International Progress Software Conference back in SA

The theme of the conference is based around the value statement of AIGS and will cover numerous topics relevant to software developers, entrepreneurs, CIOs and business owners, including Business Process Enabled Application Development and Business Rules, designed to deliver best-of-breed applications in the cloud.

Kevin Gaskell, who has been recognised as one of the UK's "top-40 leaders under 40" and has served as MD for BMW and Porsche in the past, will be the opening keynote speaker at the event.

Naked Leadership

Neil Jacobsohn, joint CEO of the global business and technology think tank, FutureWorld South Africa, will close the conference with a special address on the issue of "Naked Leadership" - a hard-hitting insight into the realities of leadership in the uber-networked world.

Other speakers include Chantel Lindeman of analyst group Frost & Sullivan, who will discuss the latest findings surrounding cloud computing in the African, particularly South African marketplace, as well as Richard Firth, the chairman and CEOI of MIP Holdings, who will introduce delegates to "Waytag" the most exciting new innovation in the "location" space.

The event will include interactive daily breakout sessions comprising three concurrent tracks:

• An executive forum during which a variety of business and high-level technical topics will be presented and discussed
  
• A discussion surrounding business rules, including a number of both local and International case studies
  
• Presentations around the latest developments in open-edge applications, including "Arcade", which allows companies to host their open-edge application in the cloud.

In addition, delegates can enjoy the entertainment at the resort, including game drives, whilst golfers will have the opportunity to play the Legends Signature Golf Course, where each of the 18 holes has been designed by one of the world's leading professional golfers. Nine attendees will also be afforded the opportunity to play the "Extreme 19th", a tee that is only accessible by helicopter set on the Hangklip Mountain and played to a green the shape of Africa, 400m below.

International role players

Rick Parry, MD of AIGS, is extremely pleased with the response so far: "There was a significant demand for the conference to be held in South Africa again and this year's event has drawn several international role players to the country. We are expecting a number of delegates from Progress Software, including senior regional managers and developers from the US and Europe. There are also a number of attendees from countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia."

Those who are interested in attending the event can register online at www.aigs.co.za/events.