IBM i Innovators Rise And Shine

October 29, 2012 Dan Burger

Is the IBM i a modern system or not? There certainly are progressive companies and talented people accomplishing extremely innovative business solutions using this frequently maligned platform. The key word here is “innovative.” Each year at the COMMON Annual Meeting and Exposition there are awards presented to organizations that are proving this platform is as modern as systems perceived to be more modern. There has always been prestige associated with companies that are technologically advanced and that has never been more true than it is today. An innovation award doesn’t just sit on the president’s credenza. It’s worth its weight in marketing gold.

To be recognized as an innovative company by IBM and COMMON, the first step is the nomination process. Companies nominate themselves and sometimes business partners nominate their clients. Either way, it is a simple process of explaining the achievements in terms of the advanced business computing technologies implemented and overall business efficiencies achieved. While you’re thinking of it right now, go to the online nomination page on the COMMON website.

There are several categories that relate to innovative focus: open source, application modernization, database, virtualization and systems management, education and community support, and business process innovation. If what you have going on is not so neatly categorized, there’s the option of choosing “other.”

The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2013. With the holiday season just around the corner and all the distractions that brings, the deadline will arrive sooner than you expect. Now is the time to get it done.

Evaluation of the nominations is based on a clear demonstration of business innovation, value to a company, school, end users, or others in the Power Systems community. (Yes, you may have to outperform some AIX-based competition.)

Any questions about the nomination process and the presentation of evidence in support of your innovative efforts can be emailed to: innovationawards(AT) common.org. Based on past nominations, there will be companies providing supplementary materials as support of their innovation projects. Although awards are not won according to sheer weight or volume, it may prove to be a competitive advantage to think in terms of strength of presentation. For those so inclined, additional materials for the judges to consider can be attached in an email addressed to: ian_cartwright(AT) common.org.

The IBM i community has always been a proud lot. I remember when they were favorably compared to Harley-Davidson owners. Those who know it best know it to be a highly capable platform with many attributes that make it superior in many ways to other platforms. Those of you who can prove it through your IT prowess should get involved with this award program.