DEFENSE

IT executives worldwide can participate in spontaneous discussions with chief executive officers and chief information officers regarding how they embraced change within their organizations to gain competitive advantage. The conversations are part of an interactive webcast series, called “Change Artists,” that HP developed so enterprise customers could explore the increasingly dynamic relationship between strategy and technology. The unscripted discussion during each webcast is complemented by online tools and resources, including case studies and white papers. “Change Artists is part of HP’s focus on raising the dialogue and strengthening our long-term engagements with customers,” said Scott Anderson, director, Enterprise Brand Communications, HP. “The majority of IT decisions made by CIOs are influenced by their peers. Change Artists lets IT executives interact with some of the world’s most successful business leaders not once, but throughout the entire year.” More than 5,000 viewers from 63 countries watched the first webcast, which aired May 9 and featured FedEx CEO Frederick Smith in conversation with FedEx CIO Robert Carter. The 30 minute discussion, moderated by John Gallant, president and editorial director of IDG’s Network World magazine, touched on topics ranging from business and IT alignment to the evolving role of CIOs within business today. A second episode featuring McKesson’s CEO John Hammergren and CIO Randall Spratt will air June 19. Register for this live event at its Web site. To deliver Change Artists’ interactive format, HP has assembled a team with complementary strengths: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners provides creative expertise, Turner Broadcasting’s commercial production group and IDG produce each episode, CNN International and CIO Magazine broadcast promotional elements and ZenithOptimedia manages global media requirements. Download tools and resources and view archived Change Artists webcasts at its Web site.