Good day ASAP participants!
We trust everyone has returned home and has recovered from the whirlwind that was this year's ASAP conference. We hope it was a worthwhile trip for all and that you will be back next year. It was great seeing old friends and making new ones.
At ASAP 2008 IBM launched and beta-tested the TWS certification exams for both distributed and mainframe. IBM and ASAP would like to thank everyone who took the TWS certification exams at the conference, especially those who took the first pass at the TWSz test. Please be aware that no one passed the TWSz test and as a result IBM is re-evaluating the purpose and validity of the test.
The following steps are being taken by IBM to address the situation. The first two are confirmed steps. The ASAP board is working with IBM to push for steps 3-4(listed below).
Current steps being taken by IBM:
1. IBM will perform an in-depth statistical analysis of the results in order to adjust the scope of the exam and the scoring ("degree of difficulty") assigned to each question. Patently invalid questions will be eliminated or reworked, and the entire exam will be adjusted as necessary.
2. IBM believes (as does ASAP) that the results of the tests taken at ASAP 2008 show rather conclusively the exam as given was not an appropriate measure of TWSz skills. Those results will be purged from the IBM certification database.
Proposed further steps being requested by the Board:
3. The ASAP Board is working to ensure that IBM will offer free testing next year at ASAP 2009 in Carefree, Arizona and that anyone who took the test this year will be able to retake it either at the ASAP 2009 or independently if necessary.
4. The ASAP Board is requesting that IBM institute a collaborative approach whereby ASAP volunteer users take draft tests before they are offered to the public in order to validate the level of appropriateness of new exams.
We would like to personally thank you all for attending this year's conference. Thanks goes out to everyone involved; users; consultants; our fabulous vendors and sponsors; my fellow board members and, Catherine and Niko of MeetingWorks. This year's conference was a very successful team effort. We look forward to next year's conference in Carefree, Arizona already.
Thank you,
ASAP Board of Directors
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that we will immediately initiate a review of the TWSz certification exam based on the results at the conference last week, and that the exam will be revised.
Since the results show rather conclusively that the exam as given was not an appropriate measure of TWSz skills, those results will be purged from the database...
We'll do an indepth statistical analysis of those results to adjust the scope of the exam and the scoring ("degree of difficulty") assigned to each question. Patently invalid questions will be eliminated or reworked, and the entire exam adjusted as necessary.
I want to thank everyone who took the TWSz exam for their time and effort in helping us create a TWSz certification program. I apologize for our obvious faux pas, and want to assure you all that we'll be working very hard to make the appropriate corrections.
.... Tell us Mrs. Lincon, aside from that one unfortunate incident, how did you enjoy your evening at the theater?
Aside from the exam, I think this year's conference was a great success. We heard a lot from the lab team on their plans, and they heard a lot from you as to what you need and want to make TWS the best fit for your companies. I look forward to working with you and them to implement our existing functions and those coming down the road.
Thanks for your time and commitment, I promise to at least match it.
Cy Atkinson, TWSz L2, RTP, NC
Sunday, April 27 - Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the Marriott Plaza San Antonio - San Antonio, TX
Another exciting conference with over 50 technical sessions on topics related to both distributed and mainframe platforms by technical experts and users; informal networking functions and special events; new features and enhanced functions; in-depth user forums; renowned beginners workshops and technical labs; and industry trends and directions sessions will inspire both new and experienced users alike.
Consistently rated by users as the "best valued user experience, best organized and run user conference and best TWS educational training" ASAP has provided users with 20 years of quality training, solutions, product information and networking opportunities.
The Marriott Plaza San Antonio is on-line to accept reservations for ASAP 2008 - the 20th Annual TWS Users Conference - April 27-30, 2008. With ASAP 2008 directly on the heels of Fiesta San Antonio, the ASAP room block will be held until March 27. Book your reservation today! Please click here for conference details, fees and to register and reserve your room for the 20th Annual TWS Users Conference.URGENT UPDATE FROM CY
Sorry for the short notice, but we've found there is a problem in all releases of TWSz in processing of TIME-DEPENDENT E2E operations across the DAYLIGNT SAVINGS time change. If no action is taken, TIME DEPENDENT E2E jobs will run one hour late after the time change, and until a new SYMPHONY is created and distributed.
We've created a flash, #1297186 that explains the problem in more detail, and which provides the actions to take to circumvent the problem. There is an APAR addressing this issue, but no fix will be available until after this coming weekend, and the US time change.
If you run E2E, please go to www.ibm.com and enter the flash number, 1297186, in the search window on any page of that site to access this item.
As of this notice please go to Flash Number 1297186 for the IBM Flash Alert entitled, "FTA jobs may run one hour late" (March 9 time change in US, Canada and other countries) -updated March 5. 2008
At its November 9th meeting, the Board of Directors voted to maintain the annual corporate membership dues at the 2005 rate of $500. Pursuant to this decision the ASAP 2008 Annual Membership invoices were sent to the voting representatives of member companies this morning via USPS.
Please Note: As of January 1, 2007 all new members are required to pay a $250 initiation fee in addition to the annual membership. This initiation fee is a one-time only fee as long as membership is kept current. Should membership lapse for a year, the member organization will need to join ASAP as a new member and will be subjected to the initiation fee.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact MeetingWorks at 860-443-3352.
On behalf of the ASAP Board of Directors and MeetingWorks, I extend the very best wishes for a blessed holiday weekend.
As we begin to plan for ASAP 2008 - the 20th Annual Users Conference for TWS Users - all TWS users and ASAP sponsors are invited to actively participate as conference presenters. The board of directors along with representatives from IBM and SEGUS will be meeting on Friday, November 9th to develop the initial conference program. Prior to this meeting we ask you all to discern the best possible session topics to present to TWS users at ASAP 2008. If you are interested in presenting a session at ASAP 2008, then please email a preliminary title and brief session description to MeetingWorks by Monday, November 5, 2007 to ensure your session is included in the preliminary conference schedule.
The ASAP Board of Directors looks forward to hearing from you with your thoughts, suggestions and, hopefully, your presentation for the upcoming planning meeting on November 9th.
The ASAP 2007 Fall Newsletter was sent to voting representative and is available on-line to representatives of member companies. The latest issue includes:
• Schedule it & they will come ... ASAP2008 celebrating 20 Years
• ASAP Board of Directors
• Letter from the President ... Remember the Alamo!
• TWS Customer Advisory Council September Conference Call Summary
• TWS z: Using Negative Run Cycles... an IBM White Paper
• Cy's Corner #54
• Distributed News Notes & Patches ... Clint Easterling
• Automating workloads in the new world of composite services... an IBM White Paper
• SEGUS Update
• Workload Management for Today & Tomorrow by Stonebranch
• GanttView added to VISUALjob for TWS by APS|ENTERprise software consulting
• ASAP2008 Celebrating 20 Years
• Mark Your Calendar
Voting representatives are requested to pass on the newsletter and encourage TWS users within their respective organizations to log onto www.twsuser.org for up to date information and user networking. Don't have a user name and password ... contact MeetingWorks and one will be issued to you. The ASAP quarterly newsletter is one of the benefits of membership!
Pursuant to the Annual Meeting of Members at ASAP 2007 on May 1, 2007 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the board of directors presented nominations to the board of directors to the voting representatives of member companies on September 20, 2007. The nominations are for the positions of Newsletter Editor, Web Master and Requirements Coordinator.
The term of office for these positions of is not limited to an expressed term; however, any director who misses three consecutive regular meetings of the board shall be considered removed from the board without further action of the board, unless the board shall elect to reinstate the director.
All of the nominees are representatives of member companies and have the expressed consent of their respective management to participate in ASAP as a director of the board.
The ballots need to be completed and postmarked / emailed to MeetingWorks by Friday, October 5, 2007. Ballots received after October 5th will not be considered for this election.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact President Bruce Whitehead / 952-292-1199 or MeetingWorks / 860-443-3352.
Level 2 Support will offer the following STE on Tuesday, Aug 14th:
Installing TWS 8.3.0 on Redhat 3.0 and 4.0 AS Linux
Thursday 16 August - 10:00 CT, 16:00 UK, 17:00 CET (1.5 hours)
Conf Code: 8371184
US: 888 802-2280 - Intl: 913 981-5548 - T/L: 650-9158 - Intl toll free: 800-7777 1111 - Intl toll free: 800-7777 1111
Link to Centra Web Conference .
Password: tiv0li (the "0" is a zero)
Audience: This Web Seminar is intended for IBM customers and business partners or anyone who may have an interest in this session.
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to give a comprehensive overview of a TWS v8.3 Installation on Redhat 3.0 and 4.0 AS
Presented by: Mike Johnson – L2 Technical Support Engineer
Link to presentations on: STE Website
Level 2 Support will offer the following STE on Tuesday, Aug 14th:
Introduction to the TWS Job Scheduling Console v8.3
Tuesday 14 August - 10:00 CT, 16:00 UK, 17:00 CET (1.5 hours)
Conf Code: 8371184
US: 888 802-2280 - Intl: 913 981-5548 - T/L: 650-9158 - Intl toll free: 800-7777 1111 - Intl toll free: 800-7777 1111
Link to Centra Web Conference .
Password: tiv0li (the "0" is a zero)
Audience: This Web Seminar is intended for IBM customers and business partners or anyone who may have an interest in this session.
Abstract: This Tivoli Support Technical Exchange web seminar will cover basic navigation of the Tivoli Workload Scheduler (TWS) Job Scheduling Console (JSC) 8.3 with Fixpack 01. This will include basic functions like requirements for installation, defining objects, and understanding how the JSC communicates.
Presented by: Joe Lopez, ITWS L2 Software Engineer
Link to presentations on: STE Website
The Marriott Plaza San Antonio is on-line to accept reservations for ASAP 2008 - the 20th Annual TWS Users Conference - April 27-30, 2008. With ASAP 2008 directly on the heels of Fiesta San Antonio, the rooms will be going fast. Book your reservation today! See Annual Conference for details.
Dear TWS Users,
Following several remarks going into the same direction, I would like to be more clear about the session distribution on timezones, and the way to get a complete coverage of TWS 8.4 topics. The agenda is meant to make it possible for both European and US customer to have a complete set of presentation and labs. I clarified this with colored box in the new version of the agenda. Please contact me for the detailed agenda.
The duplicated tracks are:
General contents and introduction == Conclusion of 1st day, general contents
Pres #1 == Pres #4
Lab #1 == Lab #3
Example local agendas could be:
America:
Day 1 10AM - 5 PM EDT(with interruptions): Event-Driven Workload automation presentation and lab, general content and introduction
Day 2: 7AM - 1 PM EDT(with interruptions): Integrations, Trends, Workload Console and lab, and wrap up. We can organize an additional trends session for PDT.
Europe:
Day 1 10 AM - 6 PM CET (with interruptions): Introduction, Workload Console and lab, Event-Driven Workload Automation and lab
Day 2 10 AM - 2 PM CET(with interruptions): EDWA recap, trends and directions (eventually) 6 PM - 7 PM CET: General wrap-up and Q&A
Moreover, there are two cycles that represent the main units of TWS 8.4 Distributed: the TDWC presentation, together with lab, and the Event-Driven Workload Automation, together with lab, but the remote ESP education is meant to be open for picking, according to your interest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Xavier Giannakopoulos.
Thanks for your patience,
Xavier Giannakopoulos, Product Manager, IBM Rome Lab.
- IBM Responses to User Questions from ASAP 2007
- TWS 2007 Road Map
- Cy's Corner for TWSz Users
- Clint's Distributed News Notes
- TWS Customer Advisory Council Update
- Fast Facts on ASAP 2008
Don't have a user name and password ... contact MeetingWorks and one will be issued to you.
The ASAP quarterly newsletter is one of the benefits of membership!
The ASAP 2007 SUMMER NEWSLETTER was forwarded to Voting Representatives of Member Companies on June 18th. An UPDATE to this issue with additional responses from IBM to the questions posed at ASAP 2007 was sent to Voting Representatives on June 21st. Voting Representatives have been requested to forward the UPDATED newsletter to the TWS users in their respective organizations.
The next issue of ASAP News will be published in the fall. Newsletter Editor Stan Gildea is currently accepting articles for this issue. Please consider writing a brief article and sharing your experience. Tell us about your experience upgrading to TWS 8.3. Tell us about some helpful tips for the applications used in your shop or about an "in-house" application developed to meet a specific need. Tell us about your products or services which enhance TWS productivity. Articles are due to MeetingWorks by August 15th.
The ASAP 2007 Membership List was distributed to Voting Representatives of member companies today. If you are a representative of a member company and would like a copy of this list, please contact your voting representative.
SEGUS shares additional pictures of ASAP 2007 which can be viewed at ASAP Pictures - TWS Users Conference.
The ASAP 2007 post-conference proceedings are now available for download by all ASAP members. Additionally, all conference sessions, including those distributed on the CD, can be downloaded from the conference secion of our website. ASAP 2007 sessions are available here.
Sunday, April 27 - Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the Marriott Plaza San Antonio - San Antonio, TX
Another exciting conference with over 50 technical sessions on topics related to both distributed and mainframe platforms by technical experts and users; informal networking functions and special events; new features and enhanced functions; in-depth user forums; renowned beginners workshops and technical labs; and industry trends and directions sessions will inspire both new and experienced users alike.
Consistently rated by users as the "best valued user experience, best organized and run user conference and best TWS educational training" ASAP has provided users with 20 years of quality training, solutions, product information and networking opportunities.
Our “official” ASAP 2007 conference photographer – Gil Helland from the University of Wisconsin - took hundreds of pictures at the conference which can be viewed at ASAP Pictures - TWS Users Conference. If you are interested in obtaining a CD, please contact Gil directly at gil.helland@doit.wisc.edu. CDs can be ordered from Gil for the cost of the CD, a CD mailer, and shipping.
Articles for the upcoming issue of the ASAP newsletter are now being accepted. Please consider writing a brief article and sharing your experience at ASAP 2007. Tell us what sessions or conference function had the greatest impact for you. Tell us about the significant information you learned or tell about the significant contacts you made. Articles are due to MeetingWorks at meeting.works@sbcglobal.net by June 5th.
The ASAP Spring 2007 Newsletter was e-blasted to ASAP voting representatives and TWS users who attended ASAP 2006. Members can download the newsletter by logging in and visiting our Newsletter section..
Sunday, April 29 - Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Another exciting conference with over 50 technical sessions on topics related to both distributed and mainframe platforms by technical experts and users; informal networking functions and special events; new features and enhanced functions; in-depth user forums; renowned beginners workshops and technical labs; and industry trends and directions sessions will inspire both new and experienced users alike.
Consistently rated by users as the "best valued user experience, best organized and run user conference and best TWS educational training" ASAP has provided users with 17 years of quality training, solutions, product information and networking opportunities.
The Summer 2005 ASAP newsletter is now available to all ASAP members. This issue contains a look back at our Annual 2005 Conference, Tech Talk with Cy Atkinson and Clint Easterling, and other exciting ASAP news bytes. Be sure to check out the 2005 conference scrapbook courtesy of Claude Barthe. Members can download the newsletter by logging in and visiting our Newsletter section.
Welcome to the new ASAP/TWS users' web site!
As you may have noticed, we've moved. Please update your bookmarks, www.asapuser.com is now www.twsuser.com, the new home of ASAP.
Our new site has been designed to provide an even better user experience by delivering a more consistent look and feel across the entire site. Members now have easy access to all site resources from our simple navigation menu. Additionally, our new dynamic content engine will enable us to deliver information to you more quickly than ever before.
If you have a comment or suggestion about our site please tell us about it!
Enjoy the site.
Sincerely,
Scott Rossillo
ASAP Webmaster