Microsoft Tech-Ed 2000 Africa promises to be the premier event on the African IT calendar

Africa`s leading IT professionals will come together at Tech-Ed 2000 Africa, Microsoft`s premier technical training and education event, when the international event is held for the first time in Africa at Sun City from 20 to 23 August 2000. Tech-Ed Africa 2000 is focused on products and technologies that are used for building solutions to empower knowledge workers, link to business partners and operate in the new business age.

Tech-Ed has been developed to meet the needs of corporate developers, dot com`s, system integrators, corporate IT managers, systems architects and systems consultants who are building solutions on Microsoft platforms. Tech-Ed offers developers and IT Professionals an in-depth technical education on the latest Microsoft products, technologies and services with a strong emphasis on best practices.

Isabel Boniface, audience programme manager of Microsoft South Africa, says, "Tech-Ed 2000 Africa will not only give attendees a technical understanding of Microsoft Platform development tools and technologies, but insight into solving real business issues and building the Business Internet."

With more than 50 sessions to choose from, Tech-Ed has everything from strategic overviews to highly technical sessions. Most sessions are advanced and highly technical, creating a stimulating learning environment designed to challenge even the most expert developers and IT professionals. The sessions will be led by top Microsoft and industry technology experts with several International guest speakers. Tech-Ed will also feature 25 different exhibitors and a games area offering the latest in PC gaming and multimedia technology.

At Tech-Ed 2000, local attendees will link up with 15 world-wide Tech-Ed events with an estimated total attendance of 35 000, which makes it one of the largest technical education events ever. "Due to the success of Tech-Ed Internationally, there has been a significant demand for a local conference," says Boniface. "Microsoft South Africa are pleased that we can now offer Tech-Ed in South Africa. The conference is not only an excellent forum for learning and discussion, but a great opportunity to meet and interact with likeminded individuals."

The cost of attending Tech-Ed 2000 is R2999 per person (excluding VAT). The comprehensive package includes three nights` single accommodation at Sun City, three meals per day, event programme and notes, refreshment breaks, evening events, entertainment and exhibition entry. With the compliments of Microsoft, every attendee will also receive a free edition of Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional. Finally, as a way of saying thank-you for attending, Microsoft will host the Tech-Ed 2000 Africa Party. "The party will take place in the Superbowl and promises to be a truly spectacular event," says Boniface. For further information on Tech-Ed visit www.tech-ed.co.za.