COMNET Conference & Expo to Debut Tech Demonstration Showcase, Seminars for 2003.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

COMNET 2003

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003

New content brings to life the issues companies face today in

wireless, security and convergence

IDG World Expo, the leading producer of world-class tradeshows, conferences and events for IT markets, today announced that COMNET Conference & Expo 2003 will feature new content for all attendees through a special technology demonstration showcase and exhibitor seminars. Attendees are invited to learn about top-of-mind issues for IT leaders, from wireless to security to convergence.

COMNET Conference & Expo is the largest East Coast event focusing on the most pressing issues in communications networking for the enterprise. COMNET will take place at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Convention Center, January 27-30, 2003.

Located on the COMNET show floor, the Spotlight Technology Theater will feature ongoing technology demonstrations and real-world case studies on wireless, security, and convergence from January 28-30. Sessions include:

-- "Evaluating Hosted PBX Solutions, Managed Telecommunications Services, and IP PBXs," presented by VocalData Senior Vice President Mark Whittier and Mike Cook of SAIC on Tuesday, January 28 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. and on Wednesday, January 29 from 4:00- 4:45 p.m.

-- "Secure Wireless LAN Access Is Here," presented by Funk Software on Tuesday, January 28 from 11:30 am -12:15 p.m.

-- "Security Awareness for Ma, Pa, the Kids and the Corporate Clueless," presented by Interpact, Inc. President & CEO Winn Schwartau on Tuesday, January 28 from 2:15 - 3:00 p.m.

-- "VoIP Quality -- Don't Let the Network Get You Down," presented by Viola Networks Vice President of Product Management Brion Feinberg, PhD., on Wednesday, January 29 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

-- "Web Application Security or Performance? Pick Any Two," presented by NetScaler Director of Technology Development Shawn Nunley on Wednesday, January 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

-- "Security and Managed VoIP Services," presented by VocalData CTO Steve Bakke on Thursday, January 30 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

COMNET attendees are also welcome to attend a series of educational seminars which offer the opportunity to meet with vendors and colleagues to brainstorm solutions to IT challenges that will allow them to make necessary improvements to their organizations. Taking place in Room 10 at the Washington Convention Center, the seminars include:

-- "The Mobilization of Key Vertical Markets: Trends for 2003,"

presented by IDC Vice President of Wireless and Mobile Devices

and PC Technology Randy Giusto on Tuesday, January 28 from

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

-- WideRay Corporation CEO Saul Kato on Tuesday, January 28 from

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. WideRay is making it possible for

attendees to download COMNET show content wirelessly to their

PDAs.

-- "Traffic Management and Prioritization," presented by ADTRAN

Senior Vice President and General Manager Danny Windham on

Wednesday, January 29 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

"As issues and trends in communication networking evolve, so does COMNET," said Darrell Baker, vice president of event services, IDG World Expo. "The new Spotlight Technology Theater and educational seminars make COMNET an even more valuable place for attendees and exhibitors to learn and do business."

For additional information or to register for COMNET Conference & Expo, visit www.comnetexpo.com.

About COMNET Conference & Expo 2003

COMNET Conference & Expo, produced by IDG World Expo, is a catalyst for buyers and sellers in the communications networking industry to connect with the newest technologies and meet the experts driving the industry to a prosperous future. COMNET empowers network executives, service providers, carriers, suppliers/resellers and government agencies to make informed technology decisions for their network infrastructure at the beginning of each year. COMNET 2003 is a prime opportunity to learn from successful implementations of new technologies, with a special focus on security, web services, storage and wireless infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.comnetexpo.com.

About IDG World Expo

IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) produces IT-focused tradeshows, conferences and events for professionals seeking world-class education, peer-to-peer networking and one-stop comparison shopping. As the leading IT event management company, IDG World Expo leverages its experience and knowledge of IT-focused events and conferences, enabling technology companies to capture the attention and loyalty of influential buyers. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Bio-ITWorld Conference & Expo, COMNET Conference & Expo, Integrated Security Conference & Expo and BiometricsWorld Conference & Expo. IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About IDG

IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (www.idg.net), which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related events worldwide, and IDG's research company, IDC, provides global market intelligence and advice through 51 offices in 43 countries. Company information is available at www.idg.com.