The new reality on IT is analyzed at "Strategic's S.E.Europe IT FORUM 2001"
From e-Business now back to ...Business!

Athens 18 June 2001 - ΟThe IT users enter a period of tranquility aiming at making a better use of their investments and face the disappointment from the high expectations created to them by the technological evolution. The users and the IT sector have to face the new reality in Greece and abroad, as it was stressed at "Strategic's S.E.Europe IT FORUM 2001", that started today in Athens.

The dot.com companies collapse one after the other while the famous e-Commerce seems to be absent. According to data presented at the Forum by the consulting firm Strategic International SA, B2C e-Commerce in Greece is only 0.024% of the total consumer consumption, whereas it is not more than 0.4% in the US, the leader in this area.. 

Graph 1. B2C electronic commerce in selected countries
Percentage of total customer consumption - 2000

Source: Strategic International/K.Kataras SA, 2001

According to recent data of accredited market research companies, the growth rate of the global PC market is expected to be only 5.8% despite the almost double initial predictions, while, for the first time in its history, the American PC market is expected to shrink by 6.3%.

"The dream of fast and easy profit is over. The rules of the Old Economy are also valid in the New Economy. Companies have to go back to them and invest on long-term plans. They have to concentrate their efforts on their profitability and a guaranteed added value of their products and services. IT has to be used for increased efficiency, better customer service, lower costs, and best use of internal corporate information", stated at the Forum's opening Mr Kostas Kataras, CEO of the consulting firm Strategic International SA.

The new IT environment is analyzed by distinct speakers and analysts at "Strategic's S.E.Europe IT FORUM 2001" which started today and will last until tomorrow in Athens, at the Inter-Continental Hotel and which is organized by the consulting firm Strategic International SA (www.strategic.gr).

For more information
For more information about "Strategic's 1st S.E.Europe IT Forum 2001", visit the site http://www.strategic.gr/ events/itforum2001, or contact Strategic International SA on Tel: +30-1-7229571

About Strategic International SA
The Forum is organized by Strategic International SA, a firm with long - standing experience in organizing international conferences. Strategic International SA (www.strategic.gr) is a Strategy Consulting firm specializing in Telecommunications, Information Technologies, New Media and the Digital Economy. The company has deep knowledge in the field, based on Market Research, Creative Analyses, International Customers and a strong network of partners in Europe. Main services include: Consulting, Market Research, e-business, Publications and Events.