ROADM technology has quickly moved beyond the basic functions of reconfiguring wavelengths to more extensive capabilities that can result in substantially simplified network management for network operators. This session will explore in detail how ROADMs simplify network management, including a review of the various choices in ROADM technology available to carriers today.

The session will explain how next-generation ROADM systems can go beyond basic functionality to simplify the planning and management of network services to the point where a single person can set up, provision, and maintain multiple networks; enable true point-and-click provisioning through a GMPLS control plane and a flexible port ROADM; and automate OAM&P, reduce provisioning time, more efficiently utilize resources, and increase service flexibility, resulting in substantially reduced CAPEX and OPEX.

Throughout the session, the panel will leverage real-world experiences of network operators to provide ROADM application examples for rapid, error-free service provisioning and simplified provisioning.

Bill Gartner Chief Operating Officer Meriton Networks

Mr. Gartner took on his current role in October 2005. Before that, he was president and chief operating officer for Mahi Networks and, before that, Photuris. Prior to Photuris, he was vice president and general manager of Optical Networking Systems at Lucent Technologies, where he led the access, metro, and long-haul DWDM product suite. In this role, he was responsible for generating more than $1 billion in revenue while managing 500 R&D resources in five locations. His earlier tenure in the telecom industry includes roles at AT&T Paradyne and Bell Labs.

David Dunphy Consultant Telecom Strategy Partners

Mr. Dunphy has 19 years of experience in telecommunications, 12 of which were earned in Fortune 50 enterprise, alternative service provider, hardware vendor, and professional services firms such as NCR, Valvoline, WinStar, Nortel, and AT&T. His experience includes network planning, project managing installation and maintenance, negotiating equipment and wholesale service contracts, creating and supporting strategic partnerships with CACI and 3COM, writing RFP responses, developing SLAs, creating product strategy, delivering sales training, and providing sales support for major clients such as AT&T, Sprint, and Texas Instruments.

Patrick George Vice President Marketing & Product Management Belgacom International Carrier Services

Mr. George is a member of the management team within Belgacom ICS. Prior to this position, Patrick was the director of the International Transmission Network of BICS, where he was in charge of engineering and worldwide field operations, while deploying the first pan-european next-generation optical backbone. Before joining BICS, Patrick was senior sales and account director at Mach, the leading worldwide clearing house. Patrick also once served as the head of the mobile market development at GTS-Ebone and was responsible for establishing Ebone as a key market player in the mobile data arena.

Stefan Voll Business Development, Fixed Networks Transport Nokia Siemens Networks

Dr. Voll is working in business development for Siemens DWDM solutions. He is consulting operators on DWDM technology developments and implementation strategies. Dr. Voll joined Siemens Communications in 2000 as an R&D engineer. He also has worked in product planning for metro optical and next-gen SDH networking technology. Prior to joining Siemens, Dr. Voll was a research associate at the University of Würzburg.