System iNetwork

IT Management/Careers

December 17, 2008

Former Peregrine CEO Heads to Slammer

Here's an update for you from a scandal that we covered all the way back in 2002.

Here's a quick summary: from 1999 to 2002, Peregrine higher-ups altered their financial statements, resulting in an increase in their stock price. After an audit, they were discovered and sued by several law firms.

Here's an excerpt from our 2002 article mentioned above:

In the wake of this financial bombshell, Peregrine has announced several measures to get back on track financially. Last week, Peregrine announced that it was consolidating its North American offices and paring its staff by nearly half, cutting loose 1,400 people, or 48 percent of its workforce. The company also borrowed $50 million in a secured loan and agreed to sell its supply chain enablement business to Golden Gate Capital. Peregrine acquired the supply chain enablement business two years ago when it bought iSeries e-commerce vendor Harbinger, yet analysts at the time said that the acquisition was doomed because the two vendors served customers in different industry segments and different financial brackets.

Well, if you were one of that 48 percent of employees, you can rest a little bit easier now. Former Peregrine Systems Inc. CEO Stephen Parker Gardner, 55, was sentenced to eight years behind bars. He also had to cough up more than $1 million in proceeds from the sale of real estate and nearly $400,000 seized from his brokerage accounts.

Of course, that's nothing next to the $8 million that he gained when he sold his over-inflated stocks, but hey, it's better than nothing. And I doubt all his riches will do him much good in prison when he's sleeping next to his cellmate, T-bone.

--Erin Bradford, systems management & availability editor

Posted by ebradford on December 17, 2008 at 2:13 PM | Comments (0)

December 15, 2008

COMMON Embraces Power Systems, Calls for AIX Sessions to Complement IBM i Education

AIX and Linux on Power Systems users could find themselves in a big, COMMON bear hug this spring. In an effort to embrace IBM Power Systems, the IBM i user group COMMON is calling for sessions on AIX, IBM's version of the Unix operating system, to complement the rich curriculum of IBM i educational courses it offers at its annual meeting. COMMON's Annual Meeting and Exposition will be held April 26-28, 2009 in Reno, Nevada.

Following its mission to educate users of the IBM i operating system, COMMON President Randy Dufault says the organization wants to provide information and training to IBM i users who might need to implement an AIX partition, as well as AIX users who might want to implement IBM i on a Power System server. The organization already includes Linux sessions among its annual conference courses, but would also like to offer AIX-specific sessions on systems management, database, security, application development, and high availability topics. You can get more information about COMMON's call for AIX presentations on the web. Submissions are due December 22.

In an email exchange with Dufault, System iNEWS Senior Industry Editor Rita-Lyn Sanders asked about the inclusion of AIX sessions at the annual meeting and what it might mean for COMMON's future direction and attendees at the educational event.

System iNEWS: What does it mean for attendees that COMMON is seeking more AIX sessions?

Dufault: COMMON certainly has taken a proactive approach to addressing the needs of the entire Power Systems community—beyond just our traditional IBM i audience—since the merging of the platforms was announced at the annual meeting in Nashville earlier this year. We expect that as part of this transformation we will continue to be proactive in addressing the needs of the COMMON community, including providing AIX education.

AIX-related content for Power Systems shops coming from a primarily i background simply means that when there is a business need to run an AIX partition, the three pillars of COMMON (Advocacy, Education, and Community) will be there to support them.

For Power Systems shops coming from a primarily AIX background it means that all the knowledge—particularly on the non-operating system areas of the environment (e.g., virtualization, hardware, development tools)—embedded in the three pillars of COMMON is accessible and available to them.

System iNEWS: Does COMMON anticipate it will have more AIX sessions than at past conferences? If so, why?

Dufault: Other than the User Blue joint effort COMMON conducted with Share a few years back, there has not been much AIX-specific educational content offered at any of the COMMON venues. That said, however, COMMON was very early and has been very consistent with educational and community support for Linux on Power. Linux and AIX share an awful lot in common and as such, AIX is by no means a stretch. So yes, we expect that as part of addressing the needs of our members, which now include the broader Power Systems community, providing AIX-specific educational sessions is an important part of our educational offerings.

As to why . . . although right now there is a network of AIX local user groups, there is not an opportunity for those groups to come together with a consolidated voice. Many of the things we have come to expect from our user group—like a viable requirements process—do not exist in the AIX arena yet. New education options at the annual meeting are certainly one opportunity, but there is much, much more.

System iNEWS: How many AIX sessions have there been (on average) at past annual conferences, and how many would COMMON like to have in Reno?

Dufault: As I noted earlier, there were few AIX specific session topics at annual meetings, except where the topic had a strong relationship to i. Some examples of those topics include virtualization, Unix aspects of PASE and, as I mentioned before, Linux. In the past, probably less than 1 percent of our annual meeting sessions were AIX specific, but at Reno we will offer a much higher number.

What we are advertising for in Reno are very specific AIX topics, above and beyond the content we have offered before and will continue to offer. Transitioning to AIX from other Unix platforms seems to be a real education need right now as IBM wins more of that business away from the competition.

Obviously, how many AIX-specific sessions end up in Reno will be a function of how many folks from that community step up to share their knowledge. Regardless, we are adding session rooms to make it all happen. It does have to be limited to 40 session periods or so as it is important that there not be any impact on the other content that COMMON's members are planning and expecting.

System iNEWS: Has COMMON had vocal interest from the COMMON masses for AIX sessions or is COMMON taking a proactive approach to Power Systems?

Dufault: In its 48 years, I think COMMON has always taken a proactive approach to the changing IBM-product landscape, and this change is no different. From the 1620 in the beginning to the System 3, System 32/34/36, System 38, and AS/400, the leaders of this organization were always way ahead in helping members and prospective members with the next thing coming down the IBM technology pipeline.

As for a vocal interest from the community; we have had conversations with the AIX community at large, some of the leaders in the AIX community, and with IBM, and I have heard nothing but strong interest. We will need to reach into the community and let them know we are here, but I think we can get that done. Interestingly, the single biggest topic in demand from the AIX community right now seems to be Power Systems virtualization—something COMMON has a whole lot of experience with.

System iNEWS: Does COMMON expect there will be AIX folks at the conference as opposed to traditional i folks? Is this a goal, to increase AIX folks attendance?

Dufault: Again, COMMON has a big task ahead of getting the message out to the AIX community. I do believe that will get done and as a result, I do expect folks will be with us in Reno that do not come from a traditional i background. Those folks won't be there just for AIX education, though. There will be advocacy programs for AIX getting under way, some community activities for them (Ask the Experts and such), and a whole bunch of Power Systems education that applies to them—whether or not they have discovered the incredible business value of an i partition yet. Of course, all of us will have the opportunity to help those folks make that discovery.

The goal for COMMON always is to reach into the community it serves, to see where it can serve that community better, and to see where it can reach more of the community. The communities COMMON serves are businesses that trust IBM Power Systems servers to run their enterprises, along with the individuals that make those servers do useful things. AIX is a part of that community, as is Linux, as is i, as is PowerVM.

So, I sure hope more folks come to our annual meeting and participate in all of COMMON's programs as a result of what we are doing. Regardless of what changes IBM makes, the need for an independent user voice that provides advocacy, delivers education, and develops community never lessens, and with the current situation, probably is growing.

--Rita-Lyn Sanders, industry issues & RPG editor

Posted by rsanders on December 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM | Comments (0)

December 4, 2008

IBM Teams with DeVry University to Train Next Enterprise Generation

IBM and DeVry University have launched a new Enterprise Computing track within DeVry University's Computer Information Systems (CIS) bachelor's degree program. The new track will incorporate multiple IBM systems technologies into a single degree program track. The move is not only designed to give students an understanding of IBM's systems but also to create enterprise-focused skills for some of the largest and systems-diverse businesses with modern--and complex--data centers.

DeVry University is a member of the IBM Academic Initiative program, and IBM says it is the first to incorporate multiple IBM Systems technologies into a single degree program track.

"IBM's clients and Business Partners are always looking for college graduates who are educated in enterprise systems concepts and technologies," notes Ross Mauri, general manager of IBM Power Systems. "DeVry University's courses will help students develop skills unique to scalable midrange and mainframe platforms. As an added feature, students will apply that knowledge by using IBM technology through the use of supported labs, case studies, and design projects."

If the Boomers Retire

"For DeVry University, the relationship with IBM enables us to continue to revitalize interest in technology careers by leveraging IBM's assets and providing a career path for our graduates," notes David Pauldine, president of DeVry University. "Within the next five to seven years, Baby Boomers will begin retiring, and DeVry University can help fill the pipeline with a pool of qualified applicants for IBM, its customers, and Business Partners. Our students will be educated on IBM's technology that currently runs the world's top 50 banks and 22 of the 25 top U.S. retailers."

DeVry believes that this new Enterprise Computing track that covers IBM systems will help set its students apart from other computer science graduates.

"The IBM Academic Initiative was established to address the need for maintaining a vibrant workforce and attracting new talent," says Terry Patane, director of IS recruiting for Costco Wholesale. "This approach creates a win-win-win relationship between IBM, key clients, and forward-thinking colleges and universities. Costco's recent teaming with IBM to host the Academic Initiative roundtable for DeVry University has opened new opportunities for Costco recruiting, resulting in what we hope becomes a mutually beneficial relationship."

As further evidence of the need for entry-level yet enterprise-savvy talent, IBM says the Large User Group (LUG), which is an organization of high-end IBM Power Systems IBM i-focused customers, supports the new Enterprise Computing track being offered by DeVry. The LUG has a closed membership of 100 or so of IBM's most privately vocal and active IBM i-running customers, and the LUG meets regularly with IBM to discuss its enterprise-focused needs. The LUG membership represents many diverse industries including retail, logistical services, financial services, real estate, insurance, and others, and a number of LUG members are included in the Fortune 500.

IBM Academic Initiative faculty members worldwide can access more than 1,000 other hardware, software, and services training resources at no cost at www.ibm.com/university/academicinitiative/. The DeVry Enterprise Computing track will launch in March 2009.

Posted by cmaxcer on December 4, 2008 at 9:07 AM | Comments (0)

October 15, 2008

C'mon People Now, Smile On Your Brother...

Ev'rybody get together...Try and love one another right now...

And isn't that what we all need right now? A little hand-holding and peace-circling in this time of great financial and political crisis?

I recently read a very disheartening article on SD Times' webpage, 'Testers Are Idiots' Revisited.

Let me share with you a few highlights:

That’s right: Testers are idiots. The practice of testing offers no innovation. Testing is boring, manual and repetitive. It’s not a career. Testers aren’t as smart as developers. They’re nitpicky, pencil-pushing quality/process geeks. They’re beside the point and are easily replaced. Testing is not a career; it’s a necessary evil between application users and the brilliance of developers.

Believe it or not, some of these assertions came from an audience of testers at FutureTest, a conference I attended last week in New York City. The politically (and in all other ways) incorrect answers were the result of a question by Cisco’s Jeff Feldstein: “What are developers’ perceptions of test engineering?”

Whoa! I honestly had no idea that any single group of IT folks were feeling so darned defeated. With all of the obvious apparent animosity between testers and developers, I have to wonder how they manage to work together so often. Could it be that testers are merely sensitive types, or is it actually true that testers are basically spat upon in the development game?

And do other IT professionals, such as sys admins, have problems getting along with developers or testers, too?

I honestly don't know the answer to this question. I don't work for a software company, and I have no personal experience working with either testers OR developers. So, I'm asking you readers out there who are bold enough to answer: Is there a rift between the job classes, and if so, does it push everyone to work (angrily) harder, or lead to a general decrease in morale?

--Erin Bradford, systems management & availability editor

Posted by ebradford on October 15, 2008 at 3:07 PM | Comments (1)

July 30, 2008

Ohhh We're Movin On Up....

Staying in the same vein as last week's blog, I stumbled on a new job search board for systems management careers that includes a good number of positions in the world of i.

The new searchable board, based on Systems Management News's website, claims to provide "services, resources, and a networking community for IT systems administrators and data center managers. In our NEW online Career Center you’ll find a large bank of job postings and resumes, career resources, career coaching and advice services, and so much more!"

The site also offers anonymous resume posting for job seekers. Employers pay for the resumes they want to view. Helpfully, the job help doesn't end there--users can also take advantage of a career library full of useful advice.

And definitely don't miss out on this site, which is completely focused on careers in the System i field. Not a ton of results, but the jobs that are listed are definitely fresh.

For more info on which of the more popular job sites are worth your time, check out this article from IT Jungle.

--Erin Bradford, systems management & availability editor

Posted by ebradford on July 30, 2008 at 1:39 PM | Comments (0)

July 25, 2008

Your job is more stable than you think...

In these tough economic times, it can be tempting to jump the tech-job ship and start looking into jobs that will have more stability. Like repo-men or bankruptcy counselor. But hold up, things aren't quite as bad for tech folks as you might think.

Consider these recent articles:

In Computer Jobs Hit Record High, we're encouraged by a report of over 10 percent reported growth in tech-related jobs, explained like so:

"Why would IT employment remain robust as unemployment rises in most other job categories? IT performs a critical role in business productivity, and the efficiencies it brings are crucial for employers looking to trim costs—including payrolls—as fuel and related expenditures soar and the economy and dollar weakens. In addition, companies today cannot operate without functioning IT systems, so certain business technology skills cannot be eliminated if a company wants to remain competitive."

A recent Jobfox report lists the top 20 recession-proof jobs, with software development hitting number two on the scale and networking at number six. Database and project management also made the list.

And lastly, this article on the hottest IT jobs right now reports that tech jobs are employing more than ten percent greater numbers than a year ago, with greater than a 20 percent increase in Network/Computer Systems Administrators.

Not too shabby, folks. Not too shabby at all.

--Erin Bradford, systems management & availability editor

Posted by ebradford on July 25, 2008 at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2008

Good Karma Nabs $400 (Plus, Reno's a Great Place to Present a COMMON Session)

I have lots of fond memories of Reno--Nevada's biggest little city.

You, too, can make your own memories of the mountain town next April when COMMON holds its annual meeting and educational conference there. And speakers take note: The deadline for submitting sessions is August 31.

Reno is a great place to hold a conference, or in this case a week-long opportunity to learn about all things i. The event will be held April 26-30 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

Although I haven't been to Reno in a while, my memories of the gambling town are vivid. I grew up in Redding, Calif., just three hours northwest of Reno on the other side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

My parents would load my brother and me in the car and we'd make the trek to Reno, where my parents would drop a few coins in the slots and sip on the free drinks while my brother and I played video games to our hearts content at Circus Circus.

And then during my junior high years there was the annual Reno Jazz Festival, where music groups from regional schools competed in song and dance. Mrs. Jacoby led our group, Music-in-Motion, to wins both years that I participated. The event was held at the Grand Sierra Resort when it was still the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

Reno is also the place I won my first (and only, thus far) series of Blackjack hands, resulting in $400 worth of chips to the positive. My best friend's mom, who I was with at the time, sat me down at a table after a "good karma" incident where I took an elderly, blind lady by the hand and led her to a stall in the ladies' bathroom. Her husband had abandoned her outside the door and I couldn't just stand there idly as she felt her way around the tiled room. Who would want to touch the walls inside a public bathroom--gross!

The buffets, too! Admittedly, the food was much better and more of a draw way back when. Now that I have to watch my calorie intake, it isn't so appealing to go all-you-can-eat at mealtime.

But, back to the future. Reno is a fun place. The city is small enough that you can walk from one end of Virginia Street to the other and see all the downtown casinos in no time. The airport is easy to get to and quick to get in and out of, especially from the Grand Sierra.

And Reno is definitely more family friendly than the other large, Nevada gambling center. In Reno, I don't recall being approached by anyone swatting a rolled up flyer at me.

At 4,400 feet, Reno is likely to be cool but comfortable in late April when COMMON is scheduled. And although it's too early to tell about special events, there are plenty of museums and other year-round activities for visitors looking for a break from a detailed-session induced headache.

Speaking of sessions, if you have a bit of i knowledge that you'd be willing to share in a session, you need to submit the outline to COMMON by August 31. You can submit the session online at COMMON's website.

The user group is looking for a variety of session topics to educate its members during the annual meeting, says Nancy Boutcher, COMMON's education project manager. "Usually we just keep it wide open," she says. "If we see there's an area that's lacking we will try to seek people to fill that area."

COMMON doesn't leave all preparation to the speakers. The website features a slide template and other useful tools to help speakers prepare for a successful session.

About 50 percent of presenters are IBMers, Boutcher says. And the rest are typically COMMON members (according to the website, speakers must join COMMON if a submission is accepted for presentation at the annual conference).

Incidentally, qualified speakers who present at COMMON get one COMMON Credit (CC) for each one hour and 15-minute session they present. One credit is the equivalent of 25 percent of the COMMON registration fee. Credits can be applied to the cost of registration. So speaking has financial rewards, too.

I can't wait to go to COMMON 2009 in Reno. I'm looking forward to seeing all the interesting topics that come about in presentations . . . and making more memories.

--Rita-Lyn Sanders, industry issues editor

Posted by rsanders on July 15, 2008 at 4:58 PM | Comments (0)