IBM i Guided Tours 2026
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The IBM i team is announcing a series of Guided Tours on important IBM i topics. These Guided Tours are intended for IBM and Business Partner sellers and technical sellers. Customers are also welcome to attend the Guided Tour sessions.
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In this Guided Tour, Amy Blea shares key insights and perspectives on IBM Bob, offering a closer look at how the tool helps organizations better understand their IBM i applications, support modernization initiatives, and enable smarter, more efficient development practices.
In this Guided Tour, Amy Blea shares key insights and perspectives on IBM Bob, offering a closer look at how the tool helps organizations better understand their IBM i applications, support modernization initiatives, and enable smarter, more efficient development practices. Through guided examples and practical discussions, attendees gain visibility into how Bob brings clarity to complex environments and helps teams make more confident decisions. It’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage—whether you’re deeply experienced with the IBM i platform or just beginning to explore what’s next. And of course, IBM Bob will be along for the ride, helping make the journey both informative and fun.
$i++ ?>Amy Blea
Senior Product Manager
IBM
Senior Product Manager for IBM i with 15 years of strategic transformation and product lifecycle oversight, people development, change management, operational excellence, and corporate growth experience.
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Migrating mission-critical IBM i workloads and upgrading operating system levels are two of the most important, yet often the most disruptive, projects for IBM i teams. Join Kris Whitney, IBM i Chief Architect, and Yan Zhuo, IBM i Product Management Leader, for an in-depth IBM i Guided Tour of the latest version of IBM i Migrate While Active, now with new capabilities designed to help organizations move production workloads and perform IBM i operating system upgrades with significantly reduced planned downtime. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn how IBM i Migrate While Active enables production systems to remain operational while system and data changes are synchronized to the target environment in near real time. Kris and Yan will walk through how the solution supports a structured migration and upgrade process, including the initial system save, transfer and restore to the target environment, ongoing synchronization of changed data, validation, and final cutover. The Guided Tour will also highlight how IBM i Migrate While Active helps reduce complex multi-step save and restore processes, simplify migration and upgrade workflows, reduce operational risk, and maintain business continuity throughout the transition.
Migrating mission-critical IBM i workloads and upgrading operating system levels are two of the most important, yet often the most disruptive, projects for IBM i teams. Join Kris Whitney, IBM i Chief Architect, and Yan Zhuo, IBM i Product Management Leader, for an in-depth IBM i Guided Tour of the latest version of IBM i Migrate While Active, now with new capabilities designed to help organizations move production workloads and perform IBM i operating system upgrades with significantly reduced planned downtime. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn how IBM i Migrate While Active enables production systems to remain operational while system and data changes are synchronized to the target environment in near real time. Kris and Yan will walk through how the solution supports a structured migration and upgrade process, including the initial system save, transfer and restore to the target environment, ongoing synchronization of changed data, validation, and final cutover. The Guided Tour will also highlight how IBM i Migrate While Active helps reduce complex multi-step save and restore processes, simplify migration and upgrade workflows, reduce operational risk, and maintain business continuity throughout the transition.
$i++ ?>Kris Whitney
Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM
Kris Whitney is a Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM Rochester. He has worked at IBM for the last 19+ years and currently is leading the development for Db2 Mirror for i and IBM i Public Cloud enablement.
$i++ ?>Yan Zhuo
IBM i Product Management Leader
IBM
I have been with IBM for over twenty years, starting out as tech sales and consultant, then product management. Acting as a technical product manager, I worked with a development team, and together we delivered a next-gen requirements management product that was used by NASA for its mission to Mars. I launched the first multi-tenant SaaS with an on-prem delivery before IBM has the hybrid cloud infrastructure. And the multi-tenant SaaS product won the first subscription deal for IBM Cloud. Recently I have delivered business partner activation kits for watsonx.ai, watsonx.data and watsonx.governance. watsonx is IBM's generative AI platform.
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IBM i Access Client Solutions is the strategic interface for accessing, managing, and working productively with IBM i environments. Join Scott Forstie, IBM Db2 for i Business Architect, for an in-depth Guided Tour on the latest version of IBM i Access Client Solutions and the newest enhancements designed to help IBM i users, developers, system administrators, and database engineers work more efficiently. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn how ACS delivers a modern, flexible, and highly productive experience across key IBM i functions, including the 5250 emulator, Run SQL Scripts, Db2 for i database management, data transfer, printer output, integrated file system access, and open-source package management. The session will also highlight how ACS simplifies deployment and maintenance, supports a wide range of client devices, and helps organizations stay current with the tools they rely on every day. Whether you use ACS for day-to-day system access, SQL development, database analysis, administration, or modernization activities, this session will provide valuable insight into the latest capabilities and best practices for getting more value from IBM i Access Client Solutions.
IBM i Access Client Solutions is the strategic interface for accessing, managing, and working productively with IBM i environments. Join Scott Forstie, IBM Db2 for i Business Architect, for an in-depth Guided Tour on the latest version of IBM i Access Client Solutions and the newest enhancements designed to help IBM i users, developers, system administrators, and database engineers work more efficiently. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn how ACS delivers a modern, flexible, and highly productive experience across key IBM i functions, including the 5250 emulator, Run SQL Scripts, Db2 for i database management, data transfer, printer output, integrated file system access, and open-source package management. The session will also highlight how ACS simplifies deployment and maintenance, supports a wide range of client devices, and helps organizations stay current with the tools they rely on every day. Whether you use ACS for day-to-day system access, SQL development, database analysis, administration, or modernization activities, this session will provide valuable insight into the latest capabilities and best practices for getting more value from IBM i Access Client Solutions.
$i++ ?>Scott Forstie
Db2 for i Business Architect
Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Business Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989.
Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events around the globe and can be found @Forstie_IBMi and [email protected]. Scott is an avid runner and enjoys cooking.
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IBM i solution providers, ISVs, developers, and IBM Business Partners need easier access to the technology, skills, and ecosystem resources that help them build, test, modernize, and bring solutions to market on IBM Power. Join Tayna Fulmer, Program Director, IBM Power Technology Partner Program, Linda Alkire, Program Manager and Technical Content Strategist, IBM Power, and Ivette Alejandra Sanchez, Business Programs Manager, ISV Technical Engineering, for an IBM i Guided Tour focused on the IBM Power Developer Discount Program and the IBM Power Technology Partner Network. During this session, you will learn how these IBM Power programs can help partners reduce cost barriers for development and testing, access IBM Power processor-based servers on-prem and in Power Virtual Server environments, stay current on the latest IBM Power technologies, and strengthen their visibility in the IBM Power ecosystem. The discussion will also highlight how the IBM Power Technology Partner Network connects partners to technical resources, skills development, enablement content, go-to-market support, webinars, ISV innovation stories, and the IBM Power Solutions Catalog. Whether you are building new IBM i solutions, validating existing applications, modernizing for hybrid cloud, or looking to grow your presence in the IBM Power marketplace, this Guided Tour will show you how to take advantage of the programs and resources designed to help you innovate faster with IBM Power.
IBM i solution providers, ISVs, developers, and IBM Business Partners need easier access to the technology, skills, and ecosystem resources that help them build, test, modernize, and bring solutions to market on IBM Power. Join Tayna Fulmer, Program Director, IBM Power Technology Partner Program, Linda Alkire, Program Manager and Technical Content Strategist, IBM Power, and Ivette Alejandra Sanchez, Business Programs Manager, ISV Technical Engineering, for an IBM i Guided Tour focused on the IBM Power Developer Discount Program and the IBM Power Technology Partner Network. During this session, you will learn how these IBM Power programs can help partners reduce cost barriers for development and testing, access IBM Power processor-based servers on-prem and in Power Virtual Server environments, stay current on the latest IBM Power technologies, and strengthen their visibility in the IBM Power ecosystem. The discussion will also highlight how the IBM Power Technology Partner Network connects partners to technical resources, skills development, enablement content, go-to-market support, webinars, ISV innovation stories, and the IBM Power Solutions Catalog. Whether you are building new IBM i solutions, validating existing applications, modernizing for hybrid cloud, or looking to grow your presence in the IBM Power marketplace, this Guided Tour will show you how to take advantage of the programs and resources designed to help you innovate faster with IBM Power.
$i++ ?>Tayna Fulmer-Spaulding
Program Director | IBM Power Ecosystem
IBM
Tayna is a change leader who connects strategy, operations, and technology to turn business priorities into practical execution. At IBM, she leads initiatives across the Power ecosystem that strengthen partner engagement and create a more cohesive path for investment, enablement, and growth. Her work helps align business priorities, partner needs, and execution in ways that deliver meaningful impact for IBM and its partner community.
$i++ ?>Linda Alkire
Program Manager, IBM Power Skills Academy
IBM
Skills gap, academic initiatives, community engagement, and all things IBM Power content and learning related.
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Ivette Sanchez-Ramirez
Business Programs Manager, ISV Technical Engineering
IBM
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Discover how the latest generation of IBM Power11 technology is redefining what entry infrastructure can deliver for IBM i environments. In this IBM i Guided Tour, Fiona Tang, IBM Power Scale-Out Product Manager, and Todd Boyd, IBM Power STSM and Principal Product Manager, will explore a new compact Power11 processor-based server designed to modernize core business workloads while extending enterprise-class reliability, security, and AI capabilities to branch, retail, manufacturing and edge locations. Learn how organizations can improve application performance, support modern hybrid workloads, and prepare for AI inferencing closer to data, all while maintaining the simplicity, resiliency, and trusted architecture IBM i clients depend on. They will cover key architectural enhancements, virtualization and security innovations, memory and storage advancements, and strategies for expanding IBM i environments alongside Linux and AI workloads on a single system. Whether you are planning a hardware refresh, looking to optimize software licensing efficiency, or exploring practical AI use cases for IBM i environments, this session will provide technical insights and real-world guidance for developers, system administrators, and infrastructure architects.
Discover how the latest generation of IBM Power11 technology is redefining what entry infrastructure can deliver for IBM i environments. In this IBM i Guided Tour, Fiona Tang, IBM Power Scale-Out Product Manager, and Todd Boyd, IBM Power STSM and Principal Product Manager, will explore a new compact Power11 processor-based server designed to modernize core business workloads while extending enterprise-class reliability, security, and AI capabilities to branch, retail, manufacturing and edge locations. Learn how organizations can improve application performance, support modern hybrid workloads, and prepare for AI inferencing closer to data, all while maintaining the simplicity, resiliency, and trusted architecture IBM i clients depend on. They will cover key architectural enhancements, virtualization and security innovations, memory and storage advancements, and strategies for expanding IBM i environments alongside Linux and AI workloads on a single system. Whether you are planning a hardware refresh, looking to optimize software licensing efficiency, or exploring practical AI use cases for IBM i environments, this session will provide technical insights and real-world guidance for developers, system administrators, and infrastructure architects.
$i++ ?>Fiona Tang
Power Product Manager
IBM
$i++ ?>Todd Boyd
STSM, IBM Power Product Mgmt.
IBM
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IBM i continues to evolve to help organizations modernize applications, strengthen security, improve operational efficiency, and support emerging business requirements. Join the IBM i Business Architects for an in-depth look at the latest enhancements across the IBM i platform and discover how new capabilities are helping clients get even more value from their investments. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn about advancements in security and resiliency, modern application development, Db2 for i innovation, system management, performance optimization, and hybrid workload support. The session will also highlight enhancements to popular IBM i tools and technologies, including Navigator for i, Access Client Solutions, open-source development environments, and backup and recovery solutions. Whether you are responsible for IBM i infrastructure, application development, database management, or IT strategy, this session will provide valuable insights into the newest capabilities designed to help you innovate, modernize, and prepare for the future with IBM i.
IBM i continues to evolve to help organizations modernize applications, strengthen security, improve operational efficiency, and support emerging business requirements. Join the IBM i Business Architects for an in-depth look at the latest enhancements across the IBM i platform and discover how new capabilities are helping clients get even more value from their investments. During this IBM i Guided Tour, you will learn about advancements in security and resiliency, modern application development, Db2 for i innovation, system management, performance optimization, and hybrid workload support. The session will also highlight enhancements to popular IBM i tools and technologies, including Navigator for i, Access Client Solutions, open-source development environments, and backup and recovery solutions. Whether you are responsible for IBM i infrastructure, application development, database management, or IT strategy, this session will provide valuable insights into the newest capabilities designed to help you innovate, modernize, and prepare for the future with IBM i.
$i++ ?>Brandon Pederson
IBM i and Power Product Marketing Manager
IBM
Brandon Pederson is the Product Marketing Manager for IBM i and Modernization within the IBM Power business. Prior to this role, Brandon was Content Marketing Manager for IBM WebSphere and Content and Community Manager for IBM Power. He has a degree in Marketing from Concordia University Texas and an MBA from Baylor University. Brandon is an Austin FC season ticket holder.
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Whether you're just getting your career in IT started, or you've been at it for a while, you probably hope that your job brings more than just financial stability, you'd like to feel a sense of fulfillment. After over 40 years at IBM, Steve Will, CTO and Chief Architect of IBM i, has some thoughts that might help. He'll talk about fundamental behaviors and traits which promote a fulfilling career.
Whether you're just getting your career in IT started, or you've been at it for a while, you probably hope that your job brings more than just financial stability, you'd like to feel a sense of fulfillment. After over 40 years at IBM, Steve Will, CTO and Chief Architect of IBM i, has some thoughts that might help. He'll talk about fundamental behaviors and traits which promote a fulfilling career.
$i++ ?>Steven Will
Chief Architect - IBM i, IBM
Steve has worked on the IBM i operating system and its predecessors since the initial development of the AS/400. Since 2007, he has been the IBM i Chief Architect, responsible for the strategy of the operating system and the plan for future releases.
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IBM i development teams are under increasing pressure to modernize applications faster while maintaining the reliability, security, and business continuity their organizations depend on. Join Tim Rowe, IBM i Application Development and System Management Business Architect and STSM, and Peter Ma, AI on IBM Power Product Manager, for an exclusive guided tour of the IBM Bob Premium Package for i. Designed specifically for IBM i developers, the IBM Bob Premium Package for i extends IBM Bob with IBM i-native AI capabilities that understand RPG, CL, DDS, application dependencies, and real system context. During this session, you will see how Bob helps development teams accelerate modernization, generate documentation, improve onboarding, create unit tests, and safely transform legacy applications using AI-assisted workflows purpose-built for IBM i. Attendees will learn how IBM Bob connects directly to IBM i environments, enables AI-powered code understanding and modernization, and helps organizations reduce risk while increasing developer productivity.
IBM i development teams are under increasing pressure to modernize applications faster while maintaining the reliability, security, and business continuity their organizations depend on. Join Tim Rowe, IBM i Application Development and System Management Business Architect and STSM, and Peter Ma, AI on IBM Power Product Manager, for an exclusive guided tour of the IBM Bob Premium Package for i. Designed specifically for IBM i developers, the IBM Bob Premium Package for i extends IBM Bob with IBM i-native AI capabilities that understand RPG, CL, DDS, application dependencies, and real system context. During this session, you will see how Bob helps development teams accelerate modernization, generate documentation, improve onboarding, create unit tests, and safely transform legacy applications using AI-assisted workflows purpose-built for IBM i. Attendees will learn how IBM Bob connects directly to IBM i environments, enables AI-powered code understanding and modernization, and helps organizations reduce risk while increasing developer productivity.
$i++ ?>Tim Rowe
Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i
Tim Rowe is the Business Architect for IBM i responsible for System Management and Application Development. He has a passion for modernization on IBM i and how we can continue to move IBM i into the world of 'Normal' . In his spare time he is a certified Soccer referee and enjoys refereeing games with his youngest son.
$i++ ?>Peter Ma
AI on IBM Power Product Manager
IBM
AI Product Manager with a strong data science foundation and a proven ability to lead a cross-functional product team and to launch and scale transformational programs, driving multi-million-dollar impacts. Experienced in product analytics, experimentation, and AI innovations, blending technical expertise with strategic vision to empower teams and deliver user-centric solutions. Skilled in fostering collaboration across all levels, optimizing product strategies, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
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In this Inside IBM Bob: A Hands‑On Demo session, Tim Rowe led a hands‑on guided tour of IBM Bob, giving participants a practical, end‑to‑end look at its capabilities and role within the IBM i ecosystem. Through live demonstrations and walkthroughs, the session highlighted how Bob can be used in real‑world scenarios to support system management, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall workflow efficiency. Participants gained valuable insight into where Bob fits within the broader IBM i strategy, along with best practices and guidance for getting started, making the session both informative and immediately applicable.
In this Inside IBM Bob: A Hands‑On Demo session, Tim Rowe led a hands‑on guided tour of IBM Bob, giving participants a practical, end‑to‑end look at its capabilities and role within the IBM i ecosystem. Through live demonstrations and walkthroughs, the session highlighted how Bob can be used in real‑world scenarios to support system management, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall workflow efficiency. Participants gained valuable insight into where Bob fits within the broader IBM i strategy, along with best practices and guidance for getting started, making the session both informative and immediately applicable.
$i++ ?>Tim Rowe
Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i
Tim Rowe is the Business Architect for IBM i responsible for System Management and Application Development. He has a passion for modernization on IBM i and how we can continue to move IBM i into the world of 'Normal' . In his spare time he is a certified Soccer referee and enjoys refereeing games with his youngest son.
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In this session, Wayne Bowers, provides a clear introduction to the essential components of IBM i networking and configuration. The presentation covers communication adapters, line descriptions, IP interfaces, routing fundamentals, and TCP/IP startup processes. It also reviews key IBM i application servers such as Telnet and FTP, offering practical guidance on configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
In this session, Wayne Bowers, provides a clear introduction to the essential components of IBM i networking and configuration. The presentation covers communication adapters, line descriptions, IP interfaces, routing fundamentals, and TCP/IP startup processes. It also reviews key IBM i application servers such as Telnet and FTP, offering practical guidance on configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
$i++ ?>Wayne Bowers
Software Engineer - IBM
Wayne Bowers has been with IBM since 1997, where he works with the IBM i Global Support Center in Rochester MN. He is an Advisory Software Engineer specializing in the support of the IBM i Access (aka Client Access) products, Console, the TCP Telnet communications server, and the IFS.
Wayne has been developing and delivering presentations since 1999, and at COMMON and other User Groups and IBM Conferences since 2009.