iManifest EMEA Getting Back On Its Feet
April 25, 2011 Dan Burger
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Based on the results of a Webcast earlier this month, iManifest EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) is reported to have had a successful re-launch. The group is planning a second Webcast May 17. According to a press release from Andrew Nicholson, sales and marketing manager at Utilities 400, an IBM i vendor based in the United Kingdom, the keynote speech by Frank Soltis “rallied the troops with his thoughts on why the movement is necessary in EMEA and his aspiration for the platform in the future.” Soltis, the chief scientist of the platform when it was known as the AS/400, the iSeries, and the System i, has been speaking in favor of iManifest groups in the Americas and Japan as well. So far, only Japan has made progress in organizing an initiative and getting some IBM i-related marketing programs in place. The Americas and EMEA efforts have struggled to gain momentum. Nicholson’s press release indicated a demonstration of fresh impetus and ideas has sprouted within the EMEA group. Among those ideas were a sample targeted marketing idea and plans for a potential certification program. Like its counterpart in the Americas, iManifest EMEA is attempting to recruit regional sponsors to support and coordinate marketing activities and seeking participation. The organization’s current status is described in the press release as “still at a stage where contributors can help shape direction.” The next Webcast has been titled “Why i?” and the agenda will focus on the vendors’ perspective. Organizers say they intend to use this event to showcase additional ideas for marketing and present a “stage-one draft marketing plan.” Their aim is to have a cohesive EMEA marketing strategy for IBM i before the end of summer. Paul Field, general manager of System i EMEA for Infor, and Trevor Perry, chief strategist for his company Angus Thinks and a vice president of COMMON, a user group for IBM Power Systems customers, will be the speakers during the May 17 Webcast. Registration for the upcoming online session can be made at this link. To view a recorded version of the first Webcast, click here. RELATED STORIES Participate in the IBM i Manifest EMEA Webcast on April 12 Avnet, Infor Join iManifest EMEA Program iManifest Regroups, Plans to Meet at COMMON IBM i Manifest Americas Faces New Dilemma
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