November 20, 2003

Software SIG - Growth Opportunities in Grid Computing
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Join experts from The 451 Group and fellow venture capital investors in an exploration of the commercialization and market potential for grid computing technologies.

The 451 Group and the VC Task Force will co-host this invitation-only roundtable discussion on the morning of Thursday, November 20, at the offices of Wilson Sonsini in Palo Alto. Senior analysts from The 451 Group will summarize key findings from the firm's recently released report "Grids 2004: from rocket science to business service," and will moderate a dialogue on growth opportunities in grid computing. The 214-page report describes the competitive marketplace and path to commercialization for grid technologies.

This event is for venture investment professionals only. Each VC attendee may also invite and register an executive from one relevant portfolio company to participate in the session.

The 451 Group believes that recent developments in the IT world are bringing about a third wave of development for grid computing and clustering, bringing this technology to the point of being a viable solution for CIOs and IT directors. As part of this discussion, 451 analysts will also address adjacent areas, such as ubiquitous/utility computing, on-demand computing, cluster computing, blade services, virtual systems administration and utilization, Web services and other grid-related technology topics - all fair-game for the discussion.

Join with fellow investors to discuss, pose questions and gain new perspective on this growing and highly dynamic sector of the information technology economy.

Format: The program will be divided into three parts. First, The 451 Group's co-founder John Abbott and 451 senior analyst Rachel Chalmers will briefly present their findings from the report. Second, the panel moderator will pose several questions for the panel and for experts in the audience. Finally, the moderator will open up the discussion to questions and observations from the participants.

Agenda: The current agenda for the event is as follows:

8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration and Executive-level Networking
8:30-8:40 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions
8:40-9:00 a.m.: Overview of the Market and Presentation of Findings
9:15-9:30 a.m.: Prepared discussion questions for panel and audience
9:30-9:50 am.: Audience Q&A & group discussion
9:50-10:00 am.: Closing Comments and Wrap-up

A continental breakfast will be served at this session.

When: Thursday, November 20, 8:00-10 a.m.

Where:
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto

Registration: If you would like to attend this program please contact Ron Lissak, Catapult Advisors.

TO join our e-mail list or for more information please visit our website: http://www.VCTaskForce.com/