Gradually enhancing existing networks to deliver IPTV services is not a winning proposition for wireline service providers. To compete successfully with incumbent cable TV operators, carriers will need to significantly rebuild their networks to deliver higher capacity, improved flexibility, guaranteed QoS, and service scalability. This will give telco operators an opportunity to leapfrog the competition by enabling a greatly improved TV experience to the residential customer. Applications that can enable this include time-shifted TV, enhanced VoD, and in-video multimedia messaging/conferencing. Access to huge libraries of archived feature videos and specialized programming can give a winning edge to service providers, yet their networks must be designed correctly to take advantage of these killer apps.

This session examines IPTV technology advances, plus network strategy options for delivering next-generation TV services. From content provider to head end to access network to STB and middleware, this discussion will focus on key design strategies and lessons learned to date in enabling the end-to-end IPTV network. The latest technology and architecture advances will be reviewed, with an eye toward identifying best-of-breed solutions and integration strategies that enable a seamless, high-quality viewing experience. The panelists will also discuss the state of emerging IPTV services and the business model for service provider profitability in this new market space.

Yaki Sfadya Associate Vice President Broadband Solutions Group ECI Telecom

Before assuming his current role, Mr. Sfadya was a marketing executive for a company developing DSL system-on-chip products. Previously, held the position of vice president at Mobile-Flash, an M-Systems leading business unit for solutions to mobile operators. Before that, he was a director at 3Com Corporation, responsible for the LAN telephony and VoIP business unit. Mr. Sfadya has held several executive R&D positions, among them one of the founders of Nbase Communication, Ltd., a telecom and LAN networking company. Prior to that, Mr. Sfadya served in the Israeli Intelligence. During his career, Mr. Sfadya submitted and holds several patent applications for photonic and high-speed switching technologies.

Jean-Michel Abou International Project Manager France Telecom

Mr. Abou is based in Paris and is responsible for the coordination of France Telecom IPTV service deployments in Europe, which he helped launch under the Orange brand in Spain and Poland in 2006. He oversees the operational phase of these projects for France Telecom's content division and looks forward to launching new IPTV projects under the Orange banner. He previously headed the marketing team of GlobeCast, a satellite transport provider and France Telecom subsidiary with points of presence on five continents and a wide array of audiovisual services for broadcasters.

Sagar Gordhan Director, Product Line Management Nokia Siemens Networks

Since graduating from London University, Mr. Gordhan has worked at British Telecommunications Research and Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe in the development of various broadband core and access network initiatives, including ATM, MPLS, and DSL. Mr. Gordhan leads a team of product managers responsible for defining the IPTV product strategy, vision, and road map. He joined Myrio Corporation in 2002 (which was since been acquired by Siemens), heading up technical sales for Europe.

Hemang Mehta Product Management Director Microsoft TV

Mr. Mehta focuses on software solutions designed to enable telecommunications and cable companies to deliver audio and video services to consumers using their IP networks. In this role, Mr. Mehta drives the overall strategy and vision for Microsoft TV's IPTV products and is responsible for the group defining product positioning, packaging, pricing, research, and rollout plans. He works closely with customers and partners to ensure that the Microsoft TV solution provides superior value and enables a profitable business.

Martin Schenk Vice President, Marketing, Broadband Access Infineon