| Copyright � 1993 Dow Jones & Co. from Business Wire
Digital Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS) U.S. Chapter to spearhead
transformation process
SHREWSBURY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the Digital
Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS) U.S. Chapter has unanimously
adopted a three-step transition plan that will ensure relevancy and vitality
for the Chapter into the new millennium.
According to President Margaret Knox, the board has set Spring, 1994, as the
completion date for all phases of this transition plan. The end result for
members -- which today number over 50,000 people -- will be improved
content, forums and a more responsive organization. The DECUS U.S. Chapter
is the second largest users society in the computer industry.
Not A Reorganization
Knox stressed the transition is not a reorganization of the Chapter.
"What this decision acknowledges is the reality that Information Technology
practitioners are rapidly shifting away from the traditional, single vendor,
single-system model. They are now interested in, and committed to, many
different platforms, different operating systems and distributed models of
computing applications. DECUS shares this view.
"Without impacting the many key services or activities the U.S. Chapter
regularly provides, we will develop a vision and plan that define the best
way we can help members solve real world, heterogeneous, multiplatform
problems. We believe this commitment will help DECUS lead the charge of
tranformation among all vendor-focused user groups."
A Major Commitment
The transformation of the DECUS U.S. Chapter represents a major commitment:
o DECUS has committed significant financial and human resources to this
transition effort.
o A carefully thought out transition plan is already in place.
o There is consensus agreement from DECUS leadership.
o Visible commitment to DECUS has been made by the highest levels of
Digital senior management.
-- CEO Robert Palmer will keynote DECUS' 93/Atlanta in June, the
organization's bi-annual national symposium/seminar/trade show event.
-- Vice President of Engineering William Strecker was a key presenter at
the DECUS meeting held in Cambridge, Mass. on February 21.
Three Phase Transformation Process
The DECUS transformation will center around a three phase process which will
be managed by Knox. Each phase will have a specific objective and
completion deadline.
Phase I: Forging A Shared Vision
The first phase, which has already begun and will be concluded in June 1993,
is focused on getting key people together -- the "stakeholder" as Knox
refers to them -- to gauge the major issues, needs and undeniable trends of
the computing industry.
These stakeholders include DECUS members, their management, Digital
engineering and business units, Digital customers, potential partners,
computer industry consumers and analysts.
Termed "The Vision Phase," this first step is centered on obtaining an
accurate assessment of the audience, needs of the Information Technology
(IT) environment and how the present DECUS business model must be modified
to ensure future relevancy.
"The key to success in Phase 1 is objectivity. By actively involving all
the stakeholders--especially outside constituencies--we will be able to
develop a shared vision of what DECUS must accomplish to ensure vitality,"
Knox said.
Phase 1 will be guided by an outside facilitator trained in organizational
transformation. "This person won't direct the change, but will help us
determine the right path," Knox explained.
Phase 2: How to Transform
After the shared vision is articulated and agreed-upon in June, DECUS will
enter Phase 2. This phase is focused on defining the most effective way to
benefit membership on a long term basis. It will be completed by September
1, 1993.
Knox said that task groups will be created to drive Phase 2.
"Phase 1 is focused on creating the shared vision and forging consensus. In
Phase 2, we will figure out how to transform DECUS. Several task groups will
be empowered to design new processes and determine the best way of getting
those processes accomplished. The task group teams will be made up of both
DECUS leadership and our professional staff. The outcome of this phase will
be the precise definition of a better, more effective way of doing
business."
In September, DECUS will enter the final aspect of its transformation,
focused on making the actual transition.
According to Knox, the board of directors has set a date of Dec. 31, 1993
when this process will be at least half complete. The remainder will be
completed and operational no later than the Spring DECUS national event in
New Orleans in May, 1994.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
"DECUS management understands the realities of today's computing
environment. We recognize that in order for an organization like DECUS to
thrive, it cannot rest. Any organization content to do so is destined for
extinction.
"DECUS is committed to accelerating the pace of the organization so it
matches the pace of the industry itself. Only by doing so can we guarantee
we are giving people what they truly need. That's the only way we stay
ahead of the curve. We must and we will match the pace," Knox said.
Leading the Charge
Knox said there is a real function for a member-responsive user's
organization.
"A user-driven society, more than any other organization, gives people the
kind of practical, unbiased technical insight they cannot get anywhere else.
DECUS is particualrly well positioned within the computer industry to meet
this constantly growing need."
Knox said what makes DECUS different is its special relationship with
Digital and the size and dedication of its volunteer organization.
"DECUS is truly democratic. Because of our honest relationship with
Digital, we have an excellent working partnership that is based on caring
criticism and objectivity. The other unusual aspect of DECUS is the people
who volunteer their time. There are literally thousands of people -- in
addition to management and staff -- who give their time to make this
organization what it is.
"DECUS has to have one of the largest, if not the largest, volunteer groups
among computer user societies.
"What sets these people apart is their commitment. It is this dedication,
more than any other element, that will ensure DECUS leads the charge of
transformation among all computer user societies," Knox concluded.
DECUS members solve their organizations' computing problems and stay
informed about industry issues and emerging technologies with the aid of the
U.S. chapter's semiannual national seminars, symposium and trade show event;
regional conferences; local seminars program; special interest and local
users groups; electronic conferencing system; and public domain library.
Note to Editors: DECUS, the DECUS logo and Digital are trademarks of
Digital Equipment Corp.
CONTACT: Beaupre & Co. Public Relations
Christine LeCompte/Andy Beaupre, 603/436-6690
or
DECUS
Mary O'Skirko, 508/841-3584
10:29 ET APR 19, 1993
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