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Well, since I assume Volker's post is referring to me (although I could be wrong!), I guess it is time for me to let everyone know what is going on. I'll explain what's going on, and then I'll have a "FAQ" of sorts at the end to answer the questions I am sure you're going to have. So, what's the big deal, you ask?

I have decided to part ways with IBM.

I have accepted a new position with TeamStudio - I am the new Vice President of Products for TeamStudio. As you can see, this is a new (and big) step in my career path, and it really affords me the opportunity to extend and grow as a professional. Now, I am sure you have a few questions - and I'll answer them as a FAQ below.

FAQ
When do you start with TeamStudio?
My last day with IBM is 15 JAN 2008. I leave for Lotusphere on 18 JAN 2008, so my first full week with TeamStudio will actually be at Lotusphere.

So, what does this mean for Lotusphere?
I am very fortunate in that I have had a great working relationship for many years - both as a BP and as an IBMer - with the Lotusphere team. It is a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Because of this I have been allowed to fully participate in Lotusphere - all of my sessions, SpeedGeek, GURUpalooza, JAMfest, etc. So, even though I'll be a member of the TeamStudio team, I'll still be a part of Lotusphere - and I can't wait!

OK, that's good. Now explain why you decided to leave IBM...
Before explaining that, let me say that I have enjoyed my time back at Lotus and IBM. I have learned a ton, I believe I have contributed to the "greater good" of the products, and I have made many new friends. However, I have been looking for more - more of a challenge, a different way to grow my career and take it to the next level. Add to that the fact that I have always been an entrepreneur more than a "company man" - and to be honest I have had a strong desire to get back into an entrepreneurial environment. So, with all of that in mind I had been looking around a bit - but my criteria was (and is) high, and I am very selective this time around. I wasn't going to leave IBM/Lotus - a great job in its own right - for just any job. It had to be the right opportunity that would give me a chance to grow as a professional and entrepreneur. Fortunately, TeamStudio had the perfect opportunity for me.

Now tell me what you'll be doing as the "Vice President of Products" for TeamStudio...
I will be wearing many hats in my role as the VP of Products - and like any entrepreneurial position the roles and "hats" that I'll wear will change to meet the needs of our customers and company. A good way to think of my job is something like a "super" Product Manager. My main responsibilities will include:

Community Interaction - I will be responsible for helping TeamStudio play a more active part in the Lotus community. We have many ideas as to how we're going to do this, and you'll be seeing more about this later on.
Product Innovation - I'll work closely with Craig Schuuman, the head tech-guy at TeamStudio (and VP of Product Development), and between us we're going to come up with new and innovative products, offerings, and features for existing products that TeamStudio can offer. Craig and I have already had a great deal of fun brainstorming through some ideas we have, and I think you'll be pleased and excited with what you see.
Evangelism - I am going to obviously be a vocal evangelist for TeamStudio and their offerings. I'll be speaking at all of the shows I normally speak at, and probably a few more. One thing you'll see is that I'll continue to speak on topics you want to hear about - tips, tricks, techniques, etc. - as well as more "vendor" type stuff around the TeamStudio offerings. I also hope to train others at TeamStudio so that they can speak at conferences as well, about a variety of topics - not just about TeamStudio offerings.
Anything Else That's Needed - hey, TeamStudio is a small company. I'm an entrepreneur. I'm going to do whatever I can to help TeamStudio be successful - with honesty and integrity, in such a way that everyone "wins" - TeamStudio, our customers, and the community.

Where will you be based?
I am very fortunate that TeamStudio understands a mobile work force, and that people can be effective no matter where they are. I will continue to work from my home office outside of Atlanta, and I will travel regularly to the TeamStudio offices in Beverly, MA as well as to other places as needed.

That's about all I can think of for now; however I am sure you have other questions that I have not mentioned. Please feel free to ask your questions here, and if I add them to the main FAQ I'll mention your name as well

Thanks again to everyone for your support over these years. As I open a new chapter in my life I must say that it is a fantastic ride because I get to enjoy the ride with all of you.

See you at Lotusphere!

Rock
**Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.--Mark Twain

Comments

1 - Hey, Rock, congratulations! Emoticon

Great opportunity. Seem to keep missing you live, but maybe someday.

Teamstudio and I go back a long time. Couldn't think of a better organization to work for.

Lots of Luck,

Howard

Posted by Howard Shevitz At 07:54:37 AM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

2 - wow man, I just saw this. Congratulations, Rocky! I've always thought Team Studio is a top notch outfit and I'm sure you'll fit in there.

Great to see you're still involved with Lotusphere. I sure miss going and I really miss the tight knit Domino community.

later,

Tom

Posted by Tom Nichols At 08:45:21 AM On 01/22/2008 | - Website - |

3 - Congratulations on taking your career in the direction you want it to go!

Posted by Sean Burgess At 09:59:37 AM On 01/09/2008 | - Website - |

4 - wwwwwwwwwwwwow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

awesome!!!!!

VERY COOL SIR. Congratulations!!

Posted by jonvon At 12:29:31 PM On 01/11/2008 | - Website - |

5 - Congrates Rocky! I think you made a smart move. TeamStudio is a great company and they understand Lotus. I think with your talent and background you will bring more to the table than they know. It's good to see good people move to good positions. Good luck to you and hats off to TeamStudio for recognizing talent.

Posted by David Vasta At 11:39:15 AM On 01/09/2008 | - Website - |

6 - Congratulations, Rock. As a TeamStudio customer, this is great news!

Posted by Rob McDonagh At 02:25:40 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

7 - Congratulations... dude.. Emoticon

Greeting Kubo..

Posted by Kubo At 02:46:06 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

8 - Congrats - see you at Lotusphere. Mr. VP is buyin'!

Chris

Posted by Chris Reckling At 03:36:36 PM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

9 - Congrats Rock! Maybe see you in Vegas sometime!

Posted by Brian Benz At 04:31:07 PM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

10 - Congratulations Rocky, it can't have been an easy decision. I hope TS know how lucky they are.

Now about this bug I have in CIAO! Emoticon

Posted by Matt White At 11:42:47 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

11 -
Let me be the 30th to congratulate you. This means I will have to begin using 3rd party tools for the first time though.

Seriously, this is another example of the impact of the Notes 8 in Eclipse client and its impact on the ISV community. Teamstudio is smart enough to know that the whole game has changed and the market potential of ISV apps for Notes is suddely much bigger than ever before.

Posted by Andrew Pollack At 10:40:45 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

12 - A little amusing considering our ILUG conversation, but certainly a win-win-win for you, them and us. I think IBM will benefit as well by wider adoption of the Teamstudio tools by the development community. So make that a win-win-win-win. Congrats.

Posted by Kevin Pettitt At 03:32:26 PM On 01/10/2008 | - Website - |

13 - Congratulations! I bet you will enjoy your new career!

Posted by Vince Schuurman At 02:24:34 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

14 - For a question:
%REM
Did you comment your IBM code?
%END REM
Emoticon

Posted by Curt Stone At 06:48:15 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

15 - Congratulations, Rocky.

Posted by Manning Clark At 09:05:25 PM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

16 - Way to go. Rock on.

Posted by Theo Heselmans At 12:07:02 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

17 - Rocky,

Congratulations. Look forward to catching up in a couple of weeks in Orlando.

cheers, Neil

Posted by Neil Agate At 02:41:17 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

18 - Congrats, Rock!

Let me know when you're in Beverly. It's pretty close to my office at HP. We could get together -- and I may have some TeamStudio-related business to discuss.

Posted by Richard Schwartz At 03:30:07 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

19 - Many congratulations Rocky, and I'm looking forward to seeing some exciting TeamStudio developments soon.

Posted by Julian Woodward At 12:39:41 PM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

20 - Congrats on your new post Rock - but always sad to lose a valued colleague Emoticon

Posted by Steve Castledine At 11:57:58 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

21 - Many congratulations Rock!! I know you'll do great! See you in a couple of weeks.

Posted by Chris Whisonant At 08:43:08 PM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

22 - Congrats! It's been great working with you and hope we continue to do so in some way. See you soon!
--Mac

Posted by Mac Guidera At 02:48:04 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

23 - Congrats Rocky. Best of luck in your new job. I'm sorry to see you leaving Lotus, but happy you're still in the community! See you in Orlando.

Posted by Alan Lepofsky At 02:10:20 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

24 - Congratulations and wishing you continued success

Posted by Chris Pepin At 02:47:31 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

25 - And I'll add my kudos, also...

Posted by Duffbert At 11:56:04 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

26 - Wow! I was just going to check my email betwee Wii tennis matches.
Best of Luck! So glad you'll still be Mr. Lotusphere. I was thinking of not renewing my Teamstudio license. I've just changed my mind.

Posted by Curt Stone At 06:22:09 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

27 - Congratulations Rocky!!

who's gonna continue this task now? Emoticon

Community Question: What templates do you want today?
{ Link }

JYR

Posted by JYR At 01:53:44 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

28 - Congrats, Rock! Can't wait to see what comes form TeamStudio

Posted by Chad Schelfhout At 05:09:54 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

29 - Hmm, sounds like me exactly one year ago Emoticon

Drop me a line if you want to hook up somewhere in Roswell and good luck on your new gig. It'll take awhile to 'deprogram'.

Posted by Toby Banks At 03:44:36 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

30 - Congratulations Rocky! Glad you'll get back into the entrepreneurial mode, where I've seen you shine. See you soon.

Posted by Jamie Magee At 04:53:40 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

31 - Congratulations!! and best of luck!!

Posted by Bill Dorge At 10:45:27 AM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

32 - Rock:

All the best wishes to you in your new endeavor.

Cheers
The Unofficial Poster Child For Lotus Notes and Domino!

Posted by The Unofficial Poster Child For Lotus Notes and Domino At 02:50:35 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

33 - Congrats and best wishes! Glad to see you'll still be part of the community, and I look forward to seeing what TS comes up with next.

Posted by Don McNally At 10:18:29 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

34 - Congratulations Mr. Vice President!

Good luck with the new job.

Posted by Vitor Pereira At 12:05:29 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

35 - Congrats Rock .... sad to see you leave, but wishing you great success and even greater happiness in your new entrepreneurial role.

kind regards,
Ian

Posted by Ian McNairn At 11:46:54 AM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

36 - Of course I was referring to you. Congratulations, Rocky. It's been long overdue.

Posted by Volker Weber At 11:27:28 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

37 - WOW Rocky! This sounds like a really exciting move, and I'm happy for you. You've been a pillar of the Lotus community since forever, and I expect that doesn't change. Rock on!!

Posted by Bob Warth At 05:51:33 PM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

38 - Congratulations Rocky. I wish you all the very best in your new role!

Posted by Frank At 06:12:57 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

39 - Congratulations buddy. Looking forward to seeing you around the conference scene.

Posted by Roy Rumaner At 11:51:01 AM On 01/28/2008 | - Website - |

40 - Congratulations Rocky. It would be a lot harder to get any work done without TeamStudio products. I look forward to seeing what innovative new products and features you help the team come up with. Emoticon

Posted by Jack Ratcliff At 03:10:55 PM On 02/02/2008 | - Website - |

41 - Rocky, You will be missed here at IBM, but it is great to see that you are staying part of the Notes/Domino community. Congratulations on this tremendous opportunity!

Posted by John Beck At 04:57:53 PM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

42 - Well done Rocky - best of luck in the new path - TS have always seemed to be a pretty good bunch to me, even from my basic dealings with them over the years.

Posted by Paul Mooney At 11:15:27 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

43 - Congrats Rock- just remember to making the trips to Beverly,MA after Memorial Day, hopefully it be warm by then :)

Posted by Mike Robinson At 06:00:01 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

44 - Congratulations, Rocky!

Posted by Tim Tripcony At 12:03:04 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

45 - Many congratulations Rocky - sounds like a real challenge and one that, done well, will aid the community at large as well as TeamStudio as a company.

Good luck...

Posted by Stuart McIntyre At 11:59:03 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

46 - Congrats to you Rocky. While I'm sad to see you go (as I was hoping to get a chance to work with you at IBM), it sounds pretty kick @ss! TeamStudio rocks and it's exciting to hear you'll be a part of that.

Best of luck!

Posted by Chris Blatnick At 08:17:01 AM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

47 - Congratulations with your new challenges, Rocky! I am looking forward to see some amaing new products from Teamstudio Emoticon

Posted by Per Henrik Lausten At 02:24:13 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

48 - Congratulations! Glad to see that you'll remain a part of Lotusphere.

Posted by Alex Kassabov At 08:25:59 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

49 - Rocky,

Congratulations! I wish you all the best in your new job with TeamStudio. I couldn't think of a better person for the job than yourself. wOOt!

Posted by Bruce Elgort At 11:47:44 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

50 - Congratulations on the new gig Rocky!
Emoticon

Posted by Phil Randolph At 03:23:14 PM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

51 - Let me be the first to congratulate you. And it's great that you'll continue to be so involved with the Lotus community and Lotusphere. See you in a few weeks!
Emoticon

Posted by Rob Novak At 11:13:58 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

52 - Rocky, many congratulations!

Posted by Cristian D'Aloisio At 05:06:02 PM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

53 - It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Teamstudio products (and the people). I've been fortunate to have used Teamstudio products at several companies over the past many years. Congrats on joining a class outfit. I look forward to even more good things coming :)

Posted by Joe Litton At 10:41:10 AM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

54 - That's really great Rocky! I'm glad for you and hope the best for you on your new opportunity. Emoticon

Posted by Sean Harris At 08:11:25 PM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

55 - Congrats man!

Posted by Ed Brill At 11:54:48 AM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

56 - Congrats man!!! Fingers crossed for the new job...

Posted by Joerg Hochwald At 02:05:53 AM On 01/07/2008 | - Website - |

57 - Congratulations, Rock.

A huge loss for IBM in my opinion, but hopefully a huge benefit for you, TeamStudio and the Oliver family!

The big question, however, is ... Will VP Rocky wear a tie at GURUPALOOZA? Emoticon

Posted by Lars Olufsen At 04:28:23 AM On 01/08/2008 | - Website - |

58 - Congratulations! I been using TeamStudio productss for many years now, great tools. I am also very glad that IBM will let you stay involved in Lotusphere, this is a win-win situation for all parties.
Again, congrats and see you in 2 weeks in Orlando!

Posted by Karl-Henry Martinsson At 11:22:02 AM On 01/06/2008 | - Website - |

59 - Wow!
Well, better late than never I suppose, to add mine to your huuuuge list of congrats!
So congratulations.
Teamstudio have an awesome series of products.
So glad you'll still be involved in shaping the industry.
...Deb

Posted by ChangeWarrior At 01:56:23 PM On 01/22/2008 | - Website - |

60 - A loss to IBM, but hey, they'll do just fine (no offence ;o) ). This is excellent news for you and TS so I wish you all nothing but the very best!

Posted by Ben Poole At 08:31:26 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

61 - Congratulations Rock!

Posted by Andy Donaldson At 01:30:23 PM On 01/05/2008 | - Website - |

62 - Congratulations Rocky, Best of Luck!

Posted by Gloria Flaherty At 02:31:53 PM On 01/09/2008 | - Website - |