Edit: I still advocate for finding and attending user group meetings, both virtually and in person. The links will redirect to new sites but they no longer appear to take you where they used to.
Originally posted December 17, 2007 on AIXchange
Have seen the poweraix.org user group listing lately? There are around 30 groups by my count. Some of these groups look more active than others, but it still wouldn’t hurt to check into the status of a group in your area. Perhaps your inquiry might spur a group back into action. Or, if you don’t find a group in your area, maybe you should take the initiative to start one.
Over the years I’ve frequently attended Linux and AIX user group meetings, and I would argue that you’d benefit from doing the same. Although we’re surrounded by the talented people that we work with, it’s always good to meet and network with others in our field. Whether you’re new to AIX and seeking a mentor or you’re an experienced administrator looking to meet others, these meetings can be a great place for you.
If you can’t attend meetings, either due to a lack of time or the absence of a group in your area, you can still join virtual user groups and sign up for their teleconferences and webinars. They bring in various guest speakers just like traditional user groups–and perhaps an hour-long conference call fits more easily into your schedule.
User group mailing lists can be another great resource. Groups that may not regularly schedule formal meetings may still have active lists, and the informal question and answers that can come from the mailing list can be very helpful.
Still, when possible, take the time to clear your calendar and travel to a user group meeting. I believe the benefits outweigh the inconveniences. As noted, there’s the benefit of networking. By getting to know the other administrators in your area, you can find other local companies that run the System p and AIX platform. You never know when you may be able to find good talent and convince them to come work for your organization, or when you might hear of a good opportunity that makes sense for you.
You could even win something. Many groups have giveaways and raffles. One group I was part of got publishers to give away books. In exchange, they’d ask each person who won a book raffle to author a report on it. Anyone who submitted a book report would then get first choice on the books that were available at the next meeting.
Although much of this is North American-centric, this IBM Web site references the “Guide Share Europe pSeries Working Group [which] is a formally organized group whose membership is bound to an annual fee.”
The more people who learn about the benefits of Power Architecture and AIX, the better. User groups offer an excellent option for you to get involved and help spread the word in your area.