Regional User Group (RUG) Update

Courtesy of TCM

It is through the RUG Program of events and conferences that the HPE NonStop vendor ecosystem is on full display. Providing a leveling of the playing field, whereby it is an opportunity for aligned (i.e. on the NonStop price book) and independent vendors to provide updates on their product portfolios.

“Advocating for your company, products and customers is what drives all NonStop partners. Whether it’s simply from our office, being present at a customer site or during events and conferences interacting with the NonStop partner ecosystem is always rewarding, no matter where, and when, they occur,” said TCM’s Andy Vasey. “However, when it comes to the major RUG events, those rewards become more tangible, measurable in a sense, by the number of conversations that quickly follow.”

These events are an important reminded that the NonStop community is resilient – it has witnessed many transitions of NonStop. From proprietary chip sets, to industry-standard, to open, including migrations from CISC to RISC to what is now a recognized standard with x86. Additionally, there are now options to run on converged systems as well as on virtual machines.

Courtesy of NTI (ChileTUG)

Knowing where to turn to for products, access to services providers and consultants is on display whenever you attend a RUG event. Access to NonStop executives and senior management is likewise on display and they are just as readily accessible as everyone else in attendance.

The true strength of the NonStop community at large has always come from opportunities to network and to engage in productive conversations with those who may have gone before, whether products or services.

Courtesy of Pyalla Technologies, LLC (SunTUG)

This year has gotten off to a good start with RUG events held globally. From OzTUG to ChileTUG to MexTUG to SunTUG and yes, by the time you read this issue of NonStop Insider, CTUG and N2TUG, even as the list continues to grow. We would have really liked to participate in N2TUG and Bill Honaker was persuasive but closing on a new home intervened and your team at Pyalla Technologies, LLC., kindly excused itself this year.

Even so, looking at the calendar for the first half of 2025, there are now very few regions underrepresented by RUG communities anywhere on the planet.

Courtesy of CSP (MexTUG)

Again, it cannot be understated as to how important participation in NonStop RUG events is for NonStop vendors. For many of them it is their major, and realistically, their only vehicle for promoting their products and services. It’s also a demonstration of how the HPE NonStop team often sets up competition among its vendors – altogether a healthy development. Where else can NonStop customers and prospects go to find out the full scope of the partner ecosystem other than to RUG events?

“RUG participation remains one of the best bang-for-buck outreach that any vendor can pursue and, for NTI, being selective is important even as our support of RUGs aims for the highest level of sponsorship on offer,” said NTI’s Global Director of Worldwide Sales, Tim Dunne. “Our customers always look forward to spending time with the team, discussing all that is new in DRNet®, and we don’t disappoint.”

For vendors like NTI, a standout NonStop vendor from its history, support of standards (embracing modernization), its willing embracement of its own partner ecosystem and where case studies and customer testimonials are being showcased.

Courtesy of NTI (MexTUG)

When it comes to growing markets for NonStop, including Latin America and Western Europe, NTI is turning to RUG events to launch their latest initiative, Your Journey to Discovery!

NTI is just one of many vendors who take advantage of RUG events to launch major programs. Other vendors to watch include ETI, TCM and CSP, all eager for the NonStop community at large to tune-in to their updated initiatives and programs. Watch for further updates on the NTI 2% Club following its launch at ChileTUG.

Courtesy of ETI (MexTUG)

The vendors included here represent those I have worked with over the years and where I have first hand knowledge of their commitment to RUG events worldwide. There are many more vendors engaged in support of RUGs and it is the encouragement of further engagement with NonStop vendors wherever they are present that is the real message of this latest RUG update. Without a multifaceted approach involving multiple vendor options in meeting individual NonStop customer requirements, the NonStop community would be the poorer.

As we head towards the European NonStop Symposium – E-BITUG, Dublin (June 3 – 5 including an early bird reception on the night of Monday, June 2) and much later, the NonStop Business and Technical Conference, Houston, Texas (September 16 – 18) attendees will be witnessing an even greater presence by the NonStop vendor community.

Make sure your plans for 2025 include participation at these and all other regional events as they take place in a location near you. “And remember, too, when next you attend an event and see an individual wondering around, possibly bewildered, go and talk to them,” said Andy Vasey. “True friendships are formed in the real world, not the virtual.”

See you there and yes, make sure you find time to share your experiences with the team from NonStop Insider!