The inaugural NetWorld+Interop 94 conference in Las Vegas, which is expected to draw 65,000 participants, will combine the two biggest names in networking: Novell and Interop.
The mega trade show, which started Monday, will provide a platform for noteworthy announcements such as the partnership agreement expected Wednesday between Xerox and Novell Inc.NetWorld, originally the brainchild of Novell Inc., is known as the hallmark of the desktop LAN community. Interop has been the proving ground for the telecommunications and WAN worlds.
Combining the two creates a global gathering place for the industry.
"Novell always has relied heavily on NetWorld as a gathering place for our customers and partners," said Ray Noorda, chairman of the board for Novell. "NetWorld+Interop 94 will be that gathering place for us worldwide."
Event highlights include the Interop Net, the return of the Solutions Showcase Demonstrations, a new Internet Showcase focused on the capabilities of the world's largest network and Start-Up City - highlighting emerging companies and networking technologies.
More than 600 exhibitors are expected.
"Networking technology is changing so rapidly it is virtually impossible to keep up," said Dan Lynch, chairman of Interop.
"We designed NetWorld+Interop to be the summit for all aspects of networking. Through its unique educational focus, Net-World-+In-ter-op combines classroom and show-floor activities so attendees can learn all they need to know about the business, technology and product issues they face today - all under one roof."
Keynote speakers will include Robert J. Frankenberg, newly named president and CEO of Novell Inc.; David Mahoney, chairman and CEO of Banyan Systems Inc.; John Morgridge, president and CEO of Cisco Systems Inc.; and Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corp.
The Las Vegas event is only the first of five venues planned to happen under the NetWorld+Interop 94 banner around the world, including Atlanta in September, Berlin in June, Tokyo in July and Paris in October.