Dear IBM mainframer,

In a career spanning more than thirty years, primarily with mainframe clients, two things are clear:

  • Most clients want to increase their use of zEnterprise because it provides a scalable, secure, highly manageable server for their business.
  • A very small number of ISVs are frustrating client attempts to grow their mainframe platform.

Many years ago, as a result of client feedback to IBM, an internet mailing list was established where clients can discuss mainframe ISV issues with other zEnterprise shops. In 2012, IBM transferred responsibility for this facility to SHARE. ISAM Inc kindly offered supporting sponsorship so that SHARE could take on this project. In 2016, SHARE chose not to continue support, so Cheryl Watson and Watson & Walker volunteered to provide a home for this list. It is our hope that through communication comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes improved negotiating leverage.

Below you will find the “Acceptable Use Policy” and an application form to join our mailing list. There is no charge to you. Each email you will receive contains a link to unsubscribe if you decide it’s not for you. So give it a try! If you have any questions, please e-mail us.

I hope you will find value in this discussion vehicle and that it will assist you in achieving your business objectives with IBM’s mainframe platform.

Introduction

An ‘acceptable use policy’ exists so that you will know what to expect from your fellow participants in this mailing list, and they will know what to expect from you.

Participants

The purpose of this mailing list is to foster communications between those who buy System z software. Accordingly, the participants are involved in Software Asset Management at companies and institutions which have an IBM mainframe data center. This is a user-only forum. We reserve the right to limit or restrict participation in this group, in our sole discretion.

Content

You may post anything you wish related to the topic of mainframe software asset management. But you are responsible for what you say. Remember, postings are not anonymous. Both your name and your e-mail address will appear in your posting. You must honor your contractual commitments at all times, including any obligation of non-disclosure. You may not use this forum to engage in any illegal or unethical activity.

Please restrict your postings to the topic of mainframe software asset management. Please use other mailing lists or Internet news groups for other topics, such as technical issues.

Software negotiations can be an emotional activity but please do not use language that other people may find offensive. Helpful hint: if you are steamed and feeling at your creative peak, write your e-mail but then save it for an hour before sending it.

Although participation in the mailing list is controlled by a list administrator, fondly called the “ListMom”, there are several hundred other people who will receive every item you post to the list. So, while this is not a public forum, neither is it a private confidential discussion. Also, the technology does not stop participants from forwarding or otherwise distributing what you write so be aware that your message could inadvertently wind up someplace where you didn’t intend it to be. Of course, this type of internet communication is not secure either.

You should not forward emails from this list. If you need to quote something from an email, copy and paste the relevant portions into another note. You should not include anything that could identify the original author or their company.

You must not use membership in this community to sell your company’s software or services unless responding to another member who specifically requested information on your offerings. This applies whether you post your response to the mailing list or reply privately to another member. You may not use e-mail addresses obtained through the use of this mailing list to sell your company’s products. For clarity, this means if someone contacts you about your services or products, then go ahead and respond, but you should not initiate contact.

Summary

If you feel someone else is not abiding by this policy, please send a note to the “ListMom”, Cheryl Watson at isvcosts@watsonwalker.com. Posting your comments to the mailing list for distribution to everyone else is not productive.

Any participant who violates this policy may be removed from the mailing list.

This Acceptable Use Policy is subject to change.

We hope you find this mailing list a valuable resource. If you have suggestions for improvements, please drop a note to the “ListMom” at ISVCOSTS@SHARE.org.

The purpose of this mailing list is to foster communications between those who buy mainframe software licenses. Accordingly, the participants are involved in Software Asset Management at companies and institutions which have an IBM mainframe data center. Software vendors will not normally be allowed to participate. SHARE reserves the right to manage participation in this mailing list, in its sole discretion.

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