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COMMON (user group)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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COMMON is the largest association of users of IBM Power Systems and IBM-compatible technology in the world.[2][3] Power Systems are midrange computers, a class between mainframes and microcomputers.[4] The users' group is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides education, tools, resources and networking opportunities for IBM i users. Members include users, IBMers, vendors, industry experts, recognized speakers, business leaders, and academics.[5]
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History
In 1969, the IBM System/3 became the first of IBM's mid-range computers,[6] following by the System/34 and System/36. The IBM System/38, announced in 1978, was not very successful but its architecture was the basis of the IBM AS/400,[7][8] released in 1988.[9] There were 250,000 AS/400s installed in businesses at the end of 1994 with a corresponding number of people supporting the operation of those computers.[10]
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Financial problems
The Late-2000s recession had a severe effect on COMMON activities. Event attendance, which had increased throughout the 1980s and 1990s, dropped substantially.[11] COMMON began hosting one conferece per year and shortened the conference length from five daysto four. Free attendance for volunteers was also eliminated and sponsorship was required for social events.[12]
Current status
In the 2020s, over 100,000 organizations used mid-range computers.[13] Following a hiatus from COVID, bi-annual conferences resumed, as did additional educational offerings.[14] As of 2021, there were over 26,000 members in LinkedIn's group for AS/400 and iSeries professionals.[15]
IBM makes new product announcements at Common events where users can ask IBM developers questions.[16]
Member resources
Only members can utilize Common resources. Memberships can be acquired by individuals, company or user groups.[5]
A popular feature of membership is the Common Conference, held twice a year at varying locations in the US. The spring conference is named "POWERUp"; the fall conference is named "NAViGATE".[14] Nearly nine hours of educational sessions are scheduled each day; an exhibition expo is open on the second and third day, with about 40 vendors including IBM, offering software and hardware.[17]
Common schedules internet-based education, including Webcasts and Webinars. A Career Center for employers and job hunters.[18]
COMMON and IBM have a program New 2 IBM i (N2i) is a partnership mentoring program between COMMON and IBM for IBM i.[19]
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Events
- POWERUp 2024, Fort Worth, May 20–23, 2024[14]
- NAViGATE 2024, Bonita Springs, November 4–6, 2024
- COMMON India, Pune, February 24–26, 2025
- POWERUp 2025, Anaheim, May 19–22, 2025
- NAViGATE 2025, Pittsburgh, September 15–17, 2025
Local user groups
See also
References
External links
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