This month we get to know Shannon O'Donnell. Mr. O'Donnell is the author of our AS/400 and RPG IV tests, and is also the Senior Technical Editor of Midrange Computing Magazine.

The Spotlight is on Shannon O'Donnell. Author of our AS/400 and RPG IV tests, and is also the Senior Technical Editor of Midrange Computing Magazine.

RN: Please tell us a little about yourself.

SHANNON: I began playing with computers and programming while serving in the United States Air Force in the early 80's. At that time I was using a Zenith 100 console PC. On it, I learned the fundamentals of programming by experimenting with the BASIC language. I was so enamored with the process that when I finished my active duty in the Air Force, I went back to school to get a degree in programming. I've worked on the AS/400 since it first came out in 1988 and the IBM System/38 before that. Over the last decade or so I've worked in a variety of industries, mostly as a consultant. Some of the industries I've worked in include manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, public media, education, and software development. Since 1997, I have been writing and editing for Midrange Computing Magazine, the world's leading "hands on" AS/400 technical journal. In the summer of 1999, I joined the staff at Midrange Computing as a full time editor.

RN: What interested you in writing ReviewNet tests?

SHANNON: I'd taken other "certification" tests before and was always annoyed at how they never seemed to reflect what knowledge you really needed in the trenches of the day to day world of Information Systems. I jumped at the chance to put together a test that would be both a reflection of the knowledge an average programmer should have to do their job well as allow those with more advanced skills to let their knowledge shine through. I wanted to avoid the "academia"-type tests we've all grown to hate.

RN:What did you enjoy most about writing your AS/400 RPG Programmer's test?

SHANNON: The research. I wanted to come up with as large of a cross section of test questions as I could so that I could cover the complete range of what a programmer would need to know to be proficient in their day to day jobs.

RN: How did you first get involved in writing technical articles?

SHANNON: I have been an avid reader of the AS/400 trade journals for years and always enjoyed the knowledge that other professionals like myself shared. I wanted to have that opportunity to share my knowledge with others too, and one thing led to another and before you know it, I was being asked to contribute technical articles on a regular basis.

RN: Outside of working with ReviewNet, what do you feel is your biggest professional accomplishment?

SHANNON: By far, my biggest professional accomplishment would have to be the fact that I get to share, on a monthly basis, the knowledge and information I am able to gather from AS/400 professionals around the world with my peers in the pages of Midrange Computing Magazine.

RN: Do you have any articles that you've written that you'd like to share with our ReviewNet clients that demonstrates your interests?

SHANNON: Midrange Computing has a weekly (changes every Wednesday) column on their web site called Coffee Break with the Editors. Each week, one of the magazine's editors are featured and are allowed to write on pretty much any computer-related topic. Some of the topics are fairly complex and bursting with information, while others are more light hearted and give the reader a chance to unwind for a few minutes while reading them. Most of mine fit into this latter category as I figure the average IS person has enough to think about every day without reading an article that strains their brain! AS/400 professionals might enjoy the article, "One Day, 11 Years Ago" that I wrote in November of 1999. I don't want to spoil the story by telling you what it's about, but
I think you'll enjoy reading it! Point your browser to
www.midrangecomputing.com/coffeebreak/bi.cfm?bi=991006.cfm to read it.