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IP Possibilities Daily: Highlights from Day 2
1. Viodi Explores Over-the-Top, VoIP and Networking Solutions
2. 2009 Expo Offers Breadth, Depth of Solutions
3. Highlights from Day 2: Bandwidth Needs and Economic Realities
1. Viodi Explores Over-the-Top, VoIP and Networking Solutions
A New Way of Looking at Over the Top
Andrew Randall of MetaSwitch provides a nuanced view of how independent telcos can look at over-the-top applications. Randall suggests that providers need to look at separating the pipe from the applications. He suggests there are three models for over-the-top -- displace, embrace and extend and enable. Click the image above to watch the video and see what he means by these three models.
Solarus at IP Possibilities 2009
Bill Albertson of Badger Communications discusses the Solarus VoIP long-distance voice service. He explains how telcos are using this service to lower costs, as well as package voice into profitable bundles. Click the image above to watch this exclusive video interview.
Allied Telesis at the Expo
Steve Klein of Allied Telesis provides an overview of their product offering in this brief video. He describes Allied’s Multi Service Access Platform, which is a carrier-grade IP/Ethernet networking solution that supports copper and fiber infrastructures. Klein explains that the complementary Optical Network Terminal is modular, allowing an operator to add an HPNA home networking solution only as needed. Click the image above to watch this exclusive video interview with Steve Klein.
2. 2009 Expo Offers Breadth, Depth of Solutions
The IP Possibilities 2009 Expo featured several lively receptions. Over tasty hors d’eurves, attendees and vendor representatives explored the many possibilities of IP technology.
From wireless MVNO business model applications, to advanced video compression products, the vendors displayed and demonstrated products intended to either improve productivity or provide a renewed source for revenue-generating products.
Several video content-related vendors provided content acquisition and management services, as well as middleware control solutions, but video entertainment was not the only video product; video conferencing solutions and advanced branded wireless communications options were of special note to those walking the Expo floor. In fact, IP Possibilities exhibitor Vidyo showcased an interesting HD videoconferencing solution.
Industry leaders Calix, Cisco and Occam Networks, to name a few, were impressive and drew a steady line of interested and curious visitors. The consultants and value-added services were also popular destinations.
Lemko Corp., exhibiting at IP Possibilities this week, offered an interesting solution. Lemko announced commercial availability of its 4G Core Network Solution, Node1. Node1 is an all-IP, fully distributed cellular system that completes switching, control and even billing record creation at each cell site. This eliminates backhaul to a remote MSC and provides low cost IP inter-connect for high-speed data, high-quality voice and messaging services. For more information please view the press release, or visit Lemko's Web site.
Overall the 2009 Expo was a unique experience. Held in the Pavilion at the Sheraton San Diego Marina Tower, the tent-like environment was different and conducive to an active atmosphere of lively discussions centering on improved revenue sources and future productivity.
Learn more about the exhibiting companies.
3. Highlights from Day 2: Bandwidth Needs and Economic Realities
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(Below, from top to bottom: The keynote address was given by Graeme MacArthur, general manager of MetaSwitch's carrier division; Attendees listen to the opening general sessions on April 23; Steve Pastorkovich of OPASTCO leads a panel session; Attendees network in the Expo.)
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The second day of IP Possibilities kicked off with a breakfast panel discussing the broadband stimulus provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). NTCA's Dave Lowe moderated a panel consisting of Steve Pastorkovich of OPASTCO, and NTCA's Regulatory Counsel Karlen Reed. The panelists discussed the legislative provisions of the stimulus law, and projected timelines for final rules.
The day's keynote address was delivered by Graeme MacArthur, general manager of MetaSwitch's carrier division. He emphasized that as customers use new ways to communicate, the demand for bandwidth continues to increase. Therefore, carriers need to plan accordingly. Network expenditures should anticipate the future, and build the fastest data services they can. He also stressed that networks are transitioning from hardware to software-based architectures running on standard servers. These are more flexible, support innovation and allow service differentiation.
The first general session panel, "The IP Transition: The Big Picture for Small Carriers," was moderated by Steve Pastorkovich and featured key personnel from three leading rural carriers: Cullen McCarty of Smithville Digital, Bill Albertson from Solarus, and George Henny of FiberCloud. The panel discussed innovative methods used by rural carriers to replace traditional revenues that are in decline. The speakers shared success stories and new strategies regarding the provision of quality broadband services, Voice over IP, and software-as-a-service initiatives that can supply revenue in an IP environment.
The next panel, "USF for Broadband: Where Do We Stand?" was moderated by Scott Reiter of NTCA. Panelists included John Greene of Great Plains Communications, Geoff Burke of Calix, and Connected Nation's Raquel Noriega. The discussion covered the need to expand universal service to include broadband, but also noted contrary views that impede this goal. Panelists agreed that sustainable broadband, supported by USF, is necessary for the continued viability of rural communities.
Following an afternoon of track sessions, IP Possibilities concluded this evening with a networking reception.
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