Vendor meetings prove popular

Among the workshops, formal seminars and informal networking sessions at the IT Directors Forum hosted on the P&O liner Oriana, delegates found plenty of time to share experiences.

Whether getting morale boosts from confidence-giving sessions or hearing peers relate their struggles for board recognition they could think, 'at least I'm not alone'.

Vendor meetings proved the most important part of the forum, according to an informal poll of those members of the BCS Elite Group, a 350-strong network of the UK's top IT bosses. Many were on board.

At a reception hosted by Computing, Gwyn Owen, group IS director at pharmaceuticals company Amersham International, said he had been in discussions with network security product suppliers. 'We'll probably organise a trial,' he said.

Roy Jakes, programme director for Guinness Brewing Worldwide, said: 'I've seen 24 vendors and only four were of no use. You don't have to waste any time as they only take 30 minutes.'

The most eagerly anticipated seminar was given by Peter Sondegaarde, director of The Gartner Group, who warned IT infrastructure will change greatly over the next five years to accommodate a fragmented workforce.

'Some of you think you have a heterogeneous environment now. You should view it as the most homogeneous environment you'll see for five years,' he said.

The closing address was delivered by Guy Browning, creative director of Smokehouse. Urging delegates to evolve faster than their computers or take early retirement, he advised IT directors to trust their instincts.

Paul Adams, director of information management and technology at the University of Derby, agreed. 'I certainly do that,' he said.