By Dennis James
Editor-in-Chief
April 2005

As we create the next generation of the DSX family of web sites, it is important that all who have joined the journey so far understand what’s to come. Below are some recently implemented and soon to come changes:

1. The databases of names and users between DSXchange and the DataStageXchange have been merged into one. No longer do you need to sign up twice to access both sites. One login will carry you through all of the family of sites depending on your authorization level.
   
2. I am urging everyone to voluntarily update their records with ACCURATE information. (To do so, simply update your profile.) Note that we will be cleaning our membership list so that we can accurately and honestly verify our community size and makeup to potential sponsors. This means that if your profile is inaccurate we will deactivate your account. The benefit this brings to our membership is that sponsorships will allow us to minimize the cost of the expanded offerings. Also sponsors will allow us to provide targeted webinars and other collateral.
   
3. The arrival of Premium services is just around the corner. We have interviewed, polled and gathered opinions from our members. The results will be phased in over the next several months. The plan is to make no significant changes to the DSXchange; however, we will revitalize the DataStageXchange and Tools4DataStage into sites that will contain our new “premium” material. Below is an outline to show you how it will work. Of course we'll also be ironing out the kinks over the next several months.

Premium Membership (proposed)

• Membership requirements:
  • Fill out a complete profile upon joining the DSX and select one of the five following choices:
    • Receive monthly credits by attending prequalified sponsors’ webinars.
    • Become eligible for upgrade by contributing 500+ quality posts.
    • Make three accepted contributions to the download areas at DataStageXchange or Tools4DataStage.
    • Pay $25 per month.
    • Pay $250 per year.
• Membership benefits:
  • Unlimited access to forums on the DSXchange.
  • Access to white papers, function, routines and more at the DataStageXchange.
  • Free or discounted access to third-party applications at Tools4DataStage.
  • Deep Discounts on tools and training offered at the DCS Store.

Full Membership (proposed)

• Membership requirements:
  • Fill out a complete profile upon joining the DSX and select one of the five following choices:
    • Receive monthly credits by attending prequalified sponsors’ webinars.
    • Become eligible for upgrade by contributing 200+ quality posts.
    • Make an accepted contribution to the download areas at DataStageXchange or Tools4DataStage.
    • Pay $10 per month.
    • Pay $100 per year.
• Membership benefits:
• Unlimited access to most forums.
• Access to downloads at the DataStageXchange.

Restricted Membership (proposed)

• Membership requirements: fill out a completed profile upon joining the DSX.
  
• Membership benefits:
  • Twenty visits free without any other cost or obligation.
  • Read, post, and search privileges in most forums.

For more details check the Editor's corner. We'll be finalizing details there.