[mahal721]

gosh darn. there aren't anymore rooms at the govt rate at the World Center. gonna try the hotels nearby. :(

[AlanM]

Got a room booked at the Marriott. Just waiting for discount code.

[stuwhite]

Rumour has it that I might make it this year. I guess it depends on whether I upgrade our 2 BESs next week without wiping too many people out.

Now, where's that list of who owes me beers from 2007?

[DarthBBerry]

Originally Posted by AlanM

Got a room booked at the Marriott. Just waiting for discount code.

Yep yep. Me too! When do you get there?

Originally Posted by stuwhite

Rumour has it that I might make it this year. I guess it depends on whether I upgrade our 2 BESs next week without wiping too many people out.

Now, where's that list of who owes me beers from 2007?

You better show up, wanker. I don't owe you (many) beers, but you've got some catching up to do with me, AlanM, x14, & mahoward. Plus, the "tourist" part of the week just wasn't the same without ya.

[stuwhite]

Originally Posted by DarthBBerry

You better show up, wanker. I don't owe you (many) beers, but you've got some catching up to do with me, AlanM, x14, & mahoward. Plus, the "tourist" part of the week just wasn't the same without ya.

Too funny. Especially for all the newer Brits on here who will be in shock with you calling me that on a board . I love that British swear words _still_ aren't banned. I missed you too Darthie and yes if I make it this year I will be sure to wear my tourist cap, BlackBeary shirt and keep asking where the "loo" is

[CanadianCrack]

I'm jealous of everyone who's confirmed to go to WES this year,
and in the process of obtaining approval myself.

Because of budget constraints, the boss has asked
"What can you bring back from WES to use on the job".

Having trouble finding info on exactly what will be showcased
this year. I've checked the WES website and, other than a list of
vendors, there really isn't much else.

So far what I have is....

-A Rim rep said they were looking at setting up a lab with servers demonstrating the new automatic failover for the new version of BES.

-Will have direct access to vendors to research 3rd party software the boss has asked for to handle our contacts.

-I'll be able to attend the 2nd training course
Although I've heard it's really a repetitive version of the 1st course,
I like to have the training certificate because the boss is really
impressed with paper.

-Be able to speak directly to RIM techs to discuss our current setup and ask for suggestions on improvements etc.


Can anyone add to the above?
Anything...even something that's rumoured to be happening.

Thanks!

[Jadey]

Originally Posted by stuwhite

I love that British swear words _still_ aren't banned.

Depends on the British word that you try and use!

Originally Posted by stuwhite

keep asking where the "loo" is

Quite right! Promote the word! It makes more sense than asking for a bathroom, when you have no intention of having a bath (nor does the room contain one).

[stuwhite]

@CanadianCrack
Search for Darth's thread on the 2007 WES (I wasn't around for 2008) as I know we put loads of stuff like this in there. Most of us have to get approval without the details being published so no worries there.

I think you covered most things but networking with the other saddos who call Messaging their life is a real big part of it :->. You get so much out of talking nothing but BES all week, whether at lunch, drunk at a party or on a Dibney ride (you all know who you are!).

Also, I did the pre-course day thing which was fantastic and taught me more tech than the rest of the conf (not sure if that still exists). And the labs also gave me stuff which our UK carrier wanted treble the money for so try to map what you will get out of the WES against buying training in your area.

[stuwhite]

Originally Posted by Jadey

Depends on the British word that you try and use!



Quite right! Promote the word! It makes more sense than asking for a bathroom, when you have no intention of having a bath (nor does the room contain one).

Just when I thought I was getting the hang of the US, I asked a guy at the CES in Vegas a few years ago where the "bathroom" was. Killed me to do it but he looked at me like I was stupid. then he said "oh, the mens' room". Just when you thought American couldn't get any more confusing. But that's a discussion for a bar in Orlando (I better get approval now after getting the taste for all that watery US beer).

[CanadianCrack]

Thanks Stuwhite.

Good idea on the cost of training angle.
I'll use that because training is not available where I'm located.
With traveling, accommodations and training costs - it would be
at least half the cost of WES.

[stuwhite]

Originally Posted by CanadianCrack

Thanks Stuwhite.

Good idea on the cost of training angle.
I'll use that because training is not available where I'm located.
With traveling, accommodations and training costs - it would be
at least half the cost of WES.

Yeah it was crazy in 2007. The whole shebang (from the UK) cost less than the equivalent training over here (the good dollar rate at the time helped!!). If the cash is there, I think it's actually quite easy to justify the WES if BB is a serious part of the org. I got far more out of it than I ever do from years of MS confs (and made some good friends!)!

[DarthBBerry]

@CanadianCrack

Here's something similar that I submitted to get approval.

As the BlackBerry System Administrator for [Insert Company Here], I am requesting approval and support to attend the Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2009 in Orlando, Florida. This is the premier event for BlackBerry System Administrators. The sessions at the Symposium will continue to enhance my knowledge of the wireless working environment and bring back additional knowledge of wireless technologies to benefit our “wireless warriors.”
Wireless technology is now fully integrated into our workplace. BlackBerry devices have emerged as standard tools for effective task management in all levels of our environment. As technology is always changing it is vital that I stay on top of the changes and enhancements in order to most effectively support our customers.

My attendance at the previous 2 Wireless Enterprise Symposiums (WES) proved most beneficial for our BlackBerry infrastructure. From WES 2007, I brought back a wealth of knowledge which enabled me to successfully upgrade the existing BlackBerry Enterprise Server from a lower, non-supported version to the most recent, supported software release. The training received also provided the advanced knowledge to relocate our BlackBerry environment from one server to another while only experiencing minimal downtime for our users. At WES 2008, I focused on security for our BlackBerry devices. With the knowledge obtained, I wrote a highly successful security policy for our environment. This Security Policy was also approved by Gartner, Inc, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. In addition, the sessions I attended provided the education to become our first BlackBerry® Certified Support Specialist. Without the Wireless Enterprise Symposium, none of these accomplishments that are presently benefiting the organization would have been possible. Subsequent training provided at future WES events is needed to continue my development and training as a Senior Systems Administrator. Future opportunities at WES include an opportunity for me to continue my education towards additional unique certifications.

My primary goals for WES 2009 include (1) Migrate towards virtualization in coordination with the Server Team. (2) Implement the next incarnation of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server; BES 5.0. With BES 5.0, we will be able to manage, deploy and control applications and BlackBerry operating systems wirelessly through our Blackberry Enterprise Server via software configurations. We will also be able to modify message throttling to control and minimize negative impacts to our BlackBerry Infrastructure and users.

The benefits for in supporting my attendance at this conference are:
• Attend hands-on training and detailed technical presentations that will help drive our BlackBerry deployment and support structure.
• Discover and network with the largest concentration of BlackBerry solutions partners so I can come back ready to continue leading our wireless environment to even greater success.
• Acquire networking opportunities with wireless leaders and BlackBerry experts, so I can take highly qualified advice back to the environment.
• Plan, implement or administer technology systems.
• Develop wireless solutions for all departments.
• Set priorities and plan the lifecycle of a wireless deployment to net the best results.
• Give me greater knowledge to better benefit wireless technology.
• Attend several breakout sessions with the insight I need into the strategic, technical, management issues of future technologies shaping wireless technology.
• Study technical situations from other BlackBerry System Administrators handpicked to share their processes, and successes with BlackBerry.
• Participate in hands-on labs where I can road-test the latest BlackBerry management features with experts on hand to help.
• Communicate with “The Experts" and get on-the-spot answers that solve our current wireless challenges and plan out our wireless future.
• Develop additional strategies for application development and deployment.

I recognize the Wireless Enterprise Symposium has considerable value which has provided significant contributions to my continued knowledge of our BlackBerry Server and devices. This ongoing educational opportunity will enhance my ability to successfully support and maintain our BlackBerry Server and current devices as well as enable me to further my wireless education so I can boost productivity and return on investment, get the most out of our BlackBerry investments, and overcome development challenges.
**************************
I then outlined the costs involved; airfare, registration, land transportation, hotel, meals, tips, etc etc.

Enjoy!
~DBB

[CanadianCrack]

Holy Crap Darthberry - you are truly the sith lord!

Can't thank you enough. If I get approved, and I don't
see how they can say no now, I'll buy ya a drink or 2....at a cash bar.

Thanks again!

[DarthBBerry]

Originally Posted by CanadianCrack

Holy Crap Darthberry - you are truly the sith lord!

Can't thank you enough. If I get approved, and I don't
see how they can say no now, I'll buy ya a drink or 2....at a cash bar.

Thanks again!

No problem. All I ask is that you rewrite and paraphrase a bit.
Plus, I don't drink. (personal choice) But I will have an O'Douls or 2. Thanks!

[CanadianCrack]

Originally Posted by DarthBBerry

No problem. All I ask is that you rewrite and paraphrase a bit.
Plus, I don't drink. (personal choice) But I will have an O'Douls or 2. Thanks!

I don't drink either and have not idea what an O'Douls is - but you got it.

No worries - I'm in the process of changing your's to suit my situation and environment. Adding and deleting some.

Thanks again - it's a great framework to start from.

[DarthBBerry]

Originally Posted by CanadianCrack

I don't drink either and have not idea what an O'Douls is - but you got it.

No worries - I'm in the process of changing your's to suit my situation and environment. Adding and deleting some.

Thanks again - it's a great framework to start from.

Non-alcoholic beer. Not the best, but pretty common.
Thanks, I'll take 2.

[AlanM]

CC, Darth will in fact consume all the O'Doul's that the open bars will have.

[DarthBBerry]

Originally Posted by AlanM

CC, Darth will in fact consume all the O'Doul's that the open bars will have.

Aye, that I will. Hope they stock up better this year.

[CanadianCrack]

The WES request has been fine tuned and submitted.
It got a favourable response from my boss (thanks Darthbberry),
and it's been passed on to the dept mgr. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Now I really have to go to find out about this O'Douls.
Should have added that to the WES submission!

[stuwhite]

Originally Posted by DarthBBerry

Non-alcoholic beer. Not the best, but pretty common.
Thanks, I'll take 2.

Oh god I forgot about that stuff. And I thought our non-alcoholic beer (yes it does exist!) was bad!!