I hope all my readers are aware that Chennai, India has a DB2 regional user group named CDUG, India.
2013 was a fun year for me in terms of attending DB2 events held across India. 20th March witnessed the first IDUG seminar at Bangalore, which turned out to be a huge success and the event venue flooded with DB2 enthusiasts from all over India. I had the golden opportunity to meet some top talents back in March. Then came 29th July when Bangalore hosted their tech seminar at IBM EGL which attracted DB2 fans from various states and now 21 September - Chennai DB2 User group launched its first tech conference at IBM, DLF SEZ which created a buzz all over India and the world.
How would it be to have an IBM Distinguished engineer with 24 years of DB2 experience present at a regional user group ? Well, that's something none of the DB2 geeks would want to miss. Yes, Chris Crone from IBM silicon valley was the keynote speaker for the CDUG, India event held on 21 September. I had met Chris at IDUG Bangalore and everyone at the IDUG, India conference hall was amazed by the way he presented the topics. Second time lucky you may say to have met him at Chennai. Sriram and Praveen whom I met for the first time were exceptionally friendly as DB2 speakers who would clarify and guide the entire team to success.
Participation Figures :
Total number of registered participants online : 69
Total number of attendees who gave up their Saturday to learn and be with DB2 : 55
What was surprising ?
Well, to meet Chris in person and discuss DB2 with him is in itself a great feeling. I was surprised when I saw few of my Hyderabad friends who landed at Chennai in the early hours to witness the event. Well, these attendees were full of enthusiasm. A helpful and friendly facilities staff at IBM who arranged logistics for this mega event in the most professional way possible. CDUG, India team celebrated 30 years of IBM DB2 with theme cake. Networking was at its best. Some colorful vinyl prints of the sponsors for the event. Some cool IDUG giveaways to the lucky draw winners. A cool looking event feedback form.
What was not surprising ?
Chris as usual was kept occupied by the attendees with DB2 questions pouring from all directions. Chris doesn't like the collar mike which is now a known fact to me. I was pretty much aware of these two points from my IDUG, Bangalore experiences.
The Big Screen :
Session 1 :
Chris Crone - DB2 for z/OS Trends and Directions
All about DB2 10 and upcoming DB2 11. Some great insight on analytics to the changing trend in the industry.
Session 2 :
Sriram Lakshminarasimhan - Problem solving made easy with DB2 10 for z/OS - Case Studies
A great interactive session on DB2 10 problem solving techniques, It was a Q & A session which every attendee enjoyed thoroughly.
Session 3 :
Chris Crone - DB2 and System z Synergy
Session on hardware and software features that makes DB2 10 robust and affordable computing platform, loved the slides with animations
Session 4 :
Praveen Devarao - Latest trends in application development using JSON and DB2
A great session on JSON and how DB2 is responding to this trend.
Summary :
Well I had a splendid day, I am sure each one of them who attended had a gala time. I am hoping to see this user group community to bring in more of much quality DB2 education in the most stylish way possible, Thank you CDUG, India for a wonderful weekend. Wish you all the very best !
