What is the Global BusinessObjects Network (GBN)?
The Global BusinessObjects Network (GBN) is a new, independent community for Business Objects customers and partners. This member-led organization provides participants from around the world a network to exchange ideas, find answers to solution challenges, and establish a cohesive, powerful customer voice.

Who is building the community?
GBN is being created by a steering team of customers and partners. The team includes:

• Kip Barkley, T.Rowe Price
• Mark D. Frederick, Ball Corporation
• Dan Grew, AstraZeneca
• Ken Hartman, Hughes Network Systems, LLC
• Brad Hay, WorkSafeBC
• Jamie Oswald, Sisters of Mercy Health System
• David Rathbun, Integra Solutions (unit of Quorum Business Solutions)
• Simon To, Rent-A-Center, Inc.

What services will GBN provide that I don’t already get from my local user group?
The GBN will offer a global forum for connecting with other users and partners, a direct connection to Business Objects to provide product input, company and service direction, multiple educational sessions both virtual and face-to-face, as well as the opportunity to join groups focused on specific products (e.g. Crystal) or industries (e.g. public sector). The current user groups are being invited to join the GBN to act as the local chapters. The GBN will continue to support the current groups with marketing, registration, and operational needs.

How can I join the GBN?
The GBN will officially launch at the Business Objects User Conference in Dallas, Oct. 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole hotel. For more information on the user conference, go to www.gogbn.org/annualconference.

Beginning Oct. 20, you can join at the conference or via a new Web site at this same URL – www.gogbn.org.

Will there be a membership fee?
There will be no fee until 2010. The GBN leadership team of customers and partners will then determine the appropriate membership structure and fee.

Will there be an annual conference like Insight?
Absolutely! As we mentioned earlier, this year’s conference is Oct. 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. The event includes more than 150 educational sessions, several networking opportunities, and the chance to test drive and check out the latest Business Objects solutions. For more information, go to www.gogbn.org/annualconference. Early bird registration ends on Sept. 19 so sign up soon.

The 2009 conference is Sept. 14-16 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

NEW
GBN Works With Business Objects on Support Issues
Over the past four weeks, the GBN Steering Team has held several conference calls with Business Objects support to determine why there were so many issues when support data was transferred to SAP’s Service Marketplace and what they are doing to fix it. In addition, the steering team repeatedly stressed the need to Eric Wansong, vice president Americas’ customer assurance, for more consistent customer communication about this issue. We believe that this bulletin from Eric’s group is a good start to a more customer-focused philosophy by Business Objects support. However, it is our intent to ensure this type of information continues to be a priority. Click here to read the communication. If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with Business Objects support, e-mail info@gogbn.org.

Welcome to the Global BusinessObjects Network (GBN) Web site, home of a new user community for Business Objects customers and partners. As you can see, the site is currently under construction, but we are working hard to create a new online venue which will be available in October. You may have also noticed our new name and logo. Global BusinessObjects Network reflects the international scope of the group and also helps differentiate us from other organizations in the Business Objects eco-system.

GBN is a part of ASUG, the Americas’ SAP Users’ Group, an independent, customer-led organization with more than 50,000 members. However, the GBN is a completely separate group with its own customer-led leadership team, services, and educational programs. By being a part of ASUG, the GBN can leverage the infrastructure and knowledge of this 17-year-old community. Read the press release announcing the GBN community.

GBN - Run by Members
GBN 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 GBN 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, GBN 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. To learn more about the conference, go www.gogbn.org/annualconference.

Executive Sponsorship
The Global BusinessObjects Network 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.

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@gogbn.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!