At the most recent TechBridge Digital Ball, these senior Georgia technology executives participated as part of their mission to assist in community building. TechLINKS was fortunate to snap a picture of 31 of these executives for its Q3-07 cover. Find out who they are on page 10.

Editor’s View
By Kevin Howarth
The More the Merrier: Growing the Georgia Enterprise IT Community
In 2001, a CIO who was new to Georgia would have had a difficult time plugging into the Georgia technology community. True, groups like the Society of Information Management (SIM) and the Georgia CIO Leadership Association (GCLA) already existed, promoting knowledge sharing and networking among CIOs. But these groups were the exception rather than the rule – most of the major technology-focused groups with the loudest voices (TAG, TechLINKS, etc.) focused on other aspects of the industry. CIOs stayed away from most mainstream technology networking events because they were too vendor-centric and the content did not often address their needs.

Fast forward to 2007. Wisely, many groups have since understood that CIOs and other senior IT leaders had a greater need for connecting with the community than was being fulfilled. GCLA and SIM have continued to grow stronger as networking associations, expanding the scope of their gala events and regular meetings. TechLINKS began interviewing one CIO per issue in 2002, and has since expanded its interview portfolio to include over 200 senior IT leaders. Its quarterly “Let’s Do Business!” CIO roundtables and receptions have become must-attend events.

It is clear more IT leaders need to be involved, and it is a matter of reaching them and communicating the value proposition of becoming more involved with such a vibrant, unique industry. For the complete column, go online to www.techlinks.net.

Todd Bell’s career illustrates a special yinyang - the stability of a CPA with the restlessness of a technologist. His experiences parallel the growth of what is now one of the most exciting areas of the technology industry, and he shared his insights, experiences and lessons learned in an interview with TechLINKS. By Mike Adkinson and Kevin Howarth

An online “Who’s Who” of the Georgia technology industry that serves as an essential library for senior IT leaders to learn from each other and connect as peers. Includes Demand-Side Q&A, Supply-Side Q&A and our new Community Q&A.

21 Demand-Side Q&A
Interviews with Georgia-based senior IT leaders who are driving the demand of technology services and solutions.

Catching up with past Demand-Side Q&A interviewees through a series of short podcasts, highlighting their recent experiences and outlook on IT trends.

59 Supply-Side Q&A
Interviews with Georgia-based CEOs of technology and technology services companies who are supplying technology services and solutions.
59 Patrick Hiller, CEO, Abacus Solutions
59 Carl Cross, Area Director and General Manager, BMC Software
59 Ronnie Hollis, President/CEO, Prestige Staffing
59 Paul Hernacki, CTO, Definition 6
66 Scott Dorsey, President/Founder, ExactTarget
66 Clint Bailey, Sales Manager, HUNTER Technical
66 Matthew Haisten, VP Project Delivery, Intellinet
66 Ed Grasing, President, Revelation Partners
71 Eric Shepcaro, CEO, The tel(x) Group

Interviews with community leaders who are recognized for their impact in building the infrastructure and influencing the direction of the Georgia technology industry.
75 Palaniswamy “Raj” Rajan, President & CEO,eLaunchpad
75 Jack McMillan, Chief Executive Officer,TechBridge

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