Media technologies are currently facing challenges and opportunities arising from a number of trends: Under the Web 2.0 umbrella, social aspects of software are gaining importance, and a new focus on simplicity in user interface design is taking hold. New display devices (e.g. e-paper) and client software
(e.g. geo-browsers), will revolutionize the production and consumption of media products such as newspapers. At the same time, semantic technologies are maturing to the point where their broad adoption becomes almost inevitable. In conjunction with new media, semantic technologies and social software catalyze virtual communities by matching people of similar interests, browsing behavior, or geographic location.

Acknowledging these fundamental changes, traditional media companies, new media start-ups and academics are cooperating to shape the future of media technology, to make the most of text, audio and video assets. I-MEDIA brings these actors together.

Beginning in 2007, I-KNOW will be complemented by I-MEDIA. This extension of I-KNOW reflects the increasing importance and convergence of knowledge management and new media technologies. This lets participants of both conferences benefit from the synergies of both events, in particular from the presence of a range of different yet related perspectives at the same time and place. I-KNOW and I-MEDIA will continue to take place in Graz, the capital of Styria in the south of Austria, and home of the Know-Center. An interesting town to visit the whole year round, Graz and its surroundings are particularly rewarding in summer. The social events of the conference will give you a first taste, but you just might want to plan on staying a little longer …