InfoStar is a new SC special initiative whose goals are to: (1) provide real-time information about multiple aspects of the conference to all participants, and (2) create a searchable knowledge base about conference events and attendance for the benefit of future SC conference planners.

Technical program participants will be able to obtain daily information about each session, including updated information about each presentation and speaker bios and notes when available. Session organizers and exhibitors will have upload rights to provide updated information about their session to all InfoStar users. With this new InfoStar capability the days of attending an SC session with outdated information will be a thing of the past. Exhibit-goers will have up to the minute information about each booth and vendor on the show floor. Exhibitors will have upload rights to InfoStar to provide customized information about activities in their booth to conference attendees each day. Committee members will have access to historical record data from registration and attendance information.

InfoStar combines multiple data sources, wireless communications, collaborative software, and an innovative data clustering and visualization technology to provide conference attendees with unprecedented access to SC conference information on a real-time basis. InfoStar also makes it possible for exhibitors and SC2004 planners to upload new information throughout the conference to keep attendees up to date about activities and events at the click of a button. Information is delivered quickly and conveniently over the SCinet wireless (or wired) network.

Behind the scenes InfoStar will be building an extensive historical record of conference registration and attendance information that will prove valuable for future SC planning purposes. InfoStar’s key features are summarized below.

Capabilities

• Interactive maps
• Visual cues of similar functions and events
• Full view capabilities on desktops, wired or wireless laptops or tablet PCs
• Special features for optimal viewing on wireless-enabled Windows mobile-based PocketPCs and BlackBerry handhelds.

Access during SC2004

• Exhibitor and booth information, including special events
• Technical program information (agendas, speaker bios, special notes)
• Education program information

InfoStar was developed by a volunteer team of information and knowledge-management experts. For more about the InfoStar team, go to: www.ecu.edu/sc04.