About Us (SiliconValleyCUG)

About Us

Mission

To be the premier networking technology organization by bringing network enthusiasts
together in an open forum to provide easy access and exposure to existing and
emerging networking technologies, resources, and information.

Vision

To provide an environment that encourages open discussion of technical issues and the
building of learning groups. To provide access to equipment for “hands-on” experience
and practical application. To provide industry insight and continuing education through
presentations, case studies, and demonstrations by industry professionals including
Cisco Systems professionals. To provide Cisco feedback about their hardware, software
and services.

What We Do

The Silicon Valley Cisco Users Group (SVCUG) is a Bay Area Cisco user group that meets regularly for the purposes of learning Cisco technologies, growing in networking knowledge, and sharing user experiences and ideas.

The SVCUG offers three meetings a month. There are two Saturday Labs and one Monthly Meeting. The Saturday Labs offer the users a place to meet and use Cisco equipment (provided by us). The Monthly Meeting is used for technical presentations. Typically a Cisco professional will deliver a Cisco technology presentation they are subject matter experts in - but, on occassion, we will have someone outside of Cisco deliver a networking related presentation.

Cost To Attend Meetings?

Entrance Fee: $0.00

Sitting Fee: $0.00

Meal: $0.00

Now, I'm no math wiz, but if you carry the zero over ...it comes out to ... Free. :)

All kidding aside, we have been asked many times what the cost to attend or be part of this user group was. We were actually surprised to hear that. It's free. You are free to come and free leave at any time during any session. This is a way that Cisco, and it's key members, can help give back to the community.

Occasionally, we like to do a few special things for SVCUG meetings and ask for donations to do so. These are few, far between and always feed right back into the group.

Organization

Dan Segovia

President

Dan is both the Cisco representative for the SVCUG and its President. Dan has been a Cisco employee since 2000 but has been an SVCUG member since before that time. Being a Cisco representative, Dan is in a unique position to help Cisco give back to the community by furthering the development of the SVCUG by both continuing to promote its growth and by ensuring its yearly schedule. Dan is a Development Test engineer in Cisco's Network Software and Systems Technology Group (NSSTG) and is dedicated to keeping the SVCUG both healthy and growing.

David Powers

Founder

David Powers started the Silicon Valley Cisco User Group in the fall of 1998. David wanted to advance his Cisco learning and did so by bringing together people who shared his goals. David was responsible for "roughing" the first years and establishing the SVCUG as a thriving and functioning group. Thanks to David's vision and effort, many Bay Area professionals have gone on to achieving their Cisco goals.

Luis Chanu

Co-Founder, Key Member

Luis grew up in the Silicon Valley, and has over 23 years of networking, server, and IT experience. While in high school, Luis started his own consulting company, On Site Network Solutions, and began helping companies through their IT challenges. Over the years, Luis has architected many Novell NetWare, Novell GroupWise, Microsoft Windows, and Cisco networks.

Luis is the President of On Site Network Solutions, Inc., which has been going strong for over 20 years. He provides consulting services to many companies in the area of network architecture/design, security, and trouble-shooting, and has traveled around the world providing these services.

Luis’s real-world Cisco experience includes 26xx/36xx/28xx/38xx/72xx routers, PIX and ASA firewalls, VPN Concentrators, LWAPP wireless, Server Load Balancing, along with the complete line of Catalyst switches, with a great deal of experience with the Catalyst 6500-E series of switches. Luis has architected several corporate networks that have included Network Edge/DMZ Designs, Secure Wireless, QoS, 10Gb/s links, SANs, and DMVPN technologies.

Luis is one of the founding members of the Silicon Valley Cisco Users Group, is still very active with the group, and is well known for his very detailed presentations. You can also often find Luis at the Saturday labs, helping members advance their networking knowledge and answering questions.

When Luis isn’t helping customers with their networks, he’s often dabbling with his own network, learning how to fly, playing tennis, or teaching.

Certifications/Achievements:

Formal Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, San Jose State University

Certifications (Current and Past)

Microsoft Windows 2003 Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE 2003)

Microsoft Windows 2003 Certified Systems Engineer: Security (MCSE 2003:Security)

Microsoft Windows 2000 Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE 2000)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

NSA INFOSEC (Information Systems Security Professional)

EMC Proven Professional

Novell Master Certified Novell Engineer (MCNE)

Novell NetWare 5 Certified Novell Engineer (CNE5)

Novell NetWare 3.x Certified Novell Engineer (CNE3)

Novell GroupWare Certified Novell Engineer (GWCNE)

Sun Certified Solaris 2.x Administrator

Hewlett-Packard STAR Certified (HP STAR)

Microsoft Cluster Server Certified by Hewlett-Packard

SVCUG Key Members & Honorable Mentions

Lorin Thompson

Key Member

Lorin is both a Cisco employee and a key SVCUG member. Lorin helps plan and run the SVCUG Saturday Labs and is a key player in their success.

Chris Verges

Honorable Mention

Throughout the years, Chris has helped the SVCUG with equipment, technical expertise, SVCUG web site hosting, and setting up memorable off-sight learning opportunities (just to name a few). His care and support of the SVCUG has earned him an honorable mention.

Joseph Prasad

Key Member

Many of you who attend the Saturday Labs know Joseph and have probably learned a thing or two from him. Joseph selflessly lends his time and expertise in Cisco technologies to SVCUG members. Thanks Joseph!

SiliconValleyCUG

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