We are pleased to confirm that the next meeting of the WebSphere User Group (uk) will take place on 11th September 2007 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. There will be no charge for this meeting and we have an excellent agenda lined up.
Note: there will be a social gathering of the night before which will be an excellent opportunity for extended networking. London to Edinburgh return flights are approx £50 with easyJet.
Provisional Agenda
Registration and Coffee begins from 8:30am, with the Chairman's Intro at 9:00am. The first session begins at 9:30am.
A buffet Lunch is served at 12:30pm, with coffee breaks included in the morning and afternoon.
WebSphere Product Update & Directions
09:30 - 10:15
Title:
Project Zero - Zero complexity, Zero overhead.
Abstract:
This talk will provide a detailed view into a new platform IBM is building that is optimized for time and simplicity. This new platform allows you to build modern web applications easily and quickly with an event-driven, scripting centric programming model and an optimized runtime. This talk will provide an overview of the project and a detailed look at the programming model, including samples and demos. We will also discuss a new form of commerical software development being used with this project. To read up before the talk, check out www.projectzero.org.
Speakers:
Jason R McGee
Jason R McGee, IBM Distinguished Engineer; Chief Architect, WebSphere XD and Project Zero; Director, WebSphere Advanced Technologies: <br>\nJason is a senior architect on the WebSphere Foundation Architecture Board and an associate member of the IBM Software Group Architecture Board. Previously, Jason was the Chief Architect of the Base and Network Deployment versions of WebSphere Application Server.Jason serves as the WebSphere Advanced Technology Manager, responsible for productize new technologies into the WebSphere platform.\n<br><br>\nJason joined IBM in 1997 and has been a member of the WebSphere Application Server product since its inception. He helped to define the concepts of Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) for processing Web presentation logic on the server and has been instrumental in leading those parts of the J2EE specification for IBM. Jason was responsible for the design and implementation of the Web Container in WebSphere Application Server. Mr. McGee has been heavily involved in leading the architecture for key parts of the WebSphere Application Server, including the server runtime and the XML-based systems management architecture. Jason graduated with a B.S. degree in computer engineering from Virginia Tech in 1995.
10:45 - 11:30
Title:
WebSphere Consumability: Feature Pack Overview
Abstract:
This session will focus on recent consumability improvements within the WebSphere Application Server and WebSphere XD product deliverables. The session will highlight and provide an overview of the recently announced WebSphere Application Server Feature Packs and how they can be used to leverage new capabilities on top of the WAS v6.1 product. The session will also discuss the recent XD release and the consumability/ease of use improvements made within that product line as well. The session will be focused on providing information that is relevant to your current and immediately future plans with WAS and WXD, come hear more about our drive to make things easier and provide additional feedback.
Speakers:
Tim Vanderham
Tim Vanderham, Senior WebSphere Development Manager (WAS SVT, XD, Test, Quality, & Consumability), IBM:<br>\nTim is currently the WebSphere Development Manager for Usability and Consumability, with a team focused on driving ease of use and simplification into the WebSphere Application Server & WebSphere XD. In his current role, he and his team work very closely with the product development teams and continue to be very active with the WebSphere clients gathering use case scenario, common tasks, and understanding product usage. Tim has been in the WebSphere organization for five years, where he has served as a support manager in his previous role, and prior to management, Tim was a software engineer teaching classes on WebSphere administration and performance to clients and colleagues worldwide.
11:40 - 12:25
13:30 - 14:15
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
WEB 2.0 and Internet Channel Innovation
09:30 - 10:15
10:45 - 11:30
11:40 - 12:25
Title:
The next generation Internet: a CTO perspective
Abstract:
The next generation of the Internet will uncover as many revolutionary business opportunities as the first. Within five years Web 2.0 will generate a new age of collective intelligence and extreme insight, in which companies can correlate the massive amounts of information on the Internet with that of their own enterprises, including text, audio, video and dynamic “gadgets,†to create real-time business scenarios and timelines never before possible. \n<br><br>\nThis session will give folks a glimpse into the vast possibilities of Web 2.0 technologies, with an eye fixed on real demonstrations and the businesses behind them.\n<br><br>\nThis session was initially advertised as a Mashup & QEDWiki session, and will indeed include these topic areas, but will now paint a much wider picture than originally planned for the benefit of the WUG UK audience.
Speakers:
David Boloker
David Boloker, CTO Emerging Internet Technology, IBM SWG:<br>\nDavid Boloker is a Distinguished Engineer and Chief Technical Officer for Emerging Internet Technologies in IBM Software Group. Previously, he held the position of Chief Technical Officer for Java Technologies in Software Group. \n<br><br>\nDavid is recognized in and outside IBM as a technical leader in the Internet software space guiding IBM's investments as well as internal product development. David's recent responsibilities included shaping IBM's Web 2.0 strategy, founding the Open Ajax Alliance and driving IBM's Situational Application work, as well as researching new areas in software design. Additionally, David spends about a third of his time working in the venture capital and startup communities partnering and discussing various trends and directions in the internet and gaming areas. David is chiefly responsible for IBM's adoption of Dojo and leads the vision and development of QEDWiki and Info 2.0. \n<br><br>\nPrevious to joining Software Group, David worked at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and the Cambridge Scientific Center doing research in the area of remote distribution and control of complex hardware and software systems, dynamic I/O configuration of mainframe operating systems and secure internet gateways. David has been recognized by IBM with numerous Outstanding Technical Achievement Awards in the areas of Java, Secure Internet Gateways, Dynamic I/O Configuration and the Remote Distribution and Control of S/370, 4300, S/390 and AS/400 Architecture processors.\n<br><br>\nRecently, Mr. Boloker was a keynote speaker at the 2006 Ajax World conference in San Jose, Ajax Experience in Boston and the PHP conference in New York City. \n<br><br>\nDavid earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mathematics from Boston University.
13:30 - 14:15
Title:
Digital Communities in Web 2.0
Abstract:
Social and technological changes have created the phenomena we try to summarize and name in the term Web 2.0. The most significant technical advances have been driven by the desire to post personal information in various forms like photos, diaries and podcasts about all sorts of non-business related topics.\n<br><br>\nThis sharing of information and opinion has led to the obvious fact of grouping: we prefer to exchange with people who understand and appreciate a specific topic of interest and this has spurned a lot of informal or managed communities on the Internet\n<br><br>\nThe influence and power of such communities has not gone undetected by marketing organizations and businesses, who are now trying to understand this phenomenon and even take advantage of it. Turning customers into digital communities is however not a straightforward task. While this requires enablement and support by IT, much of the understanding of customer needs and behavior is actually captured by the marketing departments.\n<br><br>\nThis talk will discuss aspects of successful digital communities, the key success factors for creating such a community and what it actually means to run a community, be it for a business or just a football fan club.
Speakers:
Anton Fricko
Anton Fricko, Program Mgr Emerging Technologies, IBM:<br>\nAnton (Tony) Fricko has worked with IBM since 1971 in several international roles in Europe, joining the UK Hursley Laboratories in 1999. His current role is Program Manager for jStart Emerging Technologies, where he assists customers all over Europe in the adoption of new technologies, focusing on Web Services, SOA and Autonomic Computing as well as OSS, Ajax and Web 2.0 technologies. Since 2004 Tony performs this function from his home town Vienna, Austria.
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
WebSphere Portfolio Update
09:30 - 10:15
Title:
Connecting Enterprise Apps to ESB & Process Server
Abstract:
In this session we shall look beyond SOAP and see how WebSphere ESB and WebSphere Process Server can be used to connect to legacy applications using the WebSphere Adapters and the WebSphere MQ native and JMS bindings. The difference between transport, method and data bindings will be covered and a detailed explanation given of how function selectors and custom data bindings can be used to map from arbitrary formats to the world of Service Data Objects, with particular reference to MQ messages.
Speakers:
David Currie
David is an IT specialist in the IBM Software Services for WebSphere organization based in Hursley. Previously, he has worked on the development of various aspects of WebSphere Application Server, from the transaction service in version 3 through to the service integration technologies in version 6.
10:45 - 11:30
Title:
WebSphere Registry & Repository (WSRR)
Abstract:
<i>Abstract to follow, but is expected to cover key feedback & learning from early adopter experiences; summarise product development plans & timescales; and talk about supported integration options & considerations.</i>
Speakers:
John McLean
John McLean, Director of SOA Registry Development, WebSphere, IBM: <br>\nJohn & his team are based in IBM Hursley Labs, and are charged to deliver IBM's product offerings in the SOA Registry space, through development, marketing, sales and business channels. \n<br><br>\nJohn joined IBM in 1983 at the Hursley Laboratory and has held technical and managerial positions in both Hardware and Software development. He had development management roles in CICS/ESA, Distributed CICS, MQSeries Family and Language Products. Prior to his current role John was the WebSphere Application Server (WAS) Development Director on assignment in Raleigh, USA. During the 3 years in this role the WAS team, of over 700 developers spread across many sites and countries, delivered multiple releases of the product.\n<br><br>\nJohn received his degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Edinburgh University. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the IEE. John is married with two children and his hobby is windsurfing.
11:40 - 12:25
Title:
IBM Datapower: Product Intro & Customer Use Cases
Abstract:
Abstract to be provided, but is likely to provide a brief introduction to the Product and then talk through the customer use cases for the device to date, namely:-<br>\n\tXML acceleration<br>\n\tWS/XML Protection<br>\n\tWS Security<br>\n\tService Level Management<br>\n\tLegacy integration<br>
Speakers:
Aran White
Aran White, DataPower Technical Specialist, Senior Software IT Specialist, WebSphere, IBM:
13:30 - 14:15
Title:
WAS XD v6.1 - Whats New and Noteworthy
Abstract:
This talk will provide an overview of the latest release of WebSphere Extended Deployment (XD), Version 6.1. v6.1 was released in May of this year. This talk will focus on the new interesting features of 6.1, including support for non-WebSphere middleware environments, new packaging, and greatly enhanced ObjectGrid support. This talk will also provide some insight on current customer deployments of XD and what features are in production use today.
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
New Technologies and Skills
09:30 - 10:15
Title:
Eclipse BIRT: Open Source Reporting for Your Apps
Abstract:
One of the major challenges in developing an application is providing users with the reports that they demand in a timely and cost effective manner. Eclipse BIRT, the open source reporting project, addresses this challenge by providing developers with a powerful, visual report design tool and engine based on Eclipse. This session introduces BIRT and looks at how developers can quickly design reports based on data and metadata from IBM tools and database and incorporate those reports into their Java applications without the need for time-consuming custom code. Time allowing, this session will cover This session will cover: BIRT Overview and Architecture; Content Development and Distribution Model; Getting Productive with BIRT - Key Capabilities for Report Development; BIRT Integration and Customization; Extension Point Overview; Integration APIs; Example BIRT Deployment Models; BIRT In Action; Case Studies of BIRT applications.
10:45 - 11:30
Title:
Ajax and Web 2.0 in WebSphere
Abstract:
An overview of Ajax and Web2.0 technology, including a brief discussion of key security issues that Ajax applications need to address, and how IBM's Ajax for WebSphere Platform Early Program can be used today to enable Ajax application development for WebSphere Application Server platforms.
Speakers:
Chris Mitchell
Chris Mitchell, STSM & Lead Architect for Ajax & Presentation Tier Technologies, IBM: <br>\nChris is a senior technical staff member and lead architect for IBM WebSphere, and has been a member of the WebSphere development team for the last eight years. Currently, he is responsible for WebSpheres Ajax & Presentation Tier technologies and a contributer to the open source Dojo Toolkit (www.dojotoolkit.org). Chris graduated from the Ohio University in 1986.
11:40 - 12:25
Title:
WebSphere Test - Strategy and Best Practices
Abstract:
While products and applications continue to change, the principles of a good test strategy and best practices remain fairly constant. This session will focus on test principles, strategies, and best practices to follow through the process of updating and/or rolling out infrastructure and application changes. Stability in a production environment is directly related to successful test execution and a deep understanding of the environment's behavior. This session will talk about the keys to ensuring successful tests and what critical data points are required. This session will also talk about how the WebSphere System Test team is evolving our test methodologies and strategies to better align with our clients implementation and patterns.
13:30 - 14:15
Title:
Monty Jython`s Scripting Circus – Intro to Jytho
Abstract:
The WAS 6.1 Application Server Toolkit (AST) provides excellent aids to help create and debug Jython-based administration scripts, but assumes you already have some knowledge of Jython. In a mixture of slides and demonstrations this talk first outlines the AST Jython tooling and then takes an in-depth look at the features of the Jython language itself, ending with some ideas on how to write re-usable production-quality Jython administration scripts.
Speakers:
Andrew Simms
Andrew Simms, Senior IT Specialist, WebSphere Software Services, IBM: <br>\nAndrew is a Consulting IT Specialist in IBM Software Services for WebSphere working mainly with WebSphere Application Server. Including 10 years at IBM, he has over 30 years experience in application and middleware design, development and consultancy, especially with transaction processing and application server software including CICS for AIX, TXSeries Encina, DCE and WebSphere.
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
Java SIG
09:30 - 10:15
Title:
Java 5 Reliability, Availability & Serviceability
Abstract:
The diagnosis of problems is still largely performed by humans, and the level of skill and expertise required to diagnose a solution-level problem is much higher than that of a single product. Diagnosing and correcting solution-level problems in production environments requires a collection of minimally invasive reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features and tools to be an integral part of the Java platform. This session aims to review the current RAS technology in IBM's JDK and discusses a new breed of Java platform-based tools and frameworks.
Speakers:
Trent Gray-Donald
Trent Gray-Donald, STSM IBM Java VM Technology:<br>\nTrent is the technical manager of the J9 J2SE Java Virtual Machine team at IBM. His other main responsibility is leadership of reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) technology for the IBM Java Technology Centre. His previous efforts include roles on the VisualAge for SmallTalk and VisualAge for Java teams.
10:45 - 11:30
Title:
DTFJ: New breed of tools for Problem Determination
Abstract:
DTFJ (Diagnostic Tooling Framework for Java) is a new technology and an emerging standard, initially developed for IBM JDKs, to examine the internal contents of a JVM. The Java Technology Center, WebSphere Serviceability Team and several other teams, are collaborating to construct a family of problem determination tools based on DTFJ technology. These tools form the base of an extensible infrastructure to help diagnose problems that occur in various products built on top of a JVM, such as WebSphere Application Server. Additionally, these tools can be used as first level diagnostics tools specific to the JVMs themselves. This presentation will provide an update on the latest set of tools that are now available in this space, and discuss specific examples of their use for WebSphere and JVM problem determination.
11:40 - 12:25
Title:
What`s Hot in IBM`s Virtual Machine
Abstract:
IBM has provided a Virtual Machine for the Java platform (JVM) for multiple platforms since the very early days of Java technology. The offering has matured significantly over the years, and this session aims to update the audience on the 2006 - 2007 progress IBM has made, notably with Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) 6. The presentation is technical in nature, discussing some of our key new technologies and some of the changes in our development methodology as we embrace new versions of the Java programming language.
Speakers:
Andrew Low
Andrew Low, STSM IBM Java VM Technology:<br>\nAndrew joined Object Technology International Inc. (OTI) in 1994 as a university graduate after working as a co-op student for several terms. He remained with the company when IBM acquired OTI in 1996, helping to lead the team through the transition to IBM. His work has always been associated with Virtual Machine (VM) technology, ranging from the very small: Nokia cell phones / Palm PDA devices, to the very large: IBM zSeries (System/390) mainframe systems. \n<br><br>\nHe currently serves as a technical leader on the J9 VM team at the IBM Ottawa Lab, helping shape the core technology behind IBM's java runtimes. Andrew has played a key role in the development of the J9 VM and is a recognized expert in embedded systems and the J2ME marketplace. Recently he has been involved in several strategic efforts to push java runtime technology into the Web2.0 world, as well as ensuring that the J9 team as a whole continues to deliver on product commitments.
13:30 - 14:15
Title:
IBM Java 5 Garbage Collection
Abstract:
Garbage collection (GC) is central to the Java language, and a critical component of high-performance Java applications. This session will describe the IBM JDK 5.0 GC algorithms, how they adapt to changing workloads, and provide guidance interpreting and visualizing GC data. Come to this session to learn how to improve overall application behavior, including performance, be it throughput or \nresponsiveness, and footprint, as well as how to analyze performance characteristics and respond to performance data. We also introduce the Extensible Verbose ToolKit (EVTK) to facilitate visualizing and analyzing relevant GC data. Finally, we discuss future directions that the GC will explore, including real time and soft real-time applications.
Speakers:
Ryan Sciampacone
Ryan Sciampacone, Senior Developer IBM Java VM Technology:<br>\nSince receiving his BCS from Carleton University in 1997, Ryan Sciampacone has been involved with all facets of virtual-machine development, including core VM implementation, JNI API layer, and Ahead-of-time compilation. Since 2002, he has been the technical lead and chief architect of garbage collection for the J9 virtual machine. He is responsible for the scalable collector suite available in the JSE implementation, as well as the Metronome collector and ME configuration collectors. When not wearing his technical hat, Ryan enjoys playing hockey, practicing yoga, and cycling.
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
Portal SIG
09:30 - 10:15
Title:
Project Zero - Zero complexity, Zero overhead.
Abstract:
This talk will provide a detailed view into a new platform IBM is building that is optimized for time and simplicity. This new platform allows you to build modern web applications easily and quickly with an event-driven, scripting centric programming model and an optimized runtime. This talk will provide an overview of the project and a detailed look at the programming model, including samples and demos. We will also discuss a new form of commerical software development being used with this project. To read up before the talk, check out www.projectzero.org.
10:45 - 11:30
Title:
WAS Portal integration using Iterative Methods
Abstract:
This presentation will share experiences of some of the common challenges faced by Portal integration and development projects and how the approach and method has changed to mitigate these risks. The approach presented is a general iterative approach which addresses technical novelty, external dependencies and change or development of requirements. The session is suitable for program and project managers and senior technical resources (responsible for project or stream level deliverables), no specific methodology background is assumed.
Speakers:
Richard Shooter
Richard Shooter, Senior IT Specialist, Lotus Software Services, IBM:<br>\nRichard is a technical resource in the IBM Software Services for Lotus UK team and has led and contributed to a number of Portal 5.1 and 6.0 projects. He specialises in architecture design and implementation, and systems programming. Richard also has extensive experience in Domino/Notes, Sametime and UNIX.
11:40 - 12:25
Title:
Social Networking Using Lotus & WebSphere
Abstract:
Lotus Connections was launched earlier this year at the Lotusphere 2007 conference amid great fanfare and excitement, as “social software for businessâ€ÂÂ, and the buzz continues around Web 2.0, Social Networking and their combined impact on the way we work. The Special Interest Group (SIG) for Lotus Connections will present about these areas and delve behind the scenes of the technology to discover just how much is based on existing WebSphere and Tivoli platforms. You will learn about the context for the product, the product Architecture and key deployment decisions that enable you to maximize your existing investment in WebSphere technologies. You will also hear how best to implement the product within your organizations and hear how Social Networking is being used to spread the word.
Speakers:
Neil Burston
Neil Burston, Solutions Technical Consultant, Avnet Technology Solutions Ltd:<br>\nNeil is a Solutions Technical Consultant in the United Kingdom for IBM Value Adding Distributor, Avnet Technology Solutions, specializing in Pre-Sales and Business Partner enablement. \n<br><br>\nHe has 18 years experience of IBM Midrange systems, both Application Development and System Administration and over 11 years of Windows and Lotus technologies. \n<br><br>\nHe holds a B.A. in Spanish and Portuguese and a Masters degree in Information Technology for Management as well as multiple IBM Sales and Technical Certifications as a Lotus PCLP Systems Administration and IBM Certified Professional for iSeries, Domino on iSeries, WebSphere Application Server and WebSphere Portal Systems Administration. \n<br><br>\nHe has been involved in helping shape IBM strategies to deliver solutions, especially to Mid-Market customers, with his participation in developing the Solution Builder Express portfolio, is a Redbook Author, contributing to Deploying IBM Workplace Collaboration Services on the IBM System i5 Platform, has written and delivered many dozens of in-depth Sales and Technical Enablement Workshops on a variety of IBM products and is a frequent speaker at Business Partner and Customer events.\n<br><br>\nHis primary focus is on working closely with IBM to help UK Business Partners to build up their Business, Sales and Technical capabilities across IBM software pillars and Linux.\n<br><br>\nNeil is a long-time advocate of good technologies for organizational benefit, in particular those from Lotus, and has helped form the Lotus Connections Special Interest Group, known as “Connectrâ€ÂÂ, estabilishing an innovative and fresh style of presenting ideas on the the product and important related topics, such as the organizational impact of implementing these technologies. \nFind out more via http://lotusconnectionsblog.com.
13:30 - 14:15
Title:
Zero Bandwidth Portal – Lotus Expeditor
Abstract:
IBM Lotus Expeditor provides a set of tools which can be used to convert existing Portal applications Client Services Applications capable of running locally on a client. This presentation will describe a real life customer scenario, that is currently in pilot, which has targeted a mobile work force and equipped them with mobile devices. (Notebooks and Tablets). Employees are able to use the corporate business portal from their mobile devices whether they are connected or disconnected. This presentation will demonstrate the many considerations that have had to be taken into account when designing distributed Portal applications.
Speakers:
Soheel Chughtai
Soheel Chughtai, Lotus Expeditor Enablement, IBM:<br>\nSoheel Chughtai is a member of the UK Technical Sales Community, specialising in Lotus Expeditor and Application Development. As a moonlighting job he maintains the Annotations and Wish List sections of the Expeditor Wiki.
14:25 - 15:10
(empty slot)
15:30 - 16:15
(empty slot)
16:25 - 17:10
(empty slot)
Vendor Stands
To enquire about a vendor stand please use our Contact Form
Location: ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH - Edinburgh
Address
ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH - Edinburgh
22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ.
Tel: (0)131 240 5000
Car Parking
If you are arriving by car please note that parking near The Royal Society is limited to meter parking only which can prove costly. The nearest car parks are at the St James centre; Leith Street or Castle Terrace, where there are 24 hour car parks. Please allow 10-15 minutes after parking to get to the venue.
By Road
Main roads into Edinburgh are the M8 from the West and the A1 from the South. From the East please follow the A90 and head for Queensferry Road
By Rail
Waverley Station is a five minute walk from the Royal Society with frequent local and national services. For Further information on train services please contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457484950
By Air
Edinburgh airport is approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre and is well served by frequent bus services and airport taxis. Car hire is available at the airport . The airport is a 20-30 minute car drive from the city centre.
Note, return flights from London are currently avaliable from budget carriers such easyJet for approx £50.
By Bus
Bus services to and from Edinburgh arrive/depart from St Andrew Square which is a five minute walk away.
By Bicycle
Main roads into Edinburgh are the M8 from the West and the A1 from the South. Cycle paths exist within Edinburgh. If you wish to come by bicycle please advise so that bike storage facilities can be arranged.
