By Randall Hoppe, Industry Manager – Manufacturing, Microsoft Corp.

The oil and gas industry continues to undergo unprecedented change, and there is no slow-down in sight. New exploration, production, and refining technologies create opportunities to improve results, but they also require the right tools to make sure they deliver their full potential and don’t cause unwanted problems.

For example, mobile phones and tablets have created new opportunities for workers in the field to improve productivity and effectiveness, but they also pose risks for organizations that must protect access to their data and intellectual property. And data – as sensor technology has evolved and access to both private and public data sources has increased, users have access to more data for analysis and decision making than ever before. Companies are finding new ways to leverage their data to make better decisions, but they also require better tools for analyzing, storing and protecting their Big Data.

At Microsoft’s 10th Annual Global Energy Forum on Jan. 24 in Houston, some of the energy industry’s most innovative companies – Chevron, ExxonMobil, Oceaneering International, Shell and many others -- will share their lessons and perspectives on how they are taking advantage of new technologies to modernize operations and get results. 

Here is a sampling of the presentations we’ll feature at the event. Visit the event website for the full schedule. 

  • William Gilmore will explain how Chevron has used Microsoft’s SQL Database Solutions to improve productivity by automating the collection of information needed to support the high-value analytical work performed by their engineering teams. 
  • Shaji John with Halliburton will explain how the company has empowered field operators and engineers with Windows RT devices that can access well production data without worrying about battery life or sacrificing performance or security. 
  • Louis Wilpitz will talk about how Mission Well Services built a system to easily and visually assign and move crews and equipment to various job sites depending on when the well is ready to be fractured.

Those are just a few examples of what you’ll experience at Microsoft’s Global Energy Forum. We’re also excited about keynote presentations from some of the leading voices in energy and technology:

  • Thomas Sneed, Vice President & Chief Information Officer – Marathon Oil Corporation: The Critical Role of IT in the Development of New Energy Resources 
  • Dr. Iraj Ershaghi, Director of the Petroleum Engineering Program and Executive Director of CiSoft (Center for Smart Oilfield Technologies) − University of Southern California: Enabling the Smart Management
    of Unconventional and Challenging Oil and Gas Resources Using Information Technology

We’ll also have industry-specific demonstrations of Microsoft products, including the recently released Windows 8, and approximately 40 Microsoft Partners are supporting the conference, showcasing their Oil & Gas solutions built on the Microsoft platform.

Register now. You don’t want to miss it.