Organizers of the RSA Conference in San Francisco expect a record number of attendees and exhibitors at this year's show, underscoring the increased interest in computer security and security technology.

Registration for the show reached an all-time high this year, with more than 11,000 people planning to attend, compared with just over 10,000 last year. Despite a number of high-profile mergers in the last year, the number of security companies that will display their wares at RSA is also at a record high. More than 275 vendors have reserved booth space at the show, up from 250 last year, said Sandra Toms LaPedis, vice president and general manager for RSA Conferences. Leading IT vendors are also planning security-related product announcements.

A number of factors are driving interest in the show, including appearances by high-profile executives and new regulations that make computer security a pressing issue for many corporate executives, Toms LaPedis said.

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates will deliver the show's opening keynote address, his second such speech at RSA. Other high-profile executives are making their first appearances at the show, including Cisco President and CEO John Chambers, who is scheduled to speak Wednesday, and Symantec CEO John Thompson, who will speak Tuesday.

Gates is expected to give his perspective on computer security and provide an update on Microsoft's progress in securing its software applications and operating system, including plans for its recent acquisitions of anti-spyware company Giant Company Software and server anti-virus vendor Sybari Software.

Chambers will discuss Cisco's "architectural" approach to security and the company's vision of an intelligent information network.

HP will demonstrate new technology in its ProLiant Servers and ProCurve Networking switches called "virus throttling" that can slow the rate at which viruses and worms spread inside a corporate network.

Major companies will also have more presence on the show floor. Microsoft is a platinum sponsor and will have about 100 employees attending the show. The Redmond, Wash., software maker increased the size of its booth to include space for a theater to host presentations and will have a separate pavilion where attendees can test security products and tools on servers provided by Microsoft, according to Amy Roberts, senior director of Microsoft's Security Business and Technology Unit.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.