September 2009

You are browsing the archive for September 2009.

Back from Canada

September 30, 2009

I finished my tour of The Great White North and am back in the US where I feel much more comfortable using my electronics. With my data usage I always get the feeling I will see multi-thousand dollar wireless bills for a few days of use. In less than ten hours I went over the AT&T Mobility data usage limit my MIS team had set at 20 Mb. Suffice it to say Trapster is a bandwidth hog... Not to mention tons of email with attachments.

The EVDO in my laptop worked great in Canada -- it was every bit as good as the US.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, Technology, Verizon, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, apple, at&t, att, canada, evdo, iphone, laptop, mobility, rogers, trapster, verizon, wireless : Related Tags: great

xG Technology xMax Works as Advertised

September 29, 2009

xG Technology proclaimed in 2005 that they have a revolutionary technology which allows wireless broadband using unlicensed and licensed frequencies. They said they could build the equivalent to a WiMAX network without the need to spend a massive amount on spectrum auctions and moreover, their technology had better range than WiMAX.

It seemed too good to be true and after some years of waiting, the communications industry got impatient. After all, this revolutionary technology had the potential to change the way wireless networks are deployed.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Cisco, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Financial, Gadget, Green, IP Communications, SIP, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 900 mhz, cable, carrier, chipset, clec, google, joe bobier, lte, mvno, phone, sip, voip, wifi, wimax, wireless, wisp, xg, xg technology, xmax : Related Tags: voice quality, change wireless, command center, actually seeing, revolutionary technology, technology

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Off to Canada Today

September 29, 2009

More coming soon.

Posted in Personal

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Alteva Showcases Hosted UC Solutions

September 28, 2009

As the hosted IP communications market has grown, so has Alteva, a company providing services such as hosted PBX. With customers ranging from 100-6,000 users, the Broadsoft-powered provider adds bells and whistles to traditional hosted telecom solutions. These include UC integration with the full suite of Microsoft products allowing for a truly hosted UC environment. To learn more, check out this video interview with Alteva's CEO William Bumbernick.

Posted in Avaya, Broadband, Call Center, IP Communications, Microsoft, SIP, SaaS, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP

Tagged: alteva, broadsoft, enterprise, hosted voip, ip communications, pbx, smb, sylantro, unified communications, william bumbernick : Related Tags: hosted, alteva

Psytechnics Expands QoE to Telepresence

September 28, 2009

Psytechnics is one of the major players measuring quality of experience for voice and video deployments. Recently the company expanded its offering to include Cisco telepresence systems. As users utilize IP communications over disparate networks dispersed geographically, they need to ensure they have detailed visibility of the user experience. Problems like echo, metallic sound, distortion, background noise and other nuances are tough to measure without systems like the one Joe Frost, the company's VP of Marketing describes below.

Posted in AT&T, Broadband, Call Center, Cisco, Conferencing, HD Voice, IP Communications, SIP, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP

Tagged: cisco, ip communications, psytechnics, qoe, qos, video, voip : Related Tags:

Skype's Enterprise Assault

September 28, 2009

Skype has been doing a great job integrating with Asterisk, ShoreTel, Nortel, Cisco and others. It took years to get the ball rolling but now the momentum is strong and further shows just how serious the software-based phone company is about integrating with SMB and enterprise customers.

I spoke with Ian Robin Skype's Head of Commercial Development Business regarding the progress the company is making integrating with equipment providers and the channel.

The video below has the details.

Posted in 4G, Apple, Blackberry, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, FCC, Google, HD Voice, IP Communications, SIP, Skype, Technology, Unified Communications, Video, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: asterisk, cisco, click to call, digium, ian robin, internet telephony, ip communications, nortel, open source, pbx, shoretel, sip, skype, skype for sip, voip : Related Tags: bushy moustache, skype, great, integrating

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AT&T, Google, The FCC and Net Neutrality

September 28, 2009

Last week's most interesting tech news may just be the controversy brewing in the world of net neutrality where FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is looking to extend these principles to wireless networks. To me it makes sense that all networks should embrace net neutrality and subsequently charge users accordingly. In other words if I want to stream infinite amounts of music and videos, I should be allowed to as I realize I have to pay for my greater than average usage. Currently I use Skype video on an EVDO wireless network when no broadband alternatives exist and I am always fearful my carrier will shut me down for doing so.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, FCC, Google, IP Communications, SIP, Skype, Smart Ecosystem, Technology, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, access point, andy abramson, ap, apple, at&t, att, cdma, competition, dumping, evdo, fcc, femtocell, flourian seroussi, google voice, gsm, investment, itunes, julius genachowski, net neutrality, open access, Picocell, skype, sprint, steve jobs, verizon, voipwatch, wifi : Related Tags: neutrality principles, google voice, approve application, wireless network, newspaper magazine, google

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Teach a Man to Fish as Unemployment Cure

September 26, 2009

As international outsourcing claims more jobs, two things happen - unemployment in developed nations increases and companies lower their costs. As sad as this is for now unemployed workers, it is a byproduct of automation - the internet and IP communications. Moreover it accelerates during recessions. In order for the trend to cease, the standard of living has to increase in developing nations to a point where it doesn't make sense to move jobs away from developed countries.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, IP Communications, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, SIP, SaaS, Science, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: bpo, brendan read, bush, call center, cis, contact center, customer interaction solutions, deflation, democrat, ebay, government, healthcare, obama, offshoring, outsourcing, politics, recession, republican, teleservices, tmc, tmcnet, top 50, unemployment : Related Tags: developed nations, important priority, developed countries, standard living, developed, administration

Live Life

September 26, 2009

Om Malik has some excellent thoughts about enjoying life after celebrating the birth of a new baby boy and attending a memorial service for a friend.

Posted in Personal

Tagged: gigaom, om malik : Related Tags:

Broadsoft: The 800-Pound Call Center Gorilla

September 24, 2009

The behind the scenes company powering a call center near you

In the year 2000 when society was in the midst of realizing how technology and the internet in particular was going to change the world, I noticed there was a need by companies and carriers to better understand the hosted communications space. There were a number of companies with very compelling business models being launched such as Congruency, the early pioneer and leader of the communication ASP movement.

Shortly after realizing the need for education in the market, TMC launched a magazine titled Communications ASP. The magazine was a hit with advertisers and readers for about six months until the VC community and the tech market as a whole seemed to turn on the term ASP" I haven't a clue to this day why the acronym wasn't accepted but it seemed to get lumped in with other technologies which were left for dead but emerged later - like "ecommerce," "VoIP" and others.

Posted in 4GWE, AT&T, Avaya, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, IP Communications, Microsoft, SIP, SaaS, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: acd, application service provider, asp, broadsoft, broadworks, call center, centrex, clec, contact center, cpe, crm, email, evolve ip, exchange, fmc, hosted, hosted crm, ip communications, marc benioff, mobile, on-demand, paul adams, predictive dialer, salesforce, scott kinka, sylantro : Related Tags: contact center, center functionality, hosted communications, hosted contact, center solutions, center

Junction Networks Update

September 23, 2009

I had a chance to speak with Michael Oeth (pronounced "Oath") the CEO of Junction Networks regarding his company's new offering my.onsip.com, a rich UC interface for the PBX. Offering features such as click-to-call and drag-and-drop calling, there are also open APIs which allow companies to integrate their phone system with other solutions such as CRM and social networks. Check out the video below for more.

Posted in Avaya, Broadband, Call Center, Communications Developer, Google, IP Communications, Open Source, SIP, SaaS, Technology, Unified Communications, Video, VoIP

Tagged: caas, ip communications, junction networks, michael oeth, pbx, phone system, presence, saas, sip, uc, unified communications, von, xmpp : Related Tags: junction networks, networks

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Blackberry Tour Takes GigaBeating

September 21, 2009

In the past few days I have run into two Blackberry Tour users. One had positive things to say and one terrible things. Om Malik sums up the problems. In short, Om got his social circle to switch to the device and then ended up with egg on his face as it failed to perform adequately for his friends.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, FCC, Financial, Gadget, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Wireless

Tagged: apple, at&t, att, blackberry, consumer electronics, gadget, gigaom, iphone, nokia, om malik, rim, samsung, smartphone, sprint, verizon, wireless : Related Tags: blackberry, makes, users, problems

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The Internet Security Challenge

September 21, 2009

I had a meeting with Jiri Kuthan AVP Engineering of Tekelec regarding some of the challenges his company sees in the communications and technology markets. The first is security which he says is an underappreciated topic. One point he made was that operators are beginning to think more systematically about SBCs. They aren't just throwing boxes at their problems anymore as he says but instead they are beginning to focus on systematically improving their security policies and procedures.

He is not discounting the importance of the SBC, just explaining there is more to it than adding equipment to handle the problem.

Posted in 4G, Broadband, Call Center, FCC, IMS, IP Communications, SIP, Security, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP

Tagged: jiri kuthan, sbc, security, session border control, sip, spam, tekelec, von : Related Tags: prototype future, internet security, private information, online security, continue future, security

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SPEC: World's First Smart Ecosystem Community Launches

September 18, 2009

Leveraging Ecosystems Eclipses Developing Products

Widgets for TVs, application stores for wireless phones, applets for the connected home and automobiles... The trend is clear as smart ecosystems have emerged on the scene as a new way to generate revenue while locking in customers to specific hardware/software solutions. For many manufacturers such as Avaya, Cisco, RIM, Nokia, Apple and makers of televisions, it is no longer adequate to focus exclusively on the products your company develops.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Broadband, Call Center, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, HD Voice, IMS, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, JITC, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, Optical, Patent, Podcast, Rates Technology, SIP, SaaS, Science, Search, Security, Skype, Smart Ecosystem, Smart Grid, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, Virtual Worlds, VoIP, Vonage, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: 4g, 4gwe, app store, apple, avaya, carl ford, cisco, connected home, crossfire media, entertainment devices; energy monitoring, iphone, ipod touch, itunes, m2m, mary cronin, medical; automotive, mobile; health, nokia, personal energy management, product ecosystems, rim, smart ecosystems, smart products, spec, telecom, telematics; home automation, televisions : Related Tags: smart ecosystem, hardware software, crossfire media, ecosystem community, smart product, smart

DragonWave Wireless Backhaul Update

September 17, 2009

Alan Solheim, VP Product Management at wireless backhaul company DragonWave Systems spent some time discussing his company's new initiatives with me. New products, new trends and his view of global carrier growth. His company has raised guidance twice this year. Check out this video to learn more.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, Call Center, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Green, IP Communications, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4g world, alan solheim, dragonwave, evdo, lte, wifi, wimax, wireless backhaul : Related Tags: wireless backhaul, company

Symantec's Views on Protecting Mobile Devices

September 17, 2009

Billions of mobile devices exist and as they proliferate and begin to be used for mobile banking we can expect to see more attacks from malicious users looking to follow the money trail. In addition, as more children and teenagers access use mobile devices, new problems have arisen. A few of these are cyber-bullying and sexting - where people send inappropriate pictures of themselves. Finally, as mobile devices have become more powerful they are now also conduits for losing enterprise data.

I had a chance to discuss a number of security concerns as they relate to mobile devices with Symantec's Ray Greenan and Matts Aronsson. A video below captures some of our illuminating conversation.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, Google, Green, HD Voice, IP Communications, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, SIP, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 4g, 4g world, cell phone, cyberbullying, gadget, matts aronsson, mobile, ray greenan, security, sexting, smartphone, symantec, wireless phone : Related Tags: mobile devices, mobile, devices

PayPal's iPhone App Success and More

September 17, 2009

PayPal's Eric Duprat spent some time talking with me today about his company's success in the mobile world. The first thing worth sharing is they have opened up their developer program and you can find the site at x.com. Other thoughts worth discussing:

The company's eBay app is in the top three in the lifestyle category on iTunes. They have an Android app which works in the US, Canada, UK and Australia They are doing checkout for RIM's app store and this is the largest non-ebay ecommerce application for the company. There are now officially 1.6 million downloads of the company's PayPal application for the iPhone. Here is the video for more.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, Gadget, SIP, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: app store, blackberry, credit card, eric duprat, iphone, itunes, micropayments, mobile payments, paypal, rim : Related Tags: company, paypal

Novarra Mobile Video Update

September 17, 2009

Novarra is one of the companies enabling the mobile broadband revolution having products embedded in a good deal of the world's smartphones and networks. I spent some time with Anthony Love and Scott Cotter as they demonstrated some of their very interest video transcoding services allowing carriers to provide video streaming to customers. The idea is even if a phone doesn't support a video format such as Flash (Apple, I'm looking in your direction ) they are able to adapt content accordingly so it shows up on the device.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, IP Communications, Microsoft, SIP, Technology, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: 3g, 4g, anthony love and scott cotter, browser, mobile, novarra, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: transcoding services, video, novarra, mobile

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Altair Semiconductor 4G Update

September 17, 2009

Altair Semiconductor is looking to provide the world with energy efficient chips for WiMAX and LTE. Utilizing software defined radio technology and low-power design, expect to see the company's chips in more mobile internet devices, laptops and smartphones. Oh, and don't forget the world of USB dongles either. Mark Rice, VP and General Manager of the company explains the details below.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, FCC, Financial, Gadget, IMS, IP Communications, Technology, Verizon, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, altair, lte, mak rice, semiconductor, wifi, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: altair semiconductor

BelAir Networks WiFi Enables Carriers

September 17, 2009

I have been a strong proponent of carriers rolling out WiFi networks as they provide another sticky service which customers are loathe to give up. Cablevision's Optimum WiFi which is a free WiFi service rolled out in much of the cable company's footprint is an example of a service which has been proven to reduce churn and is currently running at over one million minutes per day of usage.

AT&T's acquisition of Wayport and Verizon's partnership with Boingo show the carrier of the future needs to blend WiFi into their offerings.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IMS, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Technology, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: at&t, att.verizon, base station, belair networks, boingo, cablevision, comcast, optimum wifi, wifi, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: belair networks, cable company, networks, carriers, service, belair

Opera Mini 5 Beta: CEO Interview

September 16, 2009

Opera Software CEO Jon von Tetzchner explains the new Opera Mini browser beta and outlines his company's vision for computing beyond the cloud.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Conference, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, Financial, Gadget, Google, Microsoft, Open Source, SaaS, Technology, Verizon, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: client-server, compression, consumer electronics, gadget, jon von tetzchner, opera mini, opera software, smartphone, wireless : Related Tags: opera

Sandisk Partners With Carriers to Boost Revenue

September 16, 2009

Sandisk execs Pedro Vargas and Mike Wong explain how memory chips with a 32-bit processor can help carriers looking to maximize revenue.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, IP Communications, Technology, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 4g, arpu, carrier, enhanced service, sandisk execs pedro vargas and mike wong, wg world : Related Tags:

Bridgewater Systems Update

September 16, 2009

I had a chance to catch up with Bridgewater Systems and their efforts to help carriers as they look to provide mobile personalization using the control plane. As wireless networks become more congested, the company's solutions help carriers manage the chaos. They have a bunch of announcements in the 4G space detailed in the video below. Joanne Steinberg and David Sharpley from the company are on the video below.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, FCC, Financial, IMS, IP Communications, SIP, Technology, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4g world, bridgewater systems, david sharply, joanne steinberg, mobile personalization : Related Tags: bridgewater systems

JoltID Files Injunction Against Skype

September 16, 2009

Skype Founders Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom seem dead set on killing off Skype. The company they own JoltId - which controls the p2p technology used by Skype, has filed an copyright suit, now in the US with an injunction (fast-track lawsuit) in an effort to shut Skype down. The company says damages are amassing at more than $75 million per day and as the legal dispute drags on, one wonder just what sort of deal Meg Whitman struck a few years back which allowed this many angles for lawsuits. See more from the Wall Street Journal.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Blackberry, Broadband, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, Google, Green, HD Voice, IP Communications, Patent, SIP, Skype, Technology, Unified Communications, Video, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: injunction, janus friis and niklas zennstrom, jolted, lawsuit, meg whitman, skype : Related Tags: skype company, skype

ZTE USA Wireless Update

September 16, 2009

Dr. Li Mo, Chief Architect and Sean Cai, Deputy General Manager, WiMAX Product Line, ZTE USA discuss the company's plans in communications, 4G and WiMAX.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Blackberry, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, FCC, IMS, IP Communications, SIP, Technology, Verizon, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 4g, 4g world, li mo, lte, sean cai, wimax, zte : Related Tags:

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Alvarion's Ashish Sharma Explains WiMAX Potential

September 16, 2009

You really can't have a serious discussion about WiMAX without asking Alvarion for their opinion. I did just that with Ashish Sharma who heads up Corporate Communications and Market Development for the company. Topics covered include the WiMAX business model, broadband stimulus around the globe and usage patterns of WiMAX users. I also asked about the WiMAX/LTE battle and if there needs to be a single winner. Check out the video for the answer.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Broadband, Cisco, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, Gadget, Green, IMS, IP Communications, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4g world, alvarion, ashsish sharma, broadband stimulus, lte, wimax : Related Tags: ashish sharma, wimax

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Aricent 4G Update

September 16, 2009

Steven Manuel of Aricent gave me an update on what his company is up to. Here are the details.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Blackberry, Broadband, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, Gadget, Google, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Social Networking, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP

Tagged: 4g, aricent, steve manuel : Related Tags:

Acision Discusses 4G SMS and Mobile Broadband Services

September 16, 2009

Anantha Ramu of Acision spent some time discussing his company's initiatives in the world of mobile broadband. A new product the company offers allows carriers to tailor the mobile network based upon the value of the individual subscriber. By using it, carriers can ensure that at peak times, a low-value customer does not suck up all network bandwidth at the expense of high-value customers.

In addition, Anantha explained his company has a solution to gracefully allow carriers to handle 4G messaging while integrating with 3G messaging systems. He contrasts this to newer entrants in the market who come at it from a 4G/SIP-based approach which doesn't mesh well with legacy 3G solutions. Check out the video below for more.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Conference, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, Google, IMS, IP Communications, Nortel, SIP, Security, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4g world, acision, anantha ramu, im, ims, legacy, lte, sip, sms, wimax : Related Tags: mobile broadband, mobile, value, carriers, company

Alcatel-Lucent on ng Connect

September 16, 2009

I had a chance to speak with Doug Wolf and Kurt Steinart of Alcatel-Lucent about their ng Connect ecosystem and how this new and evolving ecosystem will tie together 4G networks with consumer electronics, telematics, digital signage and more. Another big bit of news is the recent Verizon Wireless win has opened up the door at carriers worldwide for Alcatel-Lucent. Here is the video - Kurt is on the left and Doug on the right.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Call Center, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, FCC, Google, Green, HD Voice, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, SIP, SaaS, Skype, Smart Grid, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4g world, 4gwe, alcatel-lucent, automotice, consumer electronics, doug wolf, kurt steinart, ng connect, smart ecosystems, telematics, wireless : Related Tags: alcatel lucent, alcatel, lucent

ITEXPO West 2009 Attendance Figures

September 16, 2009

Attendees shake off black swans and come to the show in large numbers

The results are in for ITEXPO West 2009. This is the second year in a row where some major black swan event took place the day before the show kicked off. Last year it was Lehman collapsing which sparked fears of a depression. This year it was wildfires and news media that hyped the incident in a manner which led many to believe the whole state was on fire.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, Call Center, Conference, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, Fax, Gadget, Google, Green, HD Voice, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Nortel, SIP, SaaS, Skype, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 4g, andy abramson, dinner, fax, hd voice, hd voip, ip communications, itexpo, m2m, smart grid, telepresence, video, voice, voip, wine : Related Tags: percent, attendance

Clearwire Update

September 16, 2009

Last night I was at a media event focusing on WiMAX and 4G sponsored by Cisco and I spent some time discussing Clearwire's plans with Peter Cannistra who is in charge of market Development for the company. Peter detailed just how fast the company is rolling out towers and even mentioned New York and at least southern Connecticut will get coverage soon. I am very much looking forward to testing the service in TMC's Norwalk, CT headquarters.

One of the more interesting parts of the story is the complexity of getting fiber backhaul in New York from an "unnamed" company which Clearwire competes with.

We also had a chance to discuss the natural synergies his company enjoys with WiMAX operators which are in different territories which of course leads to the logical decision to deploy mobile roaming agreements with other operators.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Cisco, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 4g, 4g world, 4gwe, barry west, broadband, clearwire, competition, fcc, mobile, mou, network neutrality, peter cannistra, roaming, verizon, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: company, clearwire

At Alvarion Reception

September 15, 2009

I stopped by a reception hosted by Alvarion this evening. It will be a
busy evening and I am looking forward to some serious networking.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

Off to 4G World 2009

September 15, 2009

I am on my way to 4G world -- formerly WiMAX World. After the excitement at the recent 4G Wireless Evolution (4GWE) event in Los Angeles a few weeks back I am interested to see what else is happening in the space. I am sure there will be lots of discussion regarding LTE Vs. WiMAX as usual.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, broadband, lte, wifi, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: world

Skype Steals Show at ITEXPO in Los Angeles

September 14, 2009

The 20th ITEXPO which began on September 1, 2009 was nothing if not full of buzz and industry news thanks to Skype has been a news-generating machine.

Video clip of the ITEXPO Keynotes

I have rarely seen any company in fact generate so much news I, the unofficial news-generating machine of the event. It is as if the company came out of eBay hibernation and unleashed an assault on the blogging and reporter communities.

Skype Gets Sold

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, Communications Developer, Conference, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, HD Voice, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, SIP, SaaS, Skype, Social Networking, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: asterisk, auction, blog, broadband, conference, developer, digium, ebay, gigaom, ip communications, itexpo, janus friis niklas Zennström, joe nocera, joldid, marc andresen, michael arrington, mike volpi, netscape, new york times, news, ning, om, paris hiltn, shoretel pbx connectivity, sip, skype, stuart henshall, techcrunch, tv : Related Tags: skype looking, looking supporting, great skype, phone systems, skype being, skype

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HD Voice Update

September 12, 2009

This past February at ITEXPO East 2009, I was honored to host the first panel in the world (that I know of) on the topic of HD Voice. Since that time lots of other people have jumped on the bandwagon which I think is great. A tremendous amount of credit goes to Polycom actually for being a true pioneer in the HD voice market. For over a year in fact the company has sponsored a Global Online Community on TMCnet titled HD Voice.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Gadget, Google, HD Voice, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Microsoft, Nortel, SIP, Skype, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 6720c, adaptive multi rate, amr, audiocodes, cellular, evdo, gsm, hd voice, hd voip, ip communications, itexpo, nokia, orange, orange moldova, polycom, telephony, voip, wb, wideband, wireless : Related Tags: voice, communications, world

Touchatag Developer Contest to Boost Urban Gaming

September 11, 2009

Isn't it incredible how areas of tech go out of favor quickly? RFID for example was talked about everywhere a few years back but now it doesn't get the attention it once did. Perhaps we are so overwhelmed with social media sites, 4G and smartphones that we don't have time to look at how RFID is evolving. This is why I was quite happy recently to see solid coverage of RFID on the Next Generation Communications blog and related Global Online Community which live on TMCnet.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Broadband, Communications Developer, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, IMS, IP Communications, Social Networking, Technology, Unified Communications, Video, Wireless

Tagged: alcatel-lucent-nfc, anthony belpaire, bar code, channel, community, contest, gaming, global online community, global positioning system, goc, gps, lbs, near field communications, next generation communications, rfid, tikitag, tmc, touchatag, urban gaming - also known as location-based gaming, vienna jungle scrum : Related Tags: vienna jungle, urban gaming, alcatel lucent, location based, jungle scrum, based

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Nortel: Unified Communications Reduces Healthcare Costs

September 10, 2009

Companies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the decades to ensure their contact centers are as efficient as possible. In a business where you have hundreds of agents in a call center you have to worry about any excess spending and you must minimize waste. Calling queues and skills-based routing are just some of the simple technologies call centers have used for decades to efficiently connect the right agent with a caller. Amazingly, the average healthcare worker makes 2-5 times as much as the average call center agent and we don't spend the money to automate healthcare processes the way we have in the contact center.

Posted in Broadband, CRM, Conferencing, Financial, IP Communications, Nortel, Open Source, Podcast, SIP, Security, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: acd, call center, call queue, communications, contact center, doctor, epidemic, h1n1, healthcare, insurance, nortel, nurse, obama, pandemic, pbx, podcast, predictive dialing, productivity, quality of life, sickness, skills based routing, swine flue, telepresence, uc, unified communications, videoconferenceing, wes durow : Related Tags: automate healthcare, contact center, concierge level, wellness program, unified communications, healthcare

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inVox Hosted AJAX-Based IVR Debuts at ITEXPO West 2009

September 9, 2009

At ITEXPO West 2009 in Los Angeles, I had a chance to sit down with the founders of inVox, the company behind a new easy-to-use cloud-based IVR system which allows rapid application development. Here is a video of my interview with company execs.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, FCC, Fax, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Microsoft, SIP, SaaS, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, TMC Video, Technology, Verizon, Video, VoIP

Tagged: ajax, app gen, application generator, invox, itexpo, ivr, mike loftus, skype googletalk, speech recognition, web 2.0 : Related Tags:

AT&T Moves to 4G in Miami and Elsewhere

September 9, 2009

I travel a great deal and have had a chance to test AT&T's wireless

service in areas such as Dallas, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Los Angeles, San Francisco and others. What I have noticed is the service is improving and aside from occasional glitches, surfing the web on an Apple iPhone 3Gs is a more pleasant experience. I don't think it approaches Verizon Wireless yet but then again, VZW doesn't have to deal with the onslaught of wireless data requests generated from legions of iPhone users. AT&T has an opportunity of a lifetime to upgrade its network before it loses iPhone exclusivity (assuming it does).

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, Cisco, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Gadget, Google, Green, IMS, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Microsoft, Podcast, SIP, Skype, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, Vonage, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: 3g, 3gs, 4g, ap, apple, associated press, at&t, att, consumer electronics, gadget, hspa, iphone, lte, mobility, pcworld, peter svensson, verizon, wimax, wireless, wirelss : Related Tags: internet, connectivity, miami, service, technology, iphone

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Broadband Stimulus Community Launched

September 8, 2009

A big theme at last week's ITEXPO was broadband stimulus and a number of people told me they have bookmarked and are using the new Broadband Stimulus GOC (Global Online Community) on TMCnet as their home page so they can keep up with the exciting developments in the space and the billions of dollars which will be distributed.

Here are some of the recent articles from the site if you haven't visited yet. Be sure to check out the community for yourself. These are certainly exciting times for the broadband market - indeed, any time the government gives billions of dollars in subsidies it is an exciting time - in any market.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Blackberry, Broadband, Cisco, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Nortel, Open Source, SIP, Smart Grid, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: backhaul, broadband stimulus, california energy commission, calyx, communications, deltacom, electric transportation engineering corporation, etec, federal stimulus grant, fiber, frontier, government, harald braun, harris stratex, internet tv, iptv, national broadband policies, obama, s.773, tia, tv over ip, tvoip, web tv, web video, west virginia, wimax, wireless : Related Tags: broadband stimulus, billions dollars, setting national, million financing, energy commission, broadband

ITEXPO West 2009 Concludes

September 4, 2009

Thank you all - sponsors, analysts, members of the press, keynoters, partners, attendees, speakers, friends, colleagues and the TMC team. ITEXPO West 2009 was one of the best events TMC has ever put on thanks to your support.

I will be collecting my thoughts for a while and will have more to report soon.

For now, please enjoy some photos and news from the event.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Gadget, Google, Green, IMS, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, Rates Technology, SIP, SaaS, Security, Skype, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, Vonage, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: 4g, 4gwe, communications, conference, itexpo, news, smart grid, video, voip : Related Tags:

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ITEXPO West 2009 Jeep Winner

September 3, 2009

Richard Fung a software developer at Alston Tascom won the Jeep at
ITEXPO West 2009. Congratulations Rich!

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Day 3

September 3, 2009

Here is a photo of beautiful Los Angeles on day three of ITEXPO West
2009. I am looking forward to seeing you all in the exhibit hall at
the Los Angeles Convention Center in a few hours.

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Photo Link

September 2, 2009

Here is a link to the photos from ITEXPO West 2009. Attendance is very
solid and there is a buzz all over the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The show has another 90 minutes to go this evening and one more day
tomorrow.

I hope to see you soon.

http://www.tmcnet.com/voip/conference/west-2009/overview/w09-photos.htm

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Keynote: Dr. Don Brown

September 2, 2009

After an introduction for me, Dr. Don Brown, a true communications visionary and veteran began a presentation at ITEXPO West 2009 which asked where the value was in communications. He explained CEBP and unified communications were terms made up by marketers and he didn't really like the term buddy list either.

In a matter-of-fact manner, he explained where the problems in communications were. One example were the problems associated with processes in a company - they are not automated and they are not easily repeatable and they need to be improved.

Posted in 4G, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, SIP, SaaS, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: all in one process automation platform, call center, cebp, conference, contact center, don brown, i3, inin, interactive intelligence, ip communications, itexpo, keynote, skills-based routing, tmc, uc, unified communications : Related Tags: communications, explained, company

ITEXPO West 2009: Terry Matthews Keynote

September 2, 2009

Sir Terry Matthews gave a fascinating keynote address today to a standing room only crowd at TMC's ITEXPO and started his address by discussing the opportunity he sees in the communications and technology markets. You know from my past writing that I consider Terry to be one of the most incredible people I have met - he has started 89 companies primarily in communications. He has also started companies in the leisure space - hotels and golf resorts.

He is worth billions and he still works as hard as anyone I know. He travels the world and closes business.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Musings, Nortel, Open Source, Optical, Patent, Personal, Podcast, SIP, SaaS, Skype, Smart Grid, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, TMCnet, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, VoIP, Vonage, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: canada, conference, ip communications, itexpo, keynote, march networks, mitel, terry mathews : Related Tags: terry matthews, started companies, terry, started, matthews, address

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Alvarion's Mohammad Shakouri Addresses Packed Conference

September 2, 2009

At 4GWE/ITEXPO West 2009, Corporate Vice President of Alvarion Ltd., Mohammad Shakouri began a presentation by explaining how he will help the audience make money. From there he spent time discussing the various levels of broadband penetration in the world - citing how the US is falling further behind - currently considered second world according to him.

Shakouri gave examples of global customers which are benefitting from WiMAX and LTE technology and the audience seemed genuinely interested in his comments and thoughts.

Here is a clip.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Broadband, Communications Developer, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IMS, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Nortel, Optical, SIP, Smart Grid, Social Networking, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, VoIP, WiMAX, Wireless

Tagged: 3g, 4g, 4gwe, conference, internet telephony, ip communications, itexpo, los angeles, wifi, wimax : Related Tags: mohammad shakouri, shakouri

ITEXPO West 2009 Day 2 Sessions

September 2, 2009

Here are some simultaneous sessions I happened to check out just now.
There is so much learning, networking and energy taking place atthe
show. Hope to see you in the keynotes and exhibit hall this afternoon
and evening.

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Reseller Sesion

September 2, 2009

Here is a clip from the reseller session I am moderating now.

click Play button above to play video

More people came into the room after the above video -- here is another one which gives you a sense of the energy in the room.

Posted in IP Communications

Downtown LA Video ITEXPO West 2009

September 2, 2009

On my way to the show and the reseller session I am moderating.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Day 2 Start

September 2, 2009

I had a great time last night networking with people from ITEXPO, 4GWE, M2M Evolution Smart Grid Summit and the other events here in downtown Los Angeles.

After the reception, I went to a dinner at the Westin Bonaventure show hotel and then a local restaurant. Then I went back to the TMC suite at the hotel where a bunch of attendees and the TMC team gathered, discussed the state of the markets and exchanged stories and analysis.

Some of the topics worth sharing were debates on the importance of the cloud as well as whether social networking is important in the business to consumer space. There were many more discussions and I hope to share them soon.

I am headed to the Los Angeles Convention Center soon and hope to see you there.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Musings, Nortel, Open Source, Optical, Personal, Podcast, SIP, SaaS, Skype, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, TMC Video, TMCnet, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, Virtual Worlds, VoIP, Vonage, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: 4gwe, communications, fax, itexpo, m2m evolution smart grid summit, pbx, telephone, video : Related Tags:

ITEXPO West 2009 Day One Reception

September 1, 2009

I am enjoying a great networking reception sponsored by Acme Packet
here at ITEXPO West 2009 in Los Angeles.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

PAETEC Chairman and CEO Arunas Chesonis ITEXPO West 2009 Keynote

September 1, 2009

PAETEC Chairman and CEO Arunas Chesonis was the final keynote speaker at ITEXPO West 2009 and got things kicked off with some great music and energy. In an energetic opening he shook up the crowd with flash as well as substance.

He described how the market for energy is huge and provides a natural opportunity for many in telecom. I am off to the reception sponsored by Acme Packet now.

Here is a clip:

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Avaya, Blackberry, Broadband, CRM, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IMS, IP Communications, IPTV, ITEXPO, JITC, Merger/Acquisition, Microsoft, Musings, Nortel, Open Source, Optical, Rates Technology, SIP, SaaS, Search, Security, Skype, Smart Grid, Social Networking, Speech Technologies, TMC Team, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, Virtual Worlds, VoIP, Vonage, WiMAX, Wireless, Yahoo

Tagged: call center, contact center, energy, fax, ip communications, itexpo, keynote, paetec chairman and ceo arunas chesonis, voip : Related Tags: paetec chairman, arunas chesonis

ShoreTel CEO John Combs ITEXPO West 2009 Keynote

September 1, 2009

John W. Combs took the stage at ITEXPO West 2009 to kickoff the keynote addresses of the show. Speaking to a packed room he explained how communications and technology can be integrated to change how information technology professionals are viewed in their organizations. He cited FEDEX as an example of how technology empowered customers and improved the company's bottom line. Another example worth mentioning (my example) is Wal-Mart, an organization using technology to improve supply chain efficiency in order to put competitors out of business.

His went on to share UC best practices and shared what he believes you should look for when buying new communications systems.

Here is a brief video of the the presentation and the crown in attendance.

Posted in 4G, 4GWE, AT&T, Apple, Blackberry, Broadband, CRM, Call Center, Cisco, Communications Developer, Conference, Conferencing, Consumer Electronics, E-Commerce, FCC, Fax, Financial, Gadget, Google, Green, IP Communications, ITEXPO, Microsoft, Nortel, Open Source, Patent, Personal, SIP, Skype, Speech Technologies, Technology, Unified Communications, Verizon, Video, Virtual Worlds, VoIP

Tagged: call center, contact center, fax, ip communications, itexpo, john combs, keynote, shoretel, voip : Related Tags: technology, example

ITEXPO West 2009 Day One Enterprise Session

September 1, 2009

Nice attendance.

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 Day One Lunch

September 1, 2009

Lots of good networking is taking place at the official first day of
ITEXPO West 2009 in Los Angeles.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

Popped Into Smart Grid Summit - Very Lively

September 1, 2009

I wish I had more time to absorb all the information at this show.
Between ITEXPO content, 4GWE, M2M, SIP Trunking, etc. there is just so
much going in at this event and it is fascinating to me to see how
ITEXPO and collocated events continue to draw record crowds.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

ITEXPO West 2009 SIP Trunking Session

September 1, 2009

Here is a video of the SIP trunking session at ITEXPO in Los Angeles,
CA. More to come soon.

click Play button above to play video

Posted in IP Communications

FtOCC Training at ITEXPO West 2009

September 1, 2009

Here is a shot of th kickoff session of Fonality's open source
communications FtOCC training at ITEXPO West 2009 here in Los Angeles.
Nice crowd.

Posted in IP Communications

Comments

Smart Grid Summit Kicks Off

September 1, 2009

I made some opening remarks at the Smart Grid Summit which is a
collaboration between TMC and Intelligent Communications Partners.
There was great attendance here and most of the conference sessions
this morning. Expect more photos soon.

Posted in IP Communications

Communications and Technology Blog - Tehrani.com

September 2009