OS/2 User Group

Status of this Memo

This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an IAB standard of any kind. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Introduction

This RFC is being distributed to members of the Internet community in order to solicit their reactions to the proposals contained in it. While the issues discussed may not be directly relevant to the research problems of the Internet, they may be interesting to a number of researchers and implementers.

There is a group called The Phoenix Group which is in the process of determining the need for a national OS/2 users' group. This group is targeted for the *individual* user of OS/2, and is designed to provide an effective vehicle through which users can communicate their desires for OS/2 to IBM. If you work in the corporate Information Technology world, you are no doubt familiar with organizations such as SHARE, GUIDE, COMMON and DECIUS, among many. These organizations serve as a focal point for users, and represent a combined voice to IBM (SHARE, GUIDE and COMMON) and Digital Equipment Company (DECIUS). The intent of these organizations is to work closely with their respective hardware/software providers to influence their direction of their products, be they operating systems or CPU's.

To this end, many of us in other electronic fora believe that there is no representative voice for the end-user of OS/2 with IBM. Thus, The Phoenix Group, is taking a straw poll of OS/2 users in many different electronic fora to determine the need for, and membership potential for such an organization. The founding council of The Phoenix Group consists of the following individuals:

Mike Andrews, Eric Brunsen, Max Eidswick, Robin Frank, Stan Hawkins, Jack Hiatt, Bob Holmes, Wayne Holmes, John Schaeffer, and Toby Pennycuff

You may recognize some of the names in this group, and you may not. However, we are all long-time users of OS/2, and all believe that such an organization is an absolute necessity. We would like to get some gauge of how many people would be willing to become a part of such an organization.

If we receive a strong response, we are prepared to approach IBM PSP's senior management regarding our proposal, and work with them to formulate an organization which meets both parties' best interests. If you would have an interest in joining such a group, please send a note to the following address on the Internet with your name and address:

      Z2934@AA1PROFS.IBMMAIL.COM
          or
      BRUNSENE@EMAIL.ENMU.EDU

We will compile a database of respondees, and will keep everyone notified of our progress electronically. We all look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Security Considerations

Security issues are not discussed in this memo.

Author's Address

   Eric Brunsen
   Eastern New Mexico University
   Station 15
   Portales, NM  88130
   
   Phone: (505) 562-2694
   Fax:   (505) 562-2349
   EMail: BRUNSENE@EMAIL.ENMU.EDU