Thursday, August 23, 2012

MWLUG Is Social and Community

MWLUG 2012 was held last week at the Omni William Penn Hotel.  It was the most attended MWLUG so far.  Hopefully, next year in Indianapolis we will exceed this year's attendance.  We as IBM professionals talk about Social Business and Social Collaboration, but it is venues like MWLUG and other LUGs where the true sense of social occurs.  It is friends and colleagues meeting together for a common focus.  Even competitors at MWLUG were meeting together and having lunch.  It is all about us humans as a social beings.  Making some like MWLUG possible requires the efforts of many within our community including IBM Partners, Customers, and IBMers plus volunteers and others.  I would like to take the time to list all those who were involved, some were in the background and did not attend MWLUG 2012.  I just hope I did not miss anyone.  Special thanks to 4C Technologies and Sherpa Software:

MWLUG Committee
Richard Moy, Gregg Eldred, Barb Skedel, Susan Hosek

MWLUG Event Committee
Richard Moy, Barb Skedel, Susan Hosek

MWLUG Session Committee
Richard Moy, Gregg Eldred, Barb Skedel, Bernie Leung, Lisa Duke


Web Site
Mike McGarel, Roy Rumaner


Graphics
Josh Schmitt, Jackie McClellan

LUG Team Leaders
Ray Bilyk, Sam Bridegroom, Lisa Duke, Gregg Eldred, Scott Good, Tom Hillebrand, Jim Kersjes, Tom Markovich, Denny Russell, Barb Skedel, Shabana Wollin

Event Planner
Bill Fox

Email Marketing
Scott Sullivan

IBM
Cary Youman and his team, Jim Brungo and his team, Kami Bollwitt and her team, Marvin Vastbinder, Joyce Davis, Lisa Learned

Volunteers
Leann Moy, Allen Moy, Lily-Moy Chin, Kon Chin, Dan Hosek

Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Technology Council

MWLUG 2012 Sponsors:
MWLUG 2012 Speakers
Amy Hoerle, Andrew Barickman, Andy Donaldson, Arif Jaffer, Barbara Skedel, Benedek Menesi, Bernie Leung, Bill Malchisky Jr., Brian Moore, Carlos Casas, Charlie Brown, David Leedy, Denny Russell, Graham Acres, Gregg Eldred, Kathy Olek, Jalpresh Tailor, Jeremy Hodge, Joanne Bick, John Beck, John Head, Jon Schultz II, Julian Robichaux, Kara Francis, Kim Greene, Lindsay Patross, Lisa Duke, Louis Richardson, Luis Guirigay, Mark Roden, Martin Ridgway, Mike McGarel, Olaf Boerner, Paul Mooney, Peyton McManus, Phil Dipieto, Ray Bilyk, Richard Sharpe, Roy Rumaner, Roy Holder, Rupert Clayton, Russell Maher, Ryan Baxter, Sharon Haver, Steve Pitcher, Tony Holder

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Starts Tomorrow, Are you Registered? Why Not?

Tomorrow is the start of fourth annual Midwest Lotus User Group Conference, MWLUG 2012, this year it is in Pittsburgh from August 15-17, 2012 at the Omni William Penn Hotel.  If you are not registered for MWLUG 2012 there is still time.  This year will be our most attended MWLUG conference.  So if you are look for a first class LUG conference, MWLUG 2012 is it.  So get registered:

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

Thursday, August 9, 2012

DNP, NEOLUG, and WPLUG User Group Meeting at MWLUG 2012

This year at MWLUG 2012 we will be have three local Lotus User Group meetings on Friday morning at 7:00 AM.  So if you are coming, planning to come or not, please take the time to attend your local LUG meeting.  They need you support to continue running.  The three LUG are:
  • Detroit Notes Professional
  • Northeastern Ohio Lotus User Group
  • Western Pennsylvania Lotus User Group 
To see the agenda go to: http://mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Agenda.xsp


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Winner of the MWLUG 2012 Helping the Lotus Community

After reviewing all the candidates for this program with the MWLUG team, the winner of the free admission and hotel room for MWLUG 2012 is Paul Stockinger from Ohio who is currently looking for a full-time or contracting position.  We would like to congratulate him and see him at MWLUG 2012.

MWLUG 2012: DoubleTree Hotel Extend to August 9, 2012 and MWLUG for Unemployed

DoubleTree Hotel has extended the discount of $135.00/night for MWLUG Attendees until August 9, 2012.  However, they only have two rooms left and that it.  The hotel is almost full like the Omni William Penn Hotel.  So register as soon as you can.  For more information about the DoubleTree registration:

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Hotel.xsp


Also colleagues in the Lotus community who are unemployed, you must submit your submission to info@mwlug.com on why we should choose you for a free admission and a hotel stay for MWLUG by 1:00 PM CST today. For more information please click on the link below.

http://dominointerface.blogspot.com/2012/08/helping-out-lotus-community-chance-to.html

To register:

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

If the server is 404, please be patience and notify me so that I can reboot the JVM.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Attend MWLUG 2012

MWLUG 2012 is the one of the biggest LUG events in 2012 for us within the IBM community.  And here is the top ten reasons why you should attend:

10) To learn what a community is all about
9) To learn if any of the attendees saw a ghost at the Pittsburgh Haunted Ghost Tour
8) To learn if any of the Friday Night Arsenal Bowling participants get higher then 150 after a few drinks
7) To meet the Turtle and listen to his stories about Lotusphere
6) To learn the true platform of social collaboration, BEER!!!!!
5) To check out how many white hairs Richard Moy got from organizing MWLUG 2012
4) To meet Paul Mooney
3) To see if you can match the partying capacity of Kim Greene 
2) To listen to one of Darren Duke's many thousands of interesting stories

and the number one reason for attending MWLUG 2012 ...

1) To see what obscure brands of beer Gregg Eldred will drink at MWLUG 2012

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So there is still time to register for MWLUG 2012 and find out the true meaning of MWLUG 2012.

To register for MWLUG 2012:  http://mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

Reminder the new discounted hotel for MWLUG 2012 is the DoubleTree Hotel which is less than 2 blocks away from the Omni William Penn Hotel.  For more information go to:

 http://mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Hotel.xsp

Monday, August 6, 2012

Helping Out the Lotus Community. Chance to Attend MWLUG 2012 for Free

The past few years have been hard on many within the IBM community, from layoffs to elimination of training budgets. With that in mind, we would like to extend a free ticket and a free room to someone who would like to attend MWLUG.

We earned some free hotel nights from booking all the rooms at the Omni William Penn Hotel. We would like to help out the community and offer anyone who is unemployed and looking for a new position a chance to come to MWLUG 2012, improve their skills, and to network with the attendees.

Please submit a one paragraph description of why MWLUG should choose you to attend.  The prize is one free admission to MWLUG 2012 plus a free hotel stay at the Omni William Penn Hotel from Wednesday through Friday.

There is only one winner for this contest.  You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the conference.  To qualify you must not be self employed nor an IBM Business Partner. You must be currently unemployed.  You must submit your submission by Wednesday 08/08/2012, 1:00 PM CST to us. Send your submission to info@mwlug.com. Submissions received after 1:00 PM CST will not qualify.  All decisions are final. If we do not receive any submissions by 1:00 PM CST, we reserve the rights to assign the prize to anyone we feel qualifies.

Good Luck Everyone.

Friday, August 3, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Hotel Discount at DoubleTree Hotel


Our Omni William Penn Hotel allocation is full. If you were not able to register at the Omni William Penn Hotel for the discount rate of $135.00/night, you will be able to receive the same rate from the DoubleTree Hotel that is less than 2 blocks away. To register for the DoubleTree Hotel you must call 1-800-222-TREE (8733) and use the discount code MWLUG.

Special thanks to our professional event manager, Bill Fox from Helms Briscoe for helping us get this rate. The rate is guaranteed until at least August 7, 2012.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Announcing the MWLUG 2012 OGS Speakers

MWLUG 2012 is two weeks away and I am glad to announce our MWLUG 2012 OGS speakers:
  • Lindsay Patross, IheartPGH.com
  • Kathy Olek,  4C Technologies
  • Louis Richardson, IBM
Below is brief biography of our MWLUG 2012 OGS speakers:

MWLUG 2012 OGS Speaker

Lindsay Patross, Co-founder, IheartPGH.com
Lindsay Patross works in online community building - helping non-profit organizations and businesses grow their online communities. She has managed e-advocacy campaigns for VoteVets.org since 2008. Lindsay has worked with a number of businesses on their social media strategy. Currently she consults with Libsyn.com and pair Networks on their social media and email marketing. Past clients include the Post-Gazette, PR works, and Spreadshirt.com. Lindsay founded the blog IheartPGH.com in 2006.

 

MWLUG 2012 Platinum Sponsor OGS Speaker

Kathy Olek, Director of Marketing and Strategic Development for 4CTechnologies
Kathy is the Director of Marketing and Strategic Development for 4CTechnologies, this year's MWLUG Platinum Sponsor and an IBM Premier Partner specializing in custom application development and business integration. She has over thirty (30) years of experience in marketing, with experience in all aspects of electronic, social and traditional communications, including planning, market research, advertising, promotions, corporate communications, product development, media and public relations, incentives, event management, fundraising, web development, trade shows and collateral materials. She also manages the creative and graphic design team at 4C, a division known as 4CDesignWorks.

 

MWLUG 2012 IBM OGS Speaker

Louis Richardson, IBM Worldwide Social Business Evangelist
Louis serves as an IBM Worldwide Social Business Evangelist. In this role, he has the opportunity to meet with executives and business managers who have interest in leveraging social software in their organizations. Some are just starting out while others are well on their way. And in every case these conversations have provided Louis with a broad exposure to the practical and business relevant impact that social software is having on today's businesses. While the topic of social business can be complex, Louis' conversational and story-telling style relates well to non-technical audiences. He enjoys sharing his experiences and observations in conferences, workshops and through social communities and blogs.

Announcing the MWLUG 2012 Friday Social Event

The MWLUG 2012 Friday Social Event will be bowling at the Arsenal Bowl.  We have reserved the bowling alley for 2 hours of bowling, food and drinks.  And yes they have good beer.  The cost for this event is $11.95 plus shoes, food, and drinks.  The transportation cost is still being worked out.  So if you are staying over Friday evening, come join us for this event after an intense 3 days of knowledge and fun at the conference.

http://mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Friday.xsp

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Join Us at MWLUG for the "Responsive Web Design Mashup"

Are you using or looking at responsive web design for developing mobile or web applications, using it with XPages, Dojo, jQuery, PHP, Ruby or other tools? Come join us for the "Responsive Web Design Mashup" at MWLUG. I will be leading an open discussion on the use of responsive web design; talk about the different responsive design frameworks developers may use; and how developers are applying responsive design to both web sites and applications. I will be joined by Martin Ridgway from Perficient who will be presenting NT102: Getting Down and Dirty with Responsive Web Design on Thursday, August 16, 2012.  So after learning more about Responsive Web Design in his session come to this BOF and share your thoughts.  This BOF will be held at the Sternwheeler Room at 7:00 AM on Friday.

For more information go to: http://mwlug.com

To register for MWLUG 2012 go to: http://mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp


Monday, July 23, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Agenda is NOW online

The MWLUG 2012 Agenda is NOW online on our web site and we have 40+ sessions.  A couple of more sessions were added.  Special thanks to Mike McGarel for getting the agenda online.  It took a lot of work during the past few weeks in the evenings and weekends. 

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Agenda.xsp.

So make sure you register now because the new rooms are going fast.

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Announcing the MWLUG 2012 Thursday Social Event

The Midwest Lotus User Group Conference 2012 is not just about technology and business.  It is also about being social and connecting with your colleagues.  We are please to announce the MWLUG 2012 Thursday Social Event will be a mix of tour, food, drinks, and networking with our colleagues.  We will first learn about the ghostly things that has happened in Pittsburgh with the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour.  The tour will start at 6:00 PM in front of the Omni William Penn Hotel.  We will be assembling at the lobby. Please note that is is a walking tour. 

After a scary and exhausting tour of Pittsburgh, we will refresh ourselves for the next full day of sessions and fun at the Easy Street - Restaurant and Bar.  So come join us for food and drinks.  We will be meeting at Easy Street at 7:30 PM.  Easy Street is within walking distance from the Omni William Penn Hotel.

Make sure you have your badge with you when attending.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Sessions Announcement

We are proud to announce that the MWLUG 2012 sessions are now posted.  This year's sessions are incredible with many great topics and great speakers.  As always, MWLUG 2012 is packed with sessions that are relevant to both our IBM Lotus and IT community.  There is still more to come with a couple of more sessions and workshops that have yet to be announced.  MWLUG 2012 is six weeks away so make sure you register soon.

http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Sessions.xsp

To register goto: http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

Thursday, June 28, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Speaker Notifications Going Out

Today and tomorrow we will be sending out email notifications to all the great members of our community who took the time to submit their abstract for MWLUG 2012.  We received over 60 submissions this year which is 40% more than last year.  Unfortunately, we only have a limited number of slots available for this conference and we are pushing it as usual in what we can fit in.  There were so many great submissions. Hope to see everyone there.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Announcing MWLUG 2012 Opening General Session IBM Speaker





We are please to announce that the MWLUG 2012 IBM Opening General Session Speaker will be Louis Richardson, IBM's Worldwide Social Business Evangelist.  I am glad we were finally able to get Louis to speak at MWLUG .  Louis is a great speaker and extremely knowledgeable about how companies are using social collaboration to drive they business.  Louis will be presenting on the Thursday's OGS along with our two other MWLUG 2012 OGS speakers which we will be announcing soon.


Thursday, May 31, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Abstract Submission Ends Today

Today is the last day to submit your presentation abstract for MWLUG 2012.  If you are interested in submitting an abstract, please go to: http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Abstract.xsp before the end of today.

Friday, May 25, 2012

The Great Linux Experiment, My Adventure Away from Windows

Since October 2011 my home network has been plagued by slowness in the network.  I suspected that I had some type of malware on the network or our wireless network was compromised.  Each time I scanned the computers I would find Trojans.  After removing the Trojans, everything worked for awhile and then it started slowing down.  Something was stealing my bandwidth.  Even after performing rootkit scanning and removal, drive cleansing, and even replacing the routers and new passwords and security settings the issue would come back.

So finally I was fed up and decided to see if I could replace Windows with Linux for my home use.  I had already move most of our servers to Linux at work.  The concern that I had was that I would not have all the tools and applications that I normally used in a Linux environment.  I decided to install Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Desktop to replace my Windows operating system.  If it did not work, then I can cleanse the drive and then reinstall Windows if I had too.  Installation was very easy and with the LiveCD or LiveUBS option it is even easier.

I was surprise that I was able to find all the tools and applications that I needed relatively easily with most of them being open source.  The most painful thing was locating, installing, and configuring the printer and scanner.  Some manufacturers just do not support Linux.  Other than that I was able to get everything I needed.  Unfortunately, unless you have some Linux skills, Linux is not as user friendly as Windows for a typical user even with the latest version of Ubuntu.  The new Unity interface for Ubuntu I do not like at all.  So I switch the interface back to the classic Ubuntu interface.  Interface needs to be simple and quick and Unity is not.

However, there was one application stopped me and that was Lotus Notes.  Unfortunately, Lotus Notes 8.5 and higher does not work correctly on Ubuntu versions higher that 10.04.  In Ubuntu 11.04 and 12.04, changes were made to the kernel and the screen generation does not work correctly.  I hope IBM corrects this in 8.54.  There are fixes to this issue, but the resolution is beyond what I want to spend time in correcting.  As a result, I downgraded to version Ubuntu 10.04-4 LTS which works perfectly fine and Notes is now working correctly. 

As a Domino developer, what I could not run was Domino Designer.  For that I am installing the VMware Player to access Domino Designer when I need it.  I still have not gotten this to work.  The inability to run Domino Designer is no big deal since most of my Domino Web application development is done using my UXPages Designer Tools which currently runs on the Lotus Notes client and not on Domino Designer.  Hopefully towards the end of the year, I will not even need the Lotus Notes client for development after I complete the iPhora Web Application Designer.

Though the switch to Linux has not been smooth, the results is a far more secure and faster computer.  The Lotus Notes client comes up much faster than on Windows. So if you are looking at switch, my advise is that it all depends on the applications that you are running.  For almost everything, the Ubuntu Desktop will meet all your needs.

PS. Plan to add commercial network hardware to my home network for more security and it lock down with the help of a security expert friend. 


Monday, May 21, 2012

MWLUG 2012 Registration is Now Open

Registration for MWLUG 2012 is now opened.  Sorry for the slight delay.  Technical issues you know.  To register for MWLUG 2012 goto: http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Register.xsp

MWLUG 2012 Abstract Submission Extended to May 31, 2012

As requested to help our friends with their busy schedules, the deadline for abstracts has been extended to Thursday, May 31 at 5:00 PM. So there is still time for you to submit your MWLUG 2012 abstract !!!  See everyone there. MWLUG 2012 Abstract Submission

Monday, April 23, 2012

MWLUG 2012 is open for abstract submission!!!

If you are interesting in speaking at MWLUG, abstract submission for MWLUG 2012 is now open.  This is your chance to speak at a major LUG conference.  Each year we reserve a number slots for new speakers. So take this opportunity to speak at MWLUG 2012. 

To submit your abstract goto: http://www.mwlug.com/mwlug/mwlug12.nsf/Abstract.xsp

Thanks again to Mike McGarel and Roy Rumaner for all their hard work in getting the abstract submission database ready.  Abstract submission will close on May 21, 2012.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Special Thanks to Prominic.NET

I would like to again thank everyone at Prominic.NET for hosting the MWLUG 2012 site again.  Each year they donate space on their servers for MWLUG and GRANITE and many other IBM community sites.  As most of you already know, Prominic.NET is great to work with.  It is IBM Business Partners like Prominic.NET that makes the IBM community so great. 

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Introducing the Platinum Sponsor for MWLUG 2012 - 4C Technologies

We are proud to announce the Platinum Sponsor for MWLUG 2012, 4C Technologies who is located in Pittsburgh, PA and has been a long time IBM Business Partner.  Their graphics team of Josh Schmitt and Jackie McClellan has been also helping us create the beautiful graphics for MWLUG 2012 including our web site, http://mwlug.com.  So welcome 4C Technologies.

To learn information about 4C Technologies go to: http://cccctech.com

Welcome to the New MWLUG 2012 Web Site

Thanks to all the hard work by Mike McGarel with help from Roy Rumaner and Josh Schmitt and Jackie McClellan from 4C Technologies on the graphics, the MWLUG 2012 conference web site is now up and running.  This starts a four month sprint to August 15 in Pittsburgh where we are planning a kick ass conference with many many surprises this year. Abstract submission for MWLUG 2012 will start in a couple of weeks and registration starts at the beginning of May. I hope to see everyone in Pittsburgh at MWLUG 2012.

http://mwlug.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

Heads Up, Sponsorship Packages for MWLUG 2012

Sponsorship Packages for MWLUG 2012 is going out today.  Many previous sponsors have already asked to sponsor again.  So the slots are going to fill out fast.  If you would like to be a sponsor for MWLUG 2012 and would like to get the sponsorship package, make sure you contact me as soon as you can.

Great Little Linux Program - Clonezilla

Over the weekend I was trying to use Ghost to create a image of a hard drive that was having issues.  After hours and hours of trying to get Ghost running with the right drivers, I abandoned it and tried a open source solution called Clonezilla.  It does not have a fancy interface, but is worked great.  It does not do increment bare metal images but it was far easier than using Ghost.  It just works.   http://clonezilla.org

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Very Successfully GRANITE LUG Meeting Yesterday

We had over 32 attendees yesterday at our February 2012 GRANITE meeting.  Half of the attendees were online from all over the Midwest and Southeast part of the United States.  Thanks to our speakers Russell Maher and Graham Acres for presenting plus Lisa Duke and Bernie Leung for helping with the LotusLive and voice conferencing.  We had a few technical difficulties, but everything went well.  This was one of the largest attendance we have had in a long time.

For attendees who attended online let us know your experience.  We would like expand the online broadcast as a permanent offering for everyone who would like to attend. You DO NOT need to be part of GRANITE or any local group to attend.

If you are have a local meeting, Lotus Live is a good way to broadcast your meeting to other attendees who cannot make it.  Just make sure you have good bandwidth to the Internet.  We are working on getting a permanent account so that we can use and share the account for broadcast LUG meetings.  More to come.

Hope to see more is our next meeting.


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

February 2012 GRANITE Meeting, February 13, 2012 and Live Web Broadcast of Meeting

The February 2012 GRANITE Meeting will also be broadcast live using LotusLive on February 13, 2012.  So if you cannot attend in person you can attend via LotusLive. The event is open to every in the IBM community. However, you will not get the donuts, bagels, and Chicago deep dish pizza unless you attend in person at the IBM Center in Chicago.  To register for this event register using:

https://events.webdialogs.com/register.php?id=a97ff27aa0&l=en-US



 

February 13, 2012 GRANITE Meeting Agenda


(All times are US Central Standard Time)


08:30 - 09:00 AM 
Registration, Breakfast, Refreshments & Networking at IBM Center for on-site attendees

09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Presentation: "What's New With Lotus/IBM Update"
Presenter: Marcie Kane, IBM Collaboration Solutions

Marcie will provide the audience an update in on the up and coming IBM/Lotus events and what is new from IBM/Lotus.

09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Presentation: Showtime! An XPage Dynamic Table Managed Bean
Presenter: Russell Maher, President, RGM Consulting

Heard about or seen managed beans? Not sure how to actually use them in your real-life XPage application? Need an XPage dynamic table that is easily user-configurable, is very fast and allows users to save document drafts? In this presentation I will take you step-by-step through the requirements, logic, development, deployment and configuration of a dynamic table solution implemented via managed beans and XPage custom controls. By the end of this presentation you will have plenty of information to enable you to use this code in your own applications, a detailed explanation of how this works and why, and a better understanding of when, how and why to use managed beans in your own XPage applications. Everything is easy once you know how.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Presentation: Using A Mobile Approach: Proven Strategies For Mobilizing Your IBM Lotus Domino Applications
Presenter: Graham Acres, President, Brytek Systems

This session presents strategies to employ when planning to build a mobile application within your Lotus Domino environment. Whether you are a project manager, admin, developer or business leader, this session is for you. Using a real-world coast-to-coast mobile customer service application implementation project as an example, the presentation will address the challenges organizations face in first-time mobile projects and the strategies that work as a result. What devices will I support? Does the business team understand the user interface considerations of a smartphone or tablet vs a browser or Notes client when providing requirements? Does the admin team have the skills to support the mobile environment? Can I take advantage of my existing Domino infrastructure and skills? How will I test and support the app? How will the application be deployed? You will leave with an understanding of the key considerations involved in building a mobile application strategy for your organization.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Presentation: Lotusphere 2012 Recap
Moderator: Richard Moy, Managing Director, Phora Group

Attendees of Lotusphere 2012 will recap their thoughts about Lotusphere 2012.

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Presentation: MWLUG 2012 Planning Update
Presenter: Richard Moy, Managing Director, Phora Group

The MWLUG team will update everyone on the status of MWLUG 2012 and all the new things that are happening this year in Pittsburgh.

01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Groups / Workshop / Networking

Focused, moderated discussion groups to address topics of major interest to attendees. So bring your problems, your laptops, your questions, and let's share some solutions. We can all learn something new at every meeting.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Missed Lotusphere 2012 Don't Cry, MWLUG Announces MWLUG 2012 Dates, Location, and Hotel

Didn't get a chance to attend Lotusphere 2012 like many that I know, don't cry. IamLUG 2012 and MWLUG 2012 is coming.

The MWLUG Team would like to announce the location of MWLUG 2012, it will be held at the beautiful and historic Omni William Penn Hotel on August 15-17, 2012 at the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. And yes they have good WiFi.  If you think the past few years were great, wait to you see what we have prepared for at MWLUG 2012.  We are bring together our MWLUG 2012 team that includes new volunteers from Pittsburgh. 

Last year we added the successful "Social Business" track which we will include again.  For MWLUG 2012, we are adding a new track which we will announce soon.  Again the cost is a $35 donation for a three day conference that includes all activities and food.  And this we might see the fake Ed Brill again.

To learn more about the Omni William Penn Hotel go to:
http://http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PittsburghWilliamPenn.aspx?cid=sd_psg_b-property

We are currently working on the MWLUG 2012 web site, but you can see what we have in store at current the MWLUG 2011, http://www.mwlug.com.

So mark your calendar and hang on to your seat.



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My Lotusphere 2012/IBM Connect 2012 Highlights, The Good, Bad, and Ugly

This year I attended both the Lotusphere sessions and the IBM Connect sessions. I am glad that IBM has devolved a portion of the conference to business cases. We need to remember that as technologist our job depends on the business side of an organization. That is why it is important even in a technology conference that the C and VP levels are on board. However, there was too much focus on how Connections is the savoy of all.  Overall, IBM's message was more clear and concise at this Lotusphere. Food was the same including the Lotusphere cookie. I avoided as much of the breakfast as possible this year because of my low-salt diet.  It would not surprise me that one breakfast exceed your total allocation of salt per day twice over. The Sunday party was average with the quality of food being average.

The Good
  • Meeting all my Lotus colleagues
  • Meeting new Lotus colleagues
  • Mike J Fox's Opening Session Presentation
  • Guy Kawasaki's Opening Session Presentation at IBM Connect 2012
  • MWLUG Gathering on Tuesday, 17 fellow Lotus Geeks and Beer. What can I say. Russ Mather thanks for the beer.
  • The incorporation of OpenSocial technology into the next version of Domino
  • Social Mail client, (just make the iNotes client the official client for Domino)
  • The Notes plugin for the iNotes client
  • A chance at the Ask the Developer to request the ability for ISVs to create custom XWork/Domino installation packages. Contact me if you are interested. Need to create enough interest.
  • More business focused sessions.

The Bad
This year unlike previous years, I entered in most of the showcase vendor raffles, but
  • I lost the GBS Kindle Fire and I was so close, I woman who pick just before me won 
  • Losing the iPad, iPhone, iPod, HTC Tablet Pro raffle
  • Social Business for SMB session was only opened to the press. It would have been nice if Business Partners can attend given that the Business Partners are the one in the trenches in the SMB market. 
  • As the organizer of MWLUG I know how hard it is to organize an event like Lotusphere, but would it hurt to have the old used Lotusphere signs on the highway exits to point to the auxiliary parking. Many went to Blizzard Beach instead and waste an hour of travel time including myself. 
  • The bad PR disaster that IBM created with Andrew's and Gabriel's session
  • WiFi was down and down so many times
  • The attendance was down definitely. Many I know did not attend.  There was so many IBMers that I figure 50% of the attendees that I past by or met were IBMers.
  • The 750 to 1000 students got preferred seating in the front
  • Too many Connections sessions

The Ugly
  • An ingrained images of a naked Darren Duke twittering during the OGS. 
  • Interface for SocialBizOnline.com 
Now that Lotusphere 2012 is over, the detailed planning for MWLUG begins.  Mark your calendar, August 15-17, 2012, Pittsburgh, PA.

Friday, January 6, 2012

MWLUG Community Gathering at Lotusphere 2012

If are or would like to be part of the MWLUG community, come and join us at the annual MWLUG Community Gathering at Lotusphere/IBM Connect 2012. As usual it will be held at the ESPN Club at the Broadwalk on Tuesday, January 17th at 9:00 PM. I will be wearing my MWLUG 2011 T-shirt and will have a few to given away if you are new to the MWLUG 2011 community or do not have one. See everyone at Lotusphere.

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