Dalian Software Park was created in 1998 in the western suburbs of Dalian, where many of the world's large and medium-sized IT companies have set up shops to offer software development and information services.

Cloud computing and other types of intelligent next-generation information technologies are the focus of this year's national fair for software and information services.

The China International Software & Information Service Fair, under the theme "Innovation, Convergency, and Growth", is being held from June 15 to 18 in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

The fair will cover such topics as how the next generation of intelligent information technology is fostering a new industrial revolution and causing the convergence of global industries.

Intelligent information technologies, listed as one of the seven major strategic industries in the 12th Five-Year Plan, will receive more support from government agencies at all levels.

Many IT companies have launched products or services using the concept of cloud computing, including Apple Inc, which allows users to store data on a remote location and access it through a Web browser, desktop or mobile app. This allows users to get their applications up and running faster.

An audience of 30,000 people from around the world will come to this largest and most-authoritative IT forum in China, and IT entrepreneurs, experts and senior government officials will attend discussions and hear about new trends in the leading edge of technological innovations.

More than 700 companies in the software and information services industry, such as Intel, IBM and Dell, will come to join the discussion and exchange their technologies. In an exhibition that is around 35,000 square meters, advanced products and services will be available to the public during those four days.

Also, other kinds of meetings, such as business networking events, will be held to promote cooperation among countries and regions. And 200 IT and hi-tech enterprises will offer 5,000 jobs for professionals attracted by this annual large fair.

zhuchengpei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/15/2012 page15)