ASAP, the Tivoli Workload Scheduler (TWS) User Education Network, is an independent entity established as a means for businesses holding a TWS license to share ideas on TWS installation, applications and problem-solving discoveries.
ASAP members share common goals:
- to exchange and disseminate information relative to TWS and related automation products
- to influence the direction of product design and enhancements through a formal requirements process
Mission Statement
ASAP's mission is to empower our members to more effectively manage their automation systems through the development and maintenance of a user network.
To accomplish these purposes, ASAP meets once a year at a conference that is of general and specific interest. The conferences provide a technical and informational exchange that is of significant value for the attendees. Members have derived the greatest benefit through the informal exchange of information about TWS implementation and management. Each installation is unique; however, there are common interests and opportunities in the areas of training, scheduling, application, integration and expansion. Informal discussions on various solutions have provided each member insight as to how these problems might be approached and overcome. The membership also shares those extremely important approaches which have led to the successful solution of problems. User and vendor session are presented at the conference through the generous donation of time, resource and talent of the TWS user community and their respective organizations. More than 2,000 TWS schedulers, managers and programmers have attended ASAP conference since its inception in 1990.
ASAP growing membership continues to benefit members by adding additional weight to the established relationship with IBM. ASAP provides formal requests for software enhancement, requirements for hardware and has presented formal development specifications. These activities are direct responses to member needs and desires which are more effectively communicated to IBM through the ASAP organization.
While membership is not required in order to participate in the conferences, it is required for the other benefits of ASAP; such as, receiving publications, discount conference registration fee, the right to submit and vote on requirements and the right to participate in the business of the organization. Membership is available to commercial TWS licensees for $500.00 per year plus an initiative fee of $250.00.(Note: The initiative fee is a one-time only fee as long as membership is annually maintained. Should membership lapse and be discontinued for a year or more, an organization will be required to join as a new member and will be subjected to the new member initiation fee.)