CeBIT 2015 explores the connected economy

At CeBIT 2015, the international computer and telecoms trade show opening today in Hanover, Germany, the keynote theme is the connected economy, a concept the show's organizers are calling the "d!conomy."

The-founder-and-executive-chairman-of-Chinese-e-commerce-company-Alibaba-Group-Jack-Ma-adresses-his-speech-during-the-official-opening-of-the-CeBIT-technology-fair-in-Hanover-Photo-AFP

At CeBIT 2015, the international computer and telecoms trade show opening today in Hanover, Germany, the keynote theme is the connected economy, a concept the show's organizers are calling the 'd!conomy.'

Aside from the various new technologies contributing to entirely new economic models, namely in terms of the internet of things, this edition of CeBIT will showcase the latest trends in mobile communications, big data and cloud computing. A number of stands at the event will feature new apps and products illustrating the emergence of the connected economy.

Some 3,300 exhibitors from 70 countries are due to attend, reflecting the first year-on-year increase in CeBIT participation since 2001. This achievement comes despite the show's opening just days after the end of Barcelona's MWC, which dominated mobile and IT news over the past few weeks. Among the most notable brands to have traveled to Hanover are Samsung, HP, Huawei and Intel. Xiaomi, Dropbox and Tesla are taking part this year for the first time.

Over 200 speakers will contribute to the debate at CeBIT 2015, including Xiaomi founder Lei Jun, European commissioner for digital economy Günther Oettinger, Samsung Media Solutions Center president Won-Pyo Hong, and filmmaker Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. But the most anticipated participant is without a doubt Edward Snowden. On March 18, journalist Glenn Greenwald will be on site at CeBIT to conduct a remote interview with the whistleblower, who is still living in exile in Russia.

CeBIT 2015 opened to the public today after being officially inaugurated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday, March 15.