Ethernet: The Holy Grail of Transport?

The network of the future is under construction as we speak. It is a project that has no clear beginning and likely no end. However, there are some clear goals for this network. First and foremost is to support high-bandwidth, any-to-any services like video, gaming, telecommuting, e-commerce, mobility, etc.  As grand as the vision might be, the blueprint must take into account profitability objectives for service providers. Thus, few would argue that re-architecting the network means collapsing it by eliminating layers of gear and maintenance requirements that eat into margins. Ethernet/WDM (with ROADM) is the holy grail for transport. Find out why and how to move toward this architecture.

"Voice is a Mashup": How developers can add voice to any web, email or enterprise application, and what it means for voice service providers

The voice business no longer is confined to fixed line and mobile telephony. It includes calling and messaging launched from instant messenger programs, click to call from web sites, hot links in email and icons on enterprise application toolbars.  This session discusses how developers can add voice to any Web, email or enterprise application, and what it means for voice service providers. Speakers represent companies that have APIs, developer support programs and who seek to voice enable applications.  

Negotiating and Arbitrating Interconnection Agreements with ILECs

CLEC representatives from across the country will discuss negotiating and arbitrating interconnection agreements (ICAs) with ILECs, specifically addressing treatment of the change management process and whether ILECs can unilaterally change the process, or if CLECs can negotiate some rights around process change.  Panelists will also discuss implementation of "new" rates, what access to network elements includes, and implementation of the FCC's Triennial Review Remand Order (TRRO).

Architecting Advanced IP-NGN Services for the Connected Business
Presented By: Cisco

Today's connected business demands an advanced quad-play portfolio.  They expect simple, self-serve, secure services reliably provided at defined QoS levels.  This means that full power of the IP NGN architecture must be harnessed to provide the business solutions portfolio with SLAs you and your customers can count on.  In this session, you will hear a broad technical overview of policy and service control, as it relates to reliability, redundancy, and throughput so you can leverage IP NGN to architect advanced services for your connected business customers. 

Delivering Advanced IP-NGN Services to the Connected Business
Presented By: Cisco

As today's businesses become more mobile, more virtualized, more connected, services-as-usual no longer suffice.  The connected business wants more than voice and data -- they seek the full quad play to fully empower their business.  That means they expect more from their service provider.  In this session, learn what applications your empowered customers are seeking, along with real-world case studies of advanced services such as Telepresence, Video Surveillance, IPTV, and Digital Signage.

Poles, Conduits, Chutes and Ladders:  Pole Attachment Rates Are No Laughing Matter

Some contend that the rules governing pole attachment rates have created an "un-level" competitive playing field among broadband service providers because they have led utility pole owners to charge "telecommunications carriers" rates that are two-to-three times higher than the charges paid by non-carriers providing similar services.  On this panel, utility pole owners and telecommunications carriers will discuss their views as to the rates that pole owners should be permitted to charge telecommunications carriers to attach their facilities to poles.

Next Generation Technology- Fiber vs. Copper vs. Gigabit Wireless

Three alternative media are each promoted as the most cost-efficient means to bring the most bandwidth to the premise.  In this panel, we look at the advantages of the various technologies utilizing the transmission media of the past, present, and future.  What are the virtues of each solution?  And what are the economic, technological, or regulatory risks that a service provider may want to beware of before choosing to roll out advanced services over any of these platforms?