Training Course Syllabus:

• Learn about the latest issues
• Gain insights about these changes
• Network with qualified, IT procurement executives
• Save time, money and aggravation
• Find out how to deal with these major concerns
• Receive opinions about current events from the Global 1000

Why use Caucus Forums?

Find out how the IT community is dealing with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance issues and concerns surrounding the Oracle/PeopleSoft and SBC/AT&T buyouts. Historically, Caucus members have found that it takes months to figure out what to do when new laws and mergers take place. The Caucus Forums will advance the learning curve about the issues surrounding the topics and solve problems for you and your company. Come join us for a high-impact moderated discussion about industry events and how they affect our employers, profession, deals and day-to-day lives. The moderator will provide thought-provoking questions to stimulate interaction among the participants. Attendees are encouraged to provide additional topics for discussion.

Discussion Guideline Questions

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

1. How has Sarbanes-Oxley affected the general procurement process and the technology procurement process within your organization?
2. What changes to the RFP process have resulted?
3. How have purchasing approval authorities changed?
4. What additional levels of review have been added (if any)?
5. What other changes have you seen within your organization as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley ?
6. To what extent has IT departments been involved in monitoring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley?
7. Have IT budgets been affected?

Oracle Purchase of PeopleSoft

1. Oracle has dicey and sometimes strained relations with its 14,000-plus partners. How will the acquisition affect PeopleSofts partner network?
2. Oracle claims that the acquisition will accelerate innovation. Will it really stymie innovation as the marketplace shrinks?
3. Oracle has promised to integrate Oracle, PeopleSoft and J.D. Edwards into a single suite of applications. Do you think they can do it? How long will it take? What are the potential impacts on your organization (support and budget)?
4. Will the Oracle/PeopleSoft/J.D. Edwards combination make SAP more willing to deal in the marketplace?
5. How much is your organization concerned about the ultimate transition to a combined suite of products? What are the major issues you see? How do you expect to pay for the transition?
6. Will Oracle provide a reasonable path at an acceptable cost?

SBC Purchase of AT&T

1. If approved, the SBC/AT&T merger will place the combined company in the number one spot, with Verizon displaced to the number two spot. How will this impact long-distance rates? Business rates?Cellular rates? How will this combination impact your current relationship with Verizon? With SBC? With AT&T? With other telecom providers?
2. In the long run, who will ultimately win - customers or the telecom industry?
3. How will this combination affect your acquisition strategy for telecom services?

Seminar Summary:

Find out how the IT community is dealing with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance issues and concerns surrounding the Oracle/PeopleSoft and SBC/AT&T buyouts. Historically, Caucus members have found that it takes months to figure out what to do when new laws and mergers take place.  (see full course description)

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