UKita - the United Kingdom IT Association - hosted a free event with mobile telecoms firm O2 at Millennium Point's Thinktank in Birmingham.

Khawar Hameed, of West Midland Mobile and Wireless (WMMW), co-hosted the event, which was on the theme of mobile and wireless technology.

Specifically aimed at the SME sector, it included presentations by O2, WMMW, IET (the Institution of Engineering and Technology) the British Computer Society (BCS) and Microsoft.

Gavin Kowalski, head of mobilisation, SMEs at O2, said: "We're proud to be working with UKita.

"It's our opportunity to be working with people who shape and drive ICT policy in the UK today. It allows us to deliver our strategy on the market and the world of ICT, and it allows us to deliver our mobility strategy. We're here to help and work with SME's on a regional level."

O2 is offering UKita members the chance to try a BlackBerry free of charge for one month.

Since its launch in June of this year, UKita has continued to grow both its membership base and its strategic relationships.

"The new relationship with O2 is fantastic. It's another example of UKita's commitment to deliver value for money for its members," said UKita chief executive, Bob Boyd.

"Strategic links with high profile providers such as O2 will provide members with new offers and opportunities, and O2's generous free month's trial offer of a BlackBerry is a perfect example."

Craig Webber, corporate sales executive at BCS, spoke of the importance of professionalism at all stages within the ICT Industry.

UKita members can apply for membership of BCS and receive a ten per cent discount on their first year's member-ship fee.

Microsoft's Tony Cocks, partner solutions sales specialist: mobility, also introduced the Windows Palm device, to be released shortly.

"Voice isn't enough any more. The mobile phone is dead. Long live the mobile device," he said.

"Everyone in the UK now has a mobile with a voice tariff. Now, growth is coming from data space with additional services and applications, such as email, internet browsing, video and music.

"Convergence is the key. Manufacturers now want to offer a handset that will deliver everything. Historically, the technology wasn't up to it, but now we can deliver a device purely for business, pleasure or a combination of the two.

"Anything the customer can do over a PC or laptop, they can do over a handset. We are working closely with O2 on this," he added.

Julie Conway, membership marketing manager of UKita, discussed member benefits, including free legal advice, professional indemnity insurance at discounted rates and the UKita quality mark.

"MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) have agreed to do business with UKita members who have been awarded the quality mark. Customers who need an IT solution can approach MAS, who can then refer those customers to a quality mark-holder, or UKita quality mark-holders can offer their services to businesses through MAS," she said.

Bob Boyd added: "UKita is the link between large organ-isations such as O2 and our membership - predominantly SMEs - are their customers. It's vital that we act as a conduit, making introductions between SMEs and larger organisations easier."

UKita's latest partnership with IBM will be launched on November 7 at IBM UK, Birmingham Road Warwick.

* Those interested in finding out more on UKita should access the UKita website www.ukita.co.uk or call Julie Conway at UKita on 0121 506 9320.