CefIS - CeBIT special display on security celebrates its 20th anniversary

A meeting point for the IT security sector at CeBIT since 1988 Fully functional sample data center at the stand: A highlight since 2004

2007 marks the 20th occasion that the special event 'CENTER FOR INFORMATION SECURITY' (CefIS) has been the focal point of the 'Security' display category at CeBIT, the world's leading trade fair for ICT. CefIS is a visitor magnet for this category thanks to its extensive showcasing of technology, software, services and trends from all aspects of technical, physical and organizational IT security. The topics covered by CefIS range from anti-virus protection, firewalls, cryptography, security checks and certifications as well as organizational security solutions to consulting and the planning of high-availability data centers and server parks. The Conference Center incorporated in the display area serves as a platform for an extensive program of exhibitor lectures and discussion forums. Located next to this is the 'Security Club' which provides the ideal surroundings for more in-depth discussions.

According to Rainer von zur Mühlen, Managing Director of the VON ZUR MÜHLEN'SCHE GmbH management consultancy for data center planning and security (VZM), 'Security isn't showing its age at all. It's becoming more relevant and dynamic every year.' The importance of IT security was recognized as early as 1987, just one year after CeBIT started. Deutsche Messe in Hannover commissioned VZM GmbH to develop a concept for a special display for CeBIT called 'THE SECURE DATA CENTER' which made its debut in 1988. The original concept included a compact presentation on solutions to IT security problems together with talks and guided tours.

In the early part of the 1990s, IT security became an increasingly extensive task that was no longer restricted to data centers. The original concept was revised and in 1994 'Forum for Information Security' was added to the title. In the mid-1990s, IT and communication technology developed extremely rapidly. The special display moved with the times and in 1996 it was renamed 'CENTER FOR INFORMATION SECURITY - CefIS'.

With the dawn of the new millennium, physical security came back into the spotlight. In 2004, attention turned to the aspect of high availability with a unique concept entitled THE SECURE DATA CENTER. Cooperation between 15 companies, each highly specialized in their relevant fields, saw the construction of a fully functional sample data center at the CeBIT stand.

THE SECURE DATA CENTER will be a particular highlight of CeBIT in 2007 too. It will be fully functional from both security and high availability viewpoints and will display straightforward security solutions based on customized planning. The solutions will include structural elements, security, alarm and entry control products, high-availability energy supply and air-conditioning products, data center equipment, and control, monitoring and operating devices.

Ernst Raue, Member of the Board of Deutsche Messe in Hannover, describes the CefIS success story as follows: 'For 20 years the special display on the security of information and communication technology has been organized very successfully by VON ZUR MÜHLEN'SCHE GmbH in cooperation with Deutsche Messe. It has always adapted to the latest developments and over the years the topics dealt with and the concept have been geared to companies' sector-specific security requirements.'