Vertical thinking in a Horizontal world - Architecting Vertical Solutions for Modernization
Modernization isn’t one-size-fits-all—each industry faces unique challenges, from regulatory compliance and security to scalability and interoperability. A standard-driven, architecture-led approach ensures modernization aligns with industry needs while staying adaptable for future growth.
Speakers
Mifan is a senior leader heading the Solution Architecture function, the team that handles customer technical interactions and technical selling at WSO2. Mifan also works on the solutions side of WSO2 products. He works with many large customers to define their strategic roadmap and assist with architecture strategy. Before joining WSO2, Mifan has played multiple technology leadership and advocacy roles, including as co-founder and CTO of a technology startup, and as consultant spatial and technology architect for many government and private initiatives. He was also a founding member and board director of the Sahana Software Foundation, a global foundation that created the Open Source Sahana Disaster Management System. Mifan is a frequent speaker at events globally, dabbles in music, and is a fan of the Arsenal football club.
Fashion & Modernization – How to Understand Costumes in Films
As part of our everyday lives we are using - intentionally or unintentionally - the language of clothes that is strongly connected to the modernization of fashion. In films this communication is used as a prominent construction element of the cinematic world and supports the representation of certain characters, their character traits, and transformations, to name a few. How this communication can be made visible by IT approaches and methods using ontologies, pattern languages, data analysis and (quantum) machine learning will be sketched in this talk.
Speakers
Johanna Barzen is working on interdisciplinary research in the fields of computer science, digital humanities, and quantum computing. As postdoc and senior researcher at University of Stuttgart, she is the lead of the research area Quantum Computing & Digital Humanities at the Institute of Architecture of Application Systems (IAAS) and is internationally active e.g. as visiting scientist at TU Vienna or organizer of several international conferences and workshops. During the past ten years she developed the MUSE method as well as the supporting tool chain aiming at identifying costume patter languages in films. Ongoing research on (quantum) machine learning is currently improving the analysis of MUSE data through classical and quantum approaches. She studied media science, musicology and phonetics at the University of Cologne and gained first practical experience while working for some major television channels like WDR and RTL. Next to this she studied costume design at the ifs (international film school Cologne) and worked in several film productions in the costume department in different roles.
Unlocking AI-Powered Insights with Yenlo’s “Smart Business Insights” (SBI)
Businesses leveraging AI for insights face challenges like data security, privacy, and accessibility. Yenlo’s Smart Business Insights (SBI), an AI and LLM-powered extension of the Connext Platform, helps organizations securely unlock their ERP, CRM, and other systems' potential. Built on WSO2 technology, Connext is a 24/7 managed iPaaS offering API management, integration, and identity management. SBI combines Connext’s governance with advanced AI to deliver secure, real-time insights.
Speakers
Ruben van der Zwan is the founder of Yenlo, a leading global system integrator specializing in API Management, Integration, and iPaaS technologies. With a career spanning decades, he is passionate about transforming complex challenges into practical, value-driven solutions that enhance digital transformation. Since founding Yenlo in 2007, the company has become a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, offering innovative platforms like Connext and Connext Go! to streamline processes and drive innovation. A strategic partner with WSO2, Boomi, and Microsoft Azure, Yenlo delivers cutting-edge integration, API management, and AI-powered solutions. As a business development leader, Ruben shares his expertise through keynotes and presentations, inspiring organizations to embrace seamless, future-proof digital strategies.
Bridging Legacy and Digitalization: How Enterprises can Navigate Modernization, AI, and Compliance
Speakers
Matteo is our go-to expert for all things WSO2! With a career spanning since 1996 in software development and IT consulting, Matteo discovered his true passion in 2012 when he fell in love with WSO2 technology, becoming one of Italy’s leading experts.<br/><br/> As CTO at Profesia, Matteo leads the development team in designing cutting-edge architectures for service exposure, identity management, and application lifecycle solutions. He also represents Profesia on international panels, scouting new products for the Italian market. Driven by curiosity, precision, and a relentless passion for modern tech, Matteo is always pushing boundaries and learning.<br/><br/> When he’s not immersed in technology, Matteo enjoys endurance sports and the mountains—though these days, he’s more about soaking in the scenery than breaking speed records!
Cultivating Modernization Through Reuse: An API First Approach
Reuse is a critical element of an organization’s ability to deliver innovative products to market quickly and economically. APIs are at the heart of how organizations can reuse data and capabilities to drive new product development, efficiency agendas and client/customer satisfaction. By exposing data and capabilities through APIs, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, agility, and create new value streams that were previously unimaginable.
Speakers
Jonathan Pearl serves as the Executive Director and Global Head of Technology Product Management for Shared Services Delivery at BNY, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the technology landscape that underpins the organization's operational success. With a robust background in enterprise application development and technology product management, Jonathan is at the forefront of driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance client and partner experiences. His leadership is instrumental in delivering innovative solutions that simplify the technology estate, promote data-driven insights, and maximize technology ROI.
From Adversity to Resilience: Transforming Profitability Amid Unprecedented Challenges
In the wake of profound fiscal pressures in 2023, driven by industry-wide effects of escalating climate-related risks and other economic factors, Pekin Insurance faced an urgent need to redefine its operational strategy. This keynote session will explore the company’s extraordinary journey of recovery and transformation, offering a compelling blueprint for navigating volatility in an evolving insurance landscape.
Speakers
Amy Bingham is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Pekin Insurance, a U.S.-based provider of personal, commercial, and life insurance products. In this role, she is responsible for technology research and development, application modernization, AI and data strategies, and IT infrastructure and operations. Amy plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and developing technology strategies that align with the company’s mission to deliver exceptional insurance products and services. Her strategic vision and commitment to leveraging technology to optimize business performance have been instrumental in positioning Pekin Insurance for sustained success in an increasingly digital landscape.</br></br>With over 24 years of IT experience in the insurance industry, Amy has worked with Fortune 50 and mid-sized carriers, gaining a wealth of expertise in digital transformation and modernization. Throughout her career, she has successfully led initiatives that advanced internal, customer, and agent-facing technology solutions, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and user experience. Amy has a passion for building high performing teams, supporting DE&I initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Streamlining the Developer’s Workflow: Reducing Friction, Boosting Impact
Developers today are stretched thin. Between managing complex architectures, integrating security and compliance requirements, keeping up with evolving technologies, and meeting business demands, their workflow is often riddled with friction. The result? Stress, inefficiencies, and a struggle to focus on what they do best: building great software.
Speakers
Isabelle began her career nearly three decades ago in France as a C developer at IBM, working on cutting-edge networking technologies. Her passion for problem-solving and technical evangelism quickly led her to roles that spanned the globe, where she supported customers in both presales and professional services roles. Since then, Isabelle has consistently been at the forefront of technological evolution, from the pioneering era of e-business through the shift toward cloud computing, microservices and Kubernetes. As the founder CTO of 42Crunch, Isabelle used her deep expertise into creating a platform that empowers developers to build secure APIS. At WSO2, she brings her experience to enhance the developer journey across the company's diverse portfolio.
From Flea Market to Ecosystem: API Transformation with WSO2
This session explores how Kuehne + Nagel transformed its unstructured "flea market" of APIs into a well-organized ecosystem. By adopting a context tree based on business capabilities, the company restructured its API landscape to enhance discoverability, governance, and strategic alignment. The discussion will also highlight the implementation of APIOps using the WSO2 CLI, demonstrating how automation and efficiency improvements have streamlined API management. This transformation has enabled teams to innovate more effectively and respond swiftly to evolving business needs.
Speakers
Paulo is the Product Lead for the API Management Platform within KNITE. With over 12 years of experience in software development, Paulo joined KN in May 2022 as a Software Developer. Since then, he has taken on various roles, always with the same goal in mind: to help teams design and implement state-of-the-art APIs. He is committed to supporting teams in achieving the highest standards in API development and fostering cutting-edge solutions.</br></br>Paulo is passionate about technology and is an enthusiastic traveller. He enjoys practising outdoor sports such as running and orienteering, which keep him energised and inspired.
Breaking Free from Legacy
As businesses grow, their needs often outpace existing solutions, requiring a shift to more scalable and modern API infrastructures. This session will explore the challenges and successes of transitioning from systems and integrations that no longer meet business demands to robust solutions using WSO2 API Manager. Kenneth Andersen, a seasoned expert in API management, will share insights on the importance of making the right decisions from the outset to avoid creating new legacy issues.
Speakers
Kenneth Andersen is a Senior Systems Consultant in API Management, leading the JYSK API Management solution. With 8 years of experience in developing and managing APIs for enterprise-level organizations in banking and retail, Kenneth is dedicated to facilitating and creating secure, reliable, and scalable solutions.</br></br>Kenneth’s expertise in technology helps JYSK navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, and his passion for APIs is only shadowed by his passion for IPAs.
Platformless for the People
Join Martin Jones as he shares the journey of migrating the University of Edinburgh’s integration platform to Choreo. This session will explore how engaging developers, support staff, business owners, and end users helped navigate the complexities of coordinating a large-scale migration in an organization of over 60,000 people, while also moving major on-premise systems to the cloud. Martin will highlight the importance of a people-first approach, which guided the team to implement a simple, easy-to-follow framework for the future.
Speakers
Martin joined the University of Edinburgh in 2008 as a software developer/analyst and has worked on all core IT systems such as HR, Payroll, Finance, Estates and Timetabling. When the University took the decision to move to an API first strategy, he took a senior role to help deliver that vision. That experience then led to him joining the Enterprise Architecture Team as their Integration Architect and in 2024 Martin was shortlisted for Colleague of the Year. Outside of work he enjoys wine, cooking, swimming and playing in an Orchestra.