Rodney A. Smith, IBM Software

Rod is a Distinguished Engineer and the Vice President of Emerging Internet Technology. Previously, he held the position of Chief Technologist and Vice President of Internet Technology in Network Computing Software. Rod is responsible for leading technological innovation in the Internet software space, guiding it into industry standard specifications. Rod's current responsibilities include Web Services, Linux, XML, next generation user interfaces and next generation development tools. Rod advises on investment and partnering opportunities and is the lead negotiator and technical strategist in negotiations with numerous companies in the technology arena. Rod has been recognized by IBM with numerous awards, including a Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Design Excellence Award. He also co-authored a US Senate Report - "National Information Infrastructure (NII)."