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SOFNET to Host Major Global Software Players

Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems to play leading role at International Engineering Consortium’s (IEC) unique event highlighting role of software in NGNs

CHICAGO – April 15, 2008 – The world’s leading software companies will play a leading role at the IEC’s SOFNET 2008, taking place 28 April –1 May at the Olympia National Hall in London.  Participants include household names Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems.

“The presence of these world-leading, multi-national software companies at the inaugural SOFNET event is an endorsement to the significance of this show beyond the telecom industry,” said IEC President John Janowiak.  “We are excited to witness the open debate between the software and telecommunications industries, and to be present at the dawn of a new era for the world’s communications.”

“The impact that these global giants can have on the telecom industry will be brought to the world’s attention at SOFNET 2008,” concluded Janowiak.

The SOFNET conference schedule will include sessions such as:

- A keynote presentation from Oracle Senior Vice President and General Manager Bhaskar Gorti
- IBM Solutions Manager Geoff Parkins will lead a breakout session on leveraging Web 2.0 to deliver new value propositions
- A plenary panel on Web services redefining the platform for new services chaired by Hewlett-Packard Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Brian Levy
- Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Michael Burger will lead a breakout session on building the service ecosystem and a best practice approach to new service innovation 
- A workshop on virtualization in a material world and ICT as the enabler for a low-carbon economy from Sun Microsystems Head of Public Policy Richard Barrington
- Microsoft Voice Technology Architect Ian Andrews will lead a breakout session on the next phase of collaborative communications 
- An address on creating innovative services through collaboration from Microsoft Industry Solutions Director Russell Palmer
- A Hot Seat session with Sun Microsystems Science Office Director John Gage and BT Design Director Matt Beal
- A keynote address from Microsoft Global Solutions General Manager Andreas Mueller-Schubert
- Oracle Senior Director James Steadman will lead a breakout session on whether service delivery platforms are the new production lines 
- An address on the evolution of service provider portfolios in a service-oriented environment from Hewlett-Packard Chief Technologist Tim Marsden

Other software companies accompanying this impressive speaker list include CloudShield, Comverse, InfoSyss, Intel, Lenio, Mindspeed Technologies, Mobile Complete Inc., Netcracker Technology, Nexaweb, Openet, Orca Interactive, PeerApps, Tech Mahindra, Telcordia Technologies, Verimatrix and Versant.

The IEC invites all industry professionals to register at www.iec.org/events/2008/sofnet/register/index.asp or at Olympia National Hall during the show.  

All accredited members of the media are entitled to full and complimentary access.

For complete information, visit www.iec.org/events/2008/SOFNET or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@iec.org or +1-312-559-3325.

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About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.

In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. Please visit www.iec.org.