Beijing, China 24 April 2007 - the 1st EchoGRID-EUChinaGRID International COnference, hosted by Institute of Computing Technology (ICT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), kicks off this morning with Welcome Addresses from high-profile European and Chinese representatives.

The first day of the conference sets the scene for ensuing discussions on themes of mutual interest and common challenges, and features a Live Demo & Poster Session with 6 demos showcasing state-of-the-art Grid technologies.

 

Dr Xiaohan LIAO, Deputy Director, High & New Technology Department, MOST, China is first to address over 150 attendants from research, business, government and scientific organisations. Alison Birkett, European Delegation to China, is delivering a Welcome Address highlighting the Delegation’s mission to extend and intensify dialogue and co-operation in all the EU’s areas of competence, particularly ICT research and the EU-China Information Society Project.

 

Keynote Addresses are delivered by Chuncheng WANG, Division of Information, MOST, offering insight into Grid Research in China’s High-Tech R&D Programme. Participants will then hear from four key industrial actors: Wenbo Mao (HP Lab China); Xintai Wang (eStarCom Inc), Wayne Wang (Intervision Software), and Donpu Fu (TongTech).

 

Thematic Session 1 – Enterprise Challenges with Grids is led by key business experts from both regions. Professor Jun-Seok Hwang, Seoul National University and head of several industrial associations, reports on the major challenges for Open Grid Services. Pawel Plaszczak, President of GridwiseTech (Poland), presents a series of fascinating Grid Technology case studies highlighting benefits for businesses. Dr Wei Zhou, CNIC, CAS, focuses his presentation on the new context for innovative inter-disciplinary research offering added value to R&D activities.