GUIDE SHARE EUROPE (GSE) is an international non-profit association of companies, organisations and individuals involved in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions based on IBM architectures. Formed by the merger of G.U.I.D.E and SHARE Europe - both well established user groups with over 35 years of experience - GSE is an authoritative forum aimed at supporting the everyday needs of ICT professionals.

GSE aims to encourage members to exchange experience and information related to ICT, influence ICT product and service providers, and influence the European standards in Information and Communication Technology in the interest of its members. GSE has now grown to become the most influential a IBM user group in Europe. It is comprised of more than 1,300 European companies and organisations, collectively representing over 12,000 IT professionals. GSE is an independent association led by volunteers, enjoying complete autonomy, but has also maintained strong relationships with other user groups and ongoing contact with other IBM-specific groups. Active member participation is encouraged and fostered by providing numerous opportunities to share ideas and solutions with industry colleagues, both on a regional and international level. The aim of GSE is to:

Within the body of GSE, active marketing by any vendor or member is absolutely prohibited. This prohibition also includes the hiring of new employees. This "golden rule" means that member companies need not fear that other companies will steal/recruit their specialists during conferences.

GSE functions on two different levels, European and Regional. At the European level, there is at least one Management Summit and one Executive Briefing annually. In addition, GSE contributes to a number of IBM ITES events each year and GSE Members receive discounts for these events. Details of these conferences are posted on the Upcoming Events prior to the event. At the Region level the Working Groups focus on detailed issues in particular product and business areas, in order to find good solutions for the benefit of the membership. Very often, this work is done in close contact with IBM representatives. More details of the UK Region of GSE are available. Details of these working group meetings are posted on the Upcoming Events prior to the event. GUIDE SHARE EUROPE holds a type-C ISO membership and is a member of the European ICT Roundtables. This gives GSE members access to a process of Information and Communication Technology standards.

Become a member company - To be able to claim the discounted member company rate, as well as the many other GSE membership benefits, send an email to membership@gse.org.uk There is also a presentation on what GSE does within the UK (.pdf, 244KB) given at the IBM Technically Speaking Roadshows in 2006