This was an overview of IBMLink and InfoAccess that was marred by facilities screw-ups. I came here for lack of anything better to do; this was one of those time slots that seem to run nothing but losers.

Nothing they told me about InfoAccess was new. With InfoAccess, you have the ability to dial up the IBM RETAIN database, search for known problems, download corrective service, and do what IBM euphemistically refers to as "Preventive Service Planning". This means "don't touch this gobbler with a ten foot pole unless you call us first".

They had a dialup (2400bps) demo of the ServiceLink application on IBMLink. It was REALLY SLOW. It took the hotel 20 minutes to realize that the demonstration was on and that IBM would really appreciate having a phone line in the ballroom. Despite the poor preparation for the demo, the ServiceLink information was enlightening. Soon you will be able to open problems with the IBM support center electronically, completely bypassing the (sometimes incompetent, often inexperienced, and always overworked) level-1 staff. You'll be able to trade electronic mail with level-2. You will be able to add yourself as an "interested party" for any open APAR. Pretty heady stuff.