SCHEDULE: NOV 10-16, 2007

High Performance Computing: Pragmatism In the Corporate World

Session: Large Scale Data Analysis and Visualization

Event Type: Masterwork

Time: 10:30am - 11:15am

Session Chair: Rick Stevens

Speaker(s): Anthony L. Abbattista, Catherine S. Brune

Location: C1 / C2 / C3

Abstract:
In this session, Cathy Brune and Anthony Abbattista will discuss how Allstate Insurance Company is using high performance computing techniques to drive business results and increase the utilization of its technology investment. Allstate's computing roots are in typical transaction systems and using technology to directly serve its customers. However they have been aggressively adopting system architectures that take advantage of advances in farm and grid based computing, while at the same time creating an information advantage by deploying technology that allows employees to turn data into information. Cathy and Anthony will highlight practical ways to embrace high performance computing and provide measurable value to the business.

Chair/Speaker Details:

Rick Stevens (Chair)
Argonne National Laboratory

Anthony L. Abbattista
Allstate Insurance Company
Anthony Abbattista is vice president of technology solutions for Allstate Insurance Company. He joined Allstate in 2003 and has responsibility for enterprise technology strategy, information services, technical architecture, technology governance and infrastructure. Prior to Allstate, Abbattista was a senior partner at DiamondCluster International, where he was managing director of its global competency organization. He also spent eight years at Andersen Consulting in its emerging technology group, where he was an associate partner. Abbattista has extensive expertise in the design and implementation of high-performance architectures, the execution of technical strategy projects and management of complex implementation projects. Abbattista received his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University where he has served on their guest faculty and currently serves on the advisory board of the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is also a technology working group member of the Executives' Club of Chicago and serves on Sun Microsystems Executive Advisory Council.

Catherine S. Brune
Allstate Insurance Company
Catherine S. Brune is senior vice president and chief information officer for Allstate Insurance Company. She is also a member of the Allstate senior management team. Brune is responsible for enterprise-wide technology strategy, network infrastructure, enterprise applications and technology-related governance, security and compliance activities. Under her leadership, Allstate developed an enterprise-wide business-aligned technology strategy, created a virtual data center environment, developed best-in-class monitoring systems for its Web operations, consolidated knowledge management processes, and brought an enterprise focus to information security and business resumption platforms while generating efficiency gains Brune is an Inductee of the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers and has been recognized as one of the Premier 100 Information Technology leaders by Computerworld Magazine. She is also a recipient of the CIO of the Year Award from the Executives' Club of Chicago, the Excellence in Corporate IT Leadership Award from Women in Technology International and the Moore School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Carolina. Brune graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in management.

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