Rational Software Global User Group Community

Starting a User Group

Start a new Rational user group

Step 1
Search to find out whether or not there is already a Rational User Group (RUG) in your area. RUGs must be 60 miles apart, but in major metropolitan areas this rule may not apply. A RUG may be closer than you think and may be willing to expand to include your participation and your location. A list of local RUGs -- including description, contact, and meeting information -- can be found in the Find a User Group section of this site.

In cases where there is no local RUG, it is still useful to know where the nearest RUGs to you are located. You will find it worthwhile to contact them for information, assistance, and to make them aware of your new RUG and its activities.

Registering your RUG

Step 2
Registering with Group Intelligence, the IBM contracted coordinator of this Worldwide Rational User Group Website,. The central registration records your unique group details and establishes you as the group leader. You are also registered as the contact point for User Group initiatives, events, and future benefits. The registration also creates awareness of group locations, thus informing others of opportunities to establish new groups.

To register, please complete the User Group Information Data Sheet and e-mail to: info@rational-ug.org. If you are not currently a Global Rational User Group Community member you will need to register in order for us to process your Data Sheet.

Group Intelligence will post your information on the rational-ug.org website. Within 2 business days an IBM representative will be contacting you to help start up your RUG. As the RUG leader, you will be automatically notified when people join your user group. Please make sure to welcome every new member with an email. (See a sample welcome email)

Promote your RUG

Step 3
Promote your RUG to the Rational software User Group Community with the publication of your own RUG page on rational-ug.org. Simply login to the Leaders Area to Edit your User Group Profile and Add/Edit Meetings.

When you add a meeting this will automatically be included in the Upcoming User Group Meetings section on the Events page.