Brad Fischl
Not long after I joined NetWare Users International, North America (NUI, NA) in 1988, I spent an entire weekend installing NetWare 2.15 on a friend's network. When Novell released NetWare 3.0 in 1989, I was thrilled to be able to build a server in a few hours rather than a few days. And when NetWare 4.0 was released in 1993, it was clear that Novell had revolutionized the networking industry and would continue to deliver unsurpassed networking solutions.
During the past 10 years, Novell has overcome many challenges and enjoyed tremendous success. And during the past year in which I have served as NUI, NA president, NUI, NA has also faced challenges and enjoyed success.
For example, NUI, NA worked to improve NetWare Conferences so they would better meet the needs of attendees. NUI, NA updated some education tracks, added others, and even eliminated a few. The result is NetWare Conferences that are more streamlined and timely. Many people who attended a NetWare Conference in 1997 felt that it was more useful than any NetWare Conference they had ever previously attended.
NUI, NA has also worked to develop and implement the Building Bridges program. This program is designed to improve communication between Novell sales offices and local NetWare user groups. Already, the Building Bridges program is a success. For example, Novell representatives frequently attend user group meetings and events, and they work closely with the user groups to provide technical support and other resources.
In addition, NUI, NA has worked to increase membership. In 1997, many local NetWare user groups were formed, and these user groups are now taking advantage of many benefits that are associated with belonging to a premier networking organization. The NUI, NA national membership program, which was established in 1997, has contributed to the membership increase. This program allows NUI, NA to offer more benefits and a united voice in the industry.
During 1997, NUI, NA overcame several challenges to meet with great success. In the future, NUI, NA will continue to enjoy success because of the dedication and enthusiasm of user group members, user group presidents, the NUI, NA board of directors, and NUI, NA staff members. (To find out what the new board of directors will focus on in 1998, see "Goals for 1998.")
Brad Fischl is the 1997 NUI, NA president.
NetWare Connection, December 1997/January 1998, p. 46