tell me what open-source software you'd like... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Breakout 2 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

9:45am CDT

HA/DR for Power

We will discuss the IBM Power solutions for high availability and disaster recover. This will address both AIX and IBM i

Learning Objectives:
1. what are the IBM offerings that address HA/DR for AIX and i_x000D_ 2. the basics on how they work_x000D_ 3. which one should you be using_x000D_

Speakers

Steven Finnes

Product Manager, IBM

Steve has spent several years in IBM with positions spanning basic research to product development, product offering and marketing. He is the product offering manager for IBM Power Systems with responsibility for PowerHA for AIX, PowerHA for IBM i and the CBU.

Monday October 4, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Breakout 3 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

9:45am CDT

IBM i Marketplace Survey Results and Stories

Does your C-level management team ask you why you use IBM i? Do you wonder how IBM i is used by your colleagues?_x000D_ _x000D_ IBM i Marketplace Study author, IBM Power Champion and HelpSystems Executive Vice President of Technical Solutions Tom Huntington will unveil information that can help you understand and benchmark your IBM i environment with other customers on the platform. _x000D_ _x000D_ This session is based on a survey conducted during the fall of 2020 by HelpSystems. Over 500 IBM i users from all over the world, in different industries and installations of IBM i responded to 40 questions about how they use the platform, including their plans to leave or remain on IBM i and whether they run Linux alongside IBM i. We will discuss Impact of COVID, high availability, open source, RDi, SAN, OS levels and more during this session._x000D_ _x000D_ Drawing on his 30 years of experience listening to HelpSystems customers, Tom will share his analysis of the data and provides his IBM i experience.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to communicate the value of IBM i_x000D_ 2. Learn about emerging technologies on IBM i and their utilizations

Speakers

Tom Huntington

EVP of Technical Solutions, Fortra

Tom Huntington is Executive Vice President of Technical Solutions at Fortra, and has been with the company for nearly 35 years. He helps manage the worldwide Fortra software engineer team that works to integrate and promote our automation and security solutions to partners and customers... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

9:45am CDT

🟢Want them to want you? Be the ideal employee by unleashing your inner child!

In today's hyper-competitive world, we're all striving to be the best employees we can be. We want to impress our boss, finish that big project on-time and under-budget, and earn that big promotion with a hefty raise. But how? What if I told you that the secrets to being the ideal employee aren't secrets after all? That you've known them for a very long time... since kindergarten! Remember when you learned to always be kind, play fair, and say thank you? Those life lessons still apply today! Come to this fun and lively session to learn how to apply these and many other timeless bits of wisdom you learned as a child, to make you the ultimate employee!

Learning Objectives:
1. Improve your relationship with your boss_x000D_ 2. Attain your goals and improve your work performance_x000D_ 3. Earn the respect of your coworkers and build good will

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Steven Wolk is the Chief Technology Officer for PC Richard & Son, a family owned and operated chain of 66 appliance and electronics superstores located throughout NY, NJ, CT, and PA. Founded in 1909, PC Richard has always been known for honesty, integrity, and reliability throughout... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

9:45am CDT

IBM i 7.4 Overview

Hear Steve Will, Chief Architect of IBM i, give an overview of the IBM i 7.4 release, including new features which have been made available in the Technology Refreshes since 7.4 GA.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about new resiliency features available with 7.4_x000D_ 2. Learn about new security features._x000D_ 3. Learn about new application development features._x000D_ 4. Learn about new system access and management features.

Speakers

Steve Will

IBM i CTO & Chief Architect, IBM

Steve is the CTO and Chief Architect for the IBM i Operating System. Spending the past fourteen years of his IBM career in this position, he has become an award-winning speaker, author of the influential blog "You and i," (https://bit.ly/You-and-i-blog) and is one of the most sought-after voices at customer briefings and events. Steve has worked on IBM i and its predecessors since before the creation of the AS/400, and is currently responsible for setting the strategy of the IBM i operating system, as well as deciding which enhancements will be implemented. In his role, he talks to clients and pa... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

11:00am CDT

Advanced Python Programming and IBM i

Building upon the introductory session, this session will address the object oriented world of Python programming and introduce several topics for those considering Python for development. Some of these include Exception processing, Pathing, GUI use ODBC, Web Services and much more.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the Object Oriented model of Python_x000D_ 2. Master the use of ODBC from client AND server Db2 connectins_x000D_ 3. Many other topics that help continue the growth of a Python developer

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Perforce Software

Mike Pavlak has been working with IBM midrange solutions since 1992 and IBM Mainframes before that. After years of developing applications using RPG, CL and PHP he managed IT development and IT for power protection manufacturer Tripp Lite. Later Mike was instrumental in developing... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Breakout 1 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

11:00am CDT

Agile Testing and Concepts

Iterative development models are being used more frequently. We will discuss the concepts of Rapid Application Development focusing on agile methodology. Topics include the manifesto and how it relates to teams and practices. From there we will explore testing advantages and challenges and how to be productive. Test automation is a core concept in most agile implementations so we will cover how tools apply and can be used. _x000D_

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:_x000D_ Understand Iterative Life Cycles _x000D_ Define incremental development models and Iterative development model _x000D_ Understand Basic Agile concepts and the manifesto _x000D_ Determine the best types of testing for specific applications in a RAD environment _x000D_

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Yvonne Enselman is the Director of Professional Services at iTech Solutions and she is based in Chicago, IL. She started working with the IBM i Platform (AS/400, iSeries) in 1996 holding positions including programmer/analyst, B2B coordination, and instructor. Since 2005 she has focused... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

11:00am CDT

🟢The Secrets to Making the Most of Online Meetings

Now that virtual meetings have become the new normal for so many of us, it's vital that we learn to make the most of this approach to getting things done. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, Webex, or another product, come to this session to learn the secrets to supercharging your online meeting productivity and getting results!

Learning Objectives:
In just 20 minutes, you'll learn:_x000D_ 1. How to plan your meeting for success_x000D_ 2. How to run your meeting for maximum productivity_x000D_ 3. The best ways to take meeting notes_x000D_ 4. When and how to end your meeting_x000D_ 5. Tips and tricks to maximize your use of technology and supercharge your work from home environment_x000D_ _x000D_

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Monday October 4, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Breakout 10 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

11:00am CDT

What's New for RPG in 7.3 and 7.4

Find out about some of the recent "TR-timed" enhancements to RPG that have been delivered through PTFs for 7.3 and 7.4.

Learning Objectives:
• Learn about the new features available to RPG programmers in 7.3 and 7.4

Speakers

Barbara Morris

IBM

Barbara Morris is the lead developer for the RPG compilers in the IBM Toronto Lab. She has been working on the RPG compilers since she started at IBM in 1989 after receiving a Computing Science degree from the University of Alberta. The first enhancement she developed was the ENDIF/ENDDO... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Breakout 8 Online

RPG

Session Level All

1:00pm CDT

What IBM i Professionals can learn from NASA

The NASA moonshot initiative in the 1960s and 1970s was groundbreaking in the use of information technology and advanced developments. Correspondingly testing and quality assurance was mandatory, extensive, and equally inventive. Using examples from history we will discuss current issues such as disaster recovery (the Apollo One fire), test coverage (Apollo 13), specifications and prototypes (the development of the LM), user ability and experience (Apollo 14), and further education development (Apollo 17).

Learning Objectives:
Explore disaster recovery, High Availability, testing, and implementation of quality assurance in a unique and informative way.

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Monday October 4, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

1:00pm CDT

The Ninja Guide to Building Teams and Creating Engagement

Sure, Ninjas are cool, and they're fun to talk about. And more importantly, there's a leadership lesson there... Ninjas are always 100% ENGAGED! They equate their personal success with the success of their team, and of their mission. How productive would your teams be if they were always completely engaged, like Ninjas? Whether you're a leader looking to learn the secrets behind building strong teams and keeping them engaged, or a team member who wants to better understand team dynamics, you'll find this session illuminating.

Learning Objectives:
During this session you'll learn:_x000D_ * Hiring tips to ensure you get the people you need on your team (and to communicate better with them)_x000D_ * Learn to interview candidates like a pro (or to ace your next interview)_x000D_ * Techniques to build your bench by creating a reserve of good will_x000D_ * How to keep your people motivated (and yourself!)_x000D_ * Methods to align your team's success (as well as your own) with that of your organization_x000D_ _x000D_ By the end of this session you'll have the tools you need to build a team of the best and brightest, and keep them as engaged as... Ninjas!

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Monday October 4, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Breakout 9 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

1:00pm CDT

Developing Your Modernization Plan: What Are Your Options?

IBM i applications have been successfully serving business operations for decades. Modern technologies are enabling new levels of automation, scalability, resiliency and flexibility. In this session, Chris Koppe discusses what application modernization and transformation is and the various options available to help them realize the full potential of the future while building on the value of their IBM i applications._x000D_ _x000D_ In this session, Chris will discuss:_x000D_ • Several client roadmaps that include incremental modernization strategies and the outcomes achieved at various stages_x000D_ • Modernization approaches and automated solutions available_x000D_ o Quick wins with UI modernization_x000D_ o APIs & integration capabilities_x000D_ o Code & DB conversion_x000D_ o Architectural & infrastructure options_x000D_ o Deployment options including various cloud models

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Chris Koppe

SVP Strategy Services, Fresche Solutions

Chris Koppe is responsible for developing client transformation strategies at Fresche Solutions. He has led the development of legacy management strategies for hundreds of companies, across a variety of platforms, languages, databases, and technologies. This insight has allowed Chris... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Breakout 2 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

1:00pm CDT

Work Management 101

In this session, we will drill through the many components of work management. If you really want to know how IBM i works and controls your processing, this session is for you. IBM Power servers certainly have grown in their processing capabilities, but you can even get more out of your system if it is configured properly. These work management components will be covered: 1. What’s a subsystem? 2. Auto Start Entries 3. Memory Pools 4. Activity Levels 5. Different types of jobs and why they end up running where they do 6. Threads 7. Job Queues 8. Routing Entries 9. Classes 10. Automated tuning options Along with these components, we will share many other tips using commands and ACS to manage your work management environment. This technology is one of the main reasons customers for years have enjoyed running multiple applications in one partition.1. What is Work Management? 2. What are the components of a subsystems? 3. How to configure your subsystems along with memory pools?

Learning Objectives:
1. How to navigate their subsystems and understand how things are configured_x000D_ 2. How to get jobs into a memory pool_x000D_ 3. What's the difference between subsystem pool and memory pool.

Speakers

Tom Huntington

EVP of Technical Solutions, Fortra

Monday October 4, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

2:15pm CDT

🟢Words to Live By: A Blueprint for Success

Would you like to be more successful in life? Do you have goals you haven't yet reached, or haven't even tried to reach? What is it about some people that allows them to succeed at virtually everything they do? Take a break from all the technical sessions, and join us for a look at what makes people successful. Discover the relationship between how you think and what you achieve. We'll discuss these topics using meaningful quotes, combined with funny and poignant stories. Discovering the power behind these "Words to Live by" can lead to a more productive and successful outlook on life! We'll examine the habits and mindsets of successful people that you can apply to your own life, perhaps leading to your own greater success! A lifelong study of the characteristics of successful people has led to the discovery of 12 key principles to follow. Join us for this uplifting session, and learn all 12 principles and many more motivational "Words to Live by"!

Learning Objectives:
After participating in this session, attendees should have the skills and vision to: _x000D_ - Understand the relationship between mindset and success_x000D_ - Determine what life changes may lead to greater success in reaching your goals_x000D_ - Develop a plan for yourself to implement those life changes by altering your outlook on life

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Monday October 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

2:15pm CDT

Darn... Cursored Again! - Using SQL & Cursors in Your Programs

This session demonstrates the use of SQL in your programs. After a short discussion of the differences between Dynamic and Static SQL in your programs; we demonstrate the important concepts in creating a robust SQL program. Topics include host variables, data-structures, error trapping and using tables with SQL

Learning Objectives:
1 Internalize the benefits of using SQL in your programs.
2. Correct use of SQL and CURSORS in your RPG Programs
3. Understand error handling in SQL subprocedures and service programs

Speakers

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Jim Buck’s career in IT has spanned more than 35+ years, primarily in college education, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. Past president (13 years) of the Wisconsin Midrange Computer Professional Association (www.wmcpa.org) and has served on several teams developing IBM... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

RPG

Session Level All

3:30pm CDT

Don’t underestimate the importance of UX when developing IBM i web applications or modernizing the UI.

For anyone involved in modernizing or building IBMi web applications the User eXperience is often a critical factor in adoption or failure. It’s the bridge in between your application and your users. In this session, Nick will share the critical factors in UX success and adoption learned on over 25 years of UX projects on IBMi.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Nick Hampson

Director of Design, Fresche Solutions

Nick has extensive experience in design, UX, product management, innovation and pre-sales. Focused on bringing the business value of design and UX to IBM i customers and the community at large, Nick is recognized as a UX expert on IBM i. He also describes himself as a geek and a bookworm... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

3:30pm CDT

The Art of Advancing your Career Beyond the Technical: Strategic IT

What are your career goals? Sure, we're all great with technology, but to continue growing in our careers requires that we learn to become better communicators and think in terms of the business. It's critical that we align our IT efforts, goals, and strategies with those of the business - and all of that requires good communication. Would you like to have a seat at the table, to be taken seriously as a businessperson, and to have a voice in the decisions our companies make? Then attend this session to partner with your business and communicate for success!

Learning Objectives:
1. Speaking the language of the business_x000D_ 2. Thinking like a businessman_x000D_ 3. Demonstrating strong leadership_x000D_ 4. Selling fellow business leaders on the value proposition of IT investments_x000D_ 5. Always being prepared_x000D_ 6. Earning influence_x000D_ 7. Preparing for and navigating board meetings_x000D_ 8. Difficult conversations_x000D_ 9. Always keeping your cool_x000D_ 10. Aligning IT with business goals.

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Gregory Simmons

Software Engineer, PC Richard & Son

Gregory Simmons is a Software Engineer at P.C. Richard & Son. He is a COMMON certified Application Developer – ILE RPG on IBM I on Power. He is also a registered instructor with IBM’s Academic Initiative and an RPG and IBM i instructor at Scott Regional Technology Center, where... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Developing Business Skills

Session Level All

3:30pm CDT

Breaking bad habits with ACS

We all fall into ruts. We continue to do things the same way we have always done them, why? Because it's comfortable. We tell our selfs, that learning something new will 'slow us down'. This session is aimed at breaking down the excuses and helping you see that there is a better way. We will spend most of the time doing live demos on how ACS can help change, and improve you life with the IBM i.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Tim Rowe

Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i, IBM

Tim Rowe is the Business Architect responsible for Application Development and Systems Management for the IBM i operating system. His responsibilities include helping to make sure that the IBM i has what is needed to be successful both today and into the future. He sends much of his... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

The Application Testing Landscape

Good development practices include application testing. Exceptional development practices demand it! In this session we look at various levels of testing you should apply to your applications, including Acceptance, Functional, and Unit testing. We discuss methods for defining and executing the testing as well as tools available to help automate the process. If you want good applications, you need good testing practices.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what the various types of testing are and what benefits each type brings to the table, and see examples of each in action._x000D_ 2. Know what testing is more and less easily automated, and how automation tools can help your QA team complement manual testing, and form the foundation for continuous integration and delivery._x000D_ 3. Know where to go for reliable information to further your knowledge of application testing.

Speakers

Clark Everetts

Senior Professional Services Consultant, Zend by Perforce

Clark works for Zend by Perforce as a Senior Professional Services Consultant, helping clients innovate, meet business needs, and build better web applications through architecture and performance audits, mentoring in software development best practices, and guiding them using PHP... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:05pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

Knowledge is Power: How the Optimizer Uses Column Stats and Key Range Estimates to Make Queries Run Faster

Database query performance depends on good access plans. The optimizer can build a good access plan when it has accurate information about the data your application is querying. Column statistics and key range estimates are both important sources of information that help the optimizer do its job. This session will peek "under the hood" of the optimizer to provide insight into how these database features work together to make for faster queries. The session will also cover options for configuring these features and best practices.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how column statistics and key range estimates help the optimizer._x000D_ 2. Apply best practices to configure these database features._x000D_

Speakers

Timothy Clark

Advisory Software Engineer, IBM

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:05pm CDT
Breakout 3 Online

Database

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

IBM i AND Cloud

Today’s IT marketplace is dominated by the discussion of “The Cloud.” Yet most businesses run their critical workloads on servers, such as those used by IBM i clients. How do these two facts intersect? What are the current, and future, capabilities when both IBM i and Cloud are considered? That’s the topic for this session from Steve Will, the IBM i Chief Architect.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how IBM i fits into today's discussions of "the Cloud"_x000D_ 2. Understand your options as an IBM i users if you want to use IBM i and Cloud technology.

Speakers

Steve Will

IBM i CTO & Chief Architect, IBM

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:05pm CDT
Breakout 2 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

The Beauty of Second Best

Whether it is concerning a career or a certain aspect of one's life, being labeled second best is not a favorable choice for most. What if coming in second is actually more beneficial for you at your job rather than always coming in first? What if allowing yourself to accept the second place title in life will put you in a better mental state for your future? The beauty of being second best will explain exactly that.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn to see the other side of being second in life and at work_x000D_ 2. How to overcome the disappointment and push away a negative mindset_x000D_ 3. How a person can learn from not coming in first

Speakers

Nilofur Khan

Sales and Marketing Development Specialist, iTech | A Service Express Company

Nilofur is a Sales and Marketing Development Specialist at iTech Solutions | A Service Express Company. With over 15 years of experience in Healthcare, Management, and Customer Service, she brings many skills to the plate. She is a strong believer in helping others succeed. Nilo attended... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:05pm CDT
Breakout 10 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

Intro to Techniques Used to Manipulate HTML at Run Time

This session will provide a rather fast-paced glimpse into a handful of strategies for changing HTML at run time. This kind of manipulation is usually needed when building a web page that is to operate like a traditional IBM i business application. Similarly, we are going to need a way to change the literal HTML UI element properties at run time based on run time conditions._x000D_ _x000D_ We’ll take a high-level peek at techniques, while avoiding focus on pros and cons. However I may bring in a little bit about the primary focus of a technique based upon the kind of challenge I think it is intending to solve. We’ll touch upon CSS3 media queries, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP and compiled code-behind, not necessarily in that order. We'll see at least one code or script snippet for each topic._x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1. Begin thinking about server versus client side logic separation_x000D_ 2. Gain an intro into the kinds of HTML manipulation that are possible_x000D_ 3, See some code or script examples that parallel things you might do in a traditional IBM i application_x000D_

Speakers

Rex Smith

Sr. Developer (ERP & Web), Tegratecs Development Corp.

Rex is a Sr. Developer at Tegratecs and enjoys developing business applications in traditional IBM i environments and in web environments. Rex enjoys interacting with customers and designing business application software that solves problems and meets user needs. He is currently... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:05pm CDT
Breakout 1 Online

Web Applications

Session Level All

4:45pm CDT

🟢Be a Customer Service Superhero

We all dream of being a superhero, right? What if your superpower was providing awesome, world-class customer service. Customer service? Who needs customer service when you work in IT? The answer is that we all have customers. Even if you develop software just for use in your own company, those people who use your software are your customers. Those people who contact your help desk for support are your customers. You'd be amazed how much you can improve the perception of your software and your IT department by unleashing your inner customer service superhero! As part of this presentation, we'll examine real world examples of excellent - and terrible - customer service, and discuss what we can take away from each. _x000D_

Learning Objectives:
Learning objectives:_x000D_ * Who are your customers_x000D_ * A customer first mindset_x000D_ * Is the customer always right?_x000D_ * How helpful is your help desk?_x000D_ * The Superhero skills required to deliver world class customer service

Speakers

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Monday October 4, 2021 4:45pm - 5:45pm CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Developing Business Skills

Session Level All

5:15pm CDT

Wireframing & Prototyping: A Strong Start to IBM i Web / Mobile Development

Considering web and mobile development on IBM i? Before you start coding, it’s advantageous to validate your vision with a simple visual representation of how the proposed application will work in the form of a wireframe and/or protype. Adding this step to your development process increases the likelihood that your project will succeed because it gives stakeholders a clear understanding of how the application will solve users’ problems before you build it._x000D_ In this session, Scott Gingerysty will cover wireframing and prototyping fundamentals and best practices. He’ll discuss:_x000D_ _x000D_ • What wireframes and prototypes are_x000D_ • The differences between wireframes and prototypes _x000D_ • The advantages of wireframing and prototyping_x000D_ • Use cases and examples on IBM i

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Greg Patterson

Modernization Specialist, Fresche Solutions

Greg Patterson has been in the IT field for over 20 years, the last 13 with Fresche Solutions where he is currently a Modernization Specialist. In addition to business development activities, Greg also coordinates pre-sales technical demonstrations and discussions, performs business... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

5:15pm CDT

🟢IBM i ACS 5250 Overview

IBM i Access Client Solutions (IBM i ACS) provides a best of breed 5250 emulator with many transformational features and capabilities that you may not be aware of or using most effectively. Join us for a quick, predominantly live demo session to get the most out of your IBM i ACS 5250 emulator

Learning Objectives:
1) Get the most out of your IBM i ACS 5250 Emulator

Speakers

Wayne Bowers

Software Engineer, IBM

Wayne Bowers has been with IBM since 1997, where he works with the IBM i Global Support Center in Rochester MN. He is an Advisory Software Engineer specializing in the support of the IBM i Access (aka Client Access) products, Console, the TCP Telnet communications server, and the... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Client Connectivity

Session Level All

5:15pm CDT

Your Team and COVID

Employees in the Developing field work as a team to ensure a project is being done properly and submitted within a certain time frame. Each individual has a certain responsibility that needs to be completed for the rest to move forward. Most of this work was done on site. When COVID hit, employers were forced to have their employees work from home. During this time, there were many things we have learned about the atmosphere change and the employees in general. This session will elaborate on those teachings and how you can use them to instill trust within your team.

Learning Objectives:
1. How COVID impacted the work field_x000D_ 2. Understand the atmosphere has pros and cons_x000D_ 3. How to recover from the setback.

Speakers

Nilofur Khan

Sales and Marketing Development Specialist, iTech | A Service Express Company

Monday October 4, 2021 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Breakout 10 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

5:15pm CDT

DevOps on IBM i (and how RedHat fits in)

So you've probably heard the buzz around two terms in DevOps: Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD). You probably also have heard about things like Ansible and Docker and Kubernetes and how they relate to CI/CD and DevOps and are completely confused about how they apply to the real work that you are doing on your IBM i today._x000D_ _x000D_ The answer is that CI/CD concepts are completely relevant to what you do, but some of the tooling that you've probably heard about (Docker/Kubernetes) really don't apply; however, since IBM acquired RedHat a little more than a year ago, some of that has changed (specifically in relation to Ansible)._x000D_ _x000D_ Learn about DevOps tooling in general (with a special nod to Ansible) but most importantly, this presentation should help to convince you that DevOps is not a passing fad that is going to take resources away from your "real" projects; rather, it is a fundamental shift that will make development faster, more efficient, more responsive, and (most importantly, to many) less costly with minimal investment.

Learning Objectives:
Learn about DevOps tooling_x000D_ _x000D_ Get background on the RedHat acquisition and its impact on IBM i (especially as it relates to Ansible)_x000D_ _x000D_ Understand why DevOps is important (hint - $$$)

Speakers

Andrew Clark

DevOps Manager, Arcad Software

Andrew Clark has been working on Enterprise platforms for more than 30 years, starting his career as an intern at IBM working on the secret "Mankato Project” with RS/6000, mainframe, and pre-release versions of OS/400; advancing from testing to a Team Leader on the QQ (Query) team... Read More →

Monday October 4, 2021 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Breakout 3 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Keeping Your System Safe with the Latest in API Security

Are you looking to securely access APIs from your IBM i applications?_x000D_ _x000D_ APIs make doing business faster, easier and just better. Anyone can go to a single shopping site and browse products from a wide variety of suppliers to get instant price quotes and immediately see how much shipping will cost. However, all that convenience comes with a cost. APIs have become the number one target for hackers looking to attack a company’s systems. It is critical to have a strong security strategy to go along with your API efforts to keep your company safe._x000D_ _x000D_ In this session, we will step you through setting up the latest in security technology to protect your APIs. And we will show you how to set up processes to ensure your security systems stay up to date._x000D_ _x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to use the latest open source modules for securing your IBM i APIs (so you don't have to try and write the code yourself)_x000D_ 2. Learn about the latest threats and how to protect your systems_x000D_

Speakers

Daniel Magid

Eradani

Eradani extends modernization by transforming the people, tooling, and development languages used in IBM i businesses. Eradani "Connect" serves as a Enterprise Integration Hub for IBM i organizations, providing developers and operators exception volume, performance, and security when... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 10 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Managing MultiPlatform development from your IBMi

As we all progress into development environments with multiple languages deployed to multi platforms, managing inter-dependencies and deployment gets ever more difficult. Here we will show you some simple tools and techniques to make life a little easier, using tools to perform Impact Analysis, compilation, unit testing, compilation and distribution.

Learning Objectives:
1. How to start your DevOps journey on IBMi._x000D_ 2. What toolsets are out there to enable the journey._x000D_ 3. How to link in your IBMi to the wider DevOps process in your company.

Speakers

Karl Haggart

Managing Director, Remain Software

Tuesday October 5, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 9 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Exploring Open Source on IBM i

Open Source is exploding on the IBM i platform. This workshop provides us a unique opportunity get up close and personal with open source on the world's best platform! We will start out by talking about what open source means to the platform and take a look at setting up the initial open source ecosystem. From there we will take a look at the containerization capability provided by the chroot utility and how it can be used to build file-system containers so that different developers can have different software/package collections. Once our containers are setup we will then explore the various open source programming languages including python, node.js, and php and take a look at how to integrate those languages with Db2 and ILE. Finally we will take a look at how open source productivity solutions such as WordPress, Magento, and Drupal can be implemented on the platform. Time has never been better to take a dive into the Open Source end of the pool.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Erwin Earley

Customer Success Manager - Architect, IBM

With over 25 years working in the IBM i community with IBM (with a brief stint with the Zend by Perforce team) I have worked with a number of technologies on the POWER platform including cloud (PowerVC) Dev/Ops solutions (Docker, Chef), Open Source technologies (Linux, MySQL/MariaDB... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 11 Online

Open Source Languages

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Writing "modern" RPG code

This session discusses some of the features of the ILE RPG language that allow you to write modern code, and to develop in a modern way.

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:_x000D_ - Learn the features of ILE RPG that allow you to write "modern" code_x000D_ - Learn which old features to avoid_x000D_ - Learn how to get the best performance for your call operations_x000D_ - Learn where to define variables and files so you can make changes more quickly and confidently_x000D_

Speakers

Barbara Morris

IBM

Tuesday October 5, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 8 Online

RPG

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Exploring Open Source Databases on IBM i

Open Source databases have been available on IBM i ever since MySQL was released on the platform back in the mid 2000s. Now with the expansion of Open Source adoption on the platform more open source databases have arrived including MongoDB and Redis with more to follow. This session will provide an overview of the open source database management systems available on the platform, there features, the solutions that they enable, and why they are important to the platform.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Erwin Earley

Customer Success Manager - Architect, IBM

Tuesday October 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 11 Online

Database

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Implementing a DR Solution in the Cloud

IBM i in the Cloud opens up a new world of possibilities for IBM i shops. One of the opportunities is to use the cloud in implementing your DR and availability design. Learn how to use the same logical replication solutions to sync up and maintain a switchable HA/DR environment using Cloud services.

Learning Objectives:
Learn the some recommended approaches to using IBM i in the cloud to deliver DR and HA _x000D_ Understand the key differences between implementing an availability solution on-premises vs. in the cloud

Speakers

Bill Peedle

Tuesday October 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 10 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

What You Need to Know to Successfully Upgrade to IBM i 7.4

When doing an upgrade to IBM i, there is more work involved in the planning of the upgrade than in the actual upgrade itself. When you have done the planning, the actual upgrade is simple. We will cover planning tips, pre-requisites, and then post-installation requirements. Your upgrade isn’t complete until this last step is done.

Learning Objectives:
What you need to check for when preparing your system for an upgrade. What PTFs that are required before the upgrade to avoid problems, and the steps you need to complete a successful upgrade.

Speakers

Pete Massiello

IBM i Advisor, Massiello Holding Corp.

Pete Massiello has been working with the AS/400, iSeries, IBM i since 1989, focusing on systems management and technical support. He has held numerous technical positions through out his career. He is the President of iTech Solutions Group, an IBM Premier Business Partner delivering... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

11:45am CDT

🟢IBM i ACS IFS Overview

IBM i Access Client Solutions (IBM i ACS) provides an IBM i IFS utility with many features and capabilities that you may not be aware of or using most effectively. Join us for a quick, predominantly live demo session to get the most out of your IBM i ACS IFS Utility.

Learning Objectives:
1. Get the most out of IBM i ACS IFS

Speakers

Wayne Bowers

Software Engineer, IBM

Tuesday October 5, 2021 11:45am - 12:05pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Client Connectivity

Session Level All

12:15pm CDT

IBM i ACS Data Transfer Overview

IBM i Access Client Solutions (IBM i ACS) provides a Db2 Data Transfer features and capabilities that you may not be aware of or using most effectively. Join us for a quick, predominantly live demo session to get the most out of your IBM i ACS Data Transfer.

Learning Objectives:
1. Get the most out of IBM i ACS Data Transfer

Speakers

Wayne Bowers

Software Engineer, IBM

Michael Swenson

Software Engineer, IBM

Michael has worked in IBM support since 1994. Starting with supporting PC Support for DOS and OS/2 through the current IBM i Access Client Solutions products. I've specialized in the data access functions (data transfer, ODBC, JDBC, APIs, etc) for most of that time.

Tuesday October 5, 2021 12:15pm - 12:35pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Client Connectivity

Session Level All

12:15pm CDT

🟢IBM Navigator for i

Please join us for a quick, informative session on the latest with IBM Navigator for i

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Garrett Johnson

IBM

Tuesday October 5, 2021 12:15pm - 12:35pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Client Connectivity

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

🟢Development Lifecycles and How to Test Them

As businesses modernize there are multiple types of software requiring support. We will discuss the types of software life-cycles all needing different testing. Specifically covered are the development types V-model, Waterfall model, and Iterative model. From there we will talk about component, integration, system, and acceptance testing and where and how to use each _x000D_

Learning Objectives:
Comprehend the different levels of testing: major objectives, typical objectives of testing, typical targets of testing (e.g. functional or structural) and related work products, people who test, types of defects and failures to be identified. Understand the definitions of Development types: V-Model, Waterfall Model, and Iterative _x000D_

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Tuesday October 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

Performing Backups using your HA system

Your High Availability environment can protect you from downtime but did you realize it can also deliver other important benefits? Performing Backups on a High Availability target system always has been a great solution for customers. Come and see why it still is and some new opportunities opened up by IBM i in the cloud.

Learning Objectives:
Learn how to use your HA environment to optimize your backup operations_x000D_ Understand the benefits over doing backups from your primary system

Speakers

Dan Simms

Project Management Director, IBM i HA Solutions, Precisely

Hello, my name is Dan Simms. I am the Director of Product Management for the IBM i HA portfolio at Precisely. My portfolio includes Assure MIMIX, QuickEDD, iTera, OMS/ODS, Assure MIMIX for AIX, and iOptimize. I have been with Precisely (Syncsort, Vision Solutions) for 27 years... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 10 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

⭐ Create IBM i Web or Mobile Apps with No Programming (unless you want to)

The Valence Framework for IBM i, available for free download, includes a browser-based development tool called Nitro App Builder that allows anyone with a solid understanding of their IBM i database to quickly create dazzling dashboard and query apps, complete with download-to-Excel functionality. You can also create apps that adjust data in the underlying physical files, call RPG programs and much more. _x000D_ _x000D_ The key point is that all of this front-end development can be done with no coding, though advanced developers can easily extend the app's functionality with additional UI or business logic as needed. _x000D_ _x000D_ The bottom line: With Valence, IBM i developers and super users alike can crank out highly functional web and mobile apps in a matter of minutes with no prior experience in web or mobile development. Come to this session to see how easy it can be to build such apps on your system today!

Learning Objectives:
Attendees will see how simple it is to log in to their IBM i through a browser and leverage their business and database knowledge to quickly create & deploy intuitive apps that pull data from their physical files. RPG developers will learn about methods to link these apps to their own back-end business logic, thereby making it possible to update IBM i data from user actions in a browser or mobile device.

Speakers

Robert Swanson

Senior Partner, CNX Corporation

Rob has worked as an in-the-trenches IBM i developer since 1992, with the past 15 years focused on developing modernization efforts for legacy systems written in RPG. Currently serving as Senior Partner for CNX Corporation in Chicago, Rob is a strong advocate of introducing highly... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Mobile and Modernization

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Tips for IBM i Pros Who Need to Support Excel Users

Many IBM i programmers and operators don’t use Microsoft Excel, but must support business users who want custom data sets to study and share in Excel. Your value to your company and the respect you get from the business people you support will rise if you take the time to understand more about Excel, what your user community needs, and how best to deliver the data they require. This is not a session on configuring middleware. This is a quick run through Excel from the perspective of the people who use it and will help you understand how Excel imports files.

Learning Objectives:
Learn what file formats and delivery methods will help the users you support and save you time. _x000D_ _x000D_ You will see step-by-step how to use Excel's file import features with various types of file formats and how to automate refreshes of the visualization objects used to analyze that data.

Speakers

William Langston

Director of Marketing, New Generation Software

During my long career I have served in marketing, sales, training, and technical support roles and worked closely with IBM i application developers. I focus on query, reporting, and analytics software, database topics, and IBM i software.

Tuesday October 5, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 1 Online

Developing Business Skills

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Enhancing, Improving, and Growing your IBM i Team

As IT departments change it is important to keep teams vital and relevant in order to support business properly. This session will discuss options in the industry to retain staff, hire effectively, and ensure your organization is ready for any challenge. Options discussed will include cross training, entry level hiring, managed services, and continuing education.

Learning Objectives:
1 - Determine how to hire the right personal for your organization_x000D_ 2 - Strategies for helping experienced employees improve their skills_x000D_ 3 - Discussion of resources and techniques to supplement your department's efforts

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Tuesday October 5, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Executive Conference (ITEC)

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Automate Logistics the Modern Way with API Connections

Do you want to connect your native IBM i WMS applications to your logistics providers like UPS, FedEx, PINC and CH Robinson using public APIs?_x000D_ _x000D_ The world of paper documents, fax machines, phone calls and even old style EDI is rapidly being replaced by online, real-time communications using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). _x000D_ _x000D_ APIs make it possible to instantaneously obtain rates, track shipments and generate shipping documents across the entire supply chain. They allow you to easily add new sales channels via online sites like Amazon, Shopify and EBay. You can use them to electronically process orders and invoices without requiring manual effort. Automation allows everything to move faster and more efficiently from suppliers to customers. _x000D_ _x000D_ In this session, we will use real world examples of connecting native IBM i applications to logistics providers using public APIs. We will show you how these IBM i users are improving customer satisfaction, optimizing resources and generating additional revenue by automating logistics through APIs._x000D_ _x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about the wide variety of APIs that are available for automating logistics - from shipping scheduling, to package tracking, to address verification to container location and inventory and many others._x000D_ 2. Learn about how to take advantage of pub/sub technology to automate application to application communication_x000D_ 3. Learn the pros and cons of different approaches to connecting application (eg. edi vs APIs)

Speakers

Daniel Magid

Eradani

Tuesday October 5, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 10 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Developing your Web & Mobile Strategy

As digital technologies evolve, web and mobile development has become an essential part of IBM i modernization. Not only do web applications have a modern look and feel that’s intuitive for users, they can also drive new revenue, streamline workflows and improve access to information. _x000D_ _x000D_ Many organizations are facing an urgent need to provide web and mobile access to their IBM i applications and data. Perhaps you have employees working from home who can’t access your IBM i applications remotely. Maybe your retail stores have had to close and an eCommerce solution will enable your business to continue operating. Your decision to digitally innovate could also improve operational efficiency and mitigate disrupters in your industry. _x000D_ Business Case & Approaches_x000D_ • Building the business case for UI/UX modernization and development_x000D_ • Use heatmaps to understand how end-users interact with your applications and the best places to start_x000D_ • Choosing the right approach (Leverage your 5250 applications or develop new)_x000D_ • Boost efficiency with global rules and settings for out of the box and quick time to production_x000D_ • Real-world examples that might give you ideas for your project_x000D_ APIs, Web Services & Integration_x000D_ • Improving workflow and business processes_x000D_ • Integrate with other applications, APIs / web services, and web portals_x000D_ • Developing new and innovating for new revenue streams_x000D_ • Strategies for getting it all done

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Greg Patterson

Modernization Specialist, Fresche Solutions

Tuesday October 5, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

SQL Coding Tips and Techniques

SQL is a very powerful language for processing data. There are many ways to write SQL statements to get the desired results. However, not all queries are created equal. This session will compare different ways to approach a problem from an SQL perspective in terms of code maintenance and performance. Taking the right approach for writing SQL helps Db2 for i help you.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Kent Milligan

Senior Db2 for i Consultant, IBM

Kent Milligan is a Senior Db2 for i Consultant in IBM Technology Expert Labs. Kent has over 25 years of experience as a Db2 for IBM i consultant and developer working out of the IBM Rochester lab. Prior to re-joining the Db2 for i Expert Labs practice in 2020, Kent spent 5 years... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Database

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Integrating eCommerce with your IBM i Based ERP

Data is often misconceived as being “locked” within legacy AS400 and IBM I systems. But companies in any sort of retail market (B2B or B2C) should take advantage of eCommerce opportunities to help better their customer experience and streamline their own processes. Connecting your legacy RPG with eCommerce platforms doesn’t have to be complicated. No matter what ERP you’re running on your IBM I, a successful integration has the power to increase transactions, unique purchases, conversions, and revenue. By understanding how and why eCommerce integrations are important and then identifying the methodology for your company, you can take your business to the next level.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how to successfully expose data from the IBM i while maintaining the integrity of your ERP data (including JDE World and E1)
Tips for how to get started and best practices for creating your integration roadmap
Discover the available tools (including middlware platforms) and determine the ones that are right for you

Speakers

Bill Onion

Managing Director, Briteskies

I'm a life-long IBM i Fan! Basically born and raised on this awesome platform. Now, I'm leading the Briteskies team as we help companies to: 1) Leverage their investment in IBM i by extending the life of their RPG-based applications, 2) Integrate their IBM i systems with 3rd party... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Middleware (other)

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Code Monkey's Guide to Consuming XML documents with RPG

In this session we will build a solid foundation for reading XML files in your RPG programs. We will start with a simple example with the XML-Into operation code and build on that into the XML-Into operator with the %Handler option. Then we will round the corner with the XML-SAX operator. Finally, we will talk about a few utilities QSHELL offers to round out our foundation of XML consuming test programs.

Learning Objectives:
1. Get started with the XML-Into RPG op code in it's simplest form; then with the %Handler option._x000D_ 2. Discover the XML-SAX RPG op code._x000D_ 3. Learn a couple of utilities QSHELL can offer to round out your XML importing._x000D_

Speakers

Gregory Simmons

Software Engineer, PC Richard & Son

Tuesday October 5, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 11 Online

RPG

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

APIs and Integration – Developing A Strategy That Works for You!

APIs are no longer a nice to have, they are essential to the modern organization. However, implementing APIs in your company is not easy – it means understanding how to go about modernizing old applications and determining which API strategy is best.

There are a variety of ways to implement APIs, enabling the business to leverage the value of legacy IP whilst taking advantage of modern development techniques, integrating with third-party applications and enhancing customer and user experience.

In this session, we will cover:
• What are APIs
• RESTful APIs and IBM i
• Case Studies: Real-world success stories and business outcomes

Speakers

Greg Patterson

Modernization Specialist, Fresche Solutions

Pascal Polverini

Solutions Strategist, Fresche Solutions

With thirty years of professional experience in North America, Europe and Australia Pascal Polverini has a strong experience in digital transformation, end-to-end software architectures, with expertise on DB, programming languages, communication protocols and UI. Co-author of the... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Webshop breakdown into reusable Microservices

The IT-market is very competitive and evaluates fast. There are many different programming languages with their own advantages and disadvantages. The right tools, combined with reusable solutions is the only way to stay competitive. _x000D_ _x000D_ A Microservice architecture serves both these requirements, it gives you the ability to create small components with the technologies which are the best ones for the job. And if they are implemented right, these microservices are 100% reusable for your future projects. _x000D_ _x000D_ I will demonstrate this by breaking down a fictional webshop into logic-components.

Learning Objectives:
1. Connection to DB2 with different technologies (advantages, disadvantages)_x000D_ 2. Deployment of open source technologies on the IBM i_x000D_ 3. Tips on how you should split your projects into reusable microservices

Speakers

Mario Aquino

Software Engineer, Easi

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 1 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

PHP: Where we are and where we're going

PHP has turned the corner from being a “new kid on the block” to becoming a “legacy” solution. How do we battle implementing new solutions without disturbing the existing application set? In this presentation come find out how the latest PHP is simply not your father’s PHP and also where PHP is headed. Concepts like deprecation cycles, Implementing change and PHP Version 7 and 8 will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the evolution of PHP on the IBM i platform _x000D_ Understand key features of PHP7_x000D_ How to install and manage Zend Server 9

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Perforce Software

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 2 Online

Open Source Languages

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Combatting Malware: Using Multi-Factor Authentication and Exit Point Security to block access to the IFS

It seems we hear about a new malware security breach every day. Often, these breaches can be traced to compromised passwords. This compels IBM i shops to implement stronger password management controls. In order to protect your company from malware and ransomware attacks, you should deploy a combination of multi-factor authentication and exit point security.

Learning Objectives:
Learn how malware can get onto the IBM i system_x000D_ What true multi-factor authentication really is_x000D_ Authentication options and tradeoffs_x000D_ Tips on implementing exit point security to thwart malware attacks

Speakers

Dawn Winston

Product Management Director – Security Solutions, Precisely

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Security

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

How to Keep Your IBM i System Safe

As attackers become more sophisticated, cyber security has become an arms race and it is imperative that security professionals and system admins continuously improve their strategies to combat the rise of ransomware. Between educating employees, mitigating risk through system security assessments, and taking advantage of tools like SIEM solutions and third party options, companies can arm themselves against intruders. Whether running JD Edwards ERPs on IBM i platforms, or using homegrown applications, security is imperative.

Learning Objectives:
A walk-thru of the top JDE and IBM i security flaws we come across _x000D_ Learn best practices for threat remediation on JDE and IBM i _x000D_ Identify strategies for how to build your cybersecurity barrier through a proactive approach using IBM i and JDE specific tools

Speakers

Robert Nettgen

Senior Consultant, Briteskies

Robert Nettgen wanted a career in radio broadcasting, but saw that profession declining and found better pay working in IT. A PC developer in the ‘80’s, Rob started administering AS/400s in the early ‘90s for a Radio/TV group owner. In 1999 Rob accepted a job as IT director... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Security

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

IBM i Proactive Performance Preparation

No one plans to have a performance problem. When it next happens to you, will you have the information necessary to identify the root cause of the problem? This session will show you how to be prepared in the event of an unplanned performance problem. It will also discuss ways to avoid that problem from happening in the first place, and how to be notified as soon as possible that a problem may be starting.

Learning Objectives:
1. learn how to configure IBM i performance tools to have the data you need when a problem happens_x000D_ 2. learn how to get notified of potential problems

Speakers

Eric Barsness

Executive Consultant, IBM

Eric Barsness is an Executive Consultant and IBM Master Inventor in IBM System Lab Services. Eric specializes in IBM i performance and scalability and leads the IBM i performance team in Lab Services. Eric has been improving the performance of IBM i, Db2, and customer applications... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Learn your IBM i to learn

Learning! This is the machine challenge. From birth, our brains have a talent that the best artificial intelligence software is not yet able to imitate, but they have many other advantages! Learn how machines can analyze your data and give you valuable information. Learn how to use visual recognition, analytics and other cool stuff in your own applications on IBM i.

Learning Objectives:
1 learn the difference in machine learning, deep learning and how AI works 2 learn the use of AI in business applications

Speakers

Koen Decorte

Owner and CEO, IBM Champion, CD-Invest

Koen Decorte is owner of CD Invest, an international IBM business partner with offices in Belgium andSpain. CD-Invest is specialized in innovating and modernizing IBM i applications.Koen studied philology and computer linguistics.His focus is mainly on integrating and using open source... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 3 Online

Open Source Languages

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Scalable Management of HA/DR Systems Using Dashboards

As more customers leverage Service Providers to manage their High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solutions, better tools are needed to manage all these solutions. By sending replication status to commonly used dashboard platforms, service providers can deliver real-time monitoring, history and eventually machine learning.

Learning Objectives:

Learn to simplify the management of your HA system
Learn techniques that can make your systems and data more resilient

Speakers

Dan Simms

Project Management Director, IBM i HA Solutions, Precisely

Wednesday October 6, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 10 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Innovation Stories from IBM i Customers

Do you ever feel like you’re the only business using IBM i? Nothing could be further from the truth! IBM i is the operating system underneath the applications which are used by thousands and thousands (and thousands!) of companies around the world to run their business. Yet as most IBM i clients go about their normal day, they have very little awareness of the many kinds of businesses which depend on Power Systems running IBM i. Steve Will, Chief Architect for IBM i, Alison Butterill, the IBM i Global Product Manager, and Brandon Pederson, IBM i Marketing manager, will take you on a virtual journey through many countries and many industries, giving specific examples of IBM i clients who are using advanced, integrated technology to innovate and succeed._x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1. Become aware of companies in many industries around the world doing great things with IBM i. 2. Learn the business value various IBM i technologies are bringing to business.

Speakers

Steve Will

IBM i CTO & Chief Architect, IBM

Alison Butterill

WW Product Manager for IBM i, IBM

Alison Butterill is the offering manager for IBM i. She owns the responsibility for the IBM i business, including defining and guiding future directions and strategies. She works with the IBM i sales, marketing, and development teams as well as clients and partners to ensure that... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Monitoring Your IBM i

How can you monitor your IBM i partition? Let's count the ways - watches, events, monitors, services, and more! In this session we will cover the various ways to monitor your IBM i using features built into the operating system. Learn how to proactively get notified before a small problem becomes a large one.

Learning Objectives:
1. learn about watches, monitors, and services that can be used to monitor your IBM i partition_x000D_ 2. learn how to get notified of potential problems

Speakers

Eric Barsness

Executive Consultant, IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Connecting your IBM i Applications to e-commerce Platforms like Amazon and Shopify

Would your company like to take advantage of all the ready-made ecommerce opportunities by connecting with platforms like Amazon and Shopify? Are you looking for more go to market channels? _x000D_ _x000D_ In this session we will demonstrate how you can take advantage of the free software development kits provided by these vendors and others by making it easy to connect your applications to these new channels. You will see how you can automatically list products, update pricing, reflect current inventory, take orders and schedule shipments – all using easily accessible APIs. We will cover what technology is involved and how you can ensure your connections are secure and reliable. We’ll show you step by step how to make the connection right from your native IBM i applications.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about calling public web services directly from IBM i RPG applications_x000D_ 2. Learn the advantages of using Software Development Kits provided by API providers like Amazon and Shopify to save significant amounts of coding time_x000D_ 3. Discover new channels to bring your companies products to market via new technology

Speakers

Daniel Magid

Eradani

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 10 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

End to end testing framework

"If you cannot test it, don't do it!" This affirmation summaries the all importance of testing. We all know it is important but for decades it was hard and cumbersome to test IBM i application from end to end, including the UI. This is now not anymore the case.
In this session you will see why and with what tool you will be able to accomplish and automate end-to-end testing, some live demo are included.

Learning objectives:
- Risk impact on not Testing. Learn to lower the risk for your project success.
- Budget impact on not Automating testing. Learn to automate.
- Testing not only to validate changes, but also to accelerate all your development cycle.

Speakers

Pascal Polverini

Solutions Strategist, Fresche Solutions

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

🟢Get Started with GIT and Version Control: Building IBM i Source from Git

Get Started with GIT and Version Control_x000D_ Business Case:Increase software development agility and standardize on a version control that is platform agnosticBuilding IBM i source from Git: Strategies for setting up a build process and the Open Source tools available to manage native i compiles and dependencies. Learn from our experience of setting up Builds for our customers.

Learning Objectives:
1. What are requirements for a Build Process for IBM i source_x000D_ 2. What does the workflow look like, Build triggers_x000D_ 3. What are the tools available for setting up the Build_x000D_ 4. How do we set up this automatic Build process

Speakers

Jeffrey Tickner

ARCAD Software

Jeff Tickner has worked in Change Management on the IBM I for 17 years at different companies. He is certified in Rational Team Concert as well has having experience with other Change Management packages from SourceSafe to Subversion. Jeff currently works for ARCAD Software, an international... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 11 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Hardware required for IBM Db2 Mirror for i

Find out more about what hardware is needed for Db2 Mirror and why. Be introduced to a variety of different topologies of Power servers, network adapters, and storage systems where Db2 Mirror can be implemented.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Shauna Rollings

IBM i Performance Tools & High Availability Development, IBM

Shauna joined the IBM i development team in 2008. She has developed and supported IBM i performance data collector tools throughout her entire IBM career. From the very beginning of the Db2 Mirror for i project, she has also been the technical team lead for the Db2 Mirror Configuration... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 4 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Productivity, Time Management, and Organization for the IT Professional

In the commonly resource bound departments we find ourselves in working smarter not harder has never been more important. Drawing on tools and techniques learned from quality and assurance and project management we will explore ways to increase efficiently. Importantly, communicating our efforts and documenting has become more visible in team dynamics. Suggestions for handling projects, time, and resource management will all be covered.

Learning Objectives:
Organize projects and clearly identify exit criteria to complete cleanly._x000D_ _x000D_ How to organize and notate for your own use based on your own style._x000D_ _x000D_ Taking your efforts and communicating them properly to the rest of the team via documentation and self avocation._x000D_ _x000D_ Time management techniques and forecasting skills

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Open API on IBMi

Unlock your IBM I data easily, quickly, and safely by building fully functional REST APIs that automatically generate RPG-Free routines to allow you to re-use your existing IBMi resources. We will show you how to make a REST API with Remain OpenAPI Studio based on both an existing database definition and a current RPG routine, and generate ready-to-run API's. The resulting API's are fully compatible with the OAS3 standard to allow easy and controlled access to your back-end data and routines, to allow you to expose your current assets to colleagues as you start your modernization journey.

Learning Objectives:
1. How to build OAS3 compliant API's._x000D_ 2. How to utilize existing, working resources and make them available outside the IBMi._x000D_ 3. See how easily you can start the journey towards modernization without leaving the platform.

Speakers

Karl Haggart

Managing Director, Remain Software

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Mobile and Modernization

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

How to Get to Unicode from RPG: Using CCSIDS in RPG

This session describes how to work with Unicode data in RPG.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to define Unicode variables in RPG _x000D_ _x000D_ 2. Learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls when working with Unicode data, especially when converting between Unicode and EBCDIC

Speakers

Barbara Morris

IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 8 Online

RPG

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Modernizing the Way you Manage IBM i Security

Still running Display User Profile (DSPUSRPRF) to an outfile to analyze user profiles or Display Object Authority (DSPOBJAUT) to view ownership and authorities? Much more efficient methods exist! During this session, Carol will provide examples of how you can use the most recent IBM i Services to update user profile management, as well as reporting on object authorities and ownership, system values, audit journal entries and more.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how IBM i Services provide more options for generating security reports than IBM-supplied commands._x000D_ 2.See examples of using IBM i Services to get security information _x000D_ 3. See an example of using IBM i Services in a CL program

Speakers

Carol Woodbury

President, CTO, Co-Founder, DXR Security

With over 25 years experience in the area of IT security, Carol is known world-wide as an expert in the area of computer security. During her career, Carol has architected security solutions for Fortune 100 companies as well as small and medium-sized organizations. Carol is passionate... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Security

Session Level All

11:45am CDT

Terminate your 5250 terminal. MiWorkplace is in town.

Join us as we show you how to develop modern ILE code quickly and easily using MiWorkplace templates to create an ILE service program in less than twenty minutes.

Learning Objectives:
1. An low footprint alternative IDE from 5250 sessions._x000D_ 2. Another way to modernize.

Speakers

Karl Haggart

Managing Director, Remain Software

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:05pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

11:45am CDT

Using IBM Db2 Mirror for i Application Evaluation to gain insight

Ever wonder if Db2 Mirror is right for you? Find out how the Application Evaluation feature can assist with preparing to use IBM Db2 Mirror for i. Be introduced to how it helps provide a different perspective into the types of IBM i objects being used and how those objects fit in a Db2 Mirror environment.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Mi Huynh

IBM i High Availability Development, IBM

Mi started at IBM in 2017 and she is a key developer working on the IBM i Development team in Rochester. She is specifically focused on IBM i High Availability development with Db2 Mirror for i.

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:05pm CDT
Breakout 2 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

11:45am CDT

Learn about the LUG

Join the LUG COO, Lynne Benedict, to learn more about the LUG and how your company might become a part of this organization that complements COMMON membership. The Board of Directors of both COMMON and LUG have been working together to support the efforts of both organizations and form a symbiotic relationship by dispelling the competitive myth that surrounds the two distinct groups.

Learning Objectives:
1. LUG and COMMON are complementary, not competitive, organizations._x000D_ 2. If you want to learn how to do something, go to COMMON. If you want to know why to do something, go to LUG. _x000D_ 3. Guidelines for joining the LUG._x000D_

Speakers

Lynne Benedict

Director of Operations & COO, LUG

Lynne has been the only LUG employee for over 21 years and has served as the LUG COO since 2015. She is a trusted advisor to the LUG Board of Directors. Lynne holds degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:05pm CDT
Breakout 1 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

12:15pm CDT

Testing Exported SubProcedures and Programs

This presentation reviews an approach to building reusable/automatic tests for programs and exported subprocedures_x000D_

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Robert Arce

IT Solutions Strategy - IBM i SME, Fresche Solutions

Robert Arce works in Corporate Strategy for Fresche Solutions. He is a subject matter expert in the IBM i system, assisting companies all over the world with their modernization projects.His expertise is using IBMi Application Analysis and Management Suite X-Analysis.Mr. Arce has... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 12:15pm - 12:35pm CDT
Breakout 2 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

12:15pm CDT

What's New in Rational Developer for i

Highlights of the latest features available in Rational Developer for i.

Learning Objectives:
Learn what is available in the latest Rational Developer for i.

Speakers

Eric Simpson

IBM i Application Development Tools, IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 12:15pm - 12:35pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

12:15pm CDT

Why you should instrument your SQL Workloads with Client Registers

Client Registers are an overlooked Db2 for i feature that can streamline SQL analysis on your systems. Learn how to easily instrument your SQL workloads with the client registers to add workload and business context to all your SQL statements. You'll also see how these register values can be displayed with the ACS SQL Performance Center tooling.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Kent Milligan

Senior Db2 for i Consultant, IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 12:15pm - 12:35pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Database

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

File System Containers for Open Source: Introduction to Chroot Containers on IBM i

Containers and Resource Control for Open Source_x000D_ _x000D_ Business Case:As open source technologies are becoming more and more prevalent, you may be interested in leveraging containers or other resource-controlling technologies to manage the applications deployed in your infrastructure. Come to this module to learn more about what's available on IBM i.Part I: Intro to Chroot Containers on IBM iPart II: Workload Capping Groups, Memory Pools, and SubsystemsPart III: LIVE Q&A and Panel Discussion

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Erwin Earley

Customer Success Manager - Architect, IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 11 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

With FREE OPEN SOURCE I can give you the ability to build an IBM i Dashboard which turns boring data into valuable information for your business

A dashboard summarizes data into easy-to-understand visuals that provide insights about your business data. That’s true whether you’re operating your vehicle or monitoring your IBM i Server. Come to this session and I’ll show you how simple it is to create and customize a dashboard for whatever type of information you find important. Your colleagues and managers will say WOW (just don’t let them know how easy it was to build. Come learn something new, you really need a break coding from green screens. These coding tools will change your programming future starting today.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn new free opensource coding using javascript tools._x000D_ 2. Teach how to use your rpg skills to create exciting content Dashboards for your company_x000D_ 3. Enhance your value with your company with new and valuable skills to pull data from all areas of your company with dashboards._x000D_ 4. Impress your programming friends with your new skills._x000D_

Speakers

Monty Chicola

President, Real Vision Software, Inc.

Software Developer since 1980. President of RVI, a Content Management Company. I developed imaging on the AS/400 before its general release back in the 1980's. It has been my pleasure developing software and hardware with IBM Rochester over the years. With thousands of customers world... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

IBM i Anywhere, IBM i Everywhere – IBM i Strategy, Roadmap & Innovation

IBM i is used by businesses everywhere in the world, who want to conduct that business anywhere at any time. In this presentation, Steve Will, the IBM i Chief Architect, and Alison Butterill, Product Manager for IBM i, will discuss the current state of the IBM i operating system, the underlying business, and the growing community of IBM i users. They will show the IBM i strategy that delivers value to IBM i clients and to IBM, they'll highlight key enhancements which strengthen IBM i’s place in your IT plans, and they'll discuss the future roadmaps for the platform.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the current IBM i strategy and the IBM i market_x000D_ 2. Understand the future direction of IBM i, and how that is helping clients today_x000D_ 3. Learn several client examples of innovative technology solving business problems using IBM i today.

Speakers

Steve Will

IBM i CTO & Chief Architect, IBM

Alison Butterill

WW Product Manager for IBM i, IBM

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

Be More Productive with Navigator: Latest Features in Navigator for i

Be More Productive with Navigator Business Case:So, you are not using Navigator for i... why? This is not the same old Navigator from even a few years ago. There are several new features that will be highlighted along with general usage. This, along with the dive into the performance analysis tools available, will make you a better IBM i Administrator. Part I: Latest Features in Navigator for i Part II: Performance Tasks in Navigator for i Part III: LIVE Q&A and Panel Discussion

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Pete Massiello

IBM i Advisor, Massiello Holding Corp.

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Test Analysis and Design focusing on planning, cases, and conditions

This session is a deep dive into the creation of tests:_x000D_ Covering scope, approach, resources, schedule of activities, features, tasks. _x000D_ Determine entry and exit criteria and the rational for what is decided upon as well as establishing bi-directional functionality. _x000D_ Organize input values, execution preconditions, expected results, and post conditions into test cases._x000D_ Isolate what items or components of the system can be verified by a case._x000D_ Write cases that are repeatable, verifiable, and traceable back to the requirements, quality risk, etc._x000D_ Transform the above into executable tests that scale to all levels of testing infrastructure_x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1) Take foundational or informal knowledge of testing and improve it procedurally for optimal results._x000D_ 2) organize the components of proper testing into a viable plan

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

The New Low-code / No-code Movement

It used to be that we measured programmers’ productivity by counting lines of code. Yet, in a recent interview, Elon Musk declared that the best developers accomplish their goals with as little code as possible. Having less code certainly does increase flexibility and reduces technical debt! But how do you get things done by writing less code rather than more? In this session, we’ll explore the new Low-code / No-code movement and why the idea of writing less code might just make sense for your IT environment._x000D_

Learning Objectives:
You will learn:_x000D_ 1. Why it makes sense to embrace Low-code / No-code_x000D_ 2. How Low-code / No-code environments work_x000D_ 3. How we implemented Low-Code for our toolset at Profound Logic_x000D_ _x000D_ You will also see a a Demo of how Low-code can be used to extend RPG applications

Speakers

Alex Roytman

CEO, Profound Logic

Alex is the founder and CEO of Profound Logic. He is a Futurization, Node.js and RPG educator who shares his knowledge at user groups and events around the world. His decades of experience and passion in the field of Web and Mobile development have led his company to create many popular... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

What to Expect When Transforming Your IBM i RPG or CA 2E (Synon) Applications into Modern Languages

Most organizations are seeking better, faster ways to deliver powerful new digital experiences for their customers and employees. When you rely on legacy IBM i applications, this often requires piecing together capabilities from a mix of traditional and modern application architectures and technologies. Transforming your RPG and CA 2E (Synon) applications to modern languages is one way to enhance these core applications while embracing open source, cloud, web, and AI technologies. _x000D_ Join our session to learn how you can modernize applications at lower cost and risk than rewriting or replacing while building on the investment in your customized systems. _x000D_ Topics:_x000D_ • Building Your Strategy: Sample roadmaps, defining what needs to be transformed, and choosing the best architecture and technology stack._x000D_ • Transformation: Fresche’s automated process, flexible delivery models, integration and potential workflow improvements._x000D_ • Testing: Defining your strategy, types of testing required and automation capabilities._x000D_ • Implementation / Deployment: Aligning the strategy with the organization, ease of adoption and defining the best options for you._x000D_ • Beyond: What happens next and how to enhance your applications going forward.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Nick Hampson

Director of Design, Fresche Solutions

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Breaking Down the Monolith: A closer Look at Code and Database Transformation

In some cases, it might make sense for you to transform your RPG and CA 2E (Synon) code and database. Code transformation enables you to take advantage of modern technology, integration opportunities and more readily available skill sets while preserving the functionality, business processes and structure of your applications. Database modernization, on the other hand, improves security, reliability and performance._x000D_ When you’re ready to deploy your transformed applications, should you go hybrid? Multi-cloud? What is the best option for you and what does it all mean from a practical perspective?_x000D_ Join Chris Koppe and Robert Arce for this session where they will break down some of the many options available:_x000D_ • Business benefits of automated code and database transformation_x000D_ • Automatically transforming your RPG to PHP or Java and Synon to Java_x000D_ • Database modernization and re-architecting fundamentals_x000D_ o Alternately, Remodelling, transforming and modernizing your database – without needing to make changes to the application code.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Chris Koppe

SVP Strategy Services, Fresche Solutions

Robert Arce

IT Solutions Strategy - IBM i SME, Fresche Solutions

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Database

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Running an Old Version of JDE on the IBM i? What Next Steps Should You Be Taking? (Part 1)

If you’re running an older version of JD Edwards you may be wondering, where do you go from here. Should you be upgrading and if so, what are your upgrade options. Is support truly necessary? What should you do when your version of JDE drops support? Should you stay on World? Should you upgrade to E1? Is it time to leave JDE completely? And where does your IBM i system come in to play with all this? If you’re running an old version on JDE, we have answers.

Learning Objectives:
1. The different upgrade options you have available including whether you should upgrade, modernize, or migrate off your current JDE platform and the advantages of staying on World, moving to E1, moving to a new platform _x000D_ 2. Learn whether support is necessary and what to do if your current version is no longer supported by Oracle JD Edwards_x000D_ 3. Assess the possibility and benefits of preforming a business process review to determine your next steps_x000D_

Speakers

David Balser

Director - JD Edwards, Briteskies LLC

Bill Onion

Managing Director, Briteskies

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Middleware (other)

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Explore IBM Db2 Mirror for i as a Continous-Availability Solution

Continuous availability is the next step to high availability or disaster response plans. Discover how Db2 Mirror for i improves business continuity problems and how it can shift availability to a near zero RPO and RTO. Be introduced to the basic concepts for how Db2 Mirror operates to create a synchronous environment and how to maintain Db2 Mirror as the production environment evolves.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Mi Huynh

IBM i High Availability Development, IBM

Mi started at IBM in 2017 and she is a key developer working on the IBM i Development team in Rochester. She is specifically focused on IBM i High Availability development with Db2 Mirror for i.

Wednesday October 6, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 2 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Top Five Security Issues Facing Organizations Today

Organizations are facing increasing security threats via nation-state attacks, exploitation of software flaws, ransomware, BEC (Business Email Compromise) and even their own or former employees. During this session Carol will discuss the current threats., She will also provide near-term steps you can take as well as long term objectives that you can make to address these issues. The goal, of course, is to reduce your organization's overall risk level.

Learning Objectives:
Understand today's current threats_x000D_ Understand how to evaluate an organization's risk level_x000D_ Hear practical steps they can take to reduce their organization's risk

Speakers

Carol Woodbury

President, CTO, Co-Founder, DXR Security

Wednesday October 6, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 7 Online

IT Executive Conference (ITEC)

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Getting Started with Project Management

As IBM i professionals are asked to take on more responsibilities project management is increasingly becoming part of their duties. This session will explore the fundamentals of project management and how to integrate the practices into the work flow of traditional IT personal.

Learning Objectives:
Learn methods of projects management and what environments are best for each_x000D_ Determine how to track moving parts_x000D_ Identify distinct stages of the project management cycle and how to communicate at each point_x000D_ Suggestions for scheduling, forecasting, and documentation

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Wednesday October 6, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Running an Old Version of JDE on the IBM i? What Next Steps Should You Be Taking? (Part 2)

Decided it’s time to upgrade, but not sure where to start? Whether it’s determining what licensing to choose, what version JDE to move to, or deciding on the details like whether to leverage scrum agile versus waterfall options, there is a path that’s right for you.

Learning Objectives:
1. Best practices around a JDE (World to World, World to E1) upgrade including examples from a client A7.3 to A9.4 we recently performed_x000D_ 2. Balancing simultaneous JDE and IBM i upgrades_x000D_ 3. How to spot if your ERP implementation went south and how to recover_x000D_

Speakers

David Balser

Director - JD Edwards, Briteskies LLC

Bill Onion

Managing Director, Briteskies

Wednesday October 6, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 8 Online

Middleware (other)

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

⭐ Using Process Insights to Prioritize Projects and Drive Business Results

Digital transformation is critical for your business to not only survive, but also thrive in a volatile market. Modernization of your IBM i applications is part of that larger strategy. Where do you start? How do you know which modernization project will have the most impact to the business? If you understand the details of operational workflows and processes on those applications, you can make a prioritization decision using hard data, not assumptions. But often businesses struggle to reach that level of visibility. In this session, you will learn how process insights can deliver the actionable insights you need to take the right steps in your modernization journey.

Learning Objectives:
• The 3 levels of workflow visibility and why they are all critical to understanding the business
• How to set up Rocket® Process Insights to record how your business engages with IBM i applications
• How to build the best IBM i automation plan that aligns to business needs

Speakers

Jeroen van Dun

Product Manager, Rocket Software

Thursday October 7, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 2 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

IBM i Resiliency: How to set up MFA as part of a layered security defense for the IBM i

No matter how prepared you believe you are, sometimes a nefarious entity finds its way onto your network. How to you make sure the critical data and applications on the IBM i are still secure? In this session, we’ll show you how to set up MFA as part of a layered defense around your IBM i to minimize password vulnerabilities._x000D_ Learning objectives:_x000D_

Learning Objectives:
*Why IBM i specific security is critical and how to convince the business it should be part of the security policy_x000D_ *How to set up MFA for IBM I using Rocket MFA_x000D_ *How to integrate MFA into your applications like terminal emulation

Speakers

Uma Karri-Hughes

Thursday October 7, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 3 Online

Security

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Security Testing

Security concerns are of utmost importance and testing our environments has never been more important. Using information from traditional QA resources this session looks at attack vectors, test protocols, organization, and approaches.

Learning Objectives:
Identify risk vectors that need testing._x000D_ Determine the testing approaches that would be the most useful._x000D_ Organize the effort and documentation in response to your efforts, and for reuse.

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Thursday October 7, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Security

Session Level All

8:00am CDT

Everything You Need to Know About the IBM i Administration Runtime Expert

Everything You Need to Know About the IBM i Administration Runtime Expert, Part Business-critical applications must be up and running reliably without failure. When something unexpected occurs, you must identify the cause and correct it quickly. We all want to find ways to make our jobs easier, and unexpected surprises are not fun. The relentless push to do more with less is only going to intensify while the tolerance for failure keeps dropping. Yet identifying points of failure can be tricky as complexities scale. IBM i offers a free product that helps ascertain application and infrastructure health. The IBM Administration Runtime Expert for i (ARE) can be used to define attributes of a healthy environment and use those defined attributes to validate that the environment is as expected. In this session, you will learn the basics for how to set up templates and validate systems.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to acquire the IBM ARE product, where it needs to be installed, and how to log in and get started_x000D_ 2. Learn how to create templates that define the attributes to verify_x000D_ 3. Learn how to set up system groups for verification_x000D_ 4. Learn how to review the reports from a validation

Speakers

Dawn May

Owner, Dawn May Consulting, LLC

Dawn has been involved with COMMON for over 20 years and has been a consistent volunteer since 2008. She's been a member of the strategic education team, a subject matter expert, and a speaker. Now, as President of COMMON, she's focused on leading COMMON as the industry leader of... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

What's The Fuss? - Using Procedures and Service Programs

This session discusses the advantages of using modern techniques in your RPG programs. After a short introduction to modularity in programming; we go step-by-step through the process of replacing called programs with sub-procedure modules and then converting these modules to procedures in a called service program.

Learning Objectives:
1 Internalize the benefits of using modular coding practices.
2 Understand the steps in coding modular subprocedures and service programs.
3 Develop reusable subprocedures and service programs.

Speakers

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Thursday October 7, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

RPG

Session Level All

9:15am CDT

Hands-on IBM i + Node-RED = succeed faster in programming

Node-RED, which is built on Node.js, is a browser-based flow editor that makes it easy to wire together devices, APIs, and online services by simply dragging and dropping nodes on a palette. You then connect, or wire, the nodes to create flows that can be then deployed to the lightweight Node.js runtime with a single click. Make your idea a reality by prototyping like a master using Node-RED, and Node.js in conjunction with IBM i! Get hands-on experience and learn how to use Watson services, make a chatbot, connect to your RPG programs, use NoSQL databases using node-RED. And you don’t even need any programming experience!

Learning Objectives:
1 learn the node-red environment 2 make some simple flows and connect to RPG and DB2 3 build a small chatbot using watson 4 build a dashboard

Speakers

Koen Decorte

Owner and CEO, IBM Champion, CD-Invest

Thursday October 7, 2021 9:15am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 3 Online

Open Source Languages

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Be the Cool Kid: Modernize with APIs

More and more clients are building their modernization strategies around API patterns that can read and update IBM i data and program logic. In this session, we’ll demo a set of APIs and tooling that clients are using today rapidly build out new capabilities that interface seamlessly with existing applications.

Learning Objectives:
• API basics for IBM i clients_x000D_ • Leverage API patterns_x000D_

Speakers

Amy Anderson

Thursday October 7, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Mobile and Modernization

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

Inspirational Women in STEM and what they teach today’s professionals.

Woman have been involved in the most important areas of industry, science, finance, and information technology far longer than we have been highlighting them in WIT events. By reviewing these women and their importance to their fields we learn how to optimize our teams and utilize diversity._x000D_ Covering _x000D_ Marie Curie and Mileva Maric (Einstein’s first wife)_x000D_ Grace Hopper_x000D_ Margaret J Winker Mintz (original financial backer of Disney Brothers Studio)_x000D_ WASP - Women Airforce Service Pilots in WWII_x000D_ The Mercury 13: Women who could have been NASA’s first female astronauts_x000D_ The first 6 American women astronauts_x000D_ Current women in IT focusing on innovation at Pixar

Learning Objectives:
1) Learn about inspirational careers and how STEM fields have evolved over the last 125 years._x000D_ 2) See what challenges have been overcome and use this knowledge to surpass issues in current environments._x000D_ _x000D_

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Thursday October 7, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

10:30am CDT

⭐ Pete's Perspective on IBM i

In this session, Pete Massiello will go over his thoughts on the IBM i today, as well as the future direction of IBM i. You will hear the gospel according to reality vs. the IBM gospel on IBM i. What has reached end of service, where we are today, the technology, the hardware, the operating system. We will talk about HMCs, Internal and External Storage, Virtualization, Tapes vs VTLs, High Availability and Disaster Recovery, Cloud, Power Chips, Power Servers, and security. Plus bring your questions for discussion.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the hardware currently in the market, different ways to virtualize your environment, and who should be moving to external storage.

Speakers

Pete Massiello

IBM i Advisor, Massiello Holding Corp.

Thursday October 7, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

Using SQL to Overcome Challenges when Consuming XML (Case Study)

In this new world of mobile data collection by our field specialists, we ran head-on into special characters as well as emojis. This case study tells the tale of overcoming the hurdles we were stumbling over to deal with them.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what issues can be raised when using mobile devices to collect information from the field_x000D_ 2. Learn how XML support in Db2 for i was used to resolve these issues

Speakers

Vern Hamberg

Senior Software Engineer, Ecolab, Pest Elimination

Vern has worked on IBM midrange systems for over 30 years, beginning with the System/38 and AS/400. At present he is a senior software engineer for the Pest Elimination division at Ecolab. He also serves on the COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) and SET and is one of the SMEs... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 9 Online

Database

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

Work smarter not harder with Ansible

Whether you're new to Ansible or a Playbooks pro, learn how to take advantage of the radically simple IT automation platform for IBM i. This session covers the latest Ansible Content for IBM i and how you can start using it in your organization today with real use cases and examples.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Scott Heinlein

DevOps Consultant, Arcad Software

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbheinlein/

Thursday October 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

1:30pm CDT

How to Remain Relevant in a changing IT Environment

Education in today’s IT and Business Environment challenges both the Company and the employee. What skills are needed to provide for today’s (and tomorrow’s) business needs? How does the company and the employee deal with these challenges? How to decide; what to learn, how to learn and when to learn, when planning for future needs. These challenges differ depending on where a person is in their careers path. Jim discusses these challenges and more in this presentation. Great presentation for managers and employees!_x000D_ • The question of being relevant?_x000D_ • How to know… your relevancy _x000D_ • Uh Oh… I’m not relevant (what to do)_x000D_ • Business vs IT Skills – the Balance_x000D_ • The Specialist vs the generalist – Let’s hire a consultant_x000D_

Learning Objectives:
1. Internalize the need to continue learning in Information Technology
2. Understand how your current skills can be leveraged into new skills
3. Have a better understanding of how to approach today's educational opportunities

Speakers

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Thursday October 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

IBM i Next Gen Applications

IBM i applications run businesses around the world. They have tremendous value today, and need to be prepared to use today’s latest technology to solve business problems for tomorrow. How should those applications grow into their Next Gen versions? In this session, Steve Will, IBM i Chief Architect, will discuss what this means, and talk about approaches which can help clients and IBM i software developers move into that Next Generation Future.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the market forces driving a need to a "next gen" version of IBM i applications._x000D_ 2. Learn the value of incorporating Next Gen concepts, and how that approach is far more successful than re-platforming._x000D_ 3. Understand the patterns, approaches, and tools available to move applications to the Next Generation.

Speakers

Steve Will

IBM i CTO & Chief Architect, IBM

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 7 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

IFS data in IBM Db2 Mirror for i

Learn about how Db2 Mirror is more than just making Db2 data highly available. Integrated file system (IFS) data can be made highly available too using IBM Db2 Mirror for i. Find out more about the differences between how Db2 Mirror makes IFS and Db2 data highly available.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Shauna Rollings

IBM i Performance Tools & High Availability Development, IBM

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 3 Online

High Availability Resilience

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

🟢How to Solve Business Problems with a Design Thinking Approach

Design Thinking solves business problems through customer-centric application development. This approach has been shown to solve business issues efficiently and profitably at a pace that makes sense for your organization. This comprehensive overview covers:_x000D_ _x000D_ • Customer-focussed set of development processes for Design Thinking_x000D_ • How the approach employs a different way of thinking compared to standard business processes_x000D_ • The set of tools and methodologies that Design Thinking uses to build a repeatable, flexible development process

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Nick Hampson

Director of Design, Fresche Solutions

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

IT Leadership and Management

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Automation on IBM i, Ansible versus Jenkins: How can these open source tools help me and which one do I use?

Most companies are using open source tools for automation on other platforms, now we have the opportunity to leverage these tools even more on the IBM i due to recent advances by IBM. What can these tools do for me right now and which one should I use? Let’s talk about what these tools do and common use cases. Most importantly WHY I would choose one tool or another for a use case and HOW I would use it?

Learning Objectives:
same as above

Speakers

Jeffrey Tickner

ARCAD Software

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 11 Online

IT Strategy

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

POWERFul Leadership, mentoring, and colaboration for women in IT

Working from Nilofur Khan's "Young Women in IT, Hear our Voice" session from Navigate we will layer in statistics about challenges women face and how to overcome them. Focusing on 25 years of success as a women in the IBM i world we will talk about professional development, networking, and the extreme importance of mentoring for all young professionals in the community. Leadership in the current corporate climate and lessons learned from successful STEM visionaries included.

Learning Objectives:
Discuss how to encourage and support women in the IBM i professions._x000D_ _x000D_ Talk about the importance of the next gen and what tomorrow's professionals want from their employers, and how to lead the teams we need for success._x000D_ _x000D_ Highlight professional development, mentor ship, and collaboration opportunities that enhance the careers of all professionals in this community._x000D_

Speakers

Nilofur Khan

Sales and Marketing Development Specialist, iTech | A Service Express Company

Yvonne Enselman

Senior Project Manager, iTech Solutions a Service Express Company

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 6 Online

Personal Development

Session Level All

2:45pm CDT

Installing and Configuring NVMe

Learn what you need to know about Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) which is the best new technology for IBM i users in decades. Understand why it is so good, and then how to configure it.

Learning Objectives:
1) Why NVMe_x000D_ 2) How to setup a system using NVMe_x000D_ 3) Sizing for NVMe.

Speakers

Pete Massiello

IBM i Advisor, Massiello Holding Corp.

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Providing REST APIs: IWS

Rest APIs are a key part of todays applications. The integrated Rest api engine within IBM i provides a simple way to create and host Rest APIs for ILE applications as well as direct SQL calls. This session will do live demo on how to create Rest APIs for multiple backend connections.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Tim Rowe

Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i, IBM

Thursday October 7, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 12 Online

Application Development

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Speed Dating with a Date Dimension Table

Are your apps killing CPU time doing DATE processing? A recent customer benchmark shared with us took a 20 second routine down to milliseconds through the date dimension table technique. The date dimension table also provides huge benefits to reporting/dashboarding applications that heavily use dates for prompts, date ranges, date calculations, and other date attributes. Simplify and speed up date processing with the date dimension table!

Learning Objectives:
1. How to simply work with problematic legacy date fields_x000D_ 2. Learn about methods to extend/enhance your applications and reports with additional date attributes._x000D_ 3. Add weather information, seasons, or moon phases to your data!

Speakers

Doug Mack

Consultant LAB Services, IBM

Doug Mack is a DB2 for i Analytics Consultant in IBM’s Power Systems Lab Services organization, employed by IBM in the United States. Doug currently leads the Analytics team for the DB2 for i Lab Services team delivering Query/400 modernization, DB2 Web Query, Data Warehouse design... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 3 Online

Database

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Revamping Your Web Pages for Mobile without CSS3 Media Queries

If you have existing web pages specified in HTML via PHP or another kind of server-side programming, and they don't dynamically reformat for mobile-sized devices, then this session is for you. We will discuss ways to gain mobile formatting that involve incremental changes to existing HTML, without requiring CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap or CSS3 media queries (two of the most prevalent ways to achieve mobile formats, frequently referred to as " responsive design"). For web strategies that don’t have/use server-side programming, evidence is building that you can do a lot, maybe all, of the techniques discussed in this presentation in javascript on the client side._x000D_ _x000D_ This session will examine a technique that achieves multi-view flexibility by simply changing the viewport metatag and various other HTML5 elements at run time (along with a small amount of CSS3 changes). What might be considered a moving target with responsive, isn’t applicable. Examples of detail page level HTML that works for the multiple views will be shown, along with net change comparisons to the original HTML. _x000D_ _x000D_ This session won’t get into all of the exact programming or script required to accomplish the run-time changes, but all of it will be covered at the conceptual level and specifics involving the viewport meta-tag and outer most HTML containers will be shown.

Learning Objectives:
1. Gain insight into one strategy for leveraging existing web and intranet applications to deliver mobile-friendly views (without compromising Desktop or Theatre views)_x000D_ 2. Learn about key HTML elements such as viewport and how width specifications and others can interact well in a relatively flat CSS design_x000D_ _x000D_

Speakers

Rex Smith

Sr. Developer (ERP & Web), Tegratecs Development Corp.

Thursday October 7, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 4 Online

Mobile and Modernization

Session Level All

4:00pm CDT

Leveraging IBM i (SQL) Services for Performance Management

For system administrators figuring out how to call system management or performance related APIs on IBM i can be a challenge. Luckily for you, many of those APIs have equivalent IBM i Services that can easily be invoked using simple SQL statements. Learn how to take advantage of these services for everyday performance management tasks.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn which IBM i Services are most useful for performance 2. See examples of how Services can be combined to do more advanced tasks quickly and easily

Speakers

Eric Barsness

Executive Consultant, IBM

Thursday October 7, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Breakout 5 Online

Systems Management

Session Level All