CeBIT

CeBIT (Centrum der Büro- und Informationstechnik; German for "Centre of Office and Information technology") is the world's largest computer expo. Since 1986 it is held each spring on the exhibition ground in Hannover, Germany, and is often regarded as a barometer of the state of the art in information technology. With an exhibition area of roughly 450,000 m² (5 million ft²), over 6,111 exhibitors and more than 755,000 visitors in 1995, it was larger than COMPUTEX and the no-longer held COMDEX. In recent years both the number of visitors as well as exhibitors dropped significantly; by 2008, the CeBIT expo attendance was at 495,000 . In 2009 it takes place from 3 March to 8 March 2009. The CeBIT is organized by Deutsche Messe AG.

History

A crowded exhibition hall during CeBIT.

CeBIT is the world's largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. The key target groups are users from industry, the wholesale/retail sector, skilled trades, banks, the services sector, government agencies, science and all users passionate about technology. CeBIT offers an international platform for comparing notes on current industry trends, networking, and product presentations. Deutsche Messe AG has organized CeBIT in Hannover each spring since 1986. About 6,000 exhibitors from around 77 countries and some 495,000 visitors from all over the world attended the last CeBIT in 2008.

Throughout the past 20 years, thousands of suppliers and users from all over the world have come together every year in the early spring at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany. Looking back, the birth of CeBIT on 12 March 1986 was the outcome of a long and complicated decision-making process. The computer industry had become a key feature of the HANNOVER FAIR and had contributed to its unique status as the world's biggest trade show for capital goods. However, the computer exhibitors were having to contend with an increasing number of non-specialists at their stands.

At the peak of its success at 1995, the CeBIT housed 6,111 exhibitors and had more than 755,000 visitors. At the same time it had become less attractive to professionals, as one third of the total attendance (218,000 visitors) were non-professionals. Trying to "reprofessionalized" the fair, Deutsche Messe AG decided to organize a spin-off, the ultimately short-lived CeBIT HOME.

Growth from 1950 to 1984

By the late 1950s the "office equipment industry" (as it was then called) already ranked as the third largest exhibitor group at the HANNOVER FAIR. The Fair reflected the "electronics boom" in the 1960s and provided the launching pad for numerous technological highlights. In 1965, for example, Heinz Nixdorf (who was later to become one of Germany's best known entrepreneurs) presented his legendary 820 universal computer. In 1970 Deutsche Messe AG underscored the importance of office equipment at the HANNOVER FAIR when it opened the new Hall 1 adjacent to the northern entrance of the exhibition site. This massive building complex consisted of three levels: an underground garage with parking space for 2,000 exhibitors, a ground-floor exhibition hall covering a total area of 70,300 square meters, and a roof level with 750 prefabricated business suites. In 1984 Hall 1 found its way into the Guinness Book of Records as the "world's largest single-storey exhibition hall".

Finding a name

The inauguration of the new hall coincided with the search for a new name for this exhibit category. One suggestion was "CeBOT" – from the German acronym for "Centrum für Büro und Organisationstechnik" "Literally Center for Office and Organization". Ultimately, however, the Exhibitors' Advisory Committee decided in favour of "CeBIT" from "Centrum für Büro und Informationstechnik" (Center for Office and Information Technology). The second syllable's apparent allusion to "BIT" (as the smallest unit information processed by Computers) was not at all intended, but ultimately turned out to be a very fortunate coincidence, especially in view of the upwind experienced by electronic data processing in the Seventies, and even more so in the Eighties, when the ranks of the HANNOVER FAIR's exhibitors swelled with huge numbers of PC manufactures.

Nevertheless, in 1970 no one could have foreseen the extent to which the data processing market would divide into more and more segments and grow at a breathtaking rate. The gigantic capacities in Hall 1 were soon exhausted. At the end of the 1970s Deutsche Messe AG decided to allocate Halls 2 and 18 to CeBIT. At the beginning of the 1980s CeBIT expanded once again – this time into Hall 3. However, this was just a drop in the ocean. More and more data processing and software companies – not to mention the growing group of PC manufacturers – wanted to use CeBIT as a presentation platform. The original "Center for Office and Information Technology" had now become the "World Center for Office, Information and Communications Technology".

CeBIT as a separate event in its own right

Nevertheless, numerous potential exhibitors were still excluded from CeBIT for the simple reason that Deutsche Messe AG was unable to offer them stand space. In 1980 the product category "information and communications technology" at the HANNOVER FAIR was outranked only by electrical engineering in terms of the number of exhibitors. In spite of the allocation of additional halls it was not possible to reduce the long waiting lists. Likewise it was impossible to meet the demand for additional stand space on the part of established exhibitors. A split between CeBIT and the HANNOVER FAIR appeared inevitable.

In November 1984 Deutsche Messe AG finally announced that, with effect from 1986, the trade show HANNOVER FAIR CeBIT would take place as a separate event in March, followed one month later by HANNOVER FAIR Industry. This was not an easy decision. It was preceded by months of discussion with the chief executives of the major exhibiting companies and their industrial associations. The debate centered on the way the market was likely to develop and the potential risks involved. The most important question was: "What happens if we do nothing?"

Controversial discussion of the split

In 1985 the last "amalgamated" HANNOVER FAIR underlined the urgent necessity of regrouping CeBIT as a separate entity. Compared with 1970 the number of IT exhibitors had increased two-fold to 1,300 – and a further 870 companies were on the waiting list. The rented stand space had grown two and a half times to 130,600 square meters, while the number of visitors had risen almost fivefold – to 293,000. With almost 7,000 exhibitors and over 800,000 visitors, the 1985 HANNOVER FAIR had reached its absolute capacity limits.

The decision to create a separate trade show for exhibitors of office, information and communications technology was far from being an uncontroversial one. At the 1985 HANNOVER FAIR the separation of CeBIT was the number-one topic of discussion. The pros and cons were still being hotly debated in the immediate run-up to the CeBIT premiere in 1986. The advocates of the split pointed to the extended exhibition space and improved infrastructure. The opponents argued that an independent CeBIT devoid of an industrial background would lose some of its appeal.

The debut of CeBIT in 1986

Exhibitors, visitors and Deutsche Messe AG thus looked forward to the CeBIT premiere with a mixture of suspense and trepidation. The moment of truth came on 12 March 1986, when 2,142 exhibitors presented their products, systems and services on a net display area in excess of 200,000 square meters. In 1986 the display category "Telecommunications" was included in the CeBIT line-up for the first time – with a "modest" 190 exhibitors.

With 334,400 visitors the first independent CeBIT got off to a very good start. Nevertheless, the debate about the split continued for a number of years. After all, it was the most momentous decision ever taken by Deutsche Messe AG and one of the biggest operations ever carried out in the international trade fair industry. CeBIT soon carved out a stronger and stronger position in the trade fair market, due in no small part to continuous refinements to the concept by Deutsche Messe AG. The major display categories became ever more clearly defined, and exhibitors took advantage of the increased space capacity to present their products at larger stands and in more than one hall.

The CeBIT success story

CeBIT rapidly developed into the largest and most important IT event of the year. The number of exhibitors and visitors increased continuously despite freak weather conditions on two occasions. Two days before CeBIT '87 opened its gates, a sudden blizzard swept over the city of Hannover, leaving one meter of snow in its wake. The show nonetheless got off to a punctual start thanks to the tireless efforts of countless helpers. "SnowBIT", as the fair came to be called, attracted 406,474 visitors.

By the beginning of the 1990s CeBIT had achieved the ultimate international breakthrough. Although the IT industry was weathering a heavy recession and several established universal suppliers were forced to carry out far-reaching internal restructuring measures, this did not have a negative impact on CeBIT attendance figures. Data processing strategies such as client- server computing, outsourcing and data warehousing came to the fore. Thousands of visitors flocked to Hannover to find out about the latest developments in these areas, as well as in the field of network computing, multimedia and the Internet.

Now completely devoted to CeBIT, the Hannover Exhibition Center was still becoming more and more cramped, even though Deutsche Messe AG had begun to replace some old exhibition halls with new buildings. The waiting list of companies wanting to take part in CeBIT continued to grow longer, and the halls were full to overflowing. As a setting conducive to in-depth discussion among IT professionals, the show was becoming less and less effective. With over 6,111 exhibitors and more than 755,000 visitors (including over 100,000 from abroad) CeBIT '95 seamed its reputation as a "mega-event". But in view of its growing appeal to the interested public, as well, CeBIT ran the risk of losing its professional character. By 1995 the number of attending non-professionals had risen to 218,000 – 29 percent of total attendance.

The "reprofessionalization" of CeBIT

If CeBIT was to retain its business character it would have to be "reprofessionalized" and attendance by non-professionals reduced. As a first move, admission prices were raised significantly. Secondly, the duration of CeBIT was reduced to seven days in line with exhibitor wishes. In addition, Deutsche Messe AG announced the creation of a new show targeted at distributors, SOHO (small office, home office) customers and private users of PCs, multimedia and the Internet. Called "CeBIT HOME, the World of Home and Consumer Electronics", this offshoot was scheduled to take place every two years as of August, 1996.

The premiere of CeBIT HOME in 1996 attracted 632 exhibitors, who occupied 52,248 square meters of display space. 215,000 visitors attended the event. In 1998, CeBIT HOME brought together 586 exhibitors on a display area of 48,370 square meters. Visitor attendance stood at 175,000. CeBIT HOME 2000 was scheduled to take place in Leipzig in order to make way for the World Exposition EXPO 2000 in Hannover. However, the event was ultimately not staged due to a lack of sufficient exhibitor response.

CeBIT attendance by non-professionals has declined steadily since 1996, today amounting to just under 12 percent. Accordingly, industry professionals account for over 88 percent of the show's visitors.

For many years now, CeBIT has been the unrivalled international showcase for IT, telecommunications, software and services. With 5,845 exhibitors occupying a total rented space of about 308,000 square meters, CeBIT 2008 once again underscored its standing as the largest trade show of any kind, anywhere in the world. CeBIT can also lay claim to attracting more exhibitors from abroad than any other trade show for the ICT industry namely about 6,000 exhibitors from 77 different countries.

Exhibition Program

Identifying trends, responding to challenges — for a number of years now CeBIT has been focusing not just on technologies and products, but also on complete solutions for concrete applications. An approach that has proved extremely popular with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Such a vast array of exhibits needs to be structured and organized into clearly defined — and clearly marked — display categories. New additions to CeBIT as from 2009 will include the fast-growing segment Internet & Mobile Solutions.

Hall 2	Hall 3	Hall 4	Hall 5	Hall 6
Server Technologies Business Storage Virtualisation IT Services	Document Management Solutions Professional Output / Office Solutions Mailing Solutions Projection Equipment & Systems	Business Process Management - BPM Service Oriented Architecture - SOA Customer Relationship Management - CRM Business Intelligence - BI Enterprise Resource Planning - ERP Thin Client Computing IT Services / IT Consulting	Enterprise Resource Planning - ERP Supply Chain Management - SCM Vertical Market Solutions	Human Resource Management Workforce Management Access Control Learning & Knowledge Solutions Recruitment System Software & Management Open Source Solutions Central California Pavilion NEW: Internet & Mobile Solutions Digital Media Solutions Enterprise Mobility Web based Solutions Web Content Management Online Marketing

Hall 7	Hall 8	Hall 9	Hall 11
Auto ID/RFID Product Lifecycle Management - PLM Embedded Software & Systems	PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE	Public Sector Parc ICT Solutions for the Public Sector eGovernment solutions (municipal, state, federal and European Union) IT solutions for Municipal Public Utility Undertakings, Municipal Establishments and Service Providers Geoinformation Systems Homeland Security TeleHealth / eHealth future parc Research and New Technologies: Basic Research Applied Research Ambient / Artificial Intelligence Living 2020 Semantical World Humane-Machine-Interaction	CeBIT Security World Anti spam & Anti virus solutions Security tools & services Biometrics Card technology Security software & hardware Security & availability in data centers Network security Video surveillance Data center

Halls 12-13	Halls 14-16	Hall 17	Halls 18-21, 26
Unified Communications Fixed Line & Network Solutions, Infrastructure Wireless Technologies IP Communication Enterprise Solutions Call Center Technologies Data Center	Telematics & Navigation Automotive Solutions Transport & Logistics Broadcast, radio equipment, satellite communications SatNav Mobile Devices & Communication	Banking & Finance: Financial Solutions Insurance Solutions Equipment & Systems Future Banking Point of Sales Kiosk Systems & Technologies Digital Signage	Personal Mobile Player Mobile & Personal Storage Peripherals Components PCs & Notebooks Netbooks Display Technologies Office Solutions Graphic & Sound Digital Home Solutions digital imaging: Digital Photography Printing Solutions Hardware, Software, Accessories, Consumables

Halls 22, 23	Hall 24	Hall 25	Hall 26, Pavilions 32-35, Open-air site	Hall 2, Convention Center (CC)
Interactive Entertainment Gaming Hardware, Software, Accessories	Cases & Coolers	Planet Reseller PCs & Notebooks, Industry PCs Display Technologies Office Solutions Peripherals Accessories	Carrier & Provider Mobile Devices & Communication Display Technologies Office Solutions	Keynotes & Conferences

Visitor Information

CeBIT, the world's leading information and communications technology (ICT) event, exerts tremendous influence on future technology developments. All companies that wish to remain competitive exhibit at CeBIT, compare competing products, meet with potential business partners, and discover the latest trends.

One highlight, CeBIT Global Conferences, features well-known academic and business personalities who put forth their ideas and visions. Divided into main two sections—CeBIT Keynotes and CeBIT Executive Labs—the program delivers visionary networking and debate about such key trends as Green IT, social networking, and Web 2.0. CeBIT's exhibit program covers the complete range of digital solutions.

California as "Partner State 2009"

In 2009, the U.S. state of California will be the official Partner State of Germany's IT and telecommunications industry association, BITKOM, and of CeBIT.

The focus will be on environmentally-friendly technologies—a topic that played a key role at CeBIT 2008, where Green IT was specially featured. The star attraction of the Partner State program will be the flanking German-Californian ICT Summit. The two countries will both be keen on using this opportunity to step up collaboration and stimulate more bilateral business.

Prof. Dr. August-Wilhelm Scheer, President of BITKOM:

"The USA is not only an important trading partner. California's Silicon Valley is also a textbook example of successful business development driven by inward investment. We are hoping to learn from the Americans and get some useful input into our own strategy planning."

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The Partner State California program addresses topics ranging from Document Management, InfoSecurity, Open Source, and Telematics & Navigation, to eHealth & TeleHealth, Public Sector applications and IP issues.

The Internet & Mobile Solutions/Digital New Media Solutions Forum, a 5-day, 18 session program adjacent to the main California Pavilion, will showcase the best of California's offerings in Web-based digital media, social networks and virtual worlds; mobile and multi-channel content distribution strategies and applications; advanced multimedia technologies; and a forward-looking prognosis for these sectors for entertainment and enterprise. A true blend of Hollywood and Silicon Valley.

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2009 Focus

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Internet & Mobile Solutions

Information technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics have converged to create new platforms, new alliances, new providers, new products, and new solutions.

Digitalization and mobility are:

• Revolutionizing content generation and use
• Changing the way we use media
• Generating new business models and markets
• Enabling us to conduct business on the move
• Creating new customer relationships

CeBIT is embracing this latest megatrend with the new Internet & Mobile Solutions program, which will paint a current picture of the content economy in three main display categories: Digital Media Solutions, Enterprise Mobility, and Web-Based Solutions.

eHealth Exchange

The medical and healthcare sectors are becoming increasingly deregulated around the world. With market liberalization and harmonization of standards come new business opportunities for international vendors and solutions providers. At the same time demographic change and the need to streamline costs are posing new challenges for the healthcare market. A 38% increase in attendees to this segment of CeBIT is testimony to the importance of IT in medicine and will make it one of the headline topics at the show in 2009.

TeleHealth is Europe's leading event for professionals and key decision-makers in the medical and healthcare field. In addition to the Expo, the Conference + Networking event will take place on 5 and 6 March, when telemedicine and eHealth professionals will meet to compare notes and share knowledge. The conference will feature a well-balanced program of distinguished experts who will present their latest research findings and best practice case studies.

Enterprise Storage and ILM Solutions Pavilion

Data storage requirements are doubling every 18 months and the appetite for faster, bigger storage arrays and improved information lifecycle management tools is increasingly growing to keep up with business needs. Digitalization of content, data protection, disaster recovery and increased use of graphics and video are straining the existing storage infrastructure of many enterprises.

AutoID and RFID

AutoID/RFID is central to the Internet of the future, which promises to create the transparency necessary for cross-industry logistics chains. Right now, major corporations are conducting successful pilot projects with small and medium-sized enterprises supplying the underlying technologies. Indeed, AutoID/RFID is poised for mass deployment in business and logistics processes; retailing and wholesaling; production and transportation; and product tracking.

Main display categories:

• Bar-Coding, 2D-Coding
• Distributors
• Embedded Software and Systems
• International Concerns and SMEs
• Manufacturers
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
• RFID (Transponders), Sensors, etc.
• Systems Consultants
• Systems Integrators

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IPCentral / WIRELESSWorld @ CeBIT

Digital Communication plays an increasingly important role in today's world of work and leisure. Millions of users communicate and send data—anytime and anywhere. WIRELESSWorld and IPCentral are sectors where the latest trends are highlighted and new business opportunities are created.

Green IT world at CeBIT 2009

The overwhelming interest and the resulting market potential has been the motivation and incentive to increase CeBIT's commitment to Green IT substantially in 2009.

CeBIT is presenting a "green IT World". The most important companies will display their most innovative Green-IT-solutions on a special area of around 2500sqm: from energy saving notebooks for everyone across energy efficient data centres to high-end-videoconferencing in HD-quality and sustainable visions for the future.

CeBIT Worldwide

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CeBIT Bilisim eurasia
07 - 12 October 2008
Tüyap Exhibition and Congress Center
Beylikdüzü-Istanbul, Turkey

Logistics & ICT Asia
28 - 29 October 2008
Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel
Pudong / Shanghai, PR China

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CeBIT Broadcast Cable & Satellite Eurasia
20 - 23 November 2008
New World Trade Center
Istanbul, Turkey

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CeBIT Australia
12 - 14 May 2009
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
Sydney, Australia

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ISCe - International Satellite & Communications exchange
2 - 4 June 2009
San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina
San Diego, California

External links

General:

• CeBIT official website: "The leading business event for the digital world"
• The history of CeBIT
• CeBIT - Hannover Fairs USA, Inc. Official Website
• Overview of worldwide CeBIT events
• Hellotrade

Media:

• CeBIT 2009 - Photo report
• CeBIT 2008 - Photo report
• CeBIT-Channel on YouTube
• CeBIT 2005 video coverage
• CeBIT 2006 video coverage – In HDTV format