Its co-hosts, CABA and Parks Associates, will offer pre-conference workshops in addition to this two-day event with speakers and a showcase of products. CONNECTIONS 2000 explores the business, marketing, and technical issues facing residential gateways, home networks, and key ensuing applications.

Now in its fourth year, CONNECTIONS 2000 will feature presentations from manufacturers of network components and attached products, standards bearers, and services providers. Examples of presenters include AMD, Coactive Networks, Electrolux, Ericsson, First Mile, Home Director, Home RF, Intel, Invensys, Microsoft, OnQ, RadioShack, and 2Wire among others.

"The idea of home networks offering new consumer benefits is taking hold," states Tricia Parks, president of Parks Associates. "Recent announcements from giants such as GE, Whirlpool, and Sunbeam add to the hue and cry coming from the entertainment and Internet players." "CONNECTIONS has experienced great growth," adds Ron Zimmer, executive director of CABA. "We're seeing even more growth this year. The showcase promises to be both exciting and provocative."

"We are glad to be a media partner for this important convergence industry event," says P. S. [Vish] Vishwanath, CEO of VTECHLINK. "As the leading knowledge-based online service for the convergence industry, we believe CONNECTIONS 2000 will help industry players get a better handle on the fast changing industry."

As part of its media support activities, VTECHLINK is offering those attending CONNECTIONS 2000 special discounted pricing on its services of 25% off its regular prices. To take advantage of this special offer, conference attendees can visit the VTECHLINK Web site at www.vtechlink.com.

Parks Associates

Parks Associates is a Dallas, Texas-based market research firm specializing in emerging technologies and services for the home. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates provides primary and secondary research on home systems, in-home networks, home security, consumer electronics, telecommunications, Internet service, energy utility, and subscription TV industries. Clients include both Fortune 500 companies and small start-ups. Services include syndicated reports, multi-client studies, custom consulting, workshops, and conferences.

CABA

CABA is a not-for-profit industry association that promotes advanced technologies for the automation of homes and buildings in North America. CABA’s mission is to encourage the development, promotion and pursuit of this automation through initiatives and collaborations like the CONNECTIONS conference, work with standards and protocol groups, and being a source of information for the industry and the public. CABA’s flagship publication is the Home & Building Automation QUARTERLY - 60 pages of news, views and new products. Other publications include Event Reports and Information (research) Series, as well as special industry reports.