Open discussion, March

I'd like to have an open discussion with members that would like to participate.
If you have a topic that you'd like to present for part of the session please get back to me (Robert) directly.

I've been working with MySQL Workbench, webapps and frameworks. I also work with XML, mashups, ajax and even guiding some php tutorial sessions, but I rarely get to hear from the world of the Chicago DBA and what is needed in the current business environment.

I also want to open this group up for related topics: databases, open-source, business, web platforms, etc.

Now that Oracle/Sun/MySQL are one, and Oracle has stamped their Logo on websites and documentation, how does that change things ? From my outside perspective, MySQL (which has an April conference btw) can be a lean-mean effective tool. The training courses can still run a bit of $$, as can stepping above the Community Edition and purchasing support contracts.

What about
-Oracle
-Postgres
-Open Source
-Data Warehousing
-New Products
-Uses for MySQL
-Chicago DBA's, business opportunities and networking

Potential vendors looking to interface with the DBA community and want our MUG as an audience are:
Percona, Kickfire, Splunk ( these could all be in the near future, March, April, etc. )

Do you have a topic, speaker, blog, website, product or vendor that you'd recommend to the group ?
Please let us know. We also may share topics with the LAMP MUG, or NW MySQL group, also.
This Meetup location will be determined based on the number of RSVP's but should be in the downtown area with vicinity to the loop. It could work well in the back room of a bar, restaurant or Panera, but considering local tech businesses also, especially ones that would benefit from hosting a MySQL/DBA group.

I'd like to get started around 6pm to make it easy for Loopers to come after work, but keep it open for others to make it by 7pm and still participate. thanks everyone
-Robert