Connections 2001 to Host Key Speakers From Microsoft Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2001

John Fredericksen, General Manager of Microsoft Corp.'s PC Experience Solution Group will present at the opening of CONNECTIONS(TM) 2001: The International Home Networking and Gateways Showcase on May 9 in Seattle.

Mr. Fredericksen's presentation will focus on the necessary software and industry steps that will enable the broad diffusion of gateways and home networks into homes. The deployment of residential gateways and home networks is a prerequisite for the proliferation of new offerings being envisioned by product developers and service providers.

"Microsoft is a key player in this emerging marketplace," says Ron Zimmer, CEO of CABA, co-host with Parks Associates of CONNECTIONS(TM). "Between its strong role in PC software and its active support of Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), its many investments, and its advocacy of expanded product designs for computing, Microsoft is in the thick of these emerging markets. Quite simply, John Fredericksen's views are important to all players...of all stripes. We look forward to hearing his strategic perspective."

Opening the conference itself on the morning of May 10 will be Richard Green, Vice President and General Manager of Java Software for Sun Microsystems Inc. "Sun Microsystems' software solutions are shaping a broad array of applications inside and outside the networked home," states Tricia Parks, President of Parks Associates. One example of Sun's efforts in the home networking and gateway space on the technology side is its active support of the Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi), a standardized software approach for gateways. Sun also participates in the expansion of this industry's market efforts via its participation in The Internet Home Alliance, a consortium of companies dedicated to technology adoption by increasing consumer awareness of benefits via cross-industry cooperation. Mr. Green will touch on the issues believed most important to accelerating the deployment of networks within homes.

CONNECTIONS(TM) 2001 will host a record crowd of attendees from multiple disciplines active in developing products and services for the networked home. For many, hearing Glenn Edens, President of AT&T Strategic Ventures in Session 2, will be a primary conference highlight. With the responsibility for determining how to invest significant AT&T funds into these marketplaces, Mr. Edens' presentation will provide several views of where money can realistically be made in this industry. Also included in Session 2 will be Herman Cardenas, President and CEO of Smart Corp.; John Knab, President and CEO of Phonex Broadband; and Ron Willis, Vice President of Marketing for Cisco Systems Inc.'s Commercial and Consumer Lines of Business.

With more than 75 sponsors and 80 presenters, CONNECTIONS(TM) 2001: The International Home Networking and Gateways Showcase, to be held May 9 - 11 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, is the largest, most comprehensive event for its emerging markets. And these markets, in turn, are critical to enabling new generations of products and services for the consumer. For a detailed agenda and sponsor descriptions, please visit www.connectionsconference.com

About CONNECTIONS(TM): From May 9-11 2001, CABA and Parks Associates will host CONNECTIONS(TM) 2001: The International Showcase for Home Networks and Residential Gateways. This three-day conference, to be held at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center, is expected to bring together a record breaking number of attendees and over 75 sponsoring companies to discuss the marketing and technical issues relating to home networks, residential gateways, and information appliances. For more information, visit www.connectionsconference.com.