COMMON started over 40 years ago in Chicago with a small group of people sitting around a kitchen table trying to work out a common coding problem on an IBM 1620 (hence the name COMMON - for Common interests. It's not an acronym). That meeting turned out to be the first COMMON meeting, and the organisation grew from there. Within Europe at about the same time, in Switzerland, three IBM users felt that it was time to unite and so started our organisation.

Since then, COMMON groups and organisations have sprung up around the world to allow IBM small systems users to get together to obtain the most from their investment. As the meetings have grown, they now have unparalleled access to the latest knowledge, education and expertise, allowing them to increase the value of information technology to their businesses. 

Our Mission

COMMON EUROPE is an umbrella organisation of national IBM user associations, representing most European countries. It is a non profit association of companies, organisations and individuals, who are involved in IT solutions, using IBM mid-range architecture and solutions.
 
The aims and purpose of COMMON EUROPE are to:

• Encourage members to exchange experience and information related to the use of IT.
• Offer its members advanced education and training in IT.
• Influence IBM's strategy for product development and service levels through a formal Requirements Process
• Encourage an ongoing, open dialogue between members and IBM.
• Influence the setting of international standards in the interest of its membership

As an umbrella organisation, COMMON EUROPE is committed to support its member countries, in achieving their mission at the national level. Specifically, the umbrella organisation supports contacts with, and access to, the international level of the worldwide economy today. IT is the area that is vital to the success of nations and of individual companies alike, and should be represented internationally..

Think Globally, Act Locally

Members of COMMON may participate in activities at country level and through Common Europe, at an international level. Within the country, members often need fast and easy solutions to daily problems, and where communicating in ones native language is often easier. Only a local, national structure can offer this facility. Moreover, these activities can cater to the national culture and flavour. Depending on the geography and on the economic situation, the activities offered in the various countries do vary. Large countries often organise conferences of two or more days with exhibitions and multi stream agendas, while smaller countries might prefer something smaller.
At the European level, the official language is English. Once a year, COMMON EUROPE organises an international congress in one of the member countries, and members from all countries are invited.

Within the European context, the official language is English. Once a year, COMMON EUROPE organises an international congress in one of the member countries, and members from all countries are invited.

Common Europe is also charged with forming an advisory council consisting of a representative sample of all end user members. This council known as Common Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) is used as a forum for a dialogue with IBM on strategic and long term issues.

COMMON EUROPE is also part of a worldwide forum, COMMON International, which can be used to bring the influence of the global community of users where necessary

Specific Activities

The Annual Congress.

Organised every year in a different member country, the international COMMON EUROPE CONGRESS offers an opportunity to meet colleagues from all over Europe, who share the same concerns. It is possible to talk to the developers of hardware and software solutions and to listen to experienced and knowledgeable lecturers. Moreover, it offers a chance to see across geographic borders and experience the culture of other nations. Here you may gain maximum benefit from learning about the experiences of other users and from getting the latest information from IBM. The Congress also hosts an exhibition of the latest IBM technology and of software developed for IBM systems.

Requirements.

Every member is welcome to present suggestions for the improvement of IBM products and services. The CEAC  prioritises these Requirements and forwards them to the appropriate IBM laboratory for consideration. Thus, by joining forces, all members have a strong voice in influencing the development of the products and services they require.