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Connect-World North America 2009     Magazine introduction A great number of new information and communication technologies leave the labs and reach the market each year; many are greeted with great expectations. Most, though, are fated to fill small market niches or succumb to the competition and disappear. Some become market leaders, disrupt existing technology ecosystems, change the sector, change businesses and change lives. Which technologies are here to stay? Which ones will lead the market? Which ones will fill small but important niches? What are the innovations you believe will fill an important need - no matter what the size?     Theme: New information and communications technologies - separating the long distance runners from the sprinters Articles Contributors Feature articles     Article no.: 1 Topic: Satellite and wireless - reaching remote regions Author: David Hartshorn and Darrell Owen Title: David Hartshorn, Secretary General & Darrell Owen - President, Owen & Owen Organisation: David Hartshorn, Global VSAT Forum & Darrell Owen, Owen & Owen PDF size: 212KB   About author: David Hartshorn is the Secretary General, Global VSAT Forum GVF, the satellite industry’s London-based non-profit international association. Mr Hartshorn leads the Forum’s global efforts to facilitate the provision of satellite-based communications solutions throughout the world by working closely with national-, regional- and global-level policy makers. Mr. Hartshorn has worked in the satellite communications industry for 20 years.. Mr Hartshorn is a Member of the Society of Satellite Professionals International and an ex-officio Board Member and former Chapter President in London and Denver. He is also a Member of the UN Working Group for Emergency Telecommunications, the International Telecommunication Union (Rapporteur), Europe’s International Satellite Initiative, the Satellite Action Plan-Regulatory Working Group, and others. David Hartshorn has been published in hundreds of editions of magazines, newspapers, and newsletters, and has spoken and chaired at hundreds of conferences and seminars in every major region of the world.   Article abstract: The latest generations of satellite and wireless technology can now provide cost-effective onnectivity in the world’s most remote regions. A joint USAID-Intel project in TaVan, a small, remote, village in northern Vietnam demonstrated how advanced information and communication technology (ICT) can ‘leapfrog’ the need for traditional communications technology and bring connectivity to the most difficult to reach regions. Recently, USAID and the Global VSAT Forum agreed to a public private partnership (PPP) to cooperate on TaVan-type development projects.   view full article online     Article no.: 2 Topic: The global enterprise ecosystem Author: Fran Shammo Title: President of Verizon Business Organisation: Verizon Business PDF size: 240KB   About author: Fran Shammo is President of Verizon Business; he came to this role after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Verizon Business. Mr Shammo has more than 24 years of combined financial and operational experience. He has served as President - West Area for Verizon Wireless, responsible for the company’s operations in the 13 states west of Colorado. Mr Shammo also served as Vice President and Controller for Verizon Wireless, after holding the same position at Bell Atlantic for five years. Mr Shammo joined Bell Atlantic Mobile as General Manager for Accounting Operations, and later held a series of positions of increasing responsibility in finance, mergers and acquisitions, logistics, facilities, regional operations and planning. In addition, Mr Shammo acquired public accounting, retail experience and tax experience before entering the wireless industry. Mr Shammo also sits on the Board of Micrus Endovascular Corporation and is Chairman of its Audit Committee. Fran Shammo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Philadelphia University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from La Salle University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.   Article abstract: Today’s global enterprise is an ecosystem that needs to coordinate with a wide variety of internal sub-ecosystems, with customers, suppliers and other sector players. A global enterprise cannot survive without IT and communications systems that effectively interconnect these related ecosystems to work as one. Secure and expertly tailored solutions on global unified communications and collaboration platforms will enhance enterprises’ productivity and - together with the solutions - facilitate telework, reduce travel and energy use, and help customers do more with less.   view full article online     Article no.: 3 Topic: Wireless infrastructure built to last Author: Dick Parran Title: President, Network Solutions Business Organisation: ADC PDF size: 176KB   About author: Richard (Dick) Parran Jr. is the President of ADC’s Network Solutions Business Unit; he is responsible for the growth and development of the company’s global wireless coverage and capacity business. Mr Parran served previously as President of ADC’s Professional Services Business Unit that helps network operators plan, deploy and maintain their networks. Before that, he was Vice President of Business Development responsible for leading the company’s mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and venture capital investment activities. Prior to joining ADC, Mr Parran, a 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, held a number of management positions with companies such as Paragon Cable and Centel Corporation. Mr Parran holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University. He serves on the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering and is a board member of the ADC Foundation.   Article abstract: Richard (Dick) Parran Jr. is the President of ADC’s Network Solutions Business Unit; he is responsible for the growth and development of the company’s global wireless coverage and capacity business. Mr Parran served previously as President of ADC’s Professional Services Business Unit that helps network operators plan, deploy and maintain their networks. Before that, he was Vice President of Business Development responsible for leading the company’s mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and venture capital investment activities. Prior to joining ADC, Mr Parran, a 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, held a number of management positions with companies such as Paragon Cable and Centel Corporation. Mr Parran holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University. He serves on the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering and is a board member of the ADC Foundation.   view full article online     Article no.: 4 Topic: Living in a Web-based world Author: Vikram Saksena Title: Executive Vice President and CTO Organisation: Tellabs PDF size: 212KB   About author: Dr. Vikram Saksena is the Executive Vice President and CTO of Tellabs; he is responsibility for Tellabs’ technology strategy and business development. Previously, Mr Saksena served as chief technology officer for Sonus Network. Before Sonus, Saksena spent 16 years at AT&T building the company’s data network services, software and network infrastructure for Frame Relay, ATM and IP. Prior to AT&T, he served as chief technology officer and Vice President of Engineering of two start-up companies, MaxComm Technologies and Narad Networks. He also holds more than 15 patents in telecommunications and data networking and is a senior member of the IEEE. Vikram Saksena holds a Bachelors of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology; and a Master of Science degree and PhD. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois.   Article abstract: Innovations such as the Internet, smartphones, cloud computing, and convergence are changing our world. The Internet’s evolution from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 gave us access to the world and to a world of information and social interaction. Web 3.0 - just starting - will personalise services to match our needs and resolve tasks ‘intelligently’ through the ‘semantic Web’. Cloud computing, smartphones and the convergence of services and devices will bring these Web services to everyone everywhere and wherever and whenever needed.   view full article online     Article no.: 5 Topic: The end of innovation? Author: Karl F. May Title: President and CEO, OpVista, Inc., Chairman of the Board, Integra5, Inc. Organisation: OpVista, Inc. and Integra5, Inc. PDF size: 276KB   About author: Karl May is CEO and President of OpVista, Inc, as well as Chairman of Integra5, Inc. OpVista manufactures 40 Gigabit optical networking solutions. Mr May previously served in leadership and executive roles at Silicon Graphics, Bay Networks (later acquired by Nortel Networks, merged with BarcoNet and acquired by Scientific-Atlanta), and AP Engines. Mr May was an early pioneer in both interactive television - he worked on the Time Warner Full Service Network and NTT’s Zoetrope service - and the cable modem, leading Bay Network’s business delivering broadband solutions to cable operators throughout the world. Mr May writes and speaks frequently on broadband and media applications. Trained as an engineer, Karl May started his career at Hewlett-Packard.   Article abstract: Growing demand for bandwidth - driven by video, mobility and application and device convergence - are fuelling the need for network transformation. The growth of online and mobile access to television and music, of social networking and Internet information searches and services are creating demands for bandwidth that operators are hard pressed to economically meet. This offers great opportunities, but the economic environment and shrinking sources of funding are slowing innovation and the transformation of ideas into product and commercial successes.   view full article online     Article no.: 6 Topic: Carrier Ethernet and the new network Author: Jeff Reedy Title: CEO Organisation: Overture Networks PDF size: 216KB   About author: Jeff Reedy is the CEO of Overture Networks, a provider of carrier Ethernet edge and aggregation solutions for business services and mobile backhaul. Prior to Overture, Mr Reedy was VP of Engineering of Larscom Incorporated, a network access equipment company. Mr Reedy joined Larscom when they acquired T3 Technologies, a start-up he co-founded. Mr Reedy began his career at Bell Laboratories designing packet switching hardware. He holds two patents. Jeff Reedy earned a BS in electrical engineering and computer science from Duke University and a MSEE from Stanford University.   Article abstract: Telecommunications networks are shifting from circuit switching to packet switching. This will let operators handle growing volumes of voice, image and data traffic on the same network, thereby reducing capital, operational expenses and simplify the network’s operation, maintenance and provisioning. In the past, operators retrofitted legacy voice networks with fibre optics and SONET/SDH protocols, but these networks cannot handle the growth of IP traffic. Carrier Ethernet based architectures are designed for IP-based traffic, offer gigabit speeds and can easily grow.   view full article online     Article no.: 7 Topic: POTS for data-intensive services Author: Noam Lotan Title: President & CEO, Organisation: MRV Communications Inc. PDF size: 228KB   About author: Noam Lotan is the President and CEO of MRV Communications. Until assuming his current post, Mr Lotan was MRV’s Chief Financial Officer. Earlier, Mr Lotan served as Managing Director of Fibronics (UK) Ltd, a manufacturer of fibre optic communication networks; later when purchased by MRV, Mr Lotan assumed the post of Director of European Operations for Fibronics. Mr Lotan held a variety of sales and marketing positions with Fibronics and Hewlett-Packard. He is also a Director for Capstone Turbine Corporation, Noam Lotan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from INSEAD, the European Institute of Business Administration, Fontainebleau, France.   Article abstract: ‘POTS’, the old acronym for plain old telephone service has a new meaning - packet optical transport services. The growth of POTS is driven by the insatiable demand for broadband-dependent content-rich, multimedia applications such as entertainment and video services and the operating companies’ need to upgrade network capacity without cutting too heavily into profits. POTS enhances capacity and efficiency and, unlike traditional SONET/SDH networks, POTS not only handles10G Ethernet, but can be dynamically and remotely reconfigured to meet user needs.   view full article online     Article no.: 8 Topic: Broadband - separating the long distance runners from the sprinters Author: Hossam Salib Title: VP of Marketing Organisation: Positron Access Solutions/Aktino PDF size: 196KB   About author: Hossam Salib is the VP of Marketing for Aktino, a Positron Access Solutions division, a developer of carrier MIMO over DMT bonded copper solutions; he has over 20 years of experience in product management, and the marketing and development of complex systems and silicon products. Throughout the years, Mr Salib headed a product management organization at ADC, worked with key carriers including AT&T, Qwest and France Telecom, was the Senior Director of Engineering at PairGain and worked at Rockwell designing electronic modules and ASICs. Hossam Salib received his B.S degree in Electrical Engineering from Polytechnic University of New York.   Article abstract: Demand for broadband has run ahead of both wired and wireless network capacity and left many operators with little, if any, excess capacity. Operators must either invest heavily in fibre cabling or meet consumer demand by upgrading their existing copper-wired networks. The new MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) over DMT (Discrete Multitone) copper-bonded solutions are relatively inexpensive and provides a return on investment within12 to 24 months by using the existing copper infrastructure to provide fibre-like bandwidth and reliability.   view full article online     Article no.: 9 Topic: The ICT relay race Author: Cliff Townsend Title: Vice President, Business Development, Organisation: Galazar Network PDF size: 200KB   About author: Cliff Townsend is the Vice President of Business Development at Galazar Networks. Previously, Mr Townsend established and oversaw Galazar’s sales, marketing and operations teams. Mr Townsend has held a variety of senior engineering and business roles at telecommunication technology companies such as Nortel Networks, Skystone Systems, Cisco Systems, and Innovance Networks. Cliff Townsend holds a BE in Engineering Physics from the University of Saskatchewan and an MBA from Queen’s School of Business.   Article abstract: To compete effectively, network operators must constantly upgrade their networks to handle rising volumes, steadily mounting bandwidth requirements and increasingly demanding applications and content. Operators rely on network equipment providers (NEPs) not only for faster, better, more cost-effective equipment, but also for the knowhow to get it running, and stay running, smoothly. To provide better functionality at lower cost, NEPs increasingly depend upon network semiconductor providers (NSPs) to design these functions in ever more complex, sophisticated and lower-cost chips.   view full article online     Article no.: 10 Topic: B2B marketing with video Author: Jeff Whatcott Title: Vice President of Marketing Organisation: Brightcove PDF size: 184KB   About author: Jeff Whatcott is the Vice President of Marketing at Brightcove. Prior to joining Brightcove Mr Whatcott launched Acquia, a commercial open source start-up, where he continues as an advisor. Prior to Acquia, Mr Whatcott served as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Adobe’s Enterprise Business Unit. Prior to Adobe, Mr Whatcott held a variety of senior product leadership positions at Macromedia and Allaire. Jeff Whatcott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and Master of Business Administration, both from Brigham Young University.   Article abstract: Video is a critical tool for online business-to-business marketing. According to some analysts, online video is second only to word-of-mouth for its ability to influence the purchasing process. Marketers use video at each stage of the customer lifecycle. They use it to influence branding and awareness; to build consumers’ interest and lead them to consider a product or service; it gives potential buyers the facts needed to evaluate a purchase; and, post-purchase, information and content helps to cement customer loyalty.   view full article online     Article no.: 11 Topic: Testing the future Author: Bahaa Moukadam Title: Vice President Marketing Organisation: Sunrise Telecom PDF size: 196KB   About author: Bahaa Moukadam is Sunrise Telecom’s Vice President of Marketing. Throughout his two decades of experience in the industry, he has held key roles in executive management, product management, marketing, business development and engineering. Mr Moukadam worked as the Vice President of Next Generation Networks at Spirent Communications after the company acquired Netcom Systems, where he headed product marketing. Prior to Spirent, Mr Moukadam worked at Hewlett Packard (now Agilent), Wandel & Goltermann Technologies (now JDSU), and Telex Computer Products. Bahaa Moukadam holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri.   Article abstract: Test equipment, after years without fundamental change, is evolving rapidly to keep up with advances in network technology and to help manufacturers and network operators deliver the next generation of network services. The coming generation of test equipment will be standards-based, small, handheld, software-driven, field reconfigurable devices - easy to use, but capable of performing complex tests and resolving complex problems - if not immediately, by communicating the test results instantly to headquarters for more advanced diagnostics and technical support.   view full article online     Article no.: 12 Topic: Co-creating the wireless revolution Author: Sudip Nandy Title: CEO Organisation: Aricent PDF size: 172KB   About author: Sudip Nandy is Aricent’s CEO. Prior to joining Aricent, Mr Nandy was President of Wipro’s technology, media and telecom business unit. Mr Nandy has been an active member of the Institute of Directors; and is an active participant in the Global Executive Forum of the Economist Intelligence Unit. Mr Nandy holds a Bachelors Degree in Physics with Honours from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and a degree in Electrical Technology and Electronics from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. He also has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.   Article abstract: Rapidly growing voice and data traffic, and the race to rollout new infrastructure and services, place demands upon mobile operators and suppliers that few can meet. Few have the expertise to create a compelling user experience, build the infrastructure to deliver it and develop the administrative and operational systems to manage it. Traditional outsourced implementation services are fragmented and ‘siloed’. Suppliers that combine deep, sector-wide, knowledge with technological competence are needed to help operators migrate to the new operational environment.   view full article online     Article no.: 13 Topic: Service, support and professional services Author: By John Lazar Title: CEO Organisation: MetaSwitch PDF size: 240KB   About author: John Lazar is MetaSwitch’s CEO; he joined the company as a software engineer and worked in several of the company’s divisions covering both communication/networking and Internet applications. John Lazar graduated from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, with an MSc in Computation and a DPhil in History.   Article abstract: The advantages VoIP are well known, but businesses often find it difficult to take full advantage of all that VoIP can offer. The complexity of the technology, the variety of equipment, the number of vendors involved and powerful applications that change the way business is conducted all make it difficult for the operator to effectively support companies making the move to VoIP. The growth of VoIP will depend upon the sector’s ability to build top-notch, professional, customer service and support teams.   view full article online Confirmed authors (Order by article no.)   David Hartshorn and Darrell Owen David Hartshorn, Secretary General & Darrell Owen - President, Owen & Owen, David Hartshorn, Global VSAT Forum & Darrell Owen, Owen & Owen   Fran Shammo President of Verizon Business, Verizon Business   Dick Parran President, Network Solutions Business, ADC   Vikram Saksena Executive Vice President and CTO, Tellabs   Karl F. May President and CEO, OpVista, Inc., Chairman of the Board, Integra5, Inc., OpVista, Inc. and Integra5, Inc.   Jeff Reedy CEO, Overture Networks   Noam Lotan President & CEO, , MRV Communications Inc.   Hossam Salib VP of Marketing , Positron Access Solutions/Aktino   Cliff Townsend Vice President, Business Development, , Galazar Network   Jeff Whatcott Vice President of Marketing, Brightcove   Bahaa Moukadam Vice President Marketing, Sunrise Telecom   Sudip Nandy CEO, Aricent   By John Lazar CEO, MetaSwitch