SDN/BPX Great Success, But to reach the next level to they need to be more physical

The magnitude of success of the SDN and BPX initiates really hit me (as usual late) like a truck because of the following instances:

1. Demo Jam at Munich - I really couldn't believe the people were excited to be working on SAP.
2. Zia Yusuf's ask for show of hands at the Teched in Bangalore - Everybody in the hall , which is close to 5000 people. It was an amazing sight. Hope somebody captured the sea of hands.
3. Finally , Community day - I was there at the last years also , but I see something changing here I see growing or increased participation. Enthusiasm and increased participation

I strong believe that the "India" based community can play a very important role in the community as we look into the future. Today their contribution is most felt in the sheer numbers , As I understand currently close to 30% of the SDN community is based out of India.But I would think a significant % of these are probably more "consumers" of information.  This will change over a period of time that is a given certainty. But the important thing is to focus on facilitating it and accelerating the same.

When the Mike,Mark,Craig,Marylyn etc are here in India for the community day they bring the much required enthusiasm and interest, but I would think this personal connection needs to be ongoing and infact it should be on a "reach out" mode also.This is one of the points that I was mulling over and during the Third Editorial round table with Zia Yusuf, Mark Yolton I brought it up - to get their views.

I think SAP has done the click part of the community really well, but I think now its time to leverage the "Personal" or "physical" dimension. This might be in terms of

• Running special programs specifically wit SAP Depts in large IT services companies.
• Working with the process departments of these organizations to see how the SDN/BPX can become a part of their "implementation , training, KT processes" which are defined for the organization
• Work on special promotions focused on getting "members" to contribute content.
• Organize content in such a fashion that they are the first step in the training point for resources getting into or growing in SAP.
• Meet the people more often- Community day once a year isn't sufficient.Will need to organize other such events, people will meet each other etc. For these session bring in innovative ideas/concepts happening in different part of the community or in the customer base.

Need to think about this more but thought I will put it out there and solicit some opinions.

Tags: sap - sdn - bpx - community - growth

Prashanth Rai