Published on the 14/09/2009 | Written by Newsdesk
The country’s largest IT summit draws more than 2000 attendees to SkyCity…
More than 2,000 IT professionals and developers descended on Auckland’s SkyCity conference venue today for Microsoft Tech Ed 2009, New Zealand’s largest IT summit.
The three-day event was officially opened by Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce ahead of a keynote speech by Microsoft’s highest-ranking kiwi employee, the company’s chief financial officer, Chris Liddell.
Scott Wylie, director of developer & platform strategy for Microsoft New Zealand, says Microsoft Tech Ed 2009 offers attendees the opportunity to learn strategies for maximising the business and technical value of IT, from world 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,” says Wylie.
“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,” he says.
“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.
This year’s Tech Ed features 14 core programmes, 128 breakout sessions and 100 hands-on labs covering key themes including Windows 7, security, virtualisation, business intelligence and cloud computing.
Major Microsoft customers including Powerco, New Zealand Post and Kiwibank are presenting deployment experiences at the event and entertainment provided for attendees at this year’s TechFest party – the social highlight of the summit – include performances by Elemeno P, Katchafire and comedian Ben Hurley.
