Conspiracy theory: Is IBM behind Fast400?

By Sarah Kimmel
Monday, July 14, 2003

      Almost two years since Fast400 entered, and caused a stir, in the iSeries marketplace, the CFINT-busting tool is once again raising suspicions — with one theory pointing the finger at IBM, Rochester.

      “IBM’s half-hearted attempt to stop, or at least expose, who these people are after all this time should raise some eyebrows. I’d think that with all of their lawyers and resources, if IBM really wants put a stop to this, they would have a long time ago,” says Alberto Saavedra, iSeries consultant, Santa Monica, CA.

      History: In October 2001, Fast400 gave iSeries customers an alternative to paying the hefty tax placed on 5250 Interactive. Since then, IBM has played PTF volleyball with the still anonymous developers of the CFINT-busting tool (IW 11/12/01). However, IBM has never taken legal action against them.

      Upon its announcement, executives in Somers were less than thrilled about this product, which was designed to essentially steal capabilities that IBM has been profiting from for years. In an exclusive interview with the Insider in November 2001, former iSeries general manager Buell Duncan warned that the use of Fast400 is “in basic violation of Software Subscription. This is unethical and (IBM) will not tolerate it (IW 11/5/01).”

A conspiracy theory

      Saavedra thinks that IBM’s warnings were just posturing. He sees Fast400 as IBM’s version of an escape valve, alleviating the 5250 Interactive tax and keeping customers on the iSeries. His theory implicates IBM of charging loyal customers a premium for 5250 Interactive while others take advantage of the tool that circumvents this fee.

      As far-fetched as it sounds, the idea came to Saavedra while watching the Matrix: Reloaded. In the film, the Matrix is a simulated world created to control all people. Zion is where the remaining people, those that rejected the Matrix, reside. Not to ruin a good movie, but the film reveals that Zion is simply another simulation designed to control those that reject and want to destroy the Matrix.

      “I realized that the idea of creating your own opposition is brilliant because it gives IBM more control and a list of customers who are on the brink of leaving the platform. If people are desperate not to pay for interactive, their only option may be to leave the platform for something cheaper. IBM cries that it is hurt by Fast400, but it’s keeping some disgruntled customers from throwing out the iSeries entirely,” says Saavedra.

      In Rochester and Somers, this conspiracy theory has some IBM’ers laughing. While not available for a full interview, IBM’s initial reaction is that this theory is amusing.

      “You’re kidding me, right?” asks Kirsten Graham, spokesperson, IBM, Somers, NY.

      Even though IBM denies all involvement in the creation and distribution of Fast400, Saavedra says that does not change his theory and that it is time for IBM to come clean.

      “What is more bizarre — that Fast400 is a rogue operation that is one step ahead of Rochester year after year, or that someone at IBM is orchestrating this charade? IBM’s product pricing strategy has been spotlighted by the Fast400 controversy, and it is time for it to explain its “governor” and pricing strategy, as well as Fast400’s impunity,” says Saavedra.

      Fast400 did not respond to the Insider’s request for an interview.

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Categories: IBM Strategy