Focus on mobility, security at CeBIT

CeBIT attracts thousands in the tech industry looking for the latest innovations

HANNOVER, Germany (CNN) -- Stand by for this year's digital fashion show: wild and wacky gadgets to catch the eye, and promises of life-changing technology to capture the imagination.

It all takes place at CeBIT, the world's biggest and most recognised technology trade show.

Exhibitors from 58 countries are descending on Hannover, Germany for this year's fair March 13-20. There will be a record total of 8,152 companies, all with wares to show and announcements to make.

Among the flashy gimics and gizmos, CeBIT 2002 also should outline the focus and themes for the tech year ahead.

VIDEO CNN's Paula Hancocks takes a look at what we can expect from this year's CeBIT fair. (March 11) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Mobility will be a key consideration for the business customer, as companies look for new ways to tap into the demands from an increasingly mobile workforce.

But to capitalise on any new technology, such as third-generation (3G) mobile phones, analysts are looking for more integration between companies -- and hoping for more joint venture announcements during the fair.

IN-DEPTH CeBIT 2002: Global Tech Fair     QUICKVOTE Are current computer and Internet security systems strong enough to deal with hackers and potential terror threats? Yes No View Results

"Working together is going to be very important for the network operators to recoup the costs of the 3G infrastructure," says David Sharp of Charteris.

"The business plans we've seen when 3G was put together show it's very difficult to make a return on your investment unless you set up a business community where you are all putting services through the infrastructure. That makes it very important for everyone to be working to standards."

Applications will be important to the mobile consumer, especially in terms of what mobile handsets can do. This year's CeBIT also will show the transition from voice to data as the main revenue earner.

"On the consumer market we'll be looking at the ability to book restaurants, theatre tickets and cinema tickets online," says Joanne Wallen of CityWire.co.uk.

"We'll certainly be looking at multimedia messaging, where you be able to send graphics and ultimately video along with your SMS text messages."

CeBIT traditionally has been seen as a barometer of the economy. This year, it could also be an indication of security awareness.

Data transmission security is still a big issue following the increase in recent global viruses. And September 11 has put disaster-related IT security issues near the top of the corporate agenda.

"Security is going to be top of mind for customers, therefore it becomes top of mind for suppliers," says Tom Ianotti of Compaq.

"I think they're going to feature a lot more of the capabilities around security and are going to emphasise the differentiation versus their competitors."

It's that drive to stand out from the competition that will ensure a fair share of eye-catching gadgets at CeBIT.

With more than 8,000 companies showing their wares, catching the attention of customers -- and the media -- will be key.