Users at HP World 2003 could consider joining John Burke, our netDigest and Hidden Value columnist, as he hosts what he called “an informal, low-key, reception to introduce IBM’s iSeries family of computers to 3000 users, consultants and ISVs. According to Burke, “The iSeries, from IBM, is the platform most like the HP 3000, certainly from a system management, business and TCO perspective. Burke echoed the opinions we’ve published from developers who say that “in many areas the iSeries goes far beyond anything the HP 3000 was ever able to do. Working with iSeries division people is like a flashback to the golden years of CSY and the HP e3000. Everyone is proud and enthusiastic about the work they do on the iSeries; they really believes the iSeries gives you the most for your IT dollar.”

Since HP World’s Expo halls don’t encourage such direct competition, “Meet the iSeries” will be held in the Champagne Room (located on the lobby level) of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue on Wednesday, August 13 from 7-10 PM. “It is really all about choices,” Burke said about his enthusiasm for Big Blue’s specialized platform. “I intend to continue to support MPE-IMAGE and HP 3000 users for as long as there are any left. I’ll keep my HP 3000 doing useful work until the wheels come off either it or me. My money is on that HP 3000 to outlast me.”

He adds that for those who believe they need to make a platform change either now or in the future, “I believe you owe it to yourself and to your organization to look at what the iSeries has to offer.” The meeting will have an iSeries on site and knowledgeable technical personnel from IBM to demonstrate iSeries features and answer technical questions. “I will take personal responsibility to make sure every question not answered at the reception is satisfactorily answered after HP World,” he added. Questions and answers will appear on Burke’s Web site, www.burke-consulting.com.