Proceedings of the 13th Annual Workshop of HP OpenView University Association,

The HP OpenView University Association is a global network of universities and research institutes. The association is still growing in both members and geographical distribution. Acknowledging trends in the industry, the 2006 workshop program is moving beyond traditional IT management and now focuses on three key dimensions:

IT-management

Organizations increasingly digitize processes and content, and use IT to innovate their key business processes. Competitive pressures are increasing and the rate of change is accelerating, requiring organizations to adapt. Further, as organizations are driven to respond to increasing scrutiny with regard to their efficient use of resources, and to their compliance with internal and external policies and regulations, it becomes ever more important for IT to stay synchronized and responsive to business priorities. A new computing model is required to meet these business requirements while simultaneously reducing costs and improving service.

Responding to these requirements, the 2006 workshop is continuing a clear focus on IT service management and ITIL. Particularly highlighted in this workshop are:

• configuration and change management
• security management
• management of grids

Service provider

Worldwide, service providers are supplying communication services along with a control network ("signaling"), service control and a related computer based infrastructure. This communication/control/computation complex is complemented by real-time databases and billing systems, network management systems, and other specialized systems.

With a dedicated session on service provider technologies, topics of the 2006 workshop focus on infrastructure and solutions for future IP Multimedia Subsystems blending traditional telephony networks with IP networks, traditional interactive voice communication with other media, and advanced services. These include:

• media sharing and exchange
• history and context
• and an emphasis on spontaneity and ease of use.

IT-lifecycle

Solution lifecycle services, in particular technical support, help customers deploy and maintain their software solution. Based on feedback and on customer experience, the design, revision and testing of software must continuously improve. Additionally implementation and deployment services help customers trigger change in application lifecycle phases for enhanced business agility and for aligned cost effective infrastructure and application services.

In response to these needs, a focus of the 2006 workshop has been set on better design, deploy, operate and support IT environments and communication infrastructures. This maintains the full solution lifecycle, including sourcing and retirement considerations.

The proceedings provide to the reader an up-to-date insight into ongoing research of the leading institutes and universities around the globe. This gives a clear perspective for technology leaders and advanced innovation planning executives who need to understand the next wave of innovation and technology impacting the use and application of information technology in their organizations.

HP-OVUA is sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Company, in particular by HP Labs, HP Global Software Business Unit (SGBU) and HP University Relations.