I’ve always loved users groups focused on a particular technology.Considered the original user group, I used to attend SHARE* conferences before coming to Drobo. These days, my wife, daughter, and I belong to a local east bay meetup group not for computer technology but for dachshunds (our two mini’s participate too). Based on my experience, I believe that users groups only work if they are lead by real users with an agenda built around the experiences of group members.
The great news is that a real user has volunteered to kick off the first Drobo Users Group here in Silicon Valley. John Reinert of ReelGood Pictures and his colleague Brook Dain of the San Jose Police Department will be leading and presenting at the inaugural Drobo Users Meetup on Wednesday December 12. The fun and informative agenda includes:
- 11-11:30 – John and Brook sharing their experiences test driving the new Drobo 5D and Mini Thunderbolt products in their workflow, plus other findings from John’s REDucation class that will take place12/3 to 12/7
- 11:30-11:45 – The new Drobo 5N will be on display; volunteers will race to see who can set it up their NAS device first and win a Drobo polo shirt prize in the “NAS Challenge.”
- 11:45-1PM – Lunch and socializing; as the event is being held @ Drobo HQ, there will also be an “expert bar” so that you can ask questions and get more demos of the latest Drobo products.
Come hang out with other users who have Drobo as part of their creative workflow and enjoy the HoneyBaked Ham holiday lunch as part of the festivities. Full information and registration for the meetup is available @ http://drobouserssv.eventbrite.com.
Net = It’s a pleasure for Drobo to support user groups. If you don’t live near Silicon Valley, but want to lead a Drobo users group of your own in your area, just let me know and we can discuss providing a kit to support your meetup event. It could be a great way for you to get a Thunderbolt Drobo to test and share your experiences with your group.
* SHARE Inc. is an independent, volunteer run association providing enterprise technology professionals with continuous education and training, valuable professional networking and effective industry influence.
Talk live to Mario and other Drobo experts @ http://www.drobo.com/live or e-mail mario@drobo.com


