/usr/group, the US-based commercial Unix user group, is changing its name to UniForum in a move to appear less esoteric to non technical users. When we formed in 1980, our members were primarily Unix programmers, according to /usr/group executive director Ed Palmer, but now new members and potential members familiar with other programming languages do not understand the significance of the name. The group’s board has now voted for the change, which will be put to the members in June. UniForum is the name of the major US Unix exhibition, sponsored by usr/group, which in February attracted a reported 24,444 visitors to San Francisco’s Moscone Centre; /usr/group has more than 4,500 members. Its affiliate, /usr/group/UK, is also moving through the name change process, and its members are due to vote on the new name – Uniforum UK – at the annual general meeting to be held on the first day of the European Unix User Show, set for London’s Alexandra Palace from June 6.
