While the phrase “90 days probation” may bring to mind the image of a sulking teenager who has been given a chance to reflect on their actions, it is also a period of natural adjustment when someone starts work at a new company. Take 3 months; get to know your surroundings, your colleagues, and the job description. This period allows both sides to gauge the synergy as that new employee is adopted into a corporate family

Today marks the completion of my first 90 days serving as the Director of Security Technologies here at PowerTech. And, although I have never worked this hard in my life, the effort has come easily based on a rekindled enthusiasm for the work that I’m doing. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most mentally intense—but equally rewarding—phases in my working life. I’ve been around IBM i security and have worked closely with the PowerTech products for years, but I have never had the opportunity to work with such a driving force as I’ve found in the teams here at Help/Systems and PowerTech.

In the 20 years since my IT career began, I have had the good fortune of working my way up the ladder in some top performing companies. I started as a trainee programmer back in October of 1989 learning about RPG/400 and Query. Since then I have seen the world transform, and the AS/400 along with it. I am happy with the choices that I’ve made in my career, and this one is no exception. Although it’s sometimes hard to break away from your comfort zone in life, there are times when the sun and moon align, and things just click. Despite having to adjust to living a state away from my family, my move to PowerTech has been one of those “click” moments for me.

So what has been happening during the last 90 days? I have found myself embracing new areas of communication, such as this blog, and an active Twitter feed of security news and events at www.twitter.com/powertechgroup. I’ve written several articles for leading trade publications, hosted Webinars with other industry experts, and even created a podcast. Our team collaborated to support the launch of our free electronic newsletter, PowerNews, and the next edition should be finalized by the time you read this.

I truly believe that we conduct the most creative direct marketing of anyone in our industry, and that has resulted in the design and mailing of several stunning pieces on solutions to various security challenges. We have given away a free Netbook, a new iPod Nano, and numerous gift cards just to say “Thank You.” In an effort to give back to the IBM i community, we’ve mailed a letter to user groups across the U.S. with an offer to share our experts with them. We have established a schedule of weekly educational Webinars that have already been attended by hundreds of people, and we’ve conducted dozens of no-cost compliance assessments, not to mention product demos and evaluations. We’ve even found time to forge new relationships with companies who share our philosophies of quality products, premium customer support, and who excel in their respective markets.

Most importantly, we are continuing to develop and enhance our products in response to our customer requests. As a former application developer, I am thrilled at what Help/Systems’ quality system and procedures are doing for our security suite. I think new and existing customers alike will be blown away by the flood of ideas that are bouncing around the PowerTech halls. Sure, there has been a transition, as you will find any time two companies come together, but the result in our case is an organization that is strong, creative, and focused; dedicated to continuing to provide class-leading products, and superior customer support.

So it may sound understated, but I can’t wait to see what the next 90 days will bring….

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 9:54 am and is filed under Security. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.