Embedded software, chips, top priority for Nasscom 2003

BANGALORE: The twelfth annual IT conference organised by Nasscom, Nasscom 2003, will be focussing high on new emerging technology and high-end technology areas such as semiconductor technology and embedded software which has been witnessing increased interest from MNCs and Indian vendors, as per Nasscom findings. Nasscom 2003 will be held in Mumbai from 11—14 February, 2003 and will be inaugurated by, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Parliamentary Affairs, Pramod Mahajan. The conference will have over 65 speakers who will address 15 plus sessions spread across the 3 days.

Also for the first time ever, over 20 international CIOs from Fortune 500 companies is expected to be participating at the conference. The conference aims to provide an ideal platform for Indian vendors to re-strategise their business in the changed market environment as well as provide insights into strengthening customer partnerships.

According to Nasscom some of the global CIO’s who have already confirmed their participation for the conference include Qwest Communications, Executive Vice President & CIO, Al Noor Ramji, American International Group, Senior Vice President and CTO, Mark Popolano and Johnson Controls, Vice President & CIO, Subhash Valanju. Other international customers who are likely to attend the conference include Citibank, Executive Director—Program Management, Jeff Berg and American Express, Director — Resourcing Strategy, Jan Aase.

Nasscom has also invited international analysts such as Gartner, academicians such as Professor Bala Balachandran from Kellogg School of Management and consultants from McKinsey and Co. and AT Kearney to provide insights on key business and technology trends to Indian software vendors at the conference.

Nasscom, President, Kiran Karnik, said, "Despite the downturn globally, the Indian Software and Service industry has recorded good performance and continued to win international customers. But the need of the hour in this tough business environment is to forge strong customer partnerships and develop expertise in new service lines. Keeping this in mind, we have invited global customers and consultants to participate in Nasscom 2003 who will provide insight on their strategies and priorities which is what Indian vendors are looking for. The participation of these CIOs will not only provide us an opportunity to showcase our horizontal and vertical expertise to them but also will help understand the dynamics of each vertical and how IT is enabling them to derive business advantages."

Specific sessions on high growth verticals such as IT Services and BPO across high growth verticals such as BFSI, Telecom, Retail, Healthcare and Utilities will be held. International Business and Government Delegation participation from countries including USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, Canada and West Asia is expected. The conference is expected to attract close to 800 delegates from India and overseas.