Carnegie   Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute Hosts TIDE Conference for   Small Manufacturers
    September   20, 2002
   
  PITTSBURGH, PA-Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute   (SEI) will be hosting its TIDE Conference and Exhibitor Hall on September   24, 2002 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Mars, Pa.  

The TIDE   Conference is part of the SEI's Technology Insertion Demonstration and Evaluation   (TIDE) Program, which was initiated with federal funds secured by US Congressman   Mike Doyle in 2000. The TIDE Program provides small manufacturers with the   information needed to find the right software to reduce production costs,   improve product quality and become a supplier in the Department of Defense   supply chain. Attendees can learn about the latest technologies, tools and   services that will help them take advantage of $40 billion in defense contracts   awarded annually.  

"This conference   will provide a great opportunity for our area manufacturers," stated Doyle.   "There are currently no other projects such as this in our region, or anywhere   in the country for that matter. The TIDE Program is enabling our manufacturers   to remain competitive and play a more integral role in the manufacturing of   raw materials for this country as we move through the information technology   era."  

John Foreman,   director of the SEI's Dynamic Systems Program, explains that the TIDE Program   and Conference help companies overcome the technology-adoption barriers through   demonstration projects, workforce education and technology development.  

"One of our   goals is to encourage and assist small manufacturers in the adoption of commercially   available software and information technology," Foreman said. "The TIDE Conference   gives small business executives and technical managers in southwestern Pennsylvania   the opportunity to interact with government agencies, locate valuable resources   for change and growth, make new contacts and exchange ideas."  

Conference   sessions will cover such topics as technology selection and adoption processes,   how software technology supports strategic growth plans for small manufacturers,   managing risk in software technology adoption and doing business with the   federal government.  

More information   on registration, exhibitors and the TIDE Program can be found at the TIDE   Conference Web site  or by calling SEI Customer Relations at 412-268-5800.  

The TIDE   Program is a federally funded program that helps small manufacturers adopt   advanced technology. TIDE is a program of the Software Engineering Institute,   a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department   of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon University.