NETWORKS

User Groups

Connect. Learn. Collaborate. Grow.

Exchange best practices and interact with like-minded professionals through the partnerships the Council’s IS Network has created with a variety of technology-focused user groups. You can exchange ideas with more than 25 Pittsburgh-based groups dedicated to systems like .NET, Java, Oracle, SQL and SharePoint.

Click on the user group name below to see a description of the group along with information on how to get involved.

Council-Sponsored User Groups

Pittsburgh Area SharePoint User Group

The Pittsburgh Area SharePoint User Group is dedicated to providing educational and informational resources for Microsoft SharePoint technologies and related products. Its purpose is to bring the local SharePoint community together to network and to share tips, tricks and ideas on SharePoint technologies, as well as to provide a forum for people involved with SharePoint. The target audience for this users group includes developers, designers, administrators and power user.

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Pittsburgh Java User Group (PittJUG)

PittJUG was established in 1997 as a knowledge-sharing vehicle for individuals with a common interest in Java technologies. Today, PittJUG provides a forum for information exchange, education and peer-to-peer networking for individuals responsible for designing, deploying and maintaining Java technologies within their organizations. PittJUG promotes good software engineering practices within the Java community by encouraging members to share technical solutions and best practices. As a group, they strive to increase the level of adoption of Java as a language and platform for software development while positioning Pittsburgh as a center for technical excellence.

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Pittsburgh .NET User Group (Pgh.NET)

The Pittsburgh .NET User Group, Pgh.NET, was established in 2001 to provide a forum for information exchange, education and peer-to-peer networking for individuals responsible for designing, deploying and maintaining Microsoft .NET strategies within their organizations. Ultimately, their goal is to encourage the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

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Pittsburgh Oracle User Group (PghOUG)

This group provides a forum to exchange information, ideas and expertise on Oracle technologies and related products. The mission of PghOUG is to further the use of Oracle technology platforms and products in southwestern Pennsylvania by providing local support, peer networking opportunities and educational events for IT professionals utilizing these technologies. Membership is open to employees of companies of any size, including technical experts, novice users, Oracle partners and Oracle employees.

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SQL Server User Group

The Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group (PSSUG) was established to provide a forum for exchanging information, ideas and expertise on SQL Server and related products. The mission of PSSUG is to further the use of the SQL technology platform and products in southwestern Pennsylvania by providing local support, peer networking opportunities and educational events for IT professionals utilizing these technologies. Membership is available at no cost and is open to employees of all size companies including technical experts, novice users, Microsoft partners and Microsoft employees. Monthly meetings expose attendees to technical expertise and provide a professional environment in which to learn from best practices and real world examples. Meetings take place the first Wednesday of every month.

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Other Regional User Groups

arcStream

Launched last fall by the Microsoft East Region Developer & Platform Evangelism team, arcStream is the premier technical program for architects in the east. arcStream provides a constant flow of technical information as well as networking opportunities for enterprise, solution, infrastructure and aspiring architects. Part of the arcStream offering is arcCouncil, a bi-monthly meeting of industry architects and featured guest presentations by Microsoft product architects, industry luminaries and customers.

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Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

AITP Pittsburgh offers opportunities for information technology leadership and education through partnerships with industry, government and academia. AITP Pittsburgh provides quality IT-related education, information on relevant IT issues and forums for networking with experienced peers and other IT professionals. We are the IT professional organization of choice for providing leadership opportunities, professional development and personal growth.

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Butler Area Dot Net User Group

The Butler Area Dot Net User Group (BADNUG) provides developers, database administrators and others interested in .NET with a network of like-minded professionals in Pittsburgh's North Hills. Regular meetings introduce members to .NET best practices, tools and projects.

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Café Scientifique Pittsburgh

Café Scientifique Pittsburgh provides a place where anyone interested in science can get together in an informal setting and discuss major science issues with the help of an expert in the field. Cafe meetings are free and open to the public. Best of all, this is not a lecture! After a brief introduction by the guest speaker (in plain, jargon-free English), the evening is dedicated to informal discussion and libations. Attendees will learn a lot while enjoying the company of accomplished scientists and other science enthusiasts. Most meetings take place the first Monday of each month at Penn Brewery.

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CocoaHeads

Cocoa is an object-oriented application environment designed specifically for developing Mac OS X-only native applications. The Cocoa frameworks include a complete set of classes and, for developers starting new Mac OS X-only projects, Cocoa provides the fastest way to full-featured, extensible and maintainable applications. Pittsburgh CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework. Monthly meetings provide a venue for members to discuss projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics related to Cocoa.

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Greater Pittsburgh E-Commerce Partners

The Greater Pittsburgh E-Commerce Partners (GPEP) organization, founded in 1990, is a forum where local professionals meet and share information about e-commerce (EC) related technologies. Originally focused on electronic data interchange (EDI) education and networking, the group has evolved to address the needs of a variety of e-commerce technologies. GPEP meets four to five times annually, inviting guest speakers to share insights on new technologies and business practices impacting our respective industries as they relate to EC/EDI. Attendees typically represent project management, technology management and business areas of organizations with interest in e-commerce.

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Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

The western Pennsylvania chapter of HIMSS is one of over 40 affiliated chapters of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, the largest health care information systems professional organization in the nation. An affiliated chapter provides a local forum to discuss new issues and developments, learn about new methods and tools and network with others with similar experiences.

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Information Resource Management Association of Pittsburgh (IRMAP)

The Information Resource Management Association of Pittsburgh (IRMAP) is an informal alliance of data management professionals who meet regularly for socializing, networking and exchange of technical experiences and best practices. Listed as a DAMA International Chapter-in-Formation, IRMAP invites all like-minded individuals to join them at the monthly dinner meetings for education, peer support and a good time. The group is open to individuals interested in the following areas: data management, meta-data management, data stewardship / governance, knowledge management, data modeling and data warehousing.

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Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

The Pittsburgh Chapter of Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is an independent, professional organization committed to improving the effectiveness of information security. This local organization meets regularly, providing a venue for networking among regional information systems security professionals. The group also provides members opportunities to get the inside scoop on the latest technology for security concerns from well-known vendors.

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InfraGard Pittsburgh

InfraGard Pittsburgh is a cooperative undertaking between the U.S. government (led by the FBI) and an association of businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies and other participants dedicated to increasing the security of United States' critical infrastructures.

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International Institute of Business Analysts (Pittsburgh IIBA)

With more than 4,000 members across 40 chapters, the IIBA is the independent non-profit professional association serving the growing field of business analysis. Whatever your role – requirements management, systems analysis, business analysis, requirements analysis, project management or consulting, if you are involved in analysis for systems, business or process improvement, the Pittsburgh IIBA can help you do your job better. Benefits to members include access to best practices, networking, certifications and training workshops.

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IT Software Development Process and Tools User Group

The group welcomes all users of IBM Rational products throughout the software development lifecycle. This RUG offers an opportunity for you to network with local professionals, share information and get tips on the use of IBM Rational products. They are conveniently located in Pittsburgh, PA for people in Eastern Ohio (Steubenville, East Liverpool, Martins Ferry), Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Washington, Kittanning) and Northern West Virginia (Morgantown, Wheeling, Weirton).

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Pittsburgh Coding Dojo

Enthusiastic developers are addicted to programming. They want to exercise their skills and share knowledge with their peers. The Pittsburgh Coding Dojo was created to feed that addiction. The Dojo is intended for people who value their programming skills and have a strong motivation to improve. Programmers at any skill level, from novice to master, will benefit from attending. The Dojo will focus on practicing programming using test drive development and pair programming.

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Pittsburgh ColdFusion Users Group (PITCFUG)

The Pittsburgh ColdFusion Users Group (PITCFUG) is made up of 'Burgh area web-application developers and architects who make use of the Adobe ColdFusion server-side scripting technology. PITCFUG also touches on related technologies and products (not necessarily those from Adobe) including Microsoft SQL Server, JavaScript, Java, AJAX, Flex, Eclipse and .NET. Monthly meetings, hosted at the offices of IMPAQT, feature one main presentation by a member, an Adobe representative or another ColdFusion expert.

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The Pittsburgh Data Warehouse User Group

Since July 2002, the Pittsburgh Data Warehouse User Group, founded by NOVA Chemicals, has become a widely recognized industry forum that brings together Business Intelligence professionals. It is focused on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, networking and key topics, all while keeping pace with the latest tools, processes and methodologies that focus on trends in data warehousing and business intelligence. The relationships built through these sessions promote continual informal communication between members and provide ways of sharing valuable insight into current market innovations. The formal meetings, which are scheduled three times per year at the U.S. Operations Center of NOVA Chemicals, provide the framework to bring together diverse industries with a common goal in mind. The event consists of a structured communication session concerning one specific pre-planned topic, occasional vendor presentations (vendors are informed this is for informational – not sales purposes), and informal networking and agenda planning for future events.

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Pittsburgh eLearning Society

The Pittsburgh eLearning Society promotes e-learning in southwestern Pennsylvania by encouraging the region's professionals to come together, make contacts and share expertise. The group provides a forum for guest speakers to share expert information and fosters an environment in which local e-learning professionals are able to share tips, techniques and strategies. The Pittsburgh eLearning Society creates and fosters relationships that lead to exchanges of good business among members.

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Pittsburgh HP / Mercury User Group (PGHMUG)

The Pittsburgh HP / Mercury User Group (PGHMUG) provides a forum where attendees can share knowledge, experiences and advice with fellow users, as well as join technical discussions with guest speakers from HP Software, the user community and partner organizations. The purpose of PGHMUG is to help members build relationships, communication channels and networking opportunities. Members are exposed to demonstrations, product information and best practices. In addition, they are invited to provide feedback on the functionality and use of HP / Mercury products. So whether you are a power user of a HP / Mercury tool, or a new user looking for insight from others, the PGHMUG has something to offer everyone.

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Pittsburgh Microsoft Exchange Users Group

The Pittsburgh Microsoft Exchange Users Group is devoted to bringing like-minded individuals together in the IT field to share ideas, learn about new features and products and gain a better understanding of Microsoft Exchange and where it is going. Meetings will be held quarterly and last two hours. At each meeting, the group will have at least one vendor giving a presentation and will attempt to have more if time allows.

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Pittsburgh Oracle Applications User Group (PittOaug)

The PittOaug, founded in January 2001, is a local geographic users group dedicated to Oracle Applications serving the Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland areas. This group was formed to provide a forum for Oracle Applications Users to share their experiences regarding the selection, implementation and effective use of Oracle Applications. The group focuses on providing its members with actual experiences, educational information and product demonstrations regarding the implementation / upgrade of Oracle applications. It is a goal of this group to continuously offer information that will directly benefit its members in their every day challenges with Oracle applications.

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Pittsburgh Perl Mongers

Perl is a general purpose programming language originally developed for text manipulation. It has since moved into a wide range of fields, including system administration, Web development, network programming, GUI development, bioinformatics, financial analysis and many others. Just as Perl's uses are varied, so are the Pittsburgh Perl Mongers. The Mongers have members of every background and skill level. If you have an interest in Perl, the Pittsburgh Perl Mongers is for you. Join them and share your skills and interests at regular meetings and festive social events.

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Pittsburgh Regional Knowledge Management Consortium (PRKMC)

The Pittsburgh Regional Knowledge Management Consortium was established to provide a forum for individuals and organizations interested in knowledge management – a forum for sharing ideas, for making connections with other knowledge workers in the area and for facilitating the region's growth through members' effective application of a powerful success enabler: knowledge management. PRKMC connects regional practitioners of knowledge management – as well as those who might like to be – into a community of practice for information and resource exchange.

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Pittsburgh Salesforce.com User Group

The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Sales & Marketing Network has partnered with the local salesforce.com user group whose mission is help companies understand and use salesforce.com to further their business objectives. Every month the group covers new topics as well as provides answers to members’ salesforce.com questions. Since many members of the group are not the direct administrator, time is spent discussing how salesforce.com relates to the sales process.

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Pittsburgh WebSphere Users Group

The Pittsburgh WebSphere User Group is a group of companies interested in exploring and sharing information related to WebSphere, the support of the WebSphere Application Server (WAS), the development of WAS based applications and the infrastructure used in an e-business environment based on WebSphere. Customer companies in the western Pennsylvania and the surrounding states are welcome to join. Vendors and consultants are welcome to attend meetings but asked not to solicit business.

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Pittsburgh Women in Technology International (WITI)

Since 1989, WITI, whose core values are to build, empower and inspire, has been the first and only global association dedicated to advancing women through technology. Pittsburgh WITI provides members with access to the people, companies, agencies, resources and opportunities that women need to achieve their professional goals. They do this by providing a results-oriented, worldwide networking structure, educational and leadership programs and outreach to women at all levels, from girls to executives. WITI continuously develops and executes on strategies and tactics that pull each group up to the next level.

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Project Management Institute (PMI) & IS SIG

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the PMI establishes project management standards and provides seminars, educational programs and professional certification that more and more organizations desire for their project leaders. The Information Systems SIG's goal is to be the preferred, global, collaborative, professional project management organization for all aspects of project management that are required for information systems, regardless of industry.

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Society for Technical Communications (STC)

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the STC seeks to advance the arts and sciences of technical communication, promote awareness of the latest trends and technology in the field and provide innovative services for the education and professional development of its members.

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System & Network Administrators of Pittsburgh (SNAP)

System & Network Administrators of Pittsburgh (SNAP) is a regional group affiliated with the League of Professional Systems Administrators (LOPSA) dedicated to advancing the practice of system administration. The group supports and educates it practitioners through discussions, monthly presentations and technology socials.

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Three Rivers Contingency Planning Association (TRCPA)

The primary purpose of TRCPA is to promote education and the exchange of information among its members, so that they can develop and improve their skills in the fields of contingency planning, business continuity, and disaster recovery. TRCPA is a non-profit organization; its members or officers obtain no financial benefits. While TRCPA is based in Pittsburgh, membership is free to all business and individuals interested in contingency planning regardless of their location. TRCPA's areas of focus include administration, communications, emergency management, programs / logistics and professional / public liaison.

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Western PA OpenSolaris Users Group

Everyone interested in Solaris / OpenSolaris is encouraged to join the Western Pennsylvania OpenSolaris User Group. The group is in the formation stages, so now is your opportunity to contribute to the group and assist with its growth. A member mailing list will be maintained using Google Groups Beta.

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Western Pennsylvania Enterprise Architecture Forum (WPEAF)

The Western Pennsylvania Enterprise Architecture Forum was created in 2002 to provide opportunities for sharing best practices around the emerging field of enterprise architecture. The mission of the group is to foster the sharing of non-competitive architecture processes, concepts and artifacts in order to support business requirements. Membership is open to any organization willing to share their experiences in developing and maintaining an EA program, including other IT professionals interested in learning more about EA. The group meets on the first Monday of the month. The meetings usually comprise a presentation and roundtable discussions on topics that range from EA to emerging technologies. Minutes, meeting agendas and schedules are published on its Web site.

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Western Pennsylvania Linux Users Group (WPLUG)

Founded sometime around Friday September 26 at 11:37:08 EDT 1997, WPLUG supports Western PA's Linux community. The group is a not-for-profit, educational organization that provides a mailing list and educational events for Linux users of all backgrounds ranging from experienced developers to curious persons wanting to see what Linux is all about. There are no requirements to join the group. However, the discussions will be Linux oriented.

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Submissions or questions? For more information, contact Jared Roberts, Director, Member Programs, at 412.918.4243.