>I had a discussion a couple of days ago with an IBMer who told me that this
>list server was not being monitored by IBM, and that they were not accepting
>requirements submitted through here.  Needless to say, I was not thrilled by
>this disclosure - I thought that IBM was at least paying attention to what
>went on here.  Are there any IBMers out there on this server?  Is what I heard
>true?

Jerry, It was always my understanding that this is a user list and that there
is no commitment from IBM to monitor, answer or follow-up any discussion
topics. The formal processes (that I know of) to enter requirements include:

        DCR :   Design Change Request. This is accomplished through your
                IBM Account team. It's my belief that there are about 1500
                requests already on the list! Your Account team can add
                "me too" to existing requirements. This may help add weight
                to a particular request at the (regular) reviews of DCRs.

        GUIDE/SHARE:    I know much less about this than DCRs, but I guess
                all requests ultimately end up in the same queue. I think you
                have to be a member to submit a request this way.

It is evident from the many responses from IBM to queries on this list that a
lot of IBMers do indeed take heed and help when time etc permits. I for one
thank them for such efforts - it sometimes gets a very quick answer to a
query and I have learnt a lot during the last year from their replies.

Regards, Sheelagh

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Sheelagh Treweek                         Email: sheelagh.treweek AT oucs.ox.ac 
DOT uk
Sheelagh Treweek                         Email: sheelagh.treweek AT oucs.ox.ac 
DOT uk
Oxford University Computing Services     Tel:   +44 (0)1865 273205
13 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6NN, UK     Fax:   +44 (0)1865 273275
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