Focus On Networked World Concept

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India Internet World `98, the three-day Internet and computer networking mega show, is scheduled to start here today. Thirty-six speakers are set to address conference sessions and some 40 companies are displaying their wares at the event, expected to attract over 25,000 visitors.

The show will be completely on-line where 1000 users can access the Net at the same time on a 2 mbps fiber optic backbone provided by VSNL. Participants include Microsoft, Computer Associates, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Cisco systems, Reuters, Indian Express, TNT express world-wide, Wipro Infotech, Comsat Max, VSNL, Silicon Graphics etc.

International IT majors like Microsoft, IBM, HP and Computer Associates are showcasing their technologies at the India Internet World `98 show. Partners of these companies who have developed interesting net based applications using their technologies are also expected to be exhibiting these applications at the show. The conference is to be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. In a pre-conference message, he said: "In an era of fast expanfing global connectivity, it is important that we in India should begin utilising the immense potential of the Net. Conferences like India Internet World will go a long way in generating awareness and in addressing issues, which are relevant to India's active participation in the growing community of networked nations."

Pradip Kar, chairman and managing director, Microland _ the joint organisers of the show also with Connecticut (US) -based Mecklermedia _ said: "India Internet World `98 was conceived as a platform to provide tremendous value for companies which were either curious or already committed to using the power of the Internet to enhance their business. We have worked to create a vital source of information for companies using technology to improve business processes, as well as for the IT industry."

After the inaugural address of Naidu, the conference will be addressed by William Melton, the founder and chief executive officer of CyberCash. While the exhibition is open to the public, the conference is reserved for delegates. The conference is divided into five concurrent sessions: Intranet/Extranet, Internet: The new medium, Business on the Net, Content World, and ISP World. Among the sessions to be discussed today at the conference sessions are: competitive advantage through intranets/extranets, digital commerce, and return on investment: creating business awareness of net benefits.

Panel discussions that promise to be interesting to the Indian context will be held at the end of the day. These discussions follow in the wake of the measures announced by the Prime Minister's IT task force to liberalise Internet services and other measures to rapidly proliferate the use of IT. Today's discussions will focus on Internet and the news media and Cyber-laws.