INDUSTRY

Business Objects joins Microsoft, IBM, the Itanium Solutions Alliance and the European Software Association as sponsors: IT Europa has announced a strong line-up of speakers and sponsors for the European ISV Convention 2007 which will be staged in Brussels next week. The convention will bring together senior executives from many of Europe’s leading Independent Software Vendors to address some of the key issues impacting the development of the IT Industry in Europe. The Convention conference sessions will address the critical success factors for Europe, technology trends, the impact of new business models and financing growth. A strong list of speakers includes: • Jeremy Roche - Chairman of the European Software Association - Chief Executive Officer, CODA Group • Eilert Hanoa - Vice Chairman of the European Software Association - CEO of Mamut ASA • Pierre Duval - Vice President of the NovaScale Business Unit, Groupe Bull • Jürgen Pfeifer - Microsoft Certified Architect • Chris Wong - Vice President, Marketing and Strategy - IBM ISV and Developer Relations • John Campbell – OEM Director, EMEA, Business Objects • Miro P. Parizek - Managing Director - Corum Group International • John Chapman – Editorial Director – IT Europa The increasing importance of ISVs in driving sales is reflected by the number of major organisations that are backing the European ISV Convention as sponsors. This week Business Objects has joined the ranks of major sponsors which includes Microsoft, IBM, the European Software Association and the Itanium Solutions Alliance (which lists Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Hitachi, HP, Intel and Unisys amongst its founding members). “The European ISV Convention is the first event to focus on the issues affecting the development of the European software applications market,” said Alan Norman, Managing Director of IT Europa Ltd. “Convention delegates can expect some strong presentations mixed with lively debate and the opportunity to meet sponsors and their peers in the software development community.” The European ISV Convention 2007 will take place at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel on 21st and 22nd February 2007. ISVs wishing to attend the convention can find further information and register their interest at its Web site. Attendance is by invitation only and is free of charge to qualifying delegates (including overnight accommodation and gala dinner on 21st February).