COMMON POWERUp 2024: Full Schedule

THE BEST IBM i & POWER SYSTEMS EDUCATION.When you come to POWERUp, you’ll be able to customize your experience. Choose from 300 sessions, covering over 20 areas of IT, when you plan your schedule. Visit the largest Expo of its kind and meet the experts behind the solutions. Attend social events to meet renowned speakers and peers alike. This conference is structured to give you the pure education and professional connections needed to best enhance your career. Are you ready to POWERUp?

Exhibitor Hall: https://www.expocad.com/host/fx/common/s24/exfx.html

Exhibitor Hall Map Here

11:30am CDT

326: Visual Studio Code and IBM i - Bring Your Own Device

EVALUATION

Bring a laptop to this session and work through live exercises in the browser with Liam and Jesse!

This session covers everything you need to know about using Visual Studio Code with IBM i - from editing, to compiling, to accessing the database, using the RPGLE linter, database tools, and many other features.

Learning Objectives:
* Installing VS Code and extensions
* Working with IBM i inside of VS Code
* Writing and compile in RPG, CL, etc
* Using database tools for Db2 for i inside of VS Code
* Introduction to git

Speakers

Jesse Gorzinski

Business Architect, IBM

Jesse Gorzinski works for the IBM i development lab in Rochester, MN. He is a Senior Business Architect and Senior Technical Staff Member (STSM) responsible for open source technologies on the platform. Jesse, who was doing RPG programming at the age of 18, is an expert on application... Read More →

Liam Allan

Software Advocate, IBM

I am a developer and open-source advocate. Ask me about Node.js, VS Code, app deployment and CICD :)

Monday May 20, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 102 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All
Digital Badge VS Code
Audience IBM i Developers

2:45pm CDT

293: What’s New with Open Source & IBM i

EVALUATION

Open source solutions have been on the IBM i platform for many years but recently the number of solutions deployed here has blossomed. Join Mike as he explores the latest news regarding packages and solution features available in IBM i Open Source Package Management and beyond.

Learning Objectives:
1) Review updates to the popular languages like PHP, Python and Node.js.
2) Explore new(er) packages available via the ACS: Open Source Package Management.
3) See examples of how the community is contributing to IBM i open source.

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Perforce Software

Mike Pavlak has been working with IBM midrange solutions since 1992 and IBM Mainframes before that. After years of developing applications using RPG, CL and PHP he managed IT development and IT for power protection manufacturer Tripp Lite. Later Mike was instrumental in developing... Read More →

OpenSource WhatsNewV1.3 pdf

Monday May 20, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 103A 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Beginner
Audience All folks interested in exploring or using open source on IBM i

5:15pm CDT

329: What Modern App Dev for IBM i Looks Like

EVALUATION

IBM i and VS Code is your one stop shop for everything in 2024. Whether you’re developing PHP, Node.js, Java, or RPGLE, the tools you need are ready to make your IBM i development environment and experience the best. We will build a web API from scratch, connect to Db2 for i, have the API call programs and deploy it - all in short time.

Learning Objectives:
How VS Code can be used for every angle of app development.

Speakers

Liam Allan

Software Advocate, IBM

I am a developer and open-source advocate. Ask me about Node.js, VS Code, app deployment and CICD :)

Monday May 20, 2024 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Meeting Room 201C 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate
Digital Badge VS Code

5:15pm CDT

394: Debugging with VScode

EVALUATION

VS Code for IBM i is a powerful IDE that enables developers to quickly and efficiently build, and deploy applications for the IBM i platform. It includes a powerful code editor that provides syntax highlighting, code completion, and code refactoring. It also includes integration with IBM i’s database and security features, making it easier to develop secure applications. It also includes an integrated debugger.
In this session we will highlight some of the major components and discuss how it can be used for everyday development.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Charles Guarino believes in the “power” of IBM Power Systems. His career reflects his dedication and interest in bringing the platform and its solutions to others and as a result has been recognized as an IBM Champion.He is a member of COMMON’s Speaker Excellence Hall of Fame... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Room 202 C-D 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Digital Badge VS Code

5:50pm CDT

206: Introduction to RDi's Code Coverage Tool

EVALUATION

This session will take the mystery out of using Code Coverage. Learn how this tool can help you adequately test your code and help QA with their goal of improving code quality. We cover setup, running and reporting.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand what this tool can do to help you improve your coding efforts.
2. Demonstrate how this tool can help your Quality Control staff track testing of new modified code.
3. Show more productivity and help make a case for purchasing RDi.

Speakers

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Jim Buck’s career in IT has spanned more than 35+ years, primarily in college education, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. Past president (13 years) of the Wisconsin Midrange Computer Professional Association (www.wmcpa.org) and has served on several teams developing IBM... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 5:50pm - 6:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 203B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All
Audience Any level Developer, Managers, or Quality Control personnel!

8:00am CDT

275: Kick the Old IDE Habit With Code for i

EVALUATION

SEU and PDM are no longer viable. Does RDi feel slow and clumsy? Or perhaps your manager won't pay for RDi, or won't let the team use it? VSCode with the Code for i plugin is an amazing solution, and Scott even prefers it over RDi. Why not learn how to get started?

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to set up VSCode with Code for i
2. Learn how to use it to connect to IBM i systems
3. Use it to edit, compile and read programs, including RPG.

Speakers

Scott Klement

Development & Solutions Architect, Midrange Dynamics

Scott volunteers as a member of COMMON's Board of Directors, Strategic Education Team, Certification Committee and Innovation Awards. He is the author of around 1000 articles and a dozen open source projects. Scott's efforts to help out the IBM i Community have resulted in dozens... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Meeting Room 101 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Beginner

9:15am CDT

233: Moving into Git (for RPGLE, COBOL, and more)

EVALUATION

The future of writing ILE languages is with git. Whether you've not heard of git, or you're an expert, we'll cover the basic concepts of git, how to get your ILE source code into git, how to develop and compile code from repositories, and many other concepts.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what tools are available to move source code
2. Understand where your source code repository can live
3. Get the gist on general git concepts

Speakers

Liam Allan

Software Advocate, IBM

I am a developer and open-source advocate. Ask me about Node.js, VS Code, app deployment and CICD :)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Meeting Room 204A 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Developers

5:15pm CDT

418: State of Code for IBM i – An Open Discussion

EVALUATION

Welcome to our open forum discussion on the latest developments and future plans for Code for IBM i and its extensions. Join us to gain insights into our ongoing projects, current priorities, and upcoming features. This is your chance to engage directly with our development teams, including the core team, database team, and debug team. Whether you're curious about implementing VS Code, enhancing security measures, or contributing (be it code, documentation, videos, &c.), we invite you to bring your questions and ideas to the table. Let's collaborate and shape the future of Code for IBM i together.

Speakers

Jesse Gorzinski

Business Architect, IBM

Tim Rowe

Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i, IBM

Tim Rowe is the Business Architect responsible for Application Development and Systems Management for the IBM i operating system. His responsibilities include helping to make sure that the IBM i has what is needed to be successful both today and into the future. He sends much of his... Read More →

Scott Forstie

Db2 for i Architect, IBM

Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989.Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events... Read More →

Liam Allan

Software Advocate, IBM

I am a developer and open-source advocate. Ask me about Node.js, VS Code, app deployment and CICD :)

Adam Shedivy

Software Developer, IBM

Adam is a software Developer working on enhancing client and open source integration on IBM i.

Tuesday May 21, 2024 5:15pm - 6:15pm CDT
Meeting Room 102 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Beginner

5:50pm CDT

249: What's up with the RDi Debugger?

EVALUATION

For many users getting started with the RDi debugger is intimidating. In this short session, we'll help the attendee understand the power of the debugger and feel comfortable with the features of the tool!

Learning Objectives:
1. Letting go of the 5250 debugger
2. Getting started with RDi debugging
3. Batch and interactive debugging
4. Service Entry Points (SEP)
5. How to debug different type of programs
6. Understand break-points and Monitor Expressions
7. Tips and Tricks!

Speakers

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Tuesday May 21, 2024 5:50pm - 6:10pm CDT
Room 202 C-D 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All
Audience Attendees who are new to RDi or those that have had trouble "Quitting" The 5250 debugger

9:15am CDT

218: Using RDi to Refactor RPG Code

EVALUATION

The best way to protect your investment in the IBM i is by transforming your applications into a "Next Generation" architecture. This session demonstrates how RDi accelerates this process and provides an agile approach to modernizing/refactoring RPG Code

Learning Objectives:
Best Practices and examples for the following will be covered:
1) How to use the refactoring capabilities of RDi
2) Moving from Fixed to Free Format RPG
3) How to extract business logic into procedures using RDi
4) Implementing a Database Abstraction Layer"

Speakers

Ray Everhart

Senior IBM i Analyst and X-Analysis Product Manager, Fresche

For over 30 years, Ray has helped companies understand, develop and manage their RPG, COBOL and CA 2E application environments. He also specializes in helping clients enhance and modernize their systems to meet evolving business demands and take advantage of digital transformation... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Room 202 C-D 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Developers

10:30am CDT

382: Intro to Developer Productivity Engineering (DPE)

EVALUATION

The tech ecosystem has been changing drastically, and there are some technologies that are disrupting the way developers are expected to operate. For instance, we're seeing the VSCode ecosystem grow, we're seeing AI do amazing things, and we have more open source CI/CD options than ever before.

What does all this mean? In short, it has caused a strategic shift of focus to developer productivity. That is, how do we enable developers to be productive as possible? Developer Productivity Engineering, or DPE, is the study of how to analyze and improve efficiency for programmers. In this session, get an overview of DPE so that you can apply the concepts within your organization. Doing so will increase efficiency and decrease cost.

Learning Objectives:
Learn what DPE is and discuss how it can be applied in a realistic setting

Speakers

Jesse Gorzinski

Business Architect, IBM

Wednesday May 22, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 202 C-D 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All
Audience IT planners, executives, IT managers, or even developers

2:45pm CDT

267: Open Source WALSTIB

EVALUATION

The floodgates of Open Source via PASE on IBM i opened up about a decade ago. Where were we, where have we been, where are we now, where are we going, and how did we find ourselves in this handbasket? Presentation and open discussion of What A Long, Strange Trip It's Been.

Learning Objectives:
1. What has been the impact of open source becoming prevalent on IBM i PASE?
2. What have we learned to do, and what have we learned not to do?
3. What should we do next?

Speakers

Jack Woehr

Senior Engineer, Absolute Performance, Inc.

Author of Ublu, an open source remote language for IBM i. A Quantum Computing enthusiast, Jack is an IBM Qiskit Advocate, 2021 IBM Champion, 2022 IBM Champion, 2023 IBM Champion, and 2024 IBM Champion.A consulting programmer with over 30 years' experience in open source specializing in open source based IBM i modernization... Read More →

OpenSourceWALSTIB pdf

Wednesday May 22, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 201C 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Open source users who with enough experience to make some judgement calls.

4:00pm CDT

408: Unleash the Power of RDi and VS Code for IBM I

EVALUATION

This session is designed for both seasoned developers and newcomers eager to enhance their productivity and coding experience on the IBM i platform. We will discuss practical tips, live demonstrations, and insights into how these tools can transform your IBM i development process, making it more efficient, enjoyable, and aligned with the evolving demands of the tech world.

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Wednesday May 22, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Meeting Room 203A 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

5:15pm CDT

287: Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

EVALUATION

Have you ever tried to figure out a problem and you don’t know where to begin? Have you ever received a level 1 or level 2 help desk call and want to scream? How many times have you looked at your code and wanted to figure out how to troubleshoot the problem? This session is for you. We are going to give you some tips and tricks to help you overcome most common developer and user issues.

Learning Objectives:
1. How to troubleshoot user problems
2. How to add error handling to your programs.
3. How to overcome program issues.

Speakers

Marina Schwenk

Innovative Software Solutions

Marina started her career in January 2015 at Everbrite LLC in Greenfield WI after graduating from Gateway Technical College in May of 2014 with an Associate’s degree in IT Software Development. Marina worked for over nine years as a Senior Programmer Analyst/IBM i admin at Everbrite... Read More →

Shelly Petty

Application Support, Everbrite LLC

I am a Junior Full Stack Developer at Everbrite LLC. We run our production applications on the IBMi Power Server. Primary languages are CL, RPG, DB2 SQL and Java, and the UI: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Drupple, React, and Sencha.My position is a fast paced job and it includes Help Desk... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 5:15pm - 6:15pm CDT
Meeting Room 102 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All
Audience Developers, Help desk support, n2i

1:30pm CDT

154: Discovering your IBM i Data – For Development Issues

EVALUATION

There’s plenty information on IBM i that is so valuable for the daily tasks. Many commands, APIs, and SQL functions, let you gather information from your IBM i. You can exploit it online or build your own database tables with it.

I like to dig into this info. There is always something new to discover. Particularly related to developer activities: analyzing program definitions and relationships, file and field definitions, object and source cross references, SQL definitions, triggers and constrains implemented, and the list goes on and on. All this information is as valuable to IT System Managers, as it is enterprise information to Business executives. You need to understand, evaluate, and take advantage of this knowledge.

In this session we will review the different types of system information you can find on IBM i, that are important for Developers. We’ll also analyze different case studies of how to interpret and prepare the info for future exploitation.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify different kinds of Information available in your IBM i.
2. Analyze different ways of obtaining and/or finding this information in your systems.
3. Prepare information for better use with modern tools.

Speakers

Cecilia Howlin

Owner, PYRAMIS S.R.L.

Cecilia Howlin has been working on this platform from the very beginning. On her first job at IBM Argentina, she learned S/38. And never left the platform, since she thinks it never appeared other operating system as good as this one.She usually worked on technical issues, like installing... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 204A 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Especially valuable for IT Developers. It may also be of interest to Security Auditors, and Technical Advisors

1:30pm CDT

159: One Order of Code Factoring With a Side of RDi

EVALUATION

Sloppy code, beautiful code. They both produce the same results, so who cares how it looks? If you have heard this before, or are living with this scenario, this is a MUST ATTEND session. Learn about code refactoring (aka "modernization") and see how to rejuvenate old code into maintainable, flexible and scalable components.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate

1:30pm CDT

367: How to Choose the Best API Management Deployment Options: On-Site/On-Premises, Cloud, or Hybrid

EVALUATION

Selecting the ideal deployment of your API Management tools will significantly impact your company’s bottom line. Should you deploy on-site, cloud, or hybrid? How do you go about choosing the best option for your company? Do you have the resources, data, and tools to determine the best action? Do you have enough data to back your decisions?

Learning Objectives:
During this session, we will discuss:
o Best practices for selecting the right deployment that will help you drive greater ROI
o New tools available to you to better understand use case workflows
o How to create a development plan that quickly delivers what businesses are looking for

Speakers

Herman Rensink

Distinguished Engineer, Rocket Software

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 201C 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level All