Experts from 18 countries attend the SAP for Banking Conference of the ifb group

Direct communication between SAP for Banking experts from all over the world was the central theme of the "International Banking Conference for SAP Users" of the ifb group, which took place over 3/4 June 2008 in Vienna. Some 100 specialists and managers of banks from 18 different countries, SAP AG and the ifb group travelled to take part in the two-day idea exchange forum.

The conference was opened by Thomas Balgheim, SAP AG, who is responsible for SAP for Banking solutions as the Senior Vice President of Financial Services. From the point of view of software manufacturers he analysed how banks can master the growing needs of bank management using new platform solutions. His analysis was supplemented by Claudio Prado, Senior Vice President of the Brazilian Banco Real, who described the strategic challenges of modern-day IT architectures from the point of view of a South American bank.

Claus Stegmann, ifb group partner, board member of ifb AG and co-host of the talks added: "What makes our conference so unique is that different perspectives are brought together at one table and at such a high level… Here in a relaxed atmosphere, banking experts talk with colleagues from other countries, with software specialists from SAP and with consultants of the ifb group, who really know all the ins and outs of the SAP projects." Oliver Greiner, ifb group partner and managing director of ifb International AG, also appreciates the culture of discussion between participants and speakers: "Not only are Best Practice solutions examined, open discussions on critical questions and various concepts, on long-term perspectives as well as other detailed question & answer sessions also take place."

The field reports of the large banks were also an important part of the agenda of the conference with the issues in question being as multilayered as the requirements of the banks.

The intellectual work was rounded off nicely thanks to the wonderful atmosphere provided by Vienna and the culinary delights of the "Heuriger" wine tavern – a pleasant ambience which provided the space for both networking and jovial evening-time chats.