System iNetwork

May 13, 2008

Zeitler: i Environment Positioned for Longevity and Innovation

Bill Zeitler, one of IBM's most influential leaders, is retiring this summer. Zeitler joined IBM in 1969 as a programmer and zoomed up through IBM's ranks, having a hand in the launch of the AS/400 and ultimately leading the group as the general manager of the AS/400 Division in the late 1990s. He went on to become senior vice president and group executive of the IBM Systems and Technology Group -- the position he now holds.

System iNetwork caught up with a busy Zeitler and managed to snag a couple of quick comments from him:

CM: I heard that the unification of System p and System i was something that you've been working on for a long time. Now that the unification job is complete, does retiring now, following the launch of Power Systems, seem especially fitting?

Zeitler: As you know, we've been moving toward the unification of System i and p hardware for some time. We have been sharing more and more technology with the ultimate objective to enable clients to leverage these powerful operating systems on one hardware platform -- racks, blades and scalable systems -- with industry-leading performance and virtualization. Given my background with System i and the community going back to the launch of the AS/400, it's incredibly satisfying for me to see this through to completion. There is no question in my mind that the i environment is well positioned for longevity and future innovation. The feedback from the community has been extremely positive, so it's clear we've done the right thing by our customers.

CM: What's Next for Bill Zeitler?

Zeitler: I will be turning over the leadership of the Systems and Technology Group to Bob Moffat on July 1. I will help Bob with the transition until August 1 and retire at that point. I have been with IBM for 39 years, and it has been a very gratifying experience. I plan to spend time relaxing and sailing with my wife and family.

Posted by cmaxcer at May 13, 2008 8:10 AM