What is the optimal network architecture upon which services will be rolled out? The answer to this question determines what type of network will be deployed and directly affects the money invested in building up the network. Legacy networks are built in a centralized way, usually around the mighty BRAS, whereas more recent deployments follow a more distributed approach (such as multi-edge). The level of distribution is the theme of this session, in which service providers will share their views about how deep we should go with the intelligence — should we leave it in the edge, should we extend it to the access (MSAN), or should we remove all barriers and locate it at the home gateway?

Danny Berko Director, Solutions Marketing, Broadband Access Division ECI Telecom

Mr. Berko is responsible for ECI's broadband solutions architectures and transport services, including networking, services-enabling solutions, and build-up of a service-rich ecosystem to support IPTV, NG voice, and mobile and home environments. He has more than 10 years of extensive and varied experience in the telecommunications and networking industries. In prior positions, Mr. Berko served as sales and marketing engineer, product line manager, and director of marketing.

Friedrich Armbruster Senior Engineer, COO BBA SPM SD Nokia Siemens Networks

Mr. Armbruster is responsible for solution development regarding the Ethernet connectivity in broadband access and metro aggregation networks. This includes active participation in the DSL Forum and the MUSE project of the European Union. Mr. Armbruster started his career with Siemens in 1987 as a software engineer working in several Siemens departments. He then led different software projects within Siemens Communications, including a video on demand over hybrid fiber coax solution.

Pier Giorgio Bosco Research Project Manager, R&D Telecom Italia

Dr. Bosco has an extensive background in advanced software and system infrastructures for communication services. During the last decade he has been responsible for several research and development projects aimed at new and very integrated forms of personal media and communications for the residential users, as well as the design of user-centered, simple, and attractive user experience able to consistently readapt and migrate on a variety of networks and devices. Dr. Bosco is currently managing a project on Ambient Communication, where the service intelligence is largely distributed over users' homes.

Erik Keith Senior Analyst, Broadband Infrastructure Current Analysis

Mr. Keith is responsible for tracking major technological and strategic developments in the overall broadband access market. His primary areas of coverage include DSLAMs, DLCs/MSAPs, FTTP/PON platforms, digital media/IPTV infrastructure solutions, IP service edge/BRAS platforms, as well as cable access/head-end systems and related technologies. Mr. Keith joined Current Analysis in 1998 and brings more than 15 years of research, analytical, and reporting experience to company clients.

Yoram Levkovitz Senior Consultant, Access Division Bezeq

Mr. Levkovitz brings significant and relevant management and engineering experience from his 18 years working at Bezeq Ltd., the largest service provider in Israel. His most recent position at Bezeq was the head of the Access division, and his previous positions include head of the technology division, manager of the communication transmission technology, manager of the broadband field testing of VDSL and manager of the cable TV. Mr. Levkovitz has in-depth critical knowledge of the relevant communication equipment and infrastructure and brings invaluable insight into the local and international communication market and its present and future needs.

Josef Schaefer Head of Technical Department, Strategy and Innovation Arcor

Dr. Schaefer is responsible for services and network strategy and innovation at Arcor AG, the no. 2 telecom provider in Germany behind the country's incumbent carrier and former monopoly Deutsche Telekom.