VMUG officially launched in August of 2010. It identifies itself
as an independent, global, customer-led organization that was created to help
members maximize the use of VMware as well as provide knowledge sharing,
training, collaboration, and events amongst its members. Today VMUG has over
110,000 members worldwide!
Recently, VMUG released its very first quarterly digital
publication known as the VMUG Compass!
I had the pleasure of chatting with one of our very own, Dan Maxfield, who had
the opportunity to help partake in the creation of this publication. Maxfield
explains, “This is the very first one. We are trying to get more category-based
articles, whether that be ‘how-to’ tutorials or ‘tips-and-tricks’ editorials.
We are trying to target a large audience so it appeals to a wider variety of
people.”
Through fellow BIT employee, Bonnie Bauder, Dan was
initially introduced to the South Dakota VMUG chapter. The South Dakota chapter
was first started in November of 2011 and Dan later joined in 2013. Dan explained
that Bonnie really helped “open channels” for him, offering him the position as
co-leader for the South Dakota chapter, which enabled the two to share the
responsibilities of lining up vendors and speakers for the group. However, the
growth didn’t stop there.
Bonnie currently serves on the Board of Directors for VMUG
at an international level and Dan has since then obtained positions on the Communications
and Content Committee, Nominations Committee, and Editorial Advisory Board on
the international level. Being on these Committees enables Dan to look over the
articles submitted for the Compass and partake in reviewing abstracts for the VMUG
eLearning center.
Bonnie explained, “One thing to note is that VMUG is an
international group, not just for the US. All the committees and the
board are composed of members from around the world, so to be on the number of
committees he is on, especially as a new leader, is a testament to his
commitment and recognition as a valued member of the community.”
Currently, Dan is already working on the next issue for the VMUG Compass. They are hoping to get out
after VMWord in August.
VMUG is free to join! For more information about becoming a
member, head to their website:
You can subscribe to get newsletters, webinars, and product
offerings. To check out the first edition of VMUG Compass click this link:
Way to go Dan &
Bonnie, BIT is proud to have you as one of our own!