By David Sims

Connie Torres, director of market advantage research, Alcatel-Lucent, recently authored a piece titled \"Meeting Application Demand Profitably with a Smart Network.\"

She notes that the Information Age \"has evolved from a Web 1.0 Read Only environment to a Web 2.0 Read/Write and share world,\" where networks \"have evolved from 2G to 2.5 G to 3G. The growth of broadband has helped to shift user focus from voice and personal communication to multi-media and content communication, and that's just the beginning for a smart network that makes application enablement a reality.\"

The iPhone, Torres says, was the real game-changer: \"The increase in data traffic has network providers racing to keep up with the demand for bandwidth, a continuous demand for bigger pipes. The challenge is to do so at a profit and in a way that uses the intelligence of the network - a smart network.\"

But this race isn't just for more bandwidth or greater coverage, it's about creating sustainable business models that allow for the combination of high value network capabilities, Torres maintains, \"with the speed and innovation of the Web to provide consumers and enterprises a richer and more trusted Web experience -- what Alcatel-Lucent calls application enablement.\"

There's much in the paper of value for those looking to build smart networks to take advantage of this. One thing Torres focuses on is the value of consumer research.

\"In the consumer market, a driving force behind much of the growth is youth and young adults,\" she says. \"They are still asking 'why,' 'what if' and 'why not' questions. Alcatel-Lucent's Market Advantage research shows an overall interest in higher quality of service and centralization.\"

And as Torres finds, the research shows users believe the technology will make their lives better, as she cites such responses as \"It helps me stay connected,\" \"I'm more efficient,\" \"Information is more accessible,\" \"It keeps me organized\" and \"It's entertainment.\"

Also mobile shopping provides value, as users expect security issues to be addressed. They want personalized shopping notices, they want to select and track products to comparison shop, and they want e-coupons and discounts in real time.

For more information on network capabilities and application enablement, click here.