Messages in FedEx ITD Retiree Breakfast Club group.
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Page 14 of 70. |
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/21/2013
Peter Dangerfield10/21/2013
Yep Jim was the man who wanted the Product Cost system and it was up to Jere and I to build it. Jim was famous for telling the FAA we screwed up installing the wrong boost pump on the Falcons so when FAA fined us we all took a hit pay wise for the transgression! I'm talking management, engineers and mechanics got fined.
Subject: Trivia Quiz: Who are these two gentlemen and when was photo taken?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/21/2013
Trivia Quiz: Who are these two gentlemen and when was photo taken?
Don Rose10/21/2013
Charlie Brandon & Jim Barksdale. Late '79 or early '80. ???
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/21/2013
Don is right, photo taken for the 1979 Financial Report. I guess this was a transition phase since Jim was Charlies replacement.
Subject: FedEX Trivia Quiz
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/22/2013
FedEX Trivia QuizWhat is this Photo of?
Where is it?
When was it taken?
Who was in charge of building it
David Hunt10/22/2013
It is the 5 way sort in the Super Hub. I do not know when and who.
Buddy Johnson10/22/2013
Looks to be one of the offload positions that feed the SuperHub. At some point, Karl Birkholz was in charge of that building.
Johnnie Edwards10/22/2013
i dont remember ever bringng cans into the building......but its definitely the 5 way primary sort..........would be once we had 737s and 727s..........the picture was take from the Sort Tower over the primary.........
Buddy Johnson10/23/2013
Judging from the company logos, this picture pre-dates change to the FedEx "Arrow: logo.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
This was a photo of the hub/offload around 1978-9 before the Superhub was operational.
Johnnie Edwards10/23/2013
all in the old Hub building............
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
Correct! and building the original hub was assigned to Ted Weise
Johnnie Edwards10/23/2013
built in 73.......operated sort out of hangar 7 prior to opening.........
Subject: FedEx Trivia Quiz
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
FedEx Trivia QuizIn the late 80's FedEx had deployed about 42,000 DADS wireless terminals in the Vans providing communications for Dispatch to the couriers & upload of scans from the SuperTrackers. These terminals were manufactured by MDI(Mobile Data Intl) out of Canada. We were purchasing about 2,000 a year for growth.We replaced this terminal with one designed internally by FedEx engineers and built around 45,000 new ones eventually.Why did we do this, versus just buying from a vendor?
Jim Gonka10/23/2013
I don't know but I sure remember swapping them out with endless overnight hours of work.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
Answer: We were paying about $2000 per DADS terminal from MDI and purchasing about 2,000 per year. Actual cost to manufacture these for MDI was about $600, they were manufactured in Asia.
Motorola bought MDI, and allowed FedEx to keep purchasing the terminals for a couple years.
Motorola, then decided, that FedEx should buy their new Motorola designed wireless terminal. It costs in quantities $3,500 and the minimum order was 20,000 units. And it didn't have the interface to the SuperTracker, didn't have software that would work on our current network, and had less capabilities than the MDI terminal.
I was doing the negotiations, and they wouldn't budge. They decided that FedEx would buy their new terminal, and we couldn't buy any of the older terminals.
Essentially they thought they had us backed into a corner. Even if we bought their terminals, we would have to change out most of the private radio network and rewrite the software.
We made the decision to build our own. Bruce Lindow's group had already designed a case, and had engineered new circuit boards. We did prototypes and then had the terminals built by SCI in Huntsville, I think at the cost of $800 each. So we saved about $1200 each from that day forward.
Nancy Hinds10/24/2013
And swapped out every one of those pups...Even the Nan was swapping FMTS. Somebody get Mike McNeer a clipboard.
Subject: FedEx Trivia Question: COSMOS
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
FedEx Trivia Question: COSMOSWhy in the early 80's was the executive decision made to rewrite COSMOS in IMS/COBOL versus continuing with ACP/Assembler which was much faster and took less memory?
Dan Elliot10/23/2013
easier to find programmers
Ben Moore10/23/2013
Cheaper programmers
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
from Winn Stephenson: Basically Barksdale made the decision. The original reason to use ACP was to take advantage of the ACP apps relating to passenger service and airline operations. Originally, Fred's vision was to move freight at night and people in the daytime. We bought airplanes that had a designation of QC (quick change), meaning they could quickly be reconfigured from freight to passenger mode.
This plan did not work out. We started doing day turns. A plane that is being used as a freighter does not easily convert to a passenger jet that people would want to fly in. And probably many other reasons.
Once we dropped the passenger requirement, ACP became a problem as it is very difficult to write traditional apps in IBM Assembler under the ACP (TPF) OS. 3270 screens were especially a pain as ACP does not support large screens very well. ACP does not have an database function like DL1 or VSAM. Also, ACP programmers were an expensive commodity and hard to find. One of the reasons COS was selected was to try to help attract ACP programmers.
So, Barksdale asked IBM for a recommendation and IBM said IMS. Cobol programmers were easier to find. IMS was very robust in data base handling, recovery and support. Built in routines handled large screens and many companies used IMS.
More back story here, but this is the essence of why the decision was made.
Winn
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
ACP vs IMS
All the comments so far have been correct. What I was told as primary reason was that the company was growing fast, data processing changes and functions were growing more complex as the company was branching into new products, not just overnight and delivery by noon.
It was taking 6 months for small changes to COSMOS, and up to a year for something complex. When COSMOS under the Airline Control Program blew up, it came up very fast, but with little data integrity. ACP was written to do fast transactions, and the data base was very limited and very structured.
One of the objectives was to have a system that could be flexible and meet constant changes. ACP or it's follow on ,TPF couldn't meet the need. Plus there were more COBOL programmers available and probably less expensive than assembly programmers.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
...and followup question...who wrote the 3270 interface for ACP?
Carl Wayne Hardeman10/23/2013
I was an ACP programmer for American Express in 1970 and later did 3270 native programming for Dunavant Enterprises. A few years back FedEx found it had just two of us old JOVIAL programmers which the crew scheduling system was written in.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
I've written software in over a dozen assemblers & languages...but never JOVIAL.........does that also mean you were Happy /Jovial Programmers?
John Toscano10/23/2013
The initial reason to select ACP was pretty academic. Certainly the inherent reservation system was a big plus but most importantly was the ability to support the anticipated high volume transaction processing requirements. Fast recovery from systems failure was also a big plus. IMS under MVS wasn't quite there yet in1978. One of the key advancements in IMS was the evolution of DL/I Fast Path databases. That coupled with the bigger, faster and cheaper IBM (or IBM look alike) processors and storage units permitted the consideration of IMS. Eventually, Ed White provided the convincing stats and arguments that full function IMS/DLI would work given our requirements. It did.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Ann Glisan: And me and my awesome team are still supporting COSMOS today. But we are finally moving it to Java and Linux.
Carl Wayne Hardeman10/25/2013
JOVIAL Was Jules' Own Version of the International Algebraic Language. It was a precursor to PL/1. Used on 3 computers all owned by USAF SAC and SDC Corp. Did this in 67-69. Also the assembler language on them called MAP.
Subject: Question for those who have been retired for longer than five months: How long does it take to stop ...
Deby Abbott Jolley10/23/2013
Question for those who have been retired for longer than five months: How long does it take to stop dreaming about FedEx? Does that ever happen?
Deby Abbott Jolley10/23/2013
...or do I need therapy?
Connie Morgan10/23/2013
It's been just past a year and I haven't had a dream or nightmare yet. It was like a vacation for a bit and then it was like those 30 years just went. Loving retirement everyday.
Linda Cook Thorn10/23/2013
I doubt it, Deby. I think I always will miss it and get goose bumps every time I see one of our beautiful planes, our sort facilities or an interview with Fred or one of the executives, etc...
Carolyn Fiveash Perkins10/23/2013
I still occasionally dream I'm at work. Or would that be a nightmare.
Patricia Ross10/23/2013
It's been 4 yrs and I still dream occasionally about work. No therapy needed. Just difficult to release all those years we spent there.
Jere Bledsoe10/23/2013
It's been 14 years for me and I still have dreams about some event, some place or person from my FedEx days. I guess once purple, always purple.
Gary Phillips10/23/2013
The nightmares go away quickly. The dreams that you are just at work will last a while.
Karen Schmidt10/23/2013
I miss my friends at work, and my friends on my route... but I don't miss the "hurry and hurry some more"!!!!!!
Subject: There is a nice 2 page article on Pete Dangerfield by Jean Ward-Jones in the 'FedEx Retiree News' ma ...
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
There is a nice 2 page article on Pete Dangerfield by Jean Ward-Jones in the 'FedEx Retiree News' mailout for Oct & Nov
Vicki Shirey Sanders10/23/2013
How do I get it?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/23/2013
I think you have to be a member of the retiree club to get the newsletter; they will post on ferc1.org but you may have to have a password to access. There is a contact address and you might send an email and ask for a copy: newsletter@ferc1.org
Linda Cook Thorn10/23/2013
I keep forgetting to join. On my list to do TODAY!!
Peter Dangerfield10/23/2013
Thanks Jimmy, Jean was very kind to do it.
Subject: FedEx Trivia Quiz
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
FedEx Trivia QuizAround 1998 FDX was formed when Federal Express purchased a Corporation which included RPS, Viking Freight, Roberts Express & some other companies.What was this Corporation called that Federal Express purchased?
Angela Maynard10/24/2013
Caliber?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Angie is the winner of the day! Caliber System, Inc
Subject: FedEx Trivia Question:
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
FedEx Trivia Question:From my memory, the first Telecom Mgr of Administration(ie Telecom billing, accounting etc) was Susan Wright. Larry Lake was the first Director of Telecom, and Winn Stephenson the second.Who was the first Telecom MD of Administration?
Jim Bentley10/24/2013
Was it John Schwarzman??
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Not John, he was Sr. Mgr of Telecom, then became an MD of Network for Zapmail
Nancy Hinds10/24/2013
Randy?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
not randy roy.
Nancy Hinds10/24/2013
Susan>
Nancy Hinds10/24/2013
The last was Angie - went to heck after that.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
First MD of Admin was actually Dianne Tuttle. My memory is hazy, but I think she was followed by Denise Wood(with Lan Engr)who went to Asia, followed by Belinda Watkins, followed by Angie.....but my memory fades each year.....
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
I may have left one person out. It seems like Belinda Watkins left FedEx to become the CIO of Jimmy Dean; Roy Beard who had been Sr. Mgr of Network Engineering had left the company to be a Director at Promus; He returned to FedEx and took the MD of Planning & Admin job. About 6 months later Roy & Laura left for Asia where he eventually became the IT VP of APAC
Shirley Lovelace Williams10/24/2013
Oh My, I am trying to figure out the order of these Mds because I worked for all of them except Angie. First it was Dianne Tuttle, then Denise Wood, Roy Beard and Belinda Watkins. It got to the point that people was scared for me to work for them because they either went over seas or left the company. My last ten years I supported Kay Moody and we both retired within a month of each other. FedEx was a blessing to me and even though I enjoy retirement I am proud to say I spent 22 years there.
Subject: FedEx Trivia
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
FedEx TriviaWho is this?
Where is this?
When is this?
Rebecca Schrimper Jones10/24/2013
Is the guy on the left Gary Phillips?
Rebecca Schrimper Jones10/24/2013
Is the guy on the left Gary Phillips?
Subject: Dennis Smith quote, Annual Report, 1980
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Dennis Smith quote, Annual Report, 1980
Subject: Note in the October Retiree Newsletter: (www.fedexlegends.info)
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Note in the October Retiree Newsletter: (www.fedexlegends.info)
Subject: Trivia Quiz
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Trivia QuizThe first Sr. Mgr of Telecom Engineering(that I know of) was John Schwarzmann who had worked at Bell Labs and AT&T. Larry Lake was MD. John left the department to do special projects when Winn Stephenson became the MD of TelecomWinn then reorganized everything.Who became the Sr. Mgr of Engineering?Who became the Sr. Mgr of Operations?
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Roy Beard was Sr Mgr if Net Eng.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Gary be right again!
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Operations being Net Control?
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
I guess NC fell under Ed White.
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Operations? Was Dick (something). The guy that drove the Vette and lived close to Winn?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Not him. were you thinking of Dick Collard?
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Yeah, that's the one I was thinking of. Randy Roy?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Roy Beard & Randy Roy are the correct answers:
After the re-org reporting to Winn were(I think):
Sr. Mgr Ops-Randy Roy
Sr Mgr Engr-Roy Beard
Sr Mgr Admin-Susan Matthews
Mgr Dads - Jim Moore
Subject: Today is my anniversary with FedEx - 36 years! I retire on November 30th! I am not sure what to expe ...
Jane Meredith Robbins10/24/2013
Today is my anniversary with FedEx - 36 years! I retire on November 30th! I am not sure what to expect!
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
That is a lot of years, congrats!
Karen Schmidt10/24/2013
I retired last year after 35 years of being in the delivery business as a driver... the past 15 years with fed ex..... at first I was all excited , but as the time got closer, I started to think about all the people I would miss..... but I LOVE retirement....
Subject: FedEx Trivia Quiz Around 1991 Ron Ponder was the CIO of Federal Express. He left to become the CIO o ...
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
FedEx Trivia Quiz
Around 1991 Ron Ponder was the CIO of Federal Express. He left to become the CIO of Sprint and later COO. Dennis Jones, who primarily had a finance/revenue background became the new CIO.Who were the VP's reporting to Dennis, when he took this job, that had reported to Dr. Ponder?
Jill Bradbury Greer10/24/2013
Ed White was one?
Charlotte Bergmann10/24/2013
Was Winn Stephenson one?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Ed White, VP of Operations was one! correct
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Winn Stephenson, VP of Telecom was one. Correct!
Charlotte Bergmann10/24/2013
Was Laurie Tucker one?
Subject: Trivia Quiz Who were these two gentlemen?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Trivia Quiz
Who were these two gentlemen?
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Jimmy Burke and ?
Sammie Helton Butts10/24/2013
Johnny Wong?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Jimmy Burk(30 lbs heavier then) & Johnny Wong. I was developing software on the Tandem in Algol and developing spec for M/A-Com for new satellite system; Johnny was a mgr developing models for deploying satellite system and costs.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
Year 1985
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
Didn't recognize Johnny. Threw me off on both when you said 'gentlemen'.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
should have said gentle men
Gary Phillips10/24/2013
lol
Marie McVay10/24/2013
I recognized you but Johnny looks 12 yrs. old .
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/24/2013
He does look young. Got an email from Johnny who also was taking the buyout. Not sure if he has left company yet.
Nancy Hinds10/24/2013
I spotted you both..
Subject: Who is this? What did she do at Federal Express?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/25/2013
Who is this? What did she do at Federal Express?
Chris Jones10/25/2013
Carole Presley. Head of mktg
Gary Phillips10/25/2013
Yes, Carol P.
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/25/2013
Carole Presley, is correct and she was the SVP of Marketing in in the 90's
Subject: Who is this? What group did she originally work in? What does she do now?
Jimmy Glenn Burk10/25/2013
Who is this? What group did she originally work in? What does she do now?
David Hunt10/25/2013
Denise Wood ... Network Engineering ... CVP Info Sec
Gary Phillips10/25/2013
Yep. Started in Net Eng.working for Roy Beard. Became mgr. And later MD. Worked in China, came back and became VP. Now CVP like David said. David and I worked in the trailer at 2955 Rep with Denise and others.
Gary Phillips10/25/2013
Looks classic Denise circa 1988-92
Shirley Lovelace Williams10/25/2013
Yep that is DDW ok. I worked for her before she went to Hong Kong. Roy Beard hired me in 1986 and she was a Manager under Roy. David and Gary, I believe both of you were in that group also. Later when she became a MD Winn assigned me to work for her and she was very good to me.
Nancy Hinds10/25/2013
A lovely photo of DW
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