IT majors to showcase their products at 'Connect 2004'

Latest ICT (information communication and technology) technologies, products and e-solutions will be showcased at Connect 2004 "� The Enterprise ICT Event, between September 22 and 25, in Chennai.

At the fourth edition event, organised by the CII in association with the Government of Tamil Nadu, major information technology players like IBM, TCS, Intel, Ingram Micro, Lexmark, Imation, AMD, Adobe, BSNL, HCL Peripherals, Hewlett Packard, TVS Electronics, Palm One, Wipro (e-Peripherals Division), Sutherland Technologies, Eagle ACD, Ascendas, Symantec, APC, Polaris and Sify will be participating.

A press statement from CII said that at Connect 2004, IBM will showcase Linux, open standards and e-governance framework. These technological platforms of IBM are mostly relevant to government departments. They will facilitate a closer link with several constituents of the department, to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, ensure strict accountability, etc.

IBM will demonstrate a new product "� Express, specially designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Express portfolio would meet the specific needs of SMEs with respect to applications, ease-of-use, management, and affordability. Customer spending for IT in the SME marketplace is increasing and according to estimates, the opportunities in SMEs in 2003 was roughly $ 300 billion.

Intel will focus on wireless and digital technology which can improve the productivity and performance of business and also demonstrate the wireless computing technology that has transformed people's day-to-day life in a big way.

Sify will be showcasing a range of services including fixed wireless broadband solution for corporates, security services, internet telephony, etc.

Ingram Micro, distributor of ICT products will have an exclusive focus on latest digital entertainment system and business productivity system at Connect 2004.

Symantec, a global leader in information security system will showcase a broad range of software appliances and services for small, mid-sized businesses and large enterprises to secure and manage their IT infrastructure. EagleACD, New York will present a range of solutions and services for call centres to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

For the first time, Connect will feature Concept Zones covering interactive product and equipment demonstrations.

These designated areas will offer live demonstations, lectures and educational sessions on various aspects relating to enterprise ICT applications for corporates.

Over 100 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products, technologies and solutions at Connect 2004, with the objective of providing cost-effective and efficient IT solutions to the complex ICT challenges faced by senior executives today in the manufacturing and service sector.