Archive for the ‘Gurus Events’ Category

Apr
23

Recording and Book Giveaway: Most Important Xcelsius Webinar of 2012

by Mico Yuk 2 Comments »

Hi Everyone,

We first want to say thanks for attending the Most Important Xcelsius Webinar of 2012! Consider  this to be one of three upcoming blog posts discussing the details of the webinar. Please be sure to read it all the way through before previewing the video to view some great outcomes from the webinar.  Enjoy!

10 Amazing Webinar Facts

  1. Registration soared to a record 1086! (30+ countries)
  2. 64% show up rate with over 700+ attendees
  3. 400+ Questions received
  4. 96% Attendee approval rate from feedback survey!
  5. 500+ tweets on our twitter hashtags #AllAccessSAP and #XcelsiusSOD reflected the traffic of a mini conference (and still going BTW)!
  6. 48% of the customers on the call had both SAP BW and Business Objects when polled
  7. 82% of the attendees had no idea what SAP Zen was (though Zen reflected 30% of the questions asked and is the next most requested AllAccessSAP Webinar)
  8. #SAPZen twitter hashtag has been bred into life!
  9. SAP BI Commnity Response was historical and overwhelming! To date we have 7 blog posts, 1 podcast and 1 semantic analysis and counting…
  10. 6 Amazing SAP BI panelist, namely Mani Gill, Ty Miller, Jason Rose, Ian Mayor, Scott Leaver and Mani Srinivasan did an AMAZING job answering questions!  Big thanks to them for participating and making this a success. :-)

Anticipated Xcelsius Book Giveaways!

You couldn’t possibly think that we forgot the BOOK GIVEAWAY from our friends at SAP Press?!  CONGRATS to our winners (check your emails for more details).

  • Winner #1 – Marc Teixido Ibarz (SP)
  • Winner #2 – Ruby Norley (US)
  • Winner #3 – Bala Seetharaman (IN)

I wrote the foreword for this book and can personally recommend that you buy it now, especially if BI4 is on your plate.  Electronic versions available for non US folks too!

AllAccess SAP Xcelsius Webinar Recording (60 mins of No BS)

Sit back and turn up the volume…

If you are having trouble viewing the video, please click the direct link: http://youtu.be/vMVnBnr0PHY

Useful Links & SAP BI Community Webinar Responses

Additional Responses from the Community post this blog:

Our Fav Tweets – Share the Community Passion!

What’s Next?

I will follow up with 2 more blog posts in the next week. One that seeks to get even deeper answers from SAP on the most pressing questions not covered in the webinar. My 2nd blog post will focus on my thoughts on the Xcelsius SOD and what it means for SAP customers and their existing and future dashboards.

Your Feedback is Required

We want to hear from you! Do post your comments below or on twitter using our hashtags #AllAccessSAP and #XcelsiusSOD to keep the conversation going. Remember big brother is reading. :)

Mico Yuk is a SAP Mentor and SAP BI Influencer, co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence and founder of the Xcelsius Gurus Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog. To learn more about her, please visit her about page.

2 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Apr
17

Alert: Most Important Xcelsius Webinar of 2012

by Mico Yuk 3 Comments »

Hi Our Loyal Followers,

If you have used, invested or are curious about the Xcelsius software, this may the be most important email you will read in 2012!  It’s been a LOOONGG, SLOW year in the Xcelsius world, but I’m sure most of you have seen or heard the buzz about the upcoming “All Access Xcelsius” Webinar tomorrow (4/18/12) at 10am PST/ 1p EST that I will be hosting along with the SAP BI Team.

If you recall, SAP promised to give us the long awaited ‘Xcelsius Statement of Direction’ back in Jan of 2012. To date we have seen NULL.  This call is to follow up on that request and get your future of Xcelsius questions answered.

Besides the NO BS or Marketing theme (had to make SAP promise), there are a number of reasons why you need to attend:

  1. UPDATE: The Xcelsius Statement of Direction (SOD) has been delivered! Read it here: http://bit.ly/HUkPqW / or if behind a firewall, try here: http://bit.ly/HUmfli
  2. NEW Call Format - Unlike traditional webinars, where SAP typically whips out a PPT for 45 mins, tells you all the good things they hope to come and then leave 10 mins for questions, we will have 15 mins of PPT and 40 mins of questions. Expect most of the questions entered in the registration form to be answered at this time. We will also be taking questions via Twitter and monitoring the Hashtags #AllAccessSAP or #XcelsiusSOD.
  3. Panel.. the whole  SAP BI team! - This usually exists at conferences, and to be honest as the registration numbers started increasing to alarming heights SAP just kept adding team members. GO COMMUNITY. Let’s keep them on their toes!  Guess no one wants to be the naked emperor.
  4. Live Polls – During the call we want to give SAP as much feedback as possible, so we will be hosting a few live polls on the call and showing the results in real time.
  5. Post Surveys – It is also critical that you fill out the post webinar survey that will feature some questions that SAP needs to gain feedback on to ensure that we continue to gain updates. Snuck into there, we will also ask what you would like to see happen with EverythingXcelsius.com in 2012. :-)
  6. Continuity.. Lets do it again! - Now note, because of the overwhelming response SAP is already considering doing this same kind of No BS webinar for other areas and tools such as WebI etc. Please be sure again to fill out the post survey if you want this repeated.
  7. Three Xcelsius Book Giveaways – As a thank you for your support our friends at SAP Press provided 3 of the NEW Creating Dashboards with SAP BusinessObjects (2nd ed.) books to raffle on the call.  You Must be present to WIN. I personally wrote the foreword for this book and it is the only book that will give you clear guidance on how to use Xcelsius in an Enterprise environment. Don’t miss out!

Registration Link: You can register using this link: http://bit.ly/XcelsiusSOD. Even if you can’t make the actual webinar, we encourage you to sign up to receive the recording afterwards.

Now to the NO BS Clang… Joining us from SAP will be:

  • Mani Gill – VP, Business Intelligence Solution Management, SAP
  • Ty Miller – Senior Director, Solution Management, SAP
  • Jason Rose – VP, BI Solution Marketing (but he is hanging up his marketing hat for this webinar)
  • Ian Mayor – Director, BI Solution Management, SAP
  • Scott Leaver – Director, BI Solution Management, SAP
  • Mani Srinivasan – Solution Manager, BI Solution Management, SAP (Explorer)

We asked the community to come out and support us, and the response is overwhelming! At 100 registrants per day globally, we have over 750+ registrants and counting.  As the global evangelist for this product, I  just want to say your response makes my 2nd (unpaid) job worth the while. THANK YOU! Don’t forget, even if you can’t make the webinar, still sign up to receive the recording afterwards: http://bit.ly/XcelsiusSOD.

PS – Sorry that I have not been blogging as much. It’s very challenging working a day job, dealing with SAP on the back end to keep things moving, being on twitter trying to gain real time responses, and blogging.  I do have lots to say and will work on getting this going soon.  Meanwhile I would appreciate if you could let me know what you want to see on EverythingXcelsius.com in 2012. Thanks!

Mico Yuk is a SAP Mentor and Influencer, founder of the Xcelsius Gurus Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog, and co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence. To learn more about her, please visit her about page.

3 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Sep
27

ASUG SBOUC BI4 Release Party OFFICIAL RSVP!

by Mico Yuk 2 Comments »
Steve Lucas and Adam Binnie

Steve Lucas and Adam Binnie of SAP

Hi Folks,

The most anticipated event of the ASUG SAP BusinessObjects conference is finally here and its BIGGER and BETTER!

We are excited to formally announce the Official SAP BI4 Release Party (aka the 3rd Annual Xcelsius Gurus Reception), hosted by none other than myself Mico Yuk (founder of Benchmarkers.com and EverythingXcelsius.com) and the infamous Steve Lucas, Global GM & Senior Executive of the SAP Business Analytics & Technology Portfolio!

If you attended our event in previous years, you probably know that it looks more like a Vegas nightclub on Friday night than a regular ‘boring’ corporate event.  We plan to keep it that way (just don’t tell our sponsors at SAP :) ).

Now for the long awaited details:

  • Location: ASUG SAP BusinessObjects User Conference (Orlando, FL)
  • Hosts: Steve Lucas & Mico Yuk
  • Date/Time: Tuesday, October 11, from 6:30-9:30pm EST
  • Room – (Final details will be sent in confirmation email on 9/29)
  • Attendee Count: 250 (space is limited)
  • Special Guests – Bridgette Chambers (ASUG CEO) and much more!
  • Prizes – 3 door prizes (just drop your business card in at the door to enter), BI4 Video Confession prizes!
  • BI4 Video Contest - Submit your videos now, or take them at the event to gain a chance to win an iPad2.  More details by clicking here!
  • Features – 2 Open Bars, Open Buffet, networking tables..
  • How to RSVP: Please send an email with ‘RSVP’ in the subject to events@everythingxcelsius.com by Wednesday, October 5, 2011.
  • IMPORTANT! –  You MUST be REGISTERED for the ASUG SAP BusinessObjects conference to attend this event. Space is limited and we are always booked to capacity within 48 hours of this notice, so please send in your RSVP as soon as possible. Confirmation details will be sent out via email prior to the event with instructions on where to pickup your wrist band. All registered guests will be required to show a wristband upon entrance without exception.

Sponsored in part by SAP, the event promises to provide a host of surprise guest, as well as a BI4 video confession booth where customers can tell their story to win exciting prizes, a chance to network with fellow SAP BusinessObjects community members and the SAP BI team, door prizes, 2 open bars and an open buffet! Let’s also not forget it’s ASUG’s 20th Anniversary celebration!

We would also like put in a call for volunteers, if interested please send an email to gurus@everythingxcelsius.com. We can’t wait to see you! Thanks!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Kurt Bilafer, Jason Rose, Sanjay Poonen and of course my wonderful co-host Steve Lucas of the SAP BI Team, and Bridgette Chambers and her right-hand man Richard Zepeda of the ASUG team for making this event possible! Thanks for supporting our community!

Mico Yuk is a 2010 SAP Mentor and the founder of the Xcelsius Guru Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog, and co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence. To learn more about her, please visit her about page.

2 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Sep
26

Xcelsius Bootcamp Tour Special!

by Mico Yuk 13 Comments »

I know I have not blogged in a while on EX (this will change in 2012), but I wanted to share some exciting news.  The Xcelsius Gurus have joined forces with SAP Wispubs to do a 4-city Xcelsius Bootcamp tour (Chicago, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Copenhagen).  We had a sold-out crowd in Chicago last week, and boy was it intense and fun!  I seldom sell anything (including the fact that our consultants build the best Xcelsius dashboards in the industry), but after being a part of the first bootcamp I am encouraging all customers, who can get to 1 out of the 3 last bootcamps, to attend before we sell out again, as I’ve honestly not seen so much solid content in one 3-day Xcelsius boot camp.  Best of all, if you read to the end we have a special gift just for those who sign up now from our community.

Here are 3 reasons why you should attend (IMO):

  • Mico’s Part – In case you have never heard me speak, I love to rock the crowd.  This is no different.  I get to open the event by introducing all of the other speakers and also laying the foundation down on how to scope and plan one’s dashboards.  The feedback I got form the first hour from a few attendees was simple: “This was worth the entire cost Mico”.
  • Two Hands-On Sessions: It also features 2-hard core hands on sessions that include building a dashboard and using other exciting features in BI4.0 with SAP’s very own Matt Lloyd and Decision First Technologies, Chris Hickman
  • World Class Speakers – fellow Xcelsius Gurus, Chris Hickman of Decision First Technologies (who is an SAP BusinessObjects ace and provides deep insight on all BOE related topics), Dr. Bjarne Berg of Comerit (who is an SAP BW and Xcelsius specialist), Matt Lloyd of SAP (not sure there is anyone who knows the Xcelsius platform better, we go back many years), Emily Mui of SAP (another old friend who handles the marketing of the product and has deep insight and answers for customers regarding the roadmap), then myself Mico Yuk (just the biggest Xcelsius groupie that ever lived)
  • I must add the 100% Money-back Guarantee though I can assure you, NO ONE will use it. We had a 97% referral rate from the Chicago event!
  • Much more – Panel discussions, Governance and Performance Tips

Here is a pic from the Chicago event, just so you can see how packed and intense these sessions were.  Energy was amazing.  Even I learned a few things!

Philadelphia is coming up in just 7-days and we are almost sold out. Same goes for Vegas as far as I know.  As you know we always want to ensure our community is well taken care of.  So for those of you who sign up from reading this blog by 9/30 to ANY of the locations, you will get a complimentary free 6-month membership to the new BusinessObjects Expert website (high quality content) as a THANK YOU from EverythingXcelsius.com.  We created this deal especially for you and it is NOT available elsewhere, not even on the actual registration website. Sign up now!

Complimentary FREE 6 month Subscription to the BusinessObjects Expert Website (using our URL)

Note you MUST USE the specific URL in this blog to get the FREE membership.  Cut and paste into your browser if it is not working:  http://www.xcelsiusbootcamp.com/homePage.cfm?usergroup=bbi-us. (Please note, upon completion of  registration to the bootcamp, you will receive a notification within 24-48 hours with instructions on how to signup for the free 6-month subscription.)

I look forward to seeing all of you, so drop me a line if you plan to attend. I have another huge announcement this week for the ASUG SAPBusinessObjects User Conference attendees about our exclusive BI4 Release Party and how to RSVP. Stay tuned!

Ciao,

Mico Yuk

Mico Yuk is a 2010 SAP Mentor and the founder of the Xcelsius Guru Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog, and co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence. To learn more about her, please visit her about page.

13 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
May
12

Mico’s #SAPPHIRENOW / #ASUG2011 Schedule

by Mico Yuk 5 Comments »

Hi Everyone,

With less than 3 days left for the SAPPHIRENOW / ASUG2011 Conference in Orlando, FL,  I just wanted to do a quick check-in. Before I get to my schedule, I wanted to share my interview from 2 weeks ago with Liz Brenner: “Follow the Leader: Living Her Dream- the Brave Mico Yuk“, for those of who that want to find out more about me. I also want to thank Liz for such an awesome job!

Now to the matter at hand! Below is a list of events where you can find me, along with my role in CAPS (this reflects about 1/4 of my schedule, so I really hope to meet with as many of you as I can).

Monday, May 16th

  • SPEAKER: SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards (formerly Xcelsius) Gurus- FAQ session | Time: 3:00 to 4:00 pm | Location: Broadcast Center 2 (ASUG booth on the show floor)
    • How to leverage SAP BusinesObjects dashboards in your organization
    • Why SAP BusinessObjects dashboard is the best tool for your organization
    • How and when to integrate it with the other tools in the SAP BusinessObjects Suite of software
    • How and when to use the most popular connectivity options
  • JUDGE/JUROR: SAP HANA InnoJam Final | Time: 6:00 to 11:00pm |  Location:  Hilton Hotel (next to convention center)

Tuesday, May 17th

  • MODERATOR: ASUG’s 1st Women’s Leadership Breakfast Panel | Time: 7:00 to 9:00 am | Location: Dux Room at the Peabody Hotel
  • SPEAKER: Xcelsius Gurus Dashboard Methodology 101- 7 Proven Steps to successfully developing your SAP BusinessObjects Dashboard (Xcelsius) with Ryan Goodman | Time: 3:00 to 4:00 pm | Location: S322- Benchmarking Sessions
    • Step 1: Scoping- Gathering Requirements
    • Step 2: Mock up Design (Excel Data Policy)
    • Step 3: Universe Creation (Data Validation)
    • Step 4: Data Connectivity (Ex: QaaWS, Live Office, Cross Domain Policy)
    • Step 5: User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
    • Step 6: Production (Dashboard Launch)
    • Step 7: Change Management (Training & Knowledge Transfer)

Wednesday, May18th

  • INTERVIEWER: Live Interview with Bridgette Chambers (CEO, America’s SAP User’ Group) | Time: 4:30 to 5:00 pm | Location: ASUG Studio

I also want to thank all the folks at SAP and ASUG that have been working with me over the last couple of weeks to make this all possible! Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Mico Yuk is a 2010 SAP Mentor and the founder of the Xcelsius Guru Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog, and co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence. To learn more about her, please visit our About Us page.

5 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Apr
26

Casting Call- Xcelsius Usability Testing at SAPPHIRE ASUG Annual Conference

by Soo Tang Yuk No Comments »

Calling all Xcelsius fans! It’s that time again!!

The SAP Dashboards (Xcelsius) product team will be conducting usability tests on-site again at SAP ASUG Annual Conference in Orlando (May 16-18, 2011). Don’t miss out on this great chance for you to test out and provide feedback on the latest enhancements and features under development for a future Dashboard Design (Xcelsius) release.  Below is the official blurb that will appear in conference materials, but you can sign up before you even get to Florida to ensure a time slot convenient for you. The instructions are at the bottom of this post.

Details

Description Great chance to test out and provide feedback on the lastest enhancements and new features under development for a future Dashboard Design release, including hierarchical data consumption and new data binding workflows.
Role/s BI users who have experience building/consuming dashboards in Dashboard Design (Xcelsius), preferably working in a BusinessObjects Enterprise environment.

Role A: Dashboard Creator: with IT background

Role B: Dashboard Consumer: with business background
Previous Experientce Some experience with Dashboard Design (Xcelsius) is a must. BusinessObjects Enterprise experience is optional, but preferred.

Role A: Dashboard Creator:

  • IT or power users working for enterprise wide, LoB wide or departments; build content for decision maker/stakeholders.
  • Professional IT experience >5y (programming languages, database )
  • BI Tool experience (data modeling tool/ analytic tool/excel )

Role B: Dashboard Consumer:

  • Casual users who view/present the created dash boards and make decision upon (can be Executives, team managers or operational staff)
  • E-commerce knowledge background.
Preview You will work with our researchers to test on the prototypes for a future release of Dashboard Design relating to hierarchical data consumption, direct data binding and other enhancements, which are amongst most important features for 4.1. During the session you will be guided to go through a series of tasks under several senarios where you may have a taste of what they would actually function. What you really experienced in the process and comments/advices will be critical to base the design desicion.
How to sign-up on-line 1. Go to http://usability.sap.com.
2. Click on “ASUG Annual Conference 2011″.
3. Click the “Register here” link on the left-hand side (in the Login section) and create an account.
4. Log in to your account.
5. Click on “Topic Catalog” on the left-hand side.
6. Under “Topics”, select “SAP BusinessObjects Dashboard Design (Xcelsius)”
7. Find a convenient time slot and click “Sign Up”.

Please feel free to contact Clare Xie (clare.xie@sap.com) if there is any questions or thoughts. We looking forward to seeing you in Orlando next month!

Soo Tang Yuk is the ‘Xcelsius Gurus Network” community manager and evangelist. To find out more about her, please visit the About Us page.

Want to keep up with all the latest Xcelsius News? Follow us on:

No Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Apr
4

Webinar Alert: Improving Xcelsius Dashboard Performance

by Soo Tang Yuk 7 Comments »

Join Mike Alexander (Author, Crystal Xcelsius for Dummies & Microsoft Excel MVP) and Mico Yuk (SAP Mentor & Co-Founder, Benchmarkers Business Intelligence) on Friday, April 8, 2011, at 1pm EST, for a one hour webinar, titled: “Improving Xcelsius Dashboard Performance“.

In this session, Mike and Mico will share some techniques you can use to speed up your sluggish dashboard solutions.

Learn “How To”:

  • Use Performance Enhancing Excel Functions and Modeling Tips
  • Avoid Dashboard Habits That Slow Down Your Solutions
  • Lighten Dashboard Models with Server-Side Solutions
  • Leverage Performance Enhancing Tips for Qaaws And Live Office
  • Find out which Add-ons really help performance

We also have a surprise giveaway! So this is definitely a MUST Attend!

Webinar Details:

Also, don’t forget our Xcelsius Advanced Developer Workshop in Miami, FL is less than 3 weeks away. Seats are filling up fast and last year we had a waiting, so register before its too late!

Soo Tang Yuk is the ‘Xcelsius Gurus Network” community manager and evangelist. To find out more about her, please visit the About Us page.

7 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Mar
22

Webinar Alert: Introducing SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards 2011 (Xcelsius)

by Ryan Goodman 2 Comments »

This week I am extremely excited to help introduce through SCN, the latest version of SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards 2011, on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at 10:00 am PST, 1:00 pm EST.

For our Xcelsius Gurus network members who have stayed on top of the BI4.0 launch, you may have already seen some of the features in previous webinars. With this webinar, I am going to take a slightly different approach to introduce Xcelsius based on my previous experiences using the tool and highlight its newest strengths. Following the webinar, I would love to congregate to gain your feedback.

SIGN UP NOW!

See below for the for the official SCN Announcement:

Ryan Goodman is the Founder of Centigon Solutions, an SAP® software solution partner, that is strategically focused on developing add-on products for use with Xcelsius®. To learn more about him, please visit our Gurus page

2 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Mar
15

Free Webinar Alert: How to Effectively Price a Dashboard (Xcelsius) Project

by Soo Tang Yuk 28 Comments »

Join Mike Alexander (Author, Crystal Xcelsius for Dummies & Microsoft Excel MVP) and Mico Yuk (SAP Mentor & Co-Founder, Benchmarkers Business Intelligence) on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 1pm EST, for a one hour webinar, titled: “How to Effectively Price a Dashboard Project“.

Anyone in the business of dashboard consulting knows the complexities of pricing out a dashboard project. Between growing scope, increasing complexity, and interactive development, a dashboard project can quickly become a black hole that sucks up your time and resources.

Mike and Mico will show you how to put your arms around the actual scope of the project, breaking up the project into separate fundamental sub-tasks. Then the duo will dive into the most effective ways to layer in pricing. At the end of this webinar, you’ll move away from that generic hourly rate, moving toward a more surgical strike method for building a quote for your potential dashboard clients.

Webinar details:

Also, don’t forget to register for the upcoming Xcelsius Advanced Developer Workshop in Miami, FL on April 19-20, 2011. Register before 04/01 and save $100 during the early bird special. Seats are filling up fast and last year we had a waiting list, so please don’t delay!

Soo Tang Yuk is the ‘Xcelsius Gurus Network” community manager and evangelist. To find out more about her, please visit the About Us page.

28 Comments » Subscribe
Read More
Feb
15

Will you be at our Xcelsius Training? (April 19-20, 2011)

by Mico Yuk 4 Comments »

Hey Folks,

We’re doing it again in April!  I’d like to formally announce open registration for our highly successful Xcelsius Advanced Developer Workshop (aka Training) that will take place in Miami, FL on April 19-20, 2011. Conducted by Mike Alexander (author, Crystal Xcelsius for Dummies) and myself, this 2-day event is jammed packed with content and always sold out within a few weeks of announcing.

Last year (see pics below) the training sold out (we even had a waiting list, see how packed it was by viewing our album here!), so we encourage everyone to Register before March 31st , to secure your seat and receive the early bird special SAVINGS OF $200.

On the 1st day, the training will cover Basic Data Connectivity Techniques, including, Advanced Dashboarding Techniques. On the 2nd day, we will cover Advanced Data Connectivity Techniques and much more! We will be also be covering SAP Crystal Dashboard Design. To view the entire agenda go to http://xcelsiustraining.com.

Follow us on Twitter or FaceBook for special announcements, as we will be giving away a free seat again this year. Don’t forget the early bird special ends on March 31st, so register today and save $200.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!!  Email us at gurus at everythingxcelsius.com with any questions.

Mico Yuk is a 2010 SAP Mentor and the founder of the Xcelsius Guru Network, the Everything Xcelsius blog, and co-founder of Benchmarkers Business Intelligence. To learn more about her, please visit our About Us page.

4 Comments » Subscribe
Read More