SeaWIG was a project by Steve Stroh (http://www.strohpub.com/) that met over in Bellevue. This is really like a Linux User Group or something of that nature. They have speakers and snacks and question / answer sessions. They are not really working on wireless connectivity, but are interested in the technogy. I would recommend going if you want to listen to industry people talk about wireless.
Followup #1: Their old SeaWIG website was http://www.seawig.org/ which seems to be defunct. SeaWIG seems to be a group that started in late 2000 and then ended almost at the same time.
They've had one meeting so far, and here are the notes.
The first meeting of the Seattle Wireless Interest Group (note the slightly revised name) met for the first time on November 13, 2000 and was a rousing success, with approximately 30 in attendance. About 1/3 of the attendees were there as a result of direct contact, another 1/3 were referred by direct contact (word of mouth), and the remaining third had seen various public notices of the meeting. Meeting at the Rockwell Institute seemed to worked well. Tina Stroh furnished sandwiches, snacks and beverages and that was greatly appreciated by the crowd.
Our first speaker was Reuven Carlyle, Vice President of Strategic Development at Xypoint (www.xypoint.com). Reuven gave an interesting and informative talk on Xypoint's technology and services, and along the way, a lot of information about the "back end" of the mobile telephone system. As a side note, on November 15, 2000, it was announced that TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. would acquire Xypoint Corp.
Our second speaker was Matt Westervelt of Seattle Wireless (www.seattlewireless.net). Matt graciously stepped in when our scheduled second speaker was unable to attend. Seattle Wireless is an informal cooperative of those who are willing to provide wireless connectivity for individual users in their area. A key point is that Seattle Wireless doesn't plan to provide Internet connectivity (directly) - only transport of your packets back to your home system (where, presumably, you do have Internet connectivity).
The December, 2000 meeting of the Seattle Wireless Interest Group will be on Tuesday, December 12, 2000. Our planned speakers are: * Sharon Nelson, head of the Technology and E-commerce Center at University of Washington Law School and past Chairman of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission speaking on wireless regulatory issues * Dr. Norman Johnson of Accel Net, Inc. (www.accelnet.net), a local wireless Internet Service Provider (rescheduled from last month)
Approximate meeting schedule: 6:00 - 6:30 PM socializing / networking 6:30 - 7:15 First presentation 7:15 - 7:30 Break, announcements, business, etc. 7:30 - 8:15 Second presentation 8:15 - 8:30 Wrap-up, Q&A See the information below for directions, etc.
The room rental and other expenses of the Seattle Wireless Interest Group are graciously sponsored by: * The Alaris Group LLC, which provides consultant services to wireless providers, with a focus on wireless site acquisition, permitting and construction. Their Seattle-area office can be contacted at 206-322-1737. * Scott Bird, Attorney. Scott has extensive experience with wireless industry legal and regulatory issues. Scott can be contacted at 360-956-9009.
The Group is actively seeking other corporate sponsorships to offset other costs for the group.
Background Information on the Seattle Wireless Interest Group, updated 11/29/2000
Purpose of the Seattle Wireless Interest Group: To educate its members on Wireless Internet Access and associated technologies. We will do so with monthly meetings that include interesting guest speakers, demonstrations, (hopefully) facilities tours, and opportunities for personal and professional networking. Other planned information channels for the group include a web page, mailing lists, and regular newsletters or bulletins.
Structure of the Group: Initially the group will remain somewhat informally organized. It's expected that the group will evolve; exactly how depends on the requirements and desires of the group as a whole, once it reaches a self-sustaining level.
Meeting Date and Time: The Group will generally meet on the second Tuesday of each month. The following meeting dates are confirmed: Tuesday, December 12, 2000 Tuesday, January 9, 2001 Tuesday, February 13, 2001
Approximate meeting schedule: 6:00 - 6:30 PM socializing / networking 6:30 - 7:15 First presentation 7:15 - 7:30 Break, announcements, business, etc. 7:30 - 8:15 Second presentation 8:15 - 8:30 Wrap-up, Q&A
Meeting Place: Our meeting place, at least through February, 2001 is: The Rockwell Institute 13218 NE 20th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 425-747-7272
Initially, we will be meeting in the Rainier Room.
Directions to Rockwell Institute: From SR-520 East, exit at 124th Avenue NE Left (East) at the bottom of the exit ramp onto NE 20th Street Travel to the next stoplight (130th Avenue NE) and turn left into the Plaza 520 Office Complex. The best entrance to turn left is directly across from the West Marine store. Rockwell Institute is located at the Northeast corner of the complex, at the very back.
The Organizing Committee: At present, there are four organizers for the group. Please let them know your thoughts about the group, especially speakers and topics you would like to suggest. Steve Stroh - steve@strohpub.com Tina Stroh - tina@strohpub.com John Doerschuk - jdoerschuk@msn.com Scott Bird - scotttamara@webtv.net
Sponsorship: The group meets in a rented space, and expects to incur additional expenses. Several methods of meeting the expenses are being considered, such as membership dues, free-will donations, etc. At present, expenses are being covered by two sponsors: * The Alaris Group LLC, which provides consultant services to wireless providers, with a focus on wireless site acquisition, permitting and construction. Their Seattle-area office can be contacted at 206-322-1737. * Scott Bird, Attorney. Scott has extensive experience with wireless industry legal and regulatory issues. Scott can be contacted at 360-956-9009.
The Group is actively seeking other corporate sponsorships to offset other costs for the group.
