Service providers face the challenge of continually introducing innovative profit-generating broadband services, shifting from standard services for all to specific value-added services for selected target groups and a sophisticated service mix. To achieve this goal, service providers must tailor services to their customers and market them strategically; ensure their infrastructure and applications are extremely flexible to meet specific customer requirements in terms of ease of use, speed of introduction, and availability; and ensure their infrastructure is cost-efficient. The session describes the options open to service providers today and gives examples of which solutions will help them take on the competition with confidence.

Christian Unterberger President, Fixed Networks Siemens Communications

Mr. Unterberger has profit and loss responsibility for the worldwide carrier business. He joined Siemens AG in 1987 and has focused primarily on telecommunications networks and equipment during his career. Since assuming his current role, he has remolded fixed networks and continues to help the unit evolve to stay ahead of the changes still sweeping through the market.

Michael Hill General Manager, Global Telecom IBM Corporation

Mr. Hill is responsible for managing IBM's business and strategic initiatives with worldwide telecommunications service providers; developing alliances with key independent software vendors and telecommunications equipment manufacturers. In addition, Mr. Hill and his worldwide team work closely with customers to bring IBM's innovative technology, services, and solutions to the telecom industry. Prior to assuming his current position in May 2000, Mr. Hill was vice president of technology deployment in the business transformation/chief information officer organization, managing IBM's global voice and data infrastructure.

Jeff Lindblom Vice President, Sales and Marketing Juniper Networks

Horst Melcher President Deutsche Telekom K.K.

Philippe Ribonnet Head of Network and IT Management Belgacom

Mr. Ribonnet is in charge of Belgacom FLS' IT and network infrastructure, operations, engineering, applications, and systems. He started merging the IT and network activities into a single and convergent structure, allowing the delivery of integrated business solutions such as IDTV, VoIP, and security. During the five previous years, he held the position of strategy and business development director at Proximus, the mobile subsidiary of the Belgacom Group, where he had been working in various roles since its creation in 1993.