WebNet
Home Page

Proceedings
Preface

Keynote &
Invited Speakers

Pre-Conference
Mini-Course

Post-Conference
Tutorials &
Workshops

SIGs

Session
Schedule

Medical
Applications
Panel

Registration
Rates

Committees

KEYNOTE

Escaping Entropy Death: Why The Web Works For
Business
Simon Phipps, IBM UK Laboratories, UK

The world of computing is being revolutionised by the Web, Java and XML. This talk explains why. Expect clear ideas, interesting examples, humour and energy.

A new paradigm is breaking on the shores of the computing industry. Using agreed standards to complement rather than replace existing technologies, networked computing offers both businesses and casual computer users a new freedom to create effective computing solutions without damaging existing systems or creating future support liabilities. Based on technologies comonly associated with the internet (TCP/IP and web browsers), it is the Java software model that allows true power and flexibility to be delivered to solve business problems and increasingly to create interactive Web content. This presentation traces the history of the new paradigm, explains the truth about Java and the principles that make it the right model for business computing, and looks into the future of computing including connected devices and XML. The presentation is suitable for a general audience although technical questions are welcome. More information can be found at http://www.ibm.com/developer/

Simon Phipps Chief XML & Java Evangelist, IBM Corporation IBM UK Laboratories Simon Phipps is IBM Corporation's Chief Java and XML Evangelist. Having been part of the team that recommended Java to IBM in 1995, he has since spoken worldwide on the new world that is engulfing computing, powered by e-business foundation technologies such as Java and his new focus, eXtensible Markup Language. He now has oversight of XML marketing in IBM worldwide. Speaking engagements have included keynote and other addresses at XML Europe, SIGS Object Expo, JavaOne, JavaAus and other international events. With over 20 years experience of the computer industry, Simon has worked on networking, data communications and operating systems for various companies in many contexts including the development of the earliest commercial collaborative conferencing software. He joined IBM in 1991. He holds a degree in electronic engineering and is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the British Computer society.