Animator helps to show the way for businesses and developers

Microsoft is to stage an event in Auckland on Thursday that will show organisations how to use its software to sell and market their products and services.

Free sessions of Connect 05 are aimed at businesses, IT professionals, software developers and Microsoft partners.

Ian Taylor, who founded Dunedin-based computer graphics company Animation Research, is the main attraction at the event.

He said: "I really just tell our story about how technology has got to be a means to an end ... and demonstrate how we used technology to operate from Dunedin on a global scale."

New Zealand must protect its "No 8 fence wire" mentality, Taylor said. "A lot of people in technology are saying we need to move on from there.

"But my argument is that it wasn't about the piece of wire, it was a state of mind, an attitude that said 'we do what we need to, to make things happen.' "

The sessions, which also take place in Wellington today and were held in Christchurch last week, have attracted about 1400 people.

Topics such as bridging the technological divide, making smart IT investments and improving security are covered.

The primary goal of Microsoft partner group manager Steve Haddock was to ensure the event was a realistic learning experience.

"A core theme running through Connect 05 is the convergence of business and technology," Haddock said.