“As a company fully focused on the IBM i platform, Maxava recognizes the role of a strong, IBM i community,” said Allan
Campbell, CEO of Maxava. “Like many others we are very enthusiastic about promoting the ’400 bloodline.’ While there
are some good initiatives in the pipeline that we support, we feel strongly that some immediate action is needed to start
delivering results straight away. For us, an obvious place to help is in providing support to those organizations that are
already in place. These groups have carried the flag and shown commitment and expertise in promoting the IBM i over
many years and we believe their survival and vibrancy is key to spreading the message,” he added.
Well put Allan! This should be great inspiration for other organizations within the community to step forward and make a
difference.
Al Barsa Challenge
Last year, David Gibbs challenged the IBM i community to raise funds for the Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to
your contributions and some generous matching grantors, $2,860 was raised. This year that excellent figure was greatly
exceeded.
This year, David aligned even more matching grantors. The grantors contributed a dollar for dollar match for the challenge.
Matching grantors included:
• Pete Helgren – Value Added Software
• Jerry Adams
• Larry Bolhuis – Franken i
• Jim Obherholtzer – Agile Technology Architects
• Pete Massiello – i Tech Solutions
• John Earl – Townsend Security
• Kevin Mort – Flagship Solutions Group
In addition to matching contributions following are individuals that stepped forward and contributed to the challenge:
Amanda Shaw, Leo Whitakar, Laura Ubelhor, Jon Anglis, David Willenborg, John Voris, Sharon Bodine, Guy Vig, Jenniefer
Halverson, Marty Acks, Ilena Ayala, Michael Ryan, Carl Novit, Kirk Goins, Bryce Martin, Michael Smith, Henrik Rutzou, Mike
Naughton, Glenn Erickson, Diane Saunders, Rory Hewitt, Ronald Sposito, Paul Rogers / New Hampshire Midrange Users
Group, Sharon Bodine, Philip Seay, and two anonymous donors.
The challenge ran from November 14th through December 16th. David led the challenge putting forth a lot of effort to
get the word out and to encourage everyone to step forward and meet the challenge. David set the sites high and was
successful in meeting and exceeding the goals set for the 2011 Al Barsa Challenge! The effort raised $2330 in contributions
and $4050 in matching donations for a total of $6380. The Al Barsa Challenge is over for this year and was a great success.
You may contribute at any time throughout the year by visiting the Common Education Foundation page on the COMMON
web site.
David is a Principal Software Engineer for PTC, Integrity Business Unit. He cut his teeth on
the S/36 and has more than 25 years of experience on the IBM i / System i / iSeries / AS400.
He primarily works in Java and ILE RPG specializing in cross platform integrations. David
has received the COMMON Distinguished Service award and was named an IBM Power
Systems Champion. David also runs and maintains midrange.com. His personal blog is
Geeky Ramblings. David also resides on the CEF Board of Directors. Thank you to David for
stepping forward. David is an inspiration and shining example. We challenge others to step
forth and follow David’s lead
