A local „JUG “or Java user group began to thousands developers around the world or connected, and each month the numbers grow - for conclusive reasons: Community, fun, training and job opportunities. A JUG lets Java user informally technical tilt and exchange the product information, normally be based on material life experiences. While each group is different, you can expect any combination of the periodic meetings, on-line email of exchange, something entrance to the newest developments of the sun and the circular.
Andy of olive, a member of the Apache software basis and a founder of Jakarta POI (http://jakarta.apache.org/poi) project, a jug member for three years was and is now a president of its group, the group of the triangle Java of user (TriJUG) in research the triangle park, north Carolina. „I think that a JUG is the center of an evolved Java community, “say it. „And we have one really vibrant Java community here within research the triangle park range. “
Meetings, which you may yourself ensure
Of an active JUG, TriJUG found ways typical to attract new members and to hold its meetings interesting. Straight one in the last year regaled TriJUG an impressive list of the experts loudspeakers:
* Andy hunt, co-author of the pragmatic programmer
* Konrad D’Cruz, co-author of the programming Kokons 2
* David Jordanian one, co-author of the Java of data articles
* Erik Hatcher, Apache ant project, co-author of the Java development with ant (man)
* Stewart Holloway, Java category load devices, CTO von Developmentor
„And you let forget us not the parade of the authors, “say to olive. „We may specify it as loudspeakers. Surely, they would like to press a book, but they are to a high degree technical to have investigated and good representation abilities. “
A JUG can creatively also receive with special cases. „In September we regaled a J2EE life lining shootout between BEA, IBM, JBoss and Oracle for the group. Our members submitted questions with the lining with the initial things away, and it became a really open comparison of the product abilities of these salesmen. I learned really much of which in the different situations to use products, and I do not think that I would have heard the same detailed thing, focused, open and fleshy discussion somewhere differently. “
Not straight for advanced developers
As the president of the group olive preselects a broad multiplicity of the Java technology and the programming topics. It examines also whether the JUG has operational funds for beginning developers as well as ripe pro. „Generally we find the fact that our more experienced members more as if want-end which is to be helped less experienced members. That is a part, which JUG is approximately. “
„In the meetings and in the cases the first yearly developer or beginner aimed at, bends the more experienced users to still come and informal being enjoy, “says to olive. „I think that half of people would come, even if it no specific topic, straight gave, so that the opportunity speaks with Mitentwicklern, with the attached stay. “
How is experienced assistance made available? „In some ways, “olive says. „We have an active post office list for Techfragen and a very active, nearly Schizophrenic, Wiki - a web site, in which the sides are drawn up by each possible user or to be contributed to be able. Our members like really this net aid. “
Stay assigned
„To the best job openings or opportunities a large part of the network connection is to refer for business continues. “
– Andy of olive, president, group of the triangle Java of user
„It seems that the members, that are involved actively or in the JUG busily throughout are, “olive observed. „To the best job openings or opportunities a large part of the network connection is to refer for business continues. “
Actually some TriJUG of members have their own consultation largely resulting from the contacts, which introduction and the support discharged, which they received from the group.
But, regarding the larger illustration, olive sees an increasing and coming up JUG than tool for local economic development and magnet for occupation and consulting contracts. „A range, which does not have a JUG, can grow its opportunities for Java development job, by tightening a large membership and therefore companies attracts, which employ Java developers. A JUG is the first step for establishing an increasing Java community with a good support net in your range. It is, where Java created expertise and ö konomische Entwicklung kommen zusammen.“
Perspective eines KRUG Präsidenten
Oliver bietet einige Spitzen für KRUG-Inhaber und -mitglieder an.
Auf festlegenverkäufern: „Wir bitten im Allgemeinen den Besuchsverkäufer, die Kosten der Sitzung aufzuheben, und das Thema technisch und informativ zu halten. Es kann nicht ein Produkttaktabstand gerade sein.“
Für Entwickler auf einem Etat, empfiehlt sich er, einen lokalen KRUG als gute Weise zu verbinden, Grosskonferenz Qualitätslautsprecher für freies zu hören. „Eine Menge Konferenzredner wählen sprechende Verpflichtungen des KRUGS als Weise, ihr Gespräch auszuprüfen, bevor sie es einem viel größeren Publikum gibt. Die anregennotierten Lautsprecher, zum ihres Gespräches an deinem KRUG „zu üben“ können eine große Quelle der Sachkenntnis für spezielle Fälle sein.“
Aber Oliver unterstreicht den, „es ist nicht ganz über die Lautsprecher. Es muß Zeit für Entwickler geben, gerade zurück zu sitzen und „das Fett,“ oder in unserem Fall, die Pizza kauen .”
As another tip, Oliver recommends that JUGs network with other related user groups: “We network with XML and WebSphere user groups in our area. But look for a synergy of interests. For example, we got together with a local Linux group and discovered that there just wasn’t enough overlap of interests and Linux-specific Java topics to make it worthwhile.”
Want to Join a JUG?
Whether you are new to Java or a mind-numbingly knowledgeable Java expert, you may want to join or start a Java User Group (JUG).
The JUG home page at java.sun.com lists the resources for JUG owners, members, and potential members. You’ll also find a JUG bulletin board and FAQ.
Use the search engine to find the JUGs nearest you. You can search also by the type of technology that interests you most, in case your area has multiple groups. When you scroll and click down to your locale, you’ll see a listing of the JUGs in your area. Each listing contains a short introduction by the JUG owner. Most JUGs have a web site for further information. If you want to become a member, click “Become a Member of This JUG.” Your contact information will be forwarded to the JUG owner, who will send you more information on membership.
According to Adam Wisnewski, Sun project coordinator, “There were 1194 active listings in March 2003, up from 860 just since October 2002. Many of those people are interested in starting a JUG where none exist, so if there isn’t currently a JUG in your area, there’s a good chance one will sprout up soon.”
“The JUG community is important to Sun, and we’re constantly looking for ways to better support JUG owners, members, and speakers.”
– Jen Erale, Program Manager, Software User Groups, Sun Microsystems
New JUG Support Programs from Sun
Jen Erale, Sun’s program manager for Software User Groups, says, “The JUG community is important to Sun, and we’re constantly looking for ways to better support JUG owners, members, and speakers.”
Sun has launched two programs to help JUG speakers and owners: the Ambassador Club and the Top 25 Program.
Is Your JUG One of the Top 25?
The Sun Java User Groups program is preparing to select the 25 hottest JUGs in the world - the largest, most active, and most passionate.
After careful screening, the Top 25 will be selected and will receive the following benefits:
* Direct access to the Sun Speaker’s Bureau to fulfill speaker requests for meetings
* Discounts on Sun conferences, such as the upcoming 2003 JavaOne Conference
* Invitations to special events and webcasts exclusively for the Top 25 JUGs
If you’re a JUG owner, visit the JUG home page to get the details and fill out the Top 25 application form. The competition might be good motivation to notch up the enthusiasm in your JUG.
Connect to Your Community
If you’re planning to attend the 2003 JavaOne Conference, check out this year’s JUG BOF (Birds of a Feather) session: Evangelizing the Java Platform. “We will definitely have some good information for JUG members and owners,” says Erale. “And it’s a chance to meet and network with JUG members from all over the world.”
But no matter what, your local JUG is the best way to connect with your community of developers to stay up to date, discover the unexpected, learn new skills, and stay happily employed through the best opportunities available.
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