In confronting the multitude of options for connecting the various components of the TV ecosystem, service providers face a situation not unlike opening Pandora's box. Yet, the decisions they must make, however challenging, can have a substantial impact on the success of their IPTV services business model. Among the issues that service providers must address are questions involving standards for connectivity of components, the cost of components versus market acceptance of services, and ultimate ownership of the solution delivery system.

Additionally, service providers considering IPTV service delivery are faced with two possible approaches: a heterogeneous approach, in which multiple vendors provide different components of the system; or a homogeneous approach, in which a single solutions vendor provides the overall solution for the service delivery system.

Speakers will discuss strategic choices that service providers should consider when choosing the appropriate approach and assessing the total cost of ownership for each approach. They will examine the challenges associated with IPTV operations management and investigate new ways to help enable IPTV operations management in a streamlined, cost-effective way, and He will also describe specific areas where connecting components is the logical choice and areas where it is not.

Christine Heckart General Manager, Marketing Microsoft TV Microsoft Corporation

Ms. Heckart is responsible for worldwide marketing and partner business development activities. In her role, she manages the teams responsible for market and competitive research and analysis, strategic and business planning, product management and planning, marketing communications, and customer and partner co-marketing activities. Ms. Heckart also significantly contributes to the overall vision, strategy, and execution of the business, overseeing the success of Microsoft TV's products with network operators, content owners, application developers, hardware manufacturers, and other partners.

Chris Coles President/Chief Executive Officer Myrio - A Siemens Company

Mr. Coles is responsible for the worldwide management, strategy, and success of Siemens Home Entertainment, a complete carrier-class solution for broadband service providers to offer IPTV over their networks. Prior to joining Siemens through the acquisition of Myrio, Mr. Coles was CEO of the venture-backed start-up, where Myrio's primary focus was on the software platform for delivering IPTV and associated applications.

Peter Cowley Managing Director, Digital Media Endemol UK

Mr. Cowley's role is to develop and implement Endemol's interactive media strategy in the United Kingdom. The role is a board-level position, demonstrating the importance Endemol gives to the exploitation of interactive media. Strategically, he looks to exploit its TV brands on a multiplatform basis and fund its activities via broadcasters; advertisers, or consumers. Increasingly he is looking to develop entertainment products on new media platforms such as mobile, broadband, and interactive TV. Before joining Endemol, he worked in the media, marketing, and advertising industries at Freeserve, Cable & Wireless, Videotron, and Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

Marie-Christine Levet Chief Executive Officer T-Online France

In just a few years, Ms. Levet has become one of the major figures in new media and telecommunications. In November 2005, she launched the first new-generation network, full IP and ready VDSL2. It became the first international subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom to launch digital TV with the Microsoft TV system. From January 2004 to December 2005, she was Chairman of the AFA (Association of Internet Service Providers), which represents the interests of all the market players. She has also set up an ambitious service policy and in October 2003 launched the first Wi-Fi wireless broadband offer.

Tiaan Schutte Vice President, ICE Business Unit Alcatel

Mr. Schutte has been a cable, satellite, and IP broadcast industry contributor for nearly 10 years. In his current role, he is responsible for all core R&D and product management for Alcatel's range of IPTV products. Since joining Alcatel, Mr. Schutte has been contributing to the ICE senior management business unit in a number of positions, including global R&D and component product line management. Mr. Schutte joined Alcatel after the asset acquisition of Thirdspace Limited in April 2003.

Marco Wanders Chief Marketing Officer Redback Networks

Mr. Wanders is responsible for the company's marketing and communications activities on a worldwide basis. Based at Redback's European headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Mr. Wanders divides his time between EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. He was previously the vice president of sales and operations for EMEA and India, responsible for building the region into what it is today, with major customers in nearly all countries and vibrant relationships with partners to extend the company's reach and better serve customer needs.