Microsoft SOA & Business Process Conference Request for Session Proposals

Call For Sessions
Microsoft’s SOA & Business Process Conference is the event for our customers and partners to learn about new and updated information on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Business Process Management (BPM), and Microsoft’s own Connected Systems infrastructure. Over 4 days, attendees will learn about the strategies and technologies that Microsoft is delivering over the next year, such as BizTalk Server, .NET Framework 3.0, and Office 2007. Three technical tracks will provide depth and detail into best practices for building BPM solutions, guidance for advancing your SOA, and using the latest development tools and technologies for connecting people, processes and information. A fourth track will focus on the business value of SOA and BPM for both customers looking to optimize their application infrastructure/business processes and for partners looking to expand their SOA & BPM practices. Whether you need to get up to speed fast, or are ready to dive deep, this is the event for technical training, networking, and business development for partners and customers interested in Microsoft’s view of SOA, BPM, and Connected Systems.

We are now accepting session submissions for each of the four conference tracks listed below. Sessions are 1 hour in length and should include time for Q&A. Technical track sessions should have a target level of 300 or higher. Non-Microsoft speakers will receive a $1000 stipend. Please send your session submissions to btstpm@microsoft.com including proposed session title, abstract, speaker, and associated track. Session submission will close on July 21st.

Conference Content
Each session at the Microsoft SOA & Business Process Conference should be designed to expand attendees knowledge of key emerging technologies, demonstrate proven strategies for implementing solutions, explain Microsoft’s long-term strategy and roadmap, and/or add value to their organization’s service oriented and business process solution portfolio.

Service Oriented Architecture
IT organizations of all sizes are increasingly looking at ‘Software as a Service’ as the paradigm through which they will deliver value to the business. Services are becoming increasingly important to internal IT and business customers as well as across organizational boundaries to trading partners and compliance organizations. The SOA track will provide clear guidance on how to apply expertise from Microsoft and its partners to this emerging application portfolio strategy.

Some of the challenges to be explored include exposing IT assets as services, composing services into business processes, and consuming services within new user experiences. Technologies and topics covered will include: Host Integration, Windows Communication Foundation (Microsoft’s WS-* implementation), Windows Workflow Foundation, BizTalk Server 2006, process methodology, Microsoft Operations Manager, AJAX, Microsoft Office 2007, and Windows Server 2003.

Business Process Management
The challenges of aligning cross-functional processes, improving organizational effectiveness, and enhancing customer relationships have made business process management a top priority of both business and IT alike. By attending the Business Process Management track you will learn about the state of the BPM market, how to make the business case for BPM, best practices and technology strategies for enabling process improvements, and understanding the partner opportunities for targeting BPM solutions on the Microsoft platform. Microsoft will present our vision and roadmap for our “People-ready Process” strategy, enabled by upcoming technology innovation across the next 12 months such as BizTalk Sever 2006 R2, Office SharePoint Server 2007, Office InfoPath 2007, Office Visio 2007, Office SharePoint Designer 2007, and Windows Workflow Foundation.

Connected Systems Technology and Products
Under the Connected Systems Technologies and Products track you’ll find deep, technical sessions with practical guidance on building applications using the latest developer tools and frameworks from Microsoft. From low level foundational technologies such as Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation and CardSpace up to the enterprise class server BizTalk Server 2006, these sessions will treat your inner developer to best practices learned from the pros.

Business Value
The Business Value track will focus on the business opportunities of Service Oriented Architecture and Business Process Management for both customers looking to optimize their processes and for partners looking to expand their practices. Whether you are focused on SOA and BPM within your own organization or in the broader marketplace, this track will demonstrate proven strategies for identifying opportunities and maximizing the return on your investments.

Sponsors & Exhibitors
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also available to partners to showcase their latest solutions and technologies demonstrate their newest innovations, allowing attendees to test-drive key technologies and receive one-on-one, informed answers to questions. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact Robert Bannerman at robann@microsoft.com.

For general event information or to register as an attendee, visit the event web site at www.impactevents.com/biztalkconference.