From The Chair -

Linux – an idea whose time has come?

Has Linux now reached the mainstream? I could probably have written these comments at any time during the last five years, indeed I probably have in previous columns. But earlier articles would have been tempered by the recognition that, although everyone was saying Linux had ‘arrived’, our experience through hpUG events was telling a very different story. Attendance at hpUG Linux events was poor, but this no longer seems to be the case. Within the last six months we have run two Linux events which have been very well attended. Perhaps this marks a change from Linux being considered only for ‘new’ applications to a time when those of us who run HP-UX or OpenVMS systems are now looking at it seriously as a viable alternative. Whatever the reason, hpUG will be running more Linux events and providing more information through E-PING.

It sounded like an Oscar speech, but there were a lot of people I had to thank. The User Group AGM took place on 24 April at HP Bristol Labs and as a result of nominations I am very pleased to welcome Jane Ayres of OCSL to the Management Group. But sadly it was also time to say goodbye to two valued members. John Ferguson, after many years of service to the DECUS and the HP User Groups has decided to stand down from the Management Group and has also relinquished the post of Company Secretary. Rob Atkinson too has left the Management Group. Rob joined us just 3 years ago and in the last year has made a significant contribution as the architect of our new web site and of E-PING. We will miss them both, and I wish them well.

Please mail all comments (good or bad) to admin@hpug.org.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.

John Owen
HPUG Chairman