Conference focuses on business goals

IBM is addressing the challenge organisations face in aligning IT with business goals in its Focus 2002 seminar for execs who "don't need or want advanced technological understanding".

According to Australia and New Zealand marketing director Iggy Pintado, "Focus 2000 aims to get customers focused on business strategy, and to marry business strategy to a working IT reality."

Big Blue is expecting about 800 line managers, IT managers and tech specialists from Australia and overseas, and from both large and small to medium-sized businesses to attend Pintado said.

Some 21 topics ranging from emerging industry trends to business transformation across health/life sciences, banking and finance, insurance, government and education, manufacturing and distribution, retail and telecommunications and media and utilities industries will be presented at the event at which some 60 international business and technology experts will speak.

Presentations will go beyond exploring 'what' technology to implement, to 'how' to address current business issues, IBM officials said.

Keynote speakers on the first day will include Dr Cheryl Shavers, former under-secretary of commerce and technology for the Clinton Administration and adviser to companies like Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Motorola, discussing the role of IT in a changing business environment, and Kenneth Courtis, leader of the South-East Asian Economic Forum and vice chairman of investment firm Goldman Sachs Asia. The day's keynotes will end with Lieutenant-General Peter Cosgrove, chief of the Australian Army, discussing success through leadership.

On day two - the Solutions Showcase - IBM and its business partner network will demonstrate the depth and breadth of their latest business solutions and some current implementations, Pintado said. Key partners involved in the event include Ariba, Candle, Cisco, Citrix, i2 Technologies, Kana, SAP, Palm, Optus, Siebel, Presence Online and Telstra. The showcase covers three areas: e-business infrastructure, integrated solutions (CRM, SCM, ERP), and innovation. Other demos will cover security, wireless, migration, Linux and IBM hardware and software.

Focus 2002 will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, on April 10 and 11. For conference agenda and speaker topics go to www.ibm.com/au/focus2002.

* IBM is offering a complimentary pass to both days of Focus 2002 for the first 10 readers who respond to this offer with name, company, e-mail address, mail address and phone number to GBU@idg.com.au

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