From: parallel@netcom.com (B. Mitchell Loebel)
Newsgroups: comp.parallel
Subject: The PARALLEL Processing Connection
Date: 11 Sep 92 07:38:06 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)
Apparently-To: comp-parallel@ames.arc.nasa.gov

The PARALLEL Processing Connection is an entrepreneurial 
association; we mean to assist our members in spawning very 
successful new businesses involving parallel processing.

Our meetings take place on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 
PM at Sun Microsystems at 901 East San Antonio Road in Mountain 
View, California. This is just off the southbound San Antonio exit of 101; 
northbound travelers also exit at San Antonio and take the overpass to 
the other side of 101. There is an $8 visitor fee for non-members and 
members ($40 per year) are admitted free. Our phone number is (408) 
732-9869 for a recorded message about upcoming meetings.

Since the PPC was formed in late 1989 many people have sampled it,
found it to be very valuable, and even understand what we're up
to. Nonetheless, certain questions persist. Now, in our third
year of operation, perhaps we can and should clarify some of the
issues. For example:

Q.    What is PPC's raison d'etre?
A.    The PARALLEL Processing Connection is an entrepreneurial
organization intent on facilitating the emergence of new
businesses. PPC does not become an active member of any such new
entities, ie: is not itself a profit center.

Q.    The issue of 'why' is perhaps the most perplexing. After
all, a $40 annual membership fee is essentially free and how can
anything be free in 1992? What's the payoff? For whom?
A.    That's actually the easiest question of all. Those of us who
are active members hope to be a part of new companies that get
spun off; the payoff is for all of us -- this is an easy win-win!
Since nothing else exists to facilitate hands-on entrepreneurship,
we decided to put it together ourselves. 

Q.    How can PPC assist its members?
A.    PPC is a large technically credible organization. We have
close to 100 paid members and a large group of less regular
visitors; we mail to approximately 500 engineers and scientists
(primarily in Silicon Valley). Major companies need to maintain
visibility in the community and connection with it; that makes us
an important conduit. PPC's strategy is to trade on that value by
forming alliances with important companies for the benefit of its
members. Thus, as an organization, we have been able to obtain
donated hardware, software, and training and we've put together a
small development lab for hands-on use of members at our Sunnyvale
office. Further, we've been able to negotiate discounts on
seminars and hardware/software purchases by members. Most
important, alliances such as we described give us an inside
opportunity to JOINT VENTURE SITUATIONS.

Q.    As an attendee, what should I do to enhance my
opportunities?
A.    Participate, participate, participate. Many important
industry principals and capital people are in our audience looking
for the 'movers'!

For further information contact:


-- 
B. Mitchell Loebel                                      parallel@netcom.COM
PARALLEL Processing Connection                                 408-732-9869
Newsgroups: comp.parallel