Atlanta-based IRDC is an international learning organization, integrating strategic research and executive development. The tech-laden conference, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, began Saturday with executive seminars and will conclude late today (Wednesday).

"People can point and click,'' Herbold said in his keynote speech, "Leveraging Technologies in an Internetworked Economy." Herbold continually underscored the fact that basic computer functions are simple and that paper-based forms and other paper-based applications are well on their way to becoming obsolete. The result, he said, will be dramatically reduced training costs and expenses for many companies.

Herbold, whose base at Microsoft is a 30-minute drive across Lake Washington from downtown Seattle, is responsible for worldwide operations for the software giant, including finance, manufacturing and distribution, information systems, human resources, corporate services and corporate privacy and security.