The world's largest trade fair on information technology, telecommunications and its allied areas, CeBIT 2001 will be held in Hanover, Germany from March 22-28, 2001. This annual event has more than 8,000 exhibitors from 60 countries. Around 25 exhibitors from India will be showcasing their products. indiamarkets spoke to SJ Patil, India's representative at CeBIT, Hanover, on the fair as well as about India's role and prospects in the field of IT and Telecommunications.

indiamarkets: Could you enlighten us about the CeBIT?

Patil: CeBIT, the world's largest infotech trade fair held at Hanover, Germany, covers automation and telecommunications. The fair, in its 31st year now, is expected to draw over eight lakh visitors.

indiamarkets: What is CeBIT 2001 like? Is the focus only on information technology and telecommunications?

Patil: CeBIT 2001 has 11 major categories spread over 26 halls and four pavilions and is focused entirely on Information Technology and Telecommunications. The categories are Information Technology, Network Computing, Engineering Design, Production Planning, Automatic Data Collection, Software Internet Solutions, Telecommunications, Office Automation, Bank Technology, Card Technology/IT Security, Research and Technology Transfer and the Reseller Centre.

The fair also includes a number of theme-based group pavilions such as Software Centre for Small and Medium Sized Firms, the Internet Park, the Network Information Centre, the European User Centre, Powerline Centre, Banking and Finance Systems, Equity World, Centre for Information Security and Satellite Business.

This year's edition features an Exchange Program initiated by DMAG. This involves a number of different group pavilions where practical applications of new technological advances will be demonstrated including Bluetooth, Digital subscriber Line, Fiber Channel, Linux etc. This program is designed to stimulate an active exchange of ideas and give visitors a complete run down on the above topics.

indiamarkets: How much would the event benefit India which is a major IT player today?

Patil: An event like this is the best platform for the Indian IT industry; participation would ensure more and more exposure to the international market.

indiamarkets: What about visitors and the participants/exhibitors; what does the fair hold for them?

Patil: Exhibitors and visitors, besides getting insights about future technology, will also benefit from the exhibition centre's greatly improved infrastructure and excellent interface with motorways and mass transit services. CeBIT is also offering some new services, which are specially designed to make life easier for the exhibitors. With the Online Ordering System (OBS) at www.service.messe.de exhibitors can order all CeBIT related services quickly and conveniently via the Internet. This service will save exhibitors a lot of paperwork and will help them streamline their preparations for their tradeshow appearance.

The new exhibitor services centre will provide exhibitors with a comprehensive range of support services before and during the fair.

indiamarkets: In all, how many companies are representing India at this trade fair? What kind of products/services is proposed to be highlighted from the Indian point of view?

Patil: In all, around 30 Indian companies are expected to showcase their exhibits during the trade fair. Companies include Birla Consultancy, Bluestar, Geometric software, Polaris, Summit Infotech etc. Primarily, the main emphasis will be towards software as well as in packaging and offshore development.

indiamarkets: In what way an event, which is IT and telecommunication specific, be useful to the small and medium enterprises? What role does the manufacturing sector play in the role of IT and telecommunications?

Patil: Through the CeBIT, the SMEs can tie-up with overseas players and also learn a lot from where they can enhance their business. Yes, the manufacturing sector does play a vital role in the IT and telecommunication sector provided they project themselves as a niche player keeping in mind factors such as competition, price etc.

indiamarkets: How important is e-commerce today?

Patil: E-Commerce has been gaining tremendous momentum in the last few years with the introduction of several net-enabled products and services. Thanks to e-commerce, products have not only become smaller and lighter, but also technically more superior and high-powered and are also used by different areas.

indiamarkets: IT is an export sector. What impact does it really have in the domestic sector?

Patil: The IT industry has invaded everywhere, even the domestic sector. One cannot remain without information technology and due to its new methods and new ways; the world is adapting to the IT revolution.

indiamarkets: What kind of technologies/sub-sector should the manufacturing sector in India concentrate its efforts on, in order to become a name to reckon with?

Patil: India has already established itself in the software Industry and it is in this field that she needs to further consolidate her position.

indiamarkets: How does one get information about the proceedings of this fair, that is for those who cannot either participate or visit the fair?