Novi Sad Java User Group celebrates second anniversary
The Novi Sad Java User Group (JUG-NS) is a community of Java developers who get together to share information on the latest trends in Java, open source development, technology resources, and networking opportunities. JUG-NS is part of Sun's international User's Group program, which promotes Java technologies worldwide through a network of local communities.
The founders of three Novi Sad software start-ups—Keen Research, ProZone, and Ion Solutions—initiated the Novi Sad JUG in November 2004. The first meeting took place at the University of Novi Sad School of Engineering. Ognjen Todic, founder of Keen Research, introduced the group's objectives and outlined a strategy of professional growth through collaboration and information sharing. The ProZone developer team illustrated the use of innovative Java technologies in defining workflow standards and developing workflow management technologies.
Today JUG-NS has more than 50 members and continues to grow. The group has held more than a dozen meetings on Java related topics and has hosted several speakers from several well-known companies in Serbia and the US.
JUG-NS was founded on the idea that collaborative sharing of expertise is key to the professional growth of its members. To foster this idea, JUG-NS promotes the following goals:
- Provide access to information and resources concerning the latest Java-based technologies.
- Create an environment where developers can come together to exchange ideas and discuss technology related topics.
- Facilitate collaboration between the University of Novi Sad and private industry.
- Provide an opportunity for professional networking in an informal setting.
Why join JUG-NS?
There are many reasons to join JUG-NS, and the group is continually working on improving its offerings. Current member benefits include:
- A mailing list where memebers can post questions and exchange information on specific Java related topics.
- Monthly JUG-NS meetings covering a wide range of Java related technologies and concepts. Past topics included logging, workflow solutions and standards, regular expressions, Ajax, and an overview of the Java One Conference.
- JUG-NS guest speaker series featuring latest product development and technology trends. We were honored to host speakers from Quest Software, Sybase, IBM, Bea Systems, as well as local speakers from Novi Sad and Belgrade.
- A book review partnership program with O'Reilly, offering new publications to members for review and subsequently discussed at meetings. This is an excellent way to keep up with the latest trends and receive a free book!
- Announcements: Member companies frequently post projects and job announcements on the JUG-NS discussion forum.
What members say about JUG-NS
After two years, we, the JUG-NS founders, feel that our group has been a huge success. The feedback we've received from members of our community has been overwhelmingly positive and endorses our basic concept.
"JUG-NS has provided a window into a propulsive world of real-life projects in private industry and open source development for our computer science students. They use that experience in classroom and lab exercises and it shows—their projects are more professional."
Branko Milosavljevic, PhD, Assistant Professor at University of Novi Sad
"I have been following the JUG-NS's mailing list for more than a year - I have seen a wealth of information exchanged in a vibrant community. I would strongly recommend JUG-NS to anybody interested in programming in Java."
Vladimir Weinstein, Software Engineer, Burlingame, California
For more info on JUG-NS please visit the web site at JUG-NS.