It's great that Sun will pay more attention to Java Users Groups. I guess, they made this decision after reading my article :)))

http://java.sys-con.com/read/49087.htm

Sun Ramps Up Initiatives for Java Developers Towards JavaOne.

"Sun has maintained its high level of commitment to the Java technology developer community throughout the past 10 years, and we will continue to drive innovation with new programs and initiatives that offer developers the opportunity to expand their knowledge and share information amongst their peers," said Joe Keller (pictured), Sun's VP of Java Applications and Developer Programs, on the eve of JavaOne 2005 in San Francisco.

Keller was speaking in the context of the announcement a number of new initiatives aimed at the Java technology developer community of over 4.5 million Java developers worldwide.

Among the new programs for developers featured at this JavaOne:

Java User Group Program Expansion - Sun's expanding its Top 25 Java User Group program to now encompass the Top 50 Java User Groups worldwide. This program sets up a direct connection between Sun and named Java User Groups (JUGs) and will provide them with Sun speakers, technology updates, software, and other important information.

Java Technology Champions Program Creation - Sun is creating a "Java Champions" program for the Java platform to include a community of around 200, and eventually 1,000 worldwide, of external Java advocates and industry luminaries including authors, professors, senior architects, and community members. This will become our "friends and family" program for the Java platform.

Sun Developer Network Growth and Enhancements - Celebrating its two year anniversary of the Sun Developer Network (SDN) Program, Sun will be enhancing its offerings to developers by including the JavaOne Online content into the SDN membership benefits. The 2005 JavaOne conference technical sessions, including transcripts, will be available to all SDN Program members. SDN Program membership is free - all that's required is registration into the program.

New Collaboration Service for Java Technology Developers - Following the recent release of Sun Java Studio Enterprise 7 with Instant Developer Collaboration capabilities, Sun is launching a new collaboration server to unite developer communities around the world instantly, enabling them to collaborate on Java application development issues using Java Studio Enterprise.