IBM iAdvocate Resources

Thanks to skilled mentors from IBM and the collective wisdom of RPG & DB2 Summiteers, we're learning that WE can positively influence the future of the IBM i - and our own careers - by proactively advocating for ourselves and our platform of choice.

In their recent Summit Keynote addresses, IBM's Ian Jarman and Steve Will have armed us with compelling data to support how IBM i - coupled with your skills - can continue to achieve your organization's business goals more efficiently and cost-effectively than other solutions.

Now at each Summit, under the skillful tutelage of Mike Cain (one of the most effective iAdvocates we know) we explore techniques to articulate our message and to get into the position to influence decision makers within our organizations.

Below are Ian's, Steve's and Mike's materials, plus other presentations, independent research studies, white papers, case studies and tips that can help you hone your own iAdvocate and career-building skills.

Skills and Tips

• iAdvocate Tutorial and Discussion
  Presentation by Mike Cain
• iAdvocate: Critical Success Factors
  An 8-point checklist by Mike Cain
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective IBM i Advocates
  by System i Developer

Presentations and White Papers

• Gartner Report: Considering Leaving Legacy IBM Platforms? Beware, as Cost Savings May Disappoint, While Risking Quality
  This report cautions organizations to evaluate the cost and benefits of improving existing applications before making risky platform changes.
• IBM i Strategy and Roadmap
• IBM i in the Age of Digital Transformation (PDF)
  IBM's Ian Jarman explains how the IBM i addresses three key IT areas in this new Age of Transformation -- Systems of Record, Systems of Engagement, and Systems of Insight. He also presents recent research into current IBM i development environments, priorities, languages used for new development (think RPG!) and application modernization status.
• IBM i: 25 Years and Counting (PDF)
  Alison Butterill explores the persistent innovation and competitive value of the IBM i platform using independent research, high profile success stories, functionality in recent Technology Refresh releases and a peek at IBM i direction and priorities for the future.
• 25 Years of IBM i Innovation (PPT)
  Using 25 vignettes developed by Ian Jarman and his team, this white paper and its companion PPT present IBM i innovations that created the foundation for enduring market success. Check out the speaker notes in the PPT or use the white paper as your cheat sheet when using these slides.
• Why IBM i? Telling the i Story
  Presentation by Steve Will
• Behind the Glitz - Is Life Better on Another Database Platform?
  Presentation by Rob Bestgen
  Eight excuses you'll hear for leaving DB2 for i, and how to combat them
• IBM i Solution Edition for Oracle's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne performance benchmark results