Communications and Technology Blog - Tehrani.com - Personal Archives

A Fountain of Inspiration

2012-03-26T16:57:39Z

Social sharing of video has let the world see a cornucopia of inane and empty moments which provide little more than simple entertainment and cheap humor. Someone falling off a skateboard and losing a shoe apparently has mass appeal. But once in a while a video goes viral and inspires us in ways not thought possible. Much of the world has a celebrity fixation, copying them, reading about them and wanting to be them.

But the real heroes aside from people saving lives, defending a nation, keeping us safe from criminals and fires are often under-reported on. That is why when you see a video of a true hero, someone who looks at unimaginable disabilities and laughs at them, your perspective experiences a wake-up-call.

Check out this video of Nick Vujicic below for more - I won't set it up for you, the details are worth discovering yourself. Learn more here.

RIP David Yedwab

2012-02-24T18:02:24Z

Rest in peace my good friend.

One of my favorite people in the tech and telecom spaces had to be telecom analyst David Yedwab who sadly passed away this week. Gregarious, effervescent, full of life and always ready to show me pictures on his phone of some of his favorite places, Yedwab was a real gem. My favorite story is when he told me that when you go to a foreign country and want to go sightseeing, look for the Starbucks because that is always where the landmarks are. And soon thereafter he showed me the actual pictures he snapped in countries like Germany.

Aside from being an expert on telecom and analyzing tech and telecom facts on-demand, he was also an avid bonsai enthusiast and gave me many tips over the years on how to make sure my miniature tree collection was healthy and happy.

This is a video I shot with David at ITEXPO East 2011 in Miami last year

He was also a good sport. Whenever I had a new gadget or gizmo or service that recorded video I would flag David down at a trade show and force him to be the victim of my video interviews.

A few years back I had a new beta video service on my iPhone and it crashed repeatedly meaning David had to repeat himself over and over. He was a good sport and always was pleasant and good natured.

I also owe him a debt of gratitude because thanks to David’s constructive suggestions for improvement, TMC has become a much better company. We have implemented numerous ideas he gave us over the years and I can’t help but recall the diplomacy he was able to wield when explaining how we could improve some areas of our business.

For example, I am pretty sure he was an important part in helping us realize that we needed later early-morning sessions at ITEXPO once we decided the show would take place close to South Beach.

Paul B. Robinson was David’s partner at Market Strategy and Analytics Partners, LLC and had the following comments about his partner:

David was a bonsai hobbyist. The purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation (for the viewer) and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity (for the grower). He expressed that same passion in his everyday dealings with individuals and clients. We remember him as a seasoned technology marketing executive with over 35 years’ experience providing marketing, sales, technology and business strategy advice to many of the world’s largest and most successful network equipment providers and telecoms. His specialties were business and product strategy, distribution channel development, product marketing and competitive differentiation. But in the end, we most of all remember him as fun guy to be around who lived a mindful and altruistic life, with happiness and laughter always in the light.

David passed away fairly suddenly and had little or no pain from what I am told.

David’s wife requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

What the Post-Hurricane Irene Cavalry Looks Like

2011-08-29T02:18:24Z

The closest thing we have to a modern-day cavalry has got to be these utility trucks hopefully on their way to restore power to millions of east-coast residents. This modern day cavalry in the videos below was spotted in Stamford, CT near the Ridgeway Shopping Center in the middle of town.

Estimates have ranged from one to two weeks to restore power in the area - hopefully these guys will get the job done more quickly.

More Appalachian Trail Photos

2011-08-19T22:18:03Z

Here are the best shots from my hike on the Appalachian Trail today. I am experimenting with slideshows on this blog - hopefully this works OK. Here are a few others I shot earlier as well.

Annual TMC 2011 Picnic Today

2011-07-29T15:44:59Z

Hi all, in case you are wondering where the TMC team is later this afternoon - we are enjoying our annual gathering and will be enjoying some sun (we hope), good food and fun. Wish you were here.

Problems are Just Temporary Nuisances Looking for Solutions

2011-04-06T22:08:24Z

My personal quote of the day - feel free to use it as needed and link back, thanks.

-50F With Wind Chill. Escape to ITEXPO in Miami

2011-01-24T20:01:54Z

You know I would never stoop to reminding you about the weather to persuade you to attend what I believe to the be the best tech and telecom conference in the world - OK, maybe I would.

So I was driving along this morning on the way to work and noticed I couldn't feel any of my fingers. I decided to check to make sure I was wearing gloves. I was. Then I realized I couldn't feel any of my toes and yes I had shoes on.

I then looked at the temperature reading and it said one degree. I decided to risk my life to take the picture above while driving - I could have pulled over but hey, I was late for my first meeting and I would do just about anything for you, my faithful reader. Attention law enforcement professionals - some elements of this blog post may have been overly sensationalized in order to provide dramatic effect.

But getting back to Connecticut where TMC is based - one coworker who lives in Danbury, CT said it was -11 degrees when she left her house this morning. And that's nothing. If you can believe it... CBS News reports temperatures with wind chill hit as cold as -50 degrees F!

BTW, in AP biology back in high school we learned that -40F is the same temperature as -40C - this little bit of trivia courtesy of Mrs. Beers my 11th grade teacher. Hope I spelled her name right.

Oh, but back to the point of this meandering post... It is freezing out. There is one show in Miami next week where you can go to network with those who matter in the world of tech and telecom. Almost forgot to mention it is called ITEXPO East 2011. Every important topic is to be discussed from super WiFi to SIP to open source to virtualization and cloud computing. It is all there - in Miami under a single roof where you will also get to hear keynotes from former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin as well as executives from BT, Adobe, Aculab, GENBAND and Digium - the creators of Asterisk. Its the only industry event with a networking party at Mangos, one of the hottest spots on South Beach. Yes, there are other places to network as well.

So I hope to see you there and I look forward to greeting you in person.

Here is the ITEXPO show site, collocated events, free workshops, exhibitor list and giveaways you can win such as a new Jeep.

Communications Expert Ricca Discusses the Future & ITEXPO Appearance

2011-01-18T15:11:51Z

One of the great advantages of attending a live conference is the ability to network with some of the brightest minds in the industry such as analysts and other industry thought leaders who help give us a sense of where markets are heading. The tech space is not slowing down from an innovation perspective – and it certainly isn’t going to see less product introductions in the future. How do you determine how the latest products and solutions can help your business? Is the cloud right for you or is an on-premise system a smarter move based on your security and compliance needs? These are just some of the questions you can get answered at ITEXPO and 14 related events such as 4G Wireless Evolution (4GWE), Smart Grid Summit, Social CRM Expo, Super WiFi Summit, and M2M Evolution.

One analyst who will be at the show is Mark Ricca, Partner & Sr. Analyst at IntelliCom Analytics. He is a major expert in the telecom space and worth listening to. I recently sent some interview questions to Mark and here are his answers. Interviews such as these are intended as an “appetizer” helping you get familiar with various speakers and exhibitor before you come to the “main course” of education and networking only a live event can provide.

Rich’s Dashboard Temperature reading - the top orange reading

If that isn’t enough to bring you to Miami in February, did I mention the cold spell much of the country is experiencing? How about the single-digit temps on my way to work last week? Check out this reading of 8 degrees. If that doesn’t convince you – what about really low airfares to Florida? I know, I know – where do I sign? Glad you asked – right here.

Here is the interview:

1. What was the most significant technology trend in 2010 and what impact will it have in 2011?

Answer: There were 5 major technology trends in 2010 that will continue through 2011 and well beyond. They are: 1) Mobility, with particular emphasis on the significant improvement in Smart Phone capabilities, usage and benefits; 2) Social Networking focusing on business use and marketing benefits; 3) Video Offers in all forms and flavors; 4) Virtualization ranging from Data Center-to-Desktop, and 5) Cloud Computing.

2. What impact will the continued growth of cloud computing have on the communications industry in 2011?

Answer: Cloud Computing is one of those technologies that you can ask 5 people to describe…and receive 7 different definitions. The potential benefits of Cloud Computing play well in this current economic environment where businesses need to do more with less, and Operating Expenses are generally preferred over Capital Expenses. The good news is that Cloud Computing will continue to be hot in 2011, and a lot of the current hype and misunderstanding will give-way to clear-thinking and reality.

3. Who will be the mobile winners in 2011 out of Google Android, Apple, Microsoft, Nokia and RIM?

Answer: In my opinion, all of them, but in varying degrees. In fact the real winners are the users that are afforded a wide-range of choices in terms of features, form-factors and price points.

4. What impact will mobile technology have on the tech space in 2011?

Answer: As previously mentioned Mobility will continue to be one of the 5 Major technology trends impacting the Business and Consumer segments for many years. The underlying drivers are: 1) The growing need for users to communicate and access information from anywhere, at anytime, in any form, and 2) The continuing stream of beneficial applications that are available on Smart Phones.

5. Where are the best opportunities in the tech space this year?

Answer: As previously mentioned, Cloud Computing, Mobility, Social Networking, Video and Virtualization. These powerful technologies, properly applied…can deliver meaningful and measurable benefits to end users.

6. How can technology change the world for the better?

Answer: In my opinion technology has been improving conditions in most parts of the world for many years and will continue to do so. When I came into this industry (many years ago), the basic challenges to business were: time, distance, cost, productivity and competition. All of these business barriers continue to be favorably and measurably impacted by the well planned application of information technology.

7. What impact has social media had on how you interact with your customers? How do you measure its effectiveness?

Answer: A growing number of businesses are employing and trialing Social Media. Some are doing it very well, and others are not. In the vast majority of cases, the desired results are: 1) Improve the perceptions of the business, and 2) Increased sales. Similar to advertising, the number of variables involved makes the direct measurement of effectiveness difficult…but not impossible.

8. How have you leveraged social networking as an internal collaboration tool?

Answer: At IntelliCom Analytics we’re working on this, and making good progress. So stay tuned.

9. The FCC has recently voted to support net neutrality. Is net neutrality necessary, or will it present more challenges than it will solve?

Answer: On important issues the U.S. government tends to do two things extremely well. 1) Absolutely nothing, and 2) Overreact. I believe that some FCC guidelines are necessary in this area. The challenge will be for them to not overreact and complicate the situation.

10. What will be the greatest technological development in 2011? Why?

Answer: I believe there will be two “great” areas of continued technological development in 2011. 1) Further advancements in the capabilities of Smart Phones, and their application programs, and 2) Advancements in the capabilities of Video offers, particularly in the areas of interoperability, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

11. Why is your session a must-attend at ITEXPO?

Answer: IntelliCom Analytics has developed a “track” of 5 complementary sessions starting at 9am and concluding at 3:15pm on Wednesday February 2^nd. My colleague Frank Stinson and I will be presenting and moderating the sessions.

The session titles are:

Overview of the Rapidly Transforming Enterprise Communications Environment.
Developing an Effective RFP for the New Environment.
A vendor Panel: Responding to the Evolving Enterprise Communications Requirements.
End User Panel: Solution Selection and Deployment Tips and Techniques.
Summary and Key Take-Away Points.

Attendees will receive “field-based” observations, tips and techniques on a range of timely and relevant subjects. The information and insights will be beneficial to end users, providers, developers and channel partners.

12. What other topics should be at the top of attendees’ lists?

Answer: The ITEXPO Keynotes are always a “Must.” The speakers always provide interesting and useful information and insights.

13. What new and exciting products/solutions can we expect to see from your company in 2011?

Answer: In addition to our traditional range of IntelliCom Analytics Professional Services and Market Research Programs, we’ve developed some assessment “tools.” These tools are designed to assist end users in conducting side-by-side comparisons of communication system licensing and endpoint devices. The tools will assist end users in navigating through the complexities to understand the differences in licensing rules, costs and end-point feature / functionality.

14. Please make one surprising prediction for 2011.

Answer: I don’t know that this can be considered “surprising,” but mergers and acquisitions will accelerate in 2011. The pace of change and escalating cost of R&D requires “deep-pockets” that many smaller players can’t support. Mergers and acquisitions are one way to deal with this requirement.

Irony is

2011-01-14T08:26:11Z

Irony is explaining to your daughter that you can accomplish anything in the world you set your mind to one evening and spending 45 minutes trying and ultimately failing to get out of your snow-covered driveway the very next morning.

How To Be Happy

2010-12-05T02:33:11Z

Sure, this isn't the type of thing I normally post but it is really good and worth sharing. Thanks to TMC blogger Peter Radizeski who posted this on Facebook which caused me to forward it all around and repost it on my wall. I have received so many positive comments I decided you may benefit from the 75 ways to stay unhappy forever.

Basically just do the opposite of this list and all will be good.

Gators Attack and Cat Fights Back

2010-11-14T18:37:50Z

Not my normal post - but it's a weekend. Very cool footage of a cat fighting alligators back into the water. Not small ones either. Thanks to Digg for the link.

Ever Have One of Those Weeks?

2010-11-11T22:41:46Z

You ever feel like you are going a million miles per hour yet standing still - you are having a million meetings producing a million more meetings and a billion action items? Well that is me this week so far. I look at the blog software and smile and tell it I miss it and will get back to it soon with something worth reading.

Until then - I am back to sprinting in place.

Stop the Spending Before it is Too Late

2010-10-29T19:20:28Z

There is a simple fact that every American knows but many are scared to confront - our government is spending us into near-bankruptcy. Every dollar which we have to borrow to spend adds to the problem.

Other countries who have done the exact same thing have seen hyperinflation where the value of the money decreases so fast you have to rush to the store to spend your paycheck because if you don't, it will buy half as much or less a few days later.

One example of hyperinflation due to the government printing too much money was in the Weimar Republic less than a hundred years ago where as Wikipedia points out the money was so worthless, it was used as wallpaper!

This situation led to the Nazi takeover of Germany which launched a new currency called the Reichsmark where one of these new notes was issued in exchange for 1 billion of the Weimar Marks. When this happened, prices were reduced by 12 zeros!

There is an incredible ad which details how countries like China are taking over the US by becoming the country which loans us money which we in-turn waste. This is the same money spent on various stimulus plans that have created far less jobs than projected if any net jobs at all.

To keep the ad above running on TV where I just saw it, be sure to immediately contribute to Citizens Against Government Waste.

The election next week is a choice between continuing to borrow money and spend it on wasteful projects and raising taxes on all of us to pay for it all - or a return to a smaller government which allows its citizens to prosper by implementing common sense regulation and a more stable and steady business environment.

Having said that - the Republicans and Tea Party are expected to win many seats. We need to hold whoever is elected accountable to us the citizens and if you are a Tea Party member or conservative - it is not enough to have your candidate win. We must watch them like hawks 24x7 and throw them out of office if they continue bloating the government on borrowed money.

If you don't vote for a conservative candidate for yourself - do it for your children who will have to clean up the financial mess we are leaving them - $111 trillion+ in unfunded liabilities and counting is theirs to deal with and believe me, they will not enjoy the opportunities we've enjoyed if they have to give half or more of their income to pay the interest on the debt from failed stimulus and government bloat and waste.

At LaGuardia Airport Wondering Why Power Outlets Don't Work

2010-10-18T19:23:33Z

Good news - LaGuardia Airport now has a Five Guys Burgers and Fries - somehow I resisted and got a wrap and whole grain chips which while not as delicious as fries are better for my arteries. Thank you Au Bon Pain. But why on earth are so many outlets broken here and with $780B in stimulus someone might want to share a few dollars with the airport electrician.

Acetaminophen Kills Snakes - Who Knew?

2010-10-02T00:18:41Z

As a reptile fan I was surprised I didn't know this fact which could be very useful the next time you play Trivial Pursuit - Geek Edition. In turns out acetaminophen kills snakes and moreover the U.S. Department of Agriculture is bombing the island of Guam with drugged frozen mice to rid the island of brown tree snakes which are venomous and grow quite large - ten feet long in fact.

You realize this means there is a person somewhere whose job it is to feed Tylenol to mice?

Turns out the mice will be outfitted with wings and streamers - in an effort to get them caught in tree branches so the snakes will quickly dine on them and die.

No word yet from PETA on all of this but expect them to have Pam Anderson covered in frozen mouse fur in an upcoming issue of your favorite magazine in protest.