IBM to sponsor Collegiate ACM and Java Contests to advance the next generation of software developers   SAN JOSE, CA - With the Internet sizzling and businesses moving towards network computing, there has never been a more exciting or opportune time for college students to shoot for a career in software programming. As evidence of IBM's commitment to encouraging the innovation and energy of this next generation of developers, the company today announced, at ACM97, that IBM will sponsor the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest in `98 and beyond. For 50 years, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) has been a major force in advancing the skills of information technology professionals and students throughout the world. The ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest, established in 1977, is the oldest and largest programming competition for universities and colleges around the globe. This exciting program pits teams against a host of complex problems which they must solve in a set amount of time -- fostering creativity, teamwork, and innovation in building new software. "The future of software is happening right now," said John Swainson, General Manager of Application Development, IBM Software Group. "With the 21st Century right around the corner, it's an extremely exciting time to be in the industry and we are very pleased to help support the next generation of developers who will help build this future." As this future will undoubtedly include the Internet as a strong arena for business and job growth, the ACM and IBM also announced, at ACM97, a collegiate Java developers contest -- Quest for Java `97. This worldwide competition will run from March 1 - June 30, 1997. All ACM student members are invited to develop and submit working Java applets and applications that solve a real-world business problem, or enable an actual business process or transaction. Contestants will be able to access online Java education and support throughout the competition. Prizes to be awarded on July 31, 1997, will include IBM ThinkPads, $1,000 software gift certificates, bomber jackets, or Addison-Wesley Java book series sets. In addition, the first 1,000 registrants will receive a one-year subscription to SIGS Publications' Java Report, a leading industry magazine that focuses on Java development. In addition to announcing sponsorship of the student contests at ACM97, IBM's exhibits at the show helped paint a picture of how computing technology will change the way we work and play in the future. Ever wonder what your desk will look like in the next century? IBM will give attendees a first-hand glimpse. How about a friendly game of chess? Visitors to the IBM booth will be able to match their wits against Deep Blue Jr., a direct descendant of the world's most powerful chess computer, Deep Blue. Based on the advanced technology of the IBM RS/6000 SP(a), the Deep Blue supercomputer is scheduled to play a rematch against World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov in New York this coming May. Other cool technologies showcased at the IBM ACM97 booths will include wearable computers and applications that feature 3-D, voice, telephony and data mining. Contest Information & Registration For registration information on next year's ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest visit the ACM Web site. Participants must be undergraduate university or college students and members of the ACM. To register for Quest for Java `97, visit the Quest for Java `97 Contest Web site at , or e-mail contest organizers. Participants must be university students and members of the ACM (student memberships are available through ACM's Member Services Department at 212/626-0500). Footprint Software Inc., Addison-Wesley and SIGS Publications are also sponsorship participants in the ACM/IBM Quest for Java `97 Contest. About IBM IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technologies through the World Wide Web. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page. For information on IBM's Java initiatives visit IBM's Java Web page.