The convergence of communications, the Internet, and mobility has arrived and is well into its global acceptance as the standard for delivering a total utility and entertainment system to the 21st-century digital home. Content is not a new phenomenon and is the core of any media business. It is the reason that consumers turn on the television or computer or attend a live event, as well as either directly pay for the entertainment experience or pay indirectly through advertising. We all know that there are many issues when providing compelling entertainment experience to customers.

Content might be king, but it comes with an impressive army of regulations, licensing, security, and technical challenges. In this new media convergence, applications will play an increasing role as software developers look for ways to enter this broadband-fueled game.

Live and other forms of entertainment and interactive gaming will be affected and ultimately impact the user experience and business model. What will be some of the biggest battles to come as everyone grasps for the profits in the business?

As content, applications, and entertainment merge onto a converged and dynamic platform, accessible anywhere and anytime, everyone must carefully consider the equally important role that advertising will have in this new business model. If content is king, then is advertising the queen?

The challenges associated with success in this new media age, but with the right partners, proper business, and financial planning, operators can succeed and grow their businesses around this new media business. We will not fully understand these phenomena for many years, and we may not have good answers either, but in this session, we will begin to probe these questions.

Thomas Werner Head of Applications, Service Core and Applications Business Unit Nokia Siemens Networks

Dr. Werner is responsible for all the application platforms, comprising mobile TV, IPTV, browsing, and messaging, as well as IMS-based rich communication services. His most recent positions were head of mobile solutions and head of business development at the mobile networks division of Siemens Communications. Before joining Siemens, Dr. Werner worked for Philips Communication Systems in IT, R&D, and corporate development functions in Germany and Belgium. In all, he has almost 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, both in the fixed and mobile network sectors.

Serge Mal Head of Business Development, Systems Division Thomson

Mr. Mal's division provides video and network communications equipment and solutions to more than 250 operators, nearly 12,000 broadcasters, and more than 140,000 professional video users worldwide. His particular focus is on developing the potential of these markets as they move quickly through the transition to HD delivery to multiple platforms, including IP and mobile devices. Prior to assuming this responsibility Mr. Mal was general manager of the digital system and multimedia applications strategic business unit within Thales Broadband and Multimedia, which was acquired by Thomson and integrated into the Systems division of the company in 2006.

Craig Norman Managing Director Emotum

Mr. Norman has a background in industrial design with 10 years of industry experience in user-centric software design and development, the last eight years as part of the international telecommunications industry. His focus is always on achieving optimum user experience and excellence in customer support. Mr. Norman's previous roles have been heavily focused on usability and design, from the development of children's game titles for Microsoft to mobile, Web, and client-based broadband applications and self-help products for Internet service providers globally.

Mark Renshaw Senior Vice President, Digital Practice Lead Leo Burnett Worldwide

Mr. Renshaw has worked in integrated marketing for the last 13 years with a major focus on how to use technology to engage consumers and drive business transactions. He has spent most of his time integrating new channels and marketing programs into clients' communication plans and overall businesses. Currently Mr. Renshaw drives Leo Burnett's and Arc's relationships with major technology partners, including established companies. He was also the strategic mind behind McDonald's first digital marketing platform, released in spring 2007. Mr. Renshaw created the world's first commercial, mobile blog for SingTel, Singapore's largest telco.

Ansgar Schlautmann Principal Arthur D. Little

Mr. Schlautmann has worked for many wireline and wireless operators as well as Internet companies across Europe over the last 10 years. His particular expertise is in designing innovative business models and growth strategies in broadband and the content world. Before joining Arthur D. Little, Mr. Schlautmann was with CSMG Adventis, a Boston-based management consulting company specialized in the TIME industry; T-Mobile International Group Strategy, where he was a senior manager; and AT.Kearney's high-tech practice for many years.