ETRE 2006 Theme:
Disruption, Globalization and New Challenges

We see disruptive phenomena everywhere: when the competitive landscape is reshaped; when
an emerging technology transforms price and opens access for millions of people; when a new
paradigm renders the old one obsolete; when a new technology triggers behavioral or cultural
changes; when countries and regions reach a critical mass and begin to significantly influence
the industry and transform markets.

At all levels, disruption allows us to observe transformation: out with the old, and in with the
new.

Every three or four years, a new crop of technology companies emerges and blossoms,
disturbing the status quo, refiguring the market, changing the habits of millions of people
across the globe. It forces changes in the priorities of corporations as well as individuals. These
waves of transformation often take root in specific regions and countries before they become a
global phenomena.

From Skype to FON to JAJAH, buzz expands at a fast pace in an age of viral information
distribution. Medium- and small-cap public companies, often overshadowed by the technology
giants and the glittery startups, can also be disruptive, patiently mastering markets through
incremental innovation. The large companies are also driven by an imperative to innovate
- they can use their size advantage to keep the loyalty of millions of customers through new
services, new products and fresh perspectives.

Over a three-day period, ETRE will showcase the inner workings of the full range of
companies that make up the ITC ecosystem. It will provide an indispensable close-up of the
important players, framed by an overarching view of the important trends that are constantly
remaking the technology sector.