Midwest CMG

FAQ

What is Midwest CMG?

Midwest CMG (also known as MCMG) is a regional chapter of the Computer Measurement Group (CMG). It is a group of professionals whose jobs involve the management, measurement and reporting of the performance of computer systems. Midwest CMG provides a forum for discussing and learning about computer performance, measurement, capacity planning and reporting. All aspects of data processing are covered: operating systems, storage systems, networks, application systems, Internet and more.

Midwest CMG has been providing the latest performance metric knowledge for capacity planners and performance analysts in the Midwest since 1984.

What region of the United States does Midwest CMG cover?

We basically cover the Midwest portion (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin) of the United States. However, in practical terms, most of our members come from an area within 150 miles (3 hour drive) of Chicago. This means an area including south and central Wisconsin, central and north Illinois, central and north Indiana and west Michigan. The distance has not stopped an attendee (member) when the meeting's presentations are particularly relevant.

How often does Midwest CMG meet?

Midwest CMG plans three (3) meetings per year. See the current year's meeting schedule for planned meeting dates.

Who attends Midwest CMG meetings, or who are its members?

People responsible for the collection, analysis and reporting of computer performance data. Typically these people have job titles or descriptions like Performance Analyst, Capacity Planner, Systems Engineer. Many Midwest CMG members and attendees wear multiple hats. They may be systems programmers, storage experts or network engineers that are also responsible for the performance of the systems they support.

What does Midwest CMG do at a meeting?

Typically a meeting will consist of three (3) or four (4) presentations of topics of interest to our members. There is time for lunch, and networking with colleagues. Also, there is ample opportunity to discuss computer performance and capacity issues occurring at member's companies and seek advice from other members. Meetings usually start at 8:30AM CST and run until finished, usually around 4:30PM CST.

Where does Midwest CMG meet?

Midwest CMG usually meets at a location in the Chicago area. Vendor locations, hotels and member's companies host our meetings. See our current year's meeting schedule for the location of each meeting.

How much does an Midwest CMG meeting cost?

Midwest CMG meetings typically cost $40.00 to $50.00 per meeting. Prepayment for a meeting results in a lower price, and helps the MCMG board plan the accommodations for the meeting. Walk-in registration on the day of the meeting costs more because of last minute changes in accommodations. Please see the posted meeting notices, accessible from the current year's meeting schedule, for the cost of each meeting.

How do I join Midwest CMG?

Attendance at one (1) meeting per year makes you a member of Midwest CMG. Meetings are open to any data processing professional with an interest in our topics. To be placed on our email list for meeting notification, please contact mcmg_registration@cmg.org.

Why should I attend an Midwest CMG meeting?

Each meeting has three (3) or four (4) presentations on topics of interest and value to our members. There is also ample opportunity to discuss topics or questions of interest to you with our members. And there is also the opportunity to network with colleagues from other organizations providing further contacts and opportunities to find information when needed. All of this is an incredible value. And of course, it provides an opportunity to escape the office for a day to interact with other capacity professionals, which can give the attendee the chance to find new perspectives and a fresh approach to the work at hand.

How do I pay for a meeting?

The meeting notice for a meeting (both emailed and on this site) will contain payment instructions. Simply follow them.

I have a topic I'd like to present or discuss at an Midwest CMG meeting, how do I do so?

If your topic is a discussion topic we usually offer a Birds of a Feather (BOF) discussion time during the meeting. Simply attend and bring up your topics at the proper time, interested and/or knowledgeable members will discuss the topic with you. If you have a formal presentation you would like to share with the Midwest CMG membership then your topic will need to be scheduled for an Midwest CMG meeting. You should contact our Program co-Chairs at mcmg_program@cmg.org to determine the appropriateness and possible scheduling of your presentation.

I'd like to host an Midwest CMG meeting, how do I do so?

If you or your business are interested in hosting an Midwest CMG meeting, please contact mcmg_program@cmg.org. Hosting locations should have facilities to accommodate 50 to 100 people and catering and/or easily accessible lunch facilities.

I'm a brand new Performance Analyst or Capacity Planner, what do I do, where do I start?

Two of our Midwest CMG board members (Sue Rohr and Dan Schwarz) wrote and presented a paper at the CMG2002 International Conference on this very subject. You may download their paper and the presentation. Also, look at the Midwest CMG bookshelf and links for more information. You may also contact the members of the Midwest CMG board if you still require further assistance.

Return to Midwest CMG Homepage.

For changes, problems, or corrections, please email Mike Hines (mshines@purdue.edu).