Successful Global Conference programme charts course for region's ICT industry

Demand for seats at the high level event has been enormous, demonstrating both the relevance and need within the region for original, ground-breaking discussion of technology challenges and opportunities. All session have been packed to capacity, with strong demand for places.

A new component of the 2007 edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, the IBM-sponsored Global Conference programme has inspired dialogue between delegates during a range of thought-provoking seminars and networking sessions taking place alongside the main exhibition.

One of the key issues tackled throughout the sessions has been the need to drive innovation across the industry, and particularly the need to ensure that business technology solutions fully support the needs of small businesses and enterprises in the Middle East.

"The response from the industry for the Global Conference has been extremely strong, particularly since GITEX's traditional audience of high level experts and executives have a great deal to contribute to these sessions. This is perhaps the first time in the region that so many leading representatives from across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East have come together to discuss critical issues relating to the future of IT,"

said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

A speaker at one of the first "Power Lunches," Dr. Otto Schily, Member of the German Parliament, complimented the quality of discussion and the calibre of both speakers and attendees: "I've been thoroughly impressed by the valuable insights shared at this conference. It provides an important meeting point for technology executives from around the world to share both our common perspectives and some new insights."

Following a keynote speech on the first day of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK from Al Zollar, President & General Manager, IBM Tivoli Software, which focused on "Innovation that Matters," experts from a range of global and local companies have participated in head-to-head debates and "Power Lunches" as part of the Global Conference.

Areas of focus at these events have included the requirements necessary to fully develop e-government in the region, the long-term implications of a GCC IT 'free zone,' and the necessity of proactive security in today's aggressive threat landscape.

"The Middle East's technology sector is reaching a new stage of maturity, and these events have really captured some of the key discussions at this important time," said Vikram Suri, Country Manager, Middle East and North Africa, Symantec.

Another popular new innovation at this year's GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has been "SMB Solutions Clinics," providing solutions and advice for small companies to enable them to maximise the impact of technology on their growth and development.

Speakers from a diverse range of companies, including Injazat Data Systems, 3I Infotech, Shuaa Capital, Oracle, Opennet, Sun Microsystems, Novell, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, Trend Micro and KPMG have participated in the event.

"I have been particularly impressed with the new Global Conference Programme as it has generated some very interesting discussions which can help enable individuals to make informed decisions about critical technology issues, such as whether to buy or build," said Goran Milanov, a delegate at one of the head-to-head debates.

The introduction of the new Global Conference programme is in line with the show's forward-thinking strategy to continually enhance the value provided to participants and become the premier annual meeting point for ICT executives.

At the same time at the high level discussion, the business development side of the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK exhibition has continued, with over 100 new partnerships and implementations announced in the first three days of the show.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is open from 8-11 September from 10am - 7pm, and 12 September from 10am - 5pm. Trade and business professionals can register onsite and purchase a one-day pass for 40 AED or a five-day pass for 100 AED on-site, which provides access to all events and the Global Conference.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) features three dedicated industry events: GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, and is held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6-12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai.