RUGs Can Be an Overlooked, but Incredible Resource
By Bill Abramson, COE NewsNet Editor

COE Members likely agree that Dassault Systemes offers the most comprehensive family of PLM solutions currently on the market. However, there is a price to pay. We sometimes require help to exploit the full range of the product's capabilities and to find solutions to issues facing our enterprise in this arena (and possibly in related areas). We have availed ourselves of IBM's services, Dassault Systemes' expertise and support services from IBM business partners. We have also attended COE conferences to get help by listening to presentations and networking with our peers and see how others are coping with similar challenges. The COE conferences afford us the opportunity to network with key IBM and Dassault Systemes executives and technical teams (especially the development organization). However, one of the very best kept secrets is regional users' groups (RUGs). Did you know that there is a nationwide network of these RUGs that meet regularly? These are organized groups which sponsor meetings (usually free) that deal with current operational challenges directly related to Dassault Systemes technologies. These meetings are usually scheduled for a few hours to one day. The cost factors are very attractive…no travel, room or board expenses. You will belong to cooperative organization of diverse industries in your local geography. You will be able to establish valuable local contacts. See http://www.coe.org/resources/other.cfm and get involved, you won't regret it!