Will the Business Objects Community Alliance become a part of ASUG?
The Business Objects Community Alliance will be an independent community that will leverage the people, technical infrastructure and user group expertise of ASUG to create an independent community focused solely on the Business Objects eco-system.

Who leads this new Business Objects Community Alliance?
This needs to be a member-led organization. It is expected that at least a dozen members from companies using and/or supporting Business Objects will become the member leaders.

Will there be a new Web site for this new community?
You're already here. www.myboc.org. We will debut the full Web site at the annual conference in October.

Will there be a membership fee?
Obviously, there needs to be a reason to have a membership fee. As the community is developed, the members will determine the proper structure and if fees are required.

Does SAP fund ASUG? Will SAP fund the new Business Objects community?
No. SAP does not financially support ASUG nor will they directly financially support MyBOC. However, Business Objects/SAP, through its Global Customer Communities program, is committed to work in conjunction with the Business Objects Community Alliance. Business Objects/SAP will work to ensure its success by providing appropriate resources and access to key executives. This new Business Objects Community Alliance is an independent, member-run organization.

Who is the executive sponsor from Business Objects/SAP?
Stefan Kneis. Stefan leads SAP's Global Customer Communities program and has the responsibility of all user communities worldwide.

Will this year's conference be combined with an ASUG event?

No. The conference is co-located with ASUG's Fall Focus Business Management event. The Business Objects user conference will be a separate event located in the same hotel. However, your registration will give you access to the ASUG event.

Welcome to the Business Objects Community Alliance (MyBOC) Web site. As you can see, the site is currently under construction, but we are working hard to create a robust venue with services that benefit Business Objects users.

And, who does this "we" refer to?

We are ASUG — the Americas' SAP Users' Group. ASUG started in 1991 and is an independent, member-driven organization with 50,000 members in North America. It is the largest independent community in the SAP eco-system.

Our intent is to use the knowledge and experience we've gained over the past 17 years to work with the many different Business Objects users and create a powerful and successful community; a community that provides a cohesive organization to help influence the products, services, and company direction of Business Objects and SAP. We've outlined some additional details about MyBOC below.

MyBOC - Run by Members
MyBOC is a member-driven user group comprised of local chapters. Members will help decide the services and programs offered to their community.

Influence Programs
As a MyBOC member, you will have opportunities to influence the current and future direction of Business Objects products and services. With your help, we will establish a direct line of communication to Business Objects and SAP.

Year-Round Educational Programs
From Webcasts to face-to-face events, MyBOC will keep you informed about the latest Business Objects releases, new products, company news, and "hot topics" in your industry or region.

Annual Conference
Please join us Oct. 20-22 at the Hilton Antatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas for the 2008 annual conference. While Business Objects has produced a user conference known as Insight, this event will be a collaboration of Business Objects and members and will reflect an agenda you want to experience.

Executive Sponsorship
The Business Objects Community Alliance is supported by executives in Business Objects and SAP. SAP has a long history of supporting their user group community and has a dedicated staff to ensure customer's voices are heard.

The best thing is we're not starting from scratch. By leveraging ASUG, we are able to take advantage of the knowledge and infrastructure of this 50,000 member-strong community. It is important to note that the Business Objects Community Alliance will operate independently of ASUG. But, we will have access to their 17 years of user group experience and best practices.

So, what's next? We need your help. Together, we can build a vibrant and powerful community; one that provides the business and professional benefits you've been searching for. To learn more about how to become involved, e-mail info@myboc.org.

We encourage you to check back often as we will provide updates for you on our progress.

We look forward to working with you!