NZ’s largest technology summit launches today

Media Release

Microsoft Tech Ed – New Zealand’s largest technology summit – launches today

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Monday, 14 September, 2009 – More than 2,000 information technology professionals and developers will descend on Auckland today for Microsoft Tech Ed 2009, New Zealand’s largest IT summit.

The three-day event, which will be officially opened by the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, the Honourable Steven Joyce, brings together a powerful pool of IT talent, as well as some of New Zealand’s most innovative IT companies.

Scott Wylie, Director of Developer & Platform Strategy for Microsoft New Zealand, says Microsoft Tech Ed 2009 will offer attendees the opportunity to learn strategies for maximising the business and technical value of IT, from some of the world’s foremost experts.

“Although there are signs of economic recovery in New Zealand, companies are still operating in a tough environment. It’s important that any investment – whether it be in IT or other business areas – achieves a strong return. This year, Microsoft Tech Ed will focus on teaching IT professionals and developers the skills to get more out of their IT investments – so they can deliver even greater business value,”says Mr Wylie.

“We live in an increasingly knowledge-based and connected global economy, and New Zealand businesses need to improve productivity and economic performance. A key to achieving these outcomes will be the use of technology to overcome the barriers of size and distance. Microsoft Tech Ed is about giving those in the IT sector the tools to innovate more effectively and help New Zealand businesses compete on the global stage,” says Wylie.

In 2009, Microsoft Tech Ed will feature 14 core programmes, 128 breakout sessions and 100 hands-on labs covering key themes including Windows 7, Security, Virtualisation, Business Intelligence and Cloud Computing.

“Microsoft Tech Ed 09 brings together keynote speakers from all over the world, as well as the largest ever number of New Zealand presenters, demonstrating the maturity and depth of the technology industry in this country. Microsoft’s chief financial officer, Chris Liddell, is a New Zealander and in 2009, we’re lucky enough to have him delivering the feature presentation at Tech Ed,” says Wylie.

In addition to Chris Liddell, major organisations such as Powerco, New Zealand Post and Kiwibank will also be presenting at Tech Ed, where they’ll discuss the value that innovative IT solutions have delivered to their business.

Microsoft Tech Ed 2009 will again feature the popular Tech Girls dinner, which celebrates the significant contribution of women involved in New Zealand’s IT sector. Microsoft Tech Ed attendees will also have the chance to attend the TechFest party, featuring performances by Elemeno P, Katchafire and The Septembers as well as the comedic styling’s of Ben Hurley. The party will be held at the Auckland Town hall and hosted by Oscar Kightley.

For more details visit http://www.microsoft.co.nz/teched

ENDS

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