WASHINGTON D.C. - John S. Chen, chairman, CEO and president of Sybase, Inc., will speak and answer questions from a panel of top industry analysts on Wednesday, May 12, at a lunch sponsored by The Progress & Freedom Foundation. A global technology industry leader, Chen will focus on several related issues: economic growth and competitiveness, the 'outsourcing' debate and the future of innovative wireless technologies. He believes that wireless IT, if allowed to expand, will benefit the economy. Sybase, a NYSE-listed company founded in 1984, is one of the largest independent software vendors in the world.

Chen, who serves on the boards of the Disney Corporation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will speak as part of the Foundation’s series of Innovation Agenda 2004 CEO Lunches. The event runs from noon until 1:30 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, Salon G, at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, in Washington. Lunch is served at noon, and the program begins at 12:30 pm. Blair Levin of Legg Mason and two analysts to be announced later will join the discussion.

Those interested in attending can register online. Media questions should be directed to David Fish at 202-289-8928 or dfish@pff.org. Others should contact Rebecca Fuller at 202-289-8928 or rfuller@pff.org.

"As the chairman and CEO of an industry-leading IT company such as Sybase and a Disney board member, John Chen offers a unique and highly-informed perspective on the future of the sector," says Foundation President Raymond L. Gifford. "From outsourcing to the promise of the wireless sector and ways to enhance U.S. competitiveness – he will discuss key issues facing U.S. policymakers."

Sybase (NYSE: SY) delivers open-architecture enterprise infrastructure, enterprise mobility, and end-to-end vertical industry software. Sybase product families include databases, development tools, integration middleware, enterprise portals, financial services and healthcare software, and mobile and wireless technology.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.