CSC 309 - Programming on the Web Department of Computer Science University of Toronto Guest talk by Mr. Victor J. Garcia Chief Technology Officer Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. Wednesday August 1, 2007 6pm-6:45pm Room BA 1190 Bahen Centre for Information Technology 40 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada Optimizing business outcomes through the right application of RFID Radio Frequency Identification and other automated identification and sensing technologies are being effectively leveraged by many innovative organizations to accelerate business growth, lower costs and mitigate risk. The correct application of these technologies is helping transform IT environments and optimize business outcomes in Aerospace, Healthcare, Defense, CPG, Transportation and Logistics, among others. While many companies have focused their investments in RFID solely to comply with customer mandates, many have found a way to maximize the value of RFID investments to improve business processes, reduce cost, increase return on asset utilization and improve customer service. The speaker will bring a unique perspective, sharing case studies, insight and proven benefits that could help organizations contemplating the application of RFID within their business environment. The presentation will address the key relationship between RFID and Business Intelligence/Analytics, and describe the opportunities that exist for using RFID in track and trace, asset management, patient and personnel safety and consumer advertising. The implications of embracing change and aligning business and IT, a key requirement to fully benefit from the application of RFID and sensing technologies, will be shared with the audience. Finally, a view of the future of RFID, Near Field Communications, convergence between mobile networks and sensing technologies and trusted transaction processing will provide an indication of where the technology is headed and what role Canada is playing in this space. Relationships to emerging Web 2.0 trends will be discussed. Biographical Summary: Mr. Garcia is HP Canada's CTO, with responsibility for emerging and disruptive technologies. He provides vision, strategy and leadership in RFID, Mobility, Near Field Communications and other emerging and disruptive technologies, leveraging HP's Global capabilities and innovation. Over the past 26 years, Mr. Garcia has gained international recognition in the Management Consulting, Advanced Technologies and IT consulting fields, holding executive management and trusted advisor positions and managing complex projects in the Aerospace, Energy, Automotive, Telecommunications and Government sectors. Mr. Garcia is a frequent speaker at industry and business events speaking on topics such as Innovation, Business Technology, RFID, Wireless and Mobility, Business Intelligence, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. In 1997, Mr. Garcia was nominated and selected as a finalist for the "Top 40 under 40 Award", a program designed to recognize the achievements of outstanding Canadians under the age of 40. Over more than 25 years, Garcia has gained international recognition in the management consulting, advanced technologies and IT consulting fields. He has held executive management and trusted advisor positions and directed large technology projects for such prominent corporations as Magna International Inc., Cachet Carrington Limited, Wintec Energy Corporation and Olivetti. Garcia joined Compaq in October 1999 as Director of Professional Services for Central Canada, leading several initiatives to assist public and private sector organizations with the strategic application of information technology. From 1994 to 1999, Garcia was a member of a number of Federal and Provincial Government trade missions, including the Team Canada 1994 and1998 commercial delegations to Latin America led by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Garcia participated in programs designed to improve business relations with participating trade countries. He has been instrumental in guiding business development, public sector marketing and collaborative joint-ventures involving commercial enterprises, universities and governments. Garcia is a frequent speaker at national and international industry and business conferences, focusing on such topics as business and IT alignment, RFID and sentient technologies, quantum computing, wireless and mobility, i-Buildings, knowledge management and business intelligence, 5th generation organizations, environmental technologies and sustainable development. Garcia serves as a member of Centennial College's Board of Advisors and has guest lectured at North and South American universities. In 1997, Mr. Garcia was nominated and selected as a finalist for the "Top 40 Under 40 Award", a program designed to recognize the achievements of outstanding Canadians under the age of 40.