San Francisco Wrap-up

More than 200 UNIX systems specialists left San Francisco with improved technical knowledge, the latest next release information, and ready-to-implement tips and techniques after attending USERblue, the SHARE forum dedicated to users of IBM products and services on UNIX systems. The event, held August 18-21 at the Hotel Nikko San Francisco, was by all accounts a success that delivered on its promise of value and information.

USERblue attendees interacting at the Technology Exchange.

Over the course of the three-day event, attendees enjoyed access to more than 80 technical sessions across the following technical tracks: architecture and trends/directions, security, system administration, performance, high availability, Linux, and more. They also benefited from several hands-on AIX lab sessions, admission to the SHARE Technology Exchange products and services exhibition, discounted Prometric professional certification testing (first test was free with registration), and several opportunities to network with speakers and fellow attendees between sessions and over meals.

Laughter and networking abound at the Welcome Reception.

Two high-profile general sessions complemented the attendee experience. The first was a keynote presentation by noted explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, who delivered a captivating address to a joint audience of SHARE and USERblue participants on Monday, August 19. In his hour-long address, Dr. Ballard shed light on his motivation and little-known tidbits surrounding his world famous discoveries. For example, in searching for the Titanic, which he discovered in 1985, Dr. Ballard divulged that it wasn't until the 56th day of a planned 60-day trek that he came upon the ill-fated vessel. Up to that point, he was fulfilling a then-secret mission for the U.S. Navy, which he had accepted in order to parlay the expedition to search for the Titanic.

Ballard reveals his discovery of the Titanic to USERblue and SHARE attendees.

The second general session was a private audience with David Isenhour, Director of IBM's Web Server Management Division. David re-iterated IBM's commitment to AIX as its strategic UNIX operating system and their desire to be the leader in logical partitioning in the UNIX server market. David also engaged in a Q&A session with the audience, where a good dialogue took place on many topics, with a number of questions related to IBM's relationship with ISVs and business partners.