By Beecher Tuttle

The global communications industry is a rather complex space. It seems that almost every day a new product or service is introduced that is capable of revolutionizing the market on either the consumer or enterprise level. To stay in the loop and on the cutting-edge, communication technology professionals need to be regularly updated on the most recent trends, innovations and industry standards. In an effort to provide a one-stop shop for business leaders and consumers who have a professional or personal interest in the global communications industry, Alcatel-Lucent recently launched its third online publication, Alcatel-Lucent TechZine. The interactive Web 2.0-style e-magazine will provide readers with a variety of communications-related content, including a wide range of articles, videos and blogs authored by industry insiders. "Alcatel-LucentTechZine will provide current, informative coverage of pertinent, technical hot topics in the communications industry that are important to our customers," Patty Wong, global managing editor for the publication, told TMCnet in an exclusive interview. The new e-magazine will foster a very collaborative online environment where readers can post comments, share ideas and answer poll questions about the hot topics in the field today. The publication also features and "Ask an Expert" page where readers can participate in a back-and-forth discussion with one of Alcatel-Lucent's high-ranking technology professionals. What truly sets Alcatel-Lucent TechZine apart from other company-sponsored publications though is that it is being co-managed by Bell Labs researchers, giving it a truly unbiased feel. "There are topics and technical challenges within our industry that are important to discuss regardless of who a customer is purchasing from," added Wong. "Those are the issues that we seek to respond to with Alcatel-Lucent TechZine."