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Visitors of the computer fair, CeBIT, in Hanover.
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CeBIT vs. Comdex
ow and then somebody mentions Comdex and compares it to CeBIT. After all, many of the same folks go to both shows. The vast American cyber city that sets down in Las Vegas certainly makes more news. Microsoft's Europe chief, Michel LaCombe, tells me, "We save our new product announcements for Comdex. The only reason to come to CeBIT is the relationships, to visit, to talk a bit."
And so, where Comdex makes more news and generates more sheer adrenalin, CeBIT hums along on the steady pace of hundreds of thousands of business buyers and IT executives making deals. And talking a bit. And drinking beer. The beer is everywhere. Where Comdex offers thirsty visitors a steady choice of coffee or water, CeBIT offers coffee or beer. At 8 in the morning, right next to the coffee machine, is a cooler of German beer. By lunchtime, the beer is winning. At the CeBIT Press Club, no one raises an eyebrow as a boy--who can't be over 14--consumes a beer and cigarette a bit too rapidly.
The parties start about 6 p.m., as Japanese computer employees are carefully pulling plastic covers over their equipment for the night and the rock music begins to blare from the software booth next door.
-- Janice Castro
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