The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) phenomenon is one that has the potential to affect every aspect of the ICT industry, from the software vendors, through the service providers and telecom operators - on into the end-user community. It has the potential to fundamentally change the economics of the industry. For some it is the next phase in a computing industry that began with mainframes, while for others it is a fashion or fad that will fade away over time. This session will give participants a deeper understanding of SaaS and will help them to plan their companies' strategy. The session examines the SaaS phenomenon from multiple perspectives to give delegates a much deeper understanding of how SaaS will affect them.

• Investors — hear the investors' perspective, outlining what investors look for in SaaS companies, how SaaS companies are likely to be valued and the investors view on key decisions facing SaaS companies
• SaaS companies — learn from the experience of other successful SaaS companies and from the decisions that they have faced. Gain a deeper understanding of the move to vertical niche SaaS applications and the continued importance of the multi-tenant debate.
• Traditional companies — have adopted a range of response to SaaS, from those who have ignored it through to those who have transformed their own operations. Learn about the decisions facing a traditional software company and the impact of those on their future profitability.
  Chairperson

  David Mitchell Senior Vice President, IT Research Ovum

  Mr. Mitchell is responsible for Ovum's global IT research activities. In this role he brings together research covering the IT issues affecting major enterprises and the providers of technology and services to those organizations. Mr. Mitchell has worked in the IT industry across many segments of the industry, from management consulting, system integration, and outsourcing to software companies. Prior to working for Ovum, he worked for Oracle, Coopers & Lybrand, and Unisys. Mr. Mitchell has a B.Sc. in geography from St. Andrews University and an M.Phil. from Queen Mary College, London University.

  Speakers

  Jason Cook IT director BT

  Matt Deacon Chief Architectural Advisor, Developer and Platform Group Microsoft UK

  Ian Grant Partner August Equity

  Mr. Grant is responsible for the overall management of the investment portfolio and has been involved in investments across all four sectors. Mr. Grant began his career at Babcock International after qualifying as a chartered accountant. He later became group finance director for Stewart McColl Associates plc. Mr. Grant has sat on the board of many portfolio companies and is currently a non-executive director of Planit Holdings, Hat Trick, and Imagine Publishing. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

  Srini Lakkaraju Head Service Delivery & SaaS Tata Consultancy Services

  Duncan Mactear Marketing Director 4Projects

  Mr. Mactear is a qualified architect and a former head of knowledge management. He has 10 years of experience in improving business strategy and management processes by utilizing cutting-edge technologies. After working as an architect with Taylor Woodrow, Mr. Mactear moved to Kvaerner Technology, where he was elected onto the working group as part of the Government Movements for Innovation (M4i) Initiative. Prior to joining the Board of 4Projects in 2000, he set up and led a Knowledge Management Centre of Excellence serving more than 12,000 employees.