By Dennis
James
Editor-in-Chief
April 2005
In 1964, Bob Dylan wrote a famous song with far reaching
implications that predicted dramatic changes entitled
“The
Times They Are A-Changin’”. Dylan’s
song encouraged folks to embrace the changes around
them and move with them “or you’ll sink
like a stone”.
On March 14th, IBM announced it was acquiring
Ascential Software. Although the event pales in
comparison to the revolution Dylan addressed, his advice
still should be heeded. IBM has announced that they
will keep the existing Ascential management in place
to lead the new IBM business unit. The product plans
at this point appear to be unaltered. The sales team
will continue to conduct themselves as they have for
at least the rest of the year. Basically it is business
“as usual”. But remember, this is IBM, a
company that has consumed more businesses and more technologies
than any other entity on the planet. This acquisition
is certainly not their largest, or their most significant,
or for that matter even unexpected. However industry
analysts predict Ascential will be an extremely important
cog in the new “Open Systems” look for IBM’s
data integration direction.
There are other important changes to consider with
the upcoming sale. As Ascential products are further
integrated with IBM’s technologies their increased
scope will demand expanded skill sets for new environments.
Many consultants thought they were covered by preparing
to switch from “trusty old DataStage server”
to “new super fast PX”. But this may not
be enough to prosper in some of the new environments.
For example how many of you can do much more than spell
“WebSphere”? As IBM begins to process their
newly acquired “jewel box”, Ascential’s
“gems” will find new settings with new advocates
to promote their implementation and new prospects to
consider their value.
As that happens, our collective opportunity is to show
our willingness to adapt, adjust and assume control
of our futures. At the DSX, we will very shortly adapt
our site to reflect the broader technologies offered
by IBM as well as their partners. We need to stay aware
of the new changes and adapt quickly to the new environment
to keep ahead of the curve. I want you to join me at
the Editor’s
corner and post every time you find an interesting
nugget of information that will help us follow or possibly
impact the future of our favorite product suite. If
you find a new partner or software download, tell us.
When you hear about a new business strategy involving
DataStage within IBM, let us know. Most of all, with
over 7000 members, as we expand
the new offerings at our sites, we need to make
sure we keep our skills sharp, our inventions flexible
and push to keep our value visible and rising.
If you ignore the new circumstances because you fear
the unknown, it will get the best of you. By embracing
the changes together here at the DSX, we can grow and
prosper with the changes. Better yet, we can stay ahead
of the curve by being unified in our mission.
Dylan’s words are a reminder that when changes
come, “he who gets hurt will be he who has stalled”.
Don’t stall! Make sure you are ready for the next
generation of data integration. Welcome Big Blue!
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