Developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) have led to a changed perception of the role of users, especially in the last year. In the course of the Web 2.0 era, the formerly passive consumer is becoming an active producer of media content on the internet. This prosumer finds new platforms on wikis, blogs and in social new platforms for communication with like-minded people. At the same time, however, they increasingly demand automated services and offers in real time. Companies are thus faced with new challenges in the application and use of ICT, which we dealt with in various projects at TEWI 2007. Research projects carried out on e-mail response management systems in the Swiss hotel industry, on media usage behaviour in the Upper Valais, as well as on new product development in virtual worlds have been able to show the possibilities and limits of ICT from the company’s as well as the customer’s point of view. As in previous years, we have been able to ensure the transfer of knowledge through numerous publications and contributions at national and international conferences.
At this point I would like to thank all partner institutions for their cooperation, the TEWI network for supporting our activities, and the Canton of Valais and the municipality of Brig-Glis for their financial contributions. I would like to express special thanks to Prof. Dr. Thomas Myrach, who as TEWI President always supports us with constructive input. I wish you an interesting read.
Guido Lang, Managing Director TEWI
Read the complete activity report 2007.