Compuware Sponsors Black Data Processing Associates National Conference in Detroit

Compuware Corporation has announced that it is a Platinum sponsor of the 27th Annual National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) Conference. This prestigious event will be held on August 20 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Centre.

The conference will attract more than 800 IT professionals, CIOs and entrepreneurs, as well as individuals wishing to engage in an IT career. The Annual National BDPA Conference will provide attendees with a rich learning experience and an environment to network with other IT professionals, forging long-lasting relationships to enhance or advance their careers.

"We are thrilled to hold our conference in Detroit, which is a hotspot for IT," said R.Wayne Hicks, National BDPA President. "Once again, Compuware Corporation has shown its support of our organisation, proving it is a leader in the IT field, and recognising the importance of encouraging and developing talent in the black community. We are thankful for Compuware's support and look forward to a great National Conference."

Further underscoring Compuware's commitment to helping encourage and foster IT careers among diverse groups, the company recently was named by BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com as one of the Best Companies for Blacks in Technology. The eight finalists for the award will be recognised at the Dignitaries Reception during the upcoming conference.

This conference is not only open to those currently employed in technology, but also to high school and college students who wish to network and learn from those with experience in the IT field. Students in attendance will once again be able to display their programming skills in the IT Showcase and High School Computer Competition.

"As a long-time supporter of this outstanding organisation, we are proud to welcome members and future members of the BDPA to Detroit," Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. said. "The BDPA serves a valuable purpose in the IT community, and we are proud of our partnership."BDPA Members Use Compuware OptimalJ in Development Challenge.

In a new twist at this year's conference, adult IT professionals will participate in an IT competition of their own--the IT Systems Development Challenge (ITSDC). Those who have the initiative to participate in this event will use the award-winning Compuware OptimalJ, a cutting-edge solution that makes J2EE development faster and more efficient.

This competition is open to any professionals with experience in Java development, an understanding of Unified Modelling Language, Model Driven
Architecture, Use Case documentation, and who have more than two years experience in developing web sites.
This pre-conference competition-held August 16-17 at Compuware headquarters-is meant to improve the participants' knowledge and experience in Java application development by shaping business requirements into a functioning prototype. To help prepare for the event, participants had use of Compuware OptimalJ for two months prior to the challenge.

For more information on this event, please e-mail conference@bdpa.org.