2005 Life Sciences Grid Conference; First-Ever Results-Based Life Sciences Grid Conference to Take Place in Zurich, Switzerland on February 21st and 22nd.

AUSTIN, Texas & ZURICH, Switzerland -- Industry Leaders from Global Pharmaceutical Companies to Present Papers on Grid Computing Across the Business

Zurich, Switzerland will play host to the 2005 Life Sciences Grid Conference, an event focused on how grid computing is playing a critical role and delivering proven business benefits in Life Sciences. With an unprecedented agenda of industry experts, the 2-day Conference will provide attendees with an inside view of how grids are being used and delivering value across the Pharma business.

Agenda highlights include presentations by Top Pharmas (Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, GSK), leading Life Sciences software vendors (Accelrys, Schrodinger, Tripos), analysts (Gartner, 451 Group) and industry experts (HP, Institute for Systems Biology, Global Medical Forum Foundation). Other highlights include a state-of-the-art Demo Floor depicting an actual Pharma Grid, operating by business unit and geography. The Demo Floor will run 10+ grid-enabled applications on hardware provided by HP and IBM.

"Senior IT and Pharma executives, scientists and researchers with major life science companies and related organizations could not ask for a more focused conference to learn about strategies relevant to their needs," said Manuel Peitsch, Global Head of Informatics & Knowledge Management, Novartis. "This will be a venue where attendees can interact with experts who have used grid computing and are experiencing its quantifiable value."

"This is the first time a conference has presented so many actual users talking about their experiences with grid," says Lionel Binns, Manager, Life Science Program Office, at HP, the conference Platinum sponsor. "Finally the technology has matured to the point where customers are able to speak from months, even years, of experience about the value grid is delivering. As a long time supporter of grid technology, HP is proud to be leading the field in support of this conference."

Recognized reporters and analysts will be eligible to pre-register for the full conference. The registration fee will be waived by the show organizers. Contact Mary Bass at 512-692-4118 for more information.

Keynote Addresses: Manuel Peitsch, Novartis; David Neilson, Johnson & Johnson

Speakers: GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, HP, Accelrys, Schrodinger, Tripos, Gartner, The 451 Group, Global Medical Forum Foundation, Institute for Systems Biology, Children's Memorial Hospital, University of Basel 

--  Who should attend: C-level Executives, IT Managers and End User of
                       Life Science Applications

--  When:              February 21 - 22, 2005

--  Where:             Zurich Marriott in Zurich, Switzerland

--  Why:               To learn about grid computing from leading life
                       sciences users, ISV's, hardware vendors and
                       industry experts

--  How:               To register or for more information, see:
                       https://www.ud.com/contact/registration.htm.

--  Media:             Executives will be available for interviews to
                       discuss key topics around Grid Computing for
                       Life Sciences