Thursday, April 12, 2012
Create Track
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Opportunities in Machine-to-Machine Communications
The twenty-first century is moving forward with many new and innovative telecommunications requirements. The opportunity and need for effective machine-to-machine communications increases as usage expands. The need for zero-outage, immediate-response, and high-efficiency transmission become the primary drivers for effective and efficient support. Find out how our expert panel forecasts the role for the rural telephone company in this new and evolving space.
Mark Chambers, Director of Sales, NRTC
Brett Calder, Director, North America, Wireless, Globecomm Systems
Tom Shafron, Chief Executive Officer, Viewbiquity
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Local Implications of Near-Field Communications
As "smart phones" and "tablets" become the rule and social networks expand to include more and more "transaction" opportunities; local demand support for NFC will increase. What are the design and engineering steps necessary for the rural telephone company to provide a safe and secure and profitable "transaction" environment?
Howard Shapiro, Senior Council, Bennet and Bennet
Sridhar Raghaven, Senior Technical Fellow, Nokia Seimens
David Galante, Senior Product Manager, mCommerce Solutions, Alcatel-Lucent
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Creating the Smart Rural Community
Retaining and attracting residents is an important long-term goal for rural communities. But what sets your community apart from the rest? The Smart Rural Community is environmentally friendly, offers cutting-edge government services, top-notch education, first-rate health care, innovative economic development and commerce, and integrated communications. How will you define and develop your smart rural community?
David Kirk, Director of Business Development, Stutler Technology
Ron Ellis, Chief Operating Officer, Rural Telephone / Nex-Tech
Roger Musick, Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Systems
Innovate Track
1:00–2:00 p.m.
IP to IP Interconnection Benefits, Drawbacks, and Potential Future Regulations
IP to IP interconnection is gaining a higher profile today. This session will include information on what IP interconnection is, how it involves the use of new routing databases, what agreements will be needed, and the technical considerations that must be understood before connection can be accomplished. The session will also cover proposals for regulation of IP to IP interconnection agreements.
John McHugh, Technical Director, OPASTCO
Joseph Gillan, President, Gillan and Associates
Brad Bonin, Senior Systems Engineering Manager, Cisco Systems
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Engaging in the Development of the Smart Grid
The smart grid unites broadband and IP networking with the existing electrical grid. The concept was first introduced more than 10 years ago but, thanks to recent federal interest and investment, it has moved from pilot projects to full-scale deployments. For broadband service providers, the smart grid is both a threat and an opportunity. Attend this session to learn more about the current status of the rural smart grid and your Telco's evolving role in its development.
Carl Akin, Staff Consultant, Monte R. Lee & Co.
Todd Domres, Sales and Business Development Manager, National Information Systems Cooperative (NISC)
Steven Collier, Vice President of Business Development, Milsoft Utility Solutions
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Innovative Mashups in Agriculture Because agriculture is such an important industry in rural America, farmers need to utilize the latest technologies in order to remain competitive. How will mashups enhance the agriculture industry's operations and effectiveness? What role can the telecommunications provider play in this arena? Come to this session and learn how your company can best leverage your broadband connections in this important industry.
Todd Henecke, Director of Sales, Telecom, National Information Systems Cooperative (NISC)
Neil Mylet, Founder, LoadOut Technologies, LLC
Differentiate Track
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Video Apps & Authentication: Meeting Consumers Evolving Demands
As video entertainment services mature, subscriber consumption behavior also changes to reflect altered and modified viewing. Do apps and widgets enhance services that you provide? Find out how the integration of "smart TV" content and the tools for watching and time/place shifting help make the viewing experience you provide fit the sophisticated demands of subscribers.
Randy Thomas, Director, Business Development, Golden West Technologies
Madeleine Forrer, Vice President, Video Services, NRTC
Jean-Georges Fritsch, Executive Vice President of Products, Minerva Networks
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Planning and Developing a Security and Surveillance Product
As landline minutes and connections decline, traditional telecommunications providers are looking for new ways to diversify their offerings. A security and surveillance product is a natural extension of your Telco's services. But what goes into a successful offering? How can you compete with established security vendors? And what is the "killer app" of a security product?
Chris Kirschten, Product Manager, Blackfoot Telecommunications Group
Kris Ward, Business Development Manager. ATMC
Craig Steen, President, Clear2there
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Marketing Your Smart Services
Developing your services is only part of the battle to win and keep your customers. Integrating your marketing plan with product development is an essential step, but one that is often overlooked. Join this session and learn how to develop and execute your smart services marketing plan into your product/service development cycle.
