After small beginnings in Johannesburg`s Carlton Hotel, Computer Faire this year celebrates its silver anniversary, firmly entrenched as Africa`s most comprehensive and prestigious business-to-business information and communications technology (ICT) event.
Computer Faire 2003 takes place at the world-renowned Sandton Convention Centre from 13 to 16 May.
According to Computer Faire general manager Aldean Prior, the exhibition has undergone numerous transformations over the years, reflecting the development of the IT industry.
"The first Computer Faire in South Africa - held in 1978 just a year after the world`s very first computer exhibition took place in California - was really a celebration of technology by what could be termed `apprentice geeks`.
"The faire was staged by TAC2 (Transvaal Amateur Computer Club) with 14 exhibitors. Around 1 000 visitors - mainly enthusiasts and the curious - attended.
"With the exception of 1979, Computer Faire has taken place every year since, which means that Computer Faire is older than the ubiquitous PC, which was launched by IBM in 1981," she says.
But those pre-personal computers - almost the size of a desk, with 16Kb RAM and an audiocassette as a storage device - have developed almost beyond recognition into devices which pump considerably more power and can fit comfortably into a shirt pocket.
Today, Computer Faire reflects a market which has finally come of age. This is indicated by the fact that Information and Communications Technology is as core to business in the 21st century as the telephone and typewriter was for most of the 20th century," Prior adds.
So, following on the success of Computer Faire 2002, this year`s jubilee vent will be a focused, business event by business, for business.
Once again, this means: no under-18s will be admitted; no retailing off stands will be allowed; and there will be no Saturday opening.
Drawing on the best of the past, and in line with its positioning as a business-to-business event, Computer Faire 2003 once again features a vendor-independent, high-level IT business conference.
Now in its second year, the Computer Faire-Brainstorm conference - organised by ITWeb - will bring together international and local ICT and business experts, visionaries and decision-makers to debate and discuss issues relating to the overall theme: IT is Business.
Each day of the conference will provide a different perspective of the theme.
Day 1: Tuesday, 13 May will provide "The View from the top" - offering delegates strategic directions for making sound business IT decisions.
Day 2: Wednesday, 14 May will be devoted to "The CIO`s view" - CIOs of some of SA`s most successful companies will provide insights into how technology has shaped their businesses` accomplishments.
Day 3: Thursday, 15 May will be devoted to "Future fusion" - the business and technology trends that will matter in the future.
Friday, 16 May will see the spotlight move onto SMEs with a seminar which examines IT solutions for small and medium enterprises by Arthur Goldstuck.
A "best of what`s new" display
This is a show case of the most exciting products and services which are new to the SA market at Computer Faire.
The 2003 `Best of What`s New` pavilion is likely to attract considerable interest as several of the featured products will come to Computer Faire directly from CeBIT, the giant IT exhibition which takes place annually in Hanover, Germany.
A notebook/mobile village
If it`s small, mobile and computes and/or communicates, it is likely to feature in this exceptionally popular pavilion.
Visitors attending Computer Faire 2002 viewed the Notebook/Mobile Village as the place to examine the latest in mobile technology offered by the leading vendors in the mobile arena.
And Computer Faire 2003 features another innovation:
A printer village
The paperless office remains a myth: hardcopy output is more pervasive than ever and the major printer and peripheral vendors will be showcasing their latest offerings in one consolidated display area.
"With just over two months to go to Computer Faire 2003, we are confident that this Silver Jubilee will be a truly memorable and historic event," Prior concludes.
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