Focus on digital transformation

Around 600 participants learned about the opportunities, risks and best practices of digitization in keynotes, expert discussions and an exhibition.

Under the motto "Human Centric Innovation in Action", trends such as Big Data or the use of cloud solutions and mobile technologies were presented in a practical way and made tangible. Software solutions from SAP also played an important role.

Rolf Werner, Head of Central Europe and Chairman of the Management Board Germany at Fujitsu, opened the event at full throttle and used racing as a leitmotif in his keynote address. Today, there are several hundred sensors in a Formula 1 racing car, and a racing team collects up to 300 terabytes of data during a Grand Prix race.

Teams now employ more IT experts than mechanics. Formula 1 is thus a pioneer of digitization and vividly demonstrates what in principle applies to all IT managers:

"If you want to stay ahead, you have to digitize. Those who think they can sit out the digital transformation will be overtaken or lapped.

is how Werner put it.

The subsequent panel discussion focused on hyperlinking with its opportunities and risks. Rolf Werner from Fujitsu, Stephan Kaiser from PAC, Astrid Steingrüber from Intel, Jörg Hesske from NetApp and Andreas Lezgus from the North Rhine-Westphalia State Office for Central Police Services shed light on the possibilities of a digitized world.

The panelists were largely in agreement on one thing: Without managers who lead the way and closely involve their employees, the risk of failure in digital transformation is high. Because although it is primarily about technology, people remain a decisive factor.

The visitors were particularly interested in all topics relating to IT security and data center infrastructure management, but also in practical experiences with the introduction of Hana-based solutions.

A Big Data analysis from cancer research that was presented also met with a great response. It shows how several petabytes of genome data can be processed in a very short time thanks to the in-memory database Hana and custom-fit SAP consulting.

The case study can serve as a model for many other application scenarios and clearly illustrate how a constantly growing volume of data from ever new data sources can be managed and how maximum benefit can be derived from it with Smart Data.

Norbert Haug, long-time head of motorsport at Mercedes, took a look at the bigger picture by also drawing numerous parallels between Formula 1 and IT. Both areas are characterized by rapid changes and high competitive pressure, and in both - according to Haug's conclusion - the human factor is ultimately decisive.

"The driver remains the most important component in the overall package in Formula 1 as well. Without him, the best technology is of no use. And without people as the central point of reference, digitization cannot be successfully managed either."

Next stop: Stuttgart

The Fujitsu World Tour is one of the industry's largest customer events. This year it will stop at a total of 22 locations on five continents, with well over 10,000 visitors expected.

The tour will return to Germany on June 21 at the International Congress Center Stuttgart. This event will focus on the challenges posed by digital transformation and hybrid IT. Under the motto "Human Centric Innovation in Action", trends such as Big Data or the use of cloud and mobile technologies will be brought to life in a practical way.

One of the highlights will be a presentation by Fifa referee Dr. Markus Merk on "Sich(er) entscheiden: What you can learn from a Fifa referee for your personal decision-making style".