Information On Demand 2008: Here we go!

Time for the annual trip to IBM’s Information on Demand (IOD) conference. As I write, I’m on the plane to Vegas.

Last year I attended as an IBM consultant. This year, I’ll see it through the eyes of a Sales Engineer role. More time talking with current and potential customers, less time networking with other IBMers. If you’re at IOD, I’m working the Optim booth Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Stop by and say hi!

So, what to see at this information extravaganza? I’m still trying to decide – here’s my plan so far.

• Tonight’s Community Reception: I’ll hop between the Banking and Finance community and the Data Management community. My product suite falls into Data Management, and my industry background is Retail Banking.


• There’s a couple sessions on Data Quality that I can’t pass up (big surprise there). “Preliminary Data Quality Assessment Accelerators for SAP” looks good.


• From what I’m told “Analyzing Data Relationships” should be pretty interesting. Insider tip: when you see a session repeated several times during the conference, there’s a good chance it’s related to a new technology/announcement.


• I’ll hang out at the SAP Day sessions on Wednesday, whenever I'm not on booth duty. My role within Optim emphasizes SAP accounts, so that’s an easy decision.


• If you have an IBM certification, be sure and stop for a free neck/shoulder massage (or two!) in the Certification Lounge. I know I will. Last year the lounge was a quiet spot with eats, comfortable chairs, and free space to spread out or talk. And did I mention the free neck and shoulder massages?

Hope to see you there.