Network convergence is the industry trend. One of the key points is the convergence of user databases. As we know, in traditional multiple networks, end users are in trouble with multiple accounts and multiple authentications. But with the convergence of user databases, users will enjoy unified accounts and unified authentication. Besides, the convergence of user databases will bring the flexibility of service triggering and conflict detection.

In this session, we will discuss the scope and functional composition of the convergent user database. We will invite top operators worldwide to share their considerations and proposals on database convergence and IMS deployment, and we will also share some practice experiences of fixed HLR in China. Of course, other topics relevant to convergent databases may be issued as well.

Joy Huang Director, NGN/IMS Strategy and Planning Division Huawei Technologies

Mr. Huang has been dedicated to the core network field at Huawei for nearly 10 years and was a senior member of the systems group of Huawei's IMS/NGN product line and chief system architect of the NGN development team. He has been involved in many NGN projects worldwide and works closely with key service providers in China, Europe, and North America to provide innovative and customized solutions. Mr. Huang has a master's degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

Pietro Biasci Chief Technical Marketing Manager, IMS and Fixed Mobile Convergence Solutions Huawei

Mr. Biasci got the professional skills in both mobile and fixed networks from more than 11 years of experience in the IP networking, mobile core networks and IMS, having worked for telco manufacturers and operators, both fixed and mobile (3G). This strongly differentiated experience gave him the background to deal with FMC strategies and solutions getting either the operator's or vendor's perspective. In his current role, Mr. Biasci is the customer's first point of contact for IMS/FMC. He is also designing and promoting IMS E2E solutions according to converging customers' requirements.

Michael Crowther Service Intelligence Architect BT CTO Office

Mr. Crowther is responsible for developing architecture and implementation direction for many of BT's 21C service platforms. For the past two years, he has focused on the role of user data, which has led to increased convergence of service management processes, systems, and user experience. Mr. Crowther has also been closely involved in the migration of BT's converged communication services toward an IMS-based architecture.

Alessandro Di Pasquali Manager, Services Layer Engineering Telecom Italia

Mr. Di Pasquali is responsible for development of service-layer architecture and innovative services for IMS and NGNs. He joined the telecom world in 1999 and has been a program and project manager on integrated platforms, a project manager on interactive services at Telecom Italia Mobile, and an author of international patents about multivendor IMS architecture and MMS interworking. He also has worked on engineering support to E. C. international project SATURN, related to development of adaptive antennas to be used in broadband communication mobile networks.

Thomas Rambold Chief Executive Officer DESS GmbH & Co. KG

After 30 years in the telecom/IT/SW industry ÿ mainly at Siemens, where he was head of global BU data/IP and chief technology officer of Siemens Communications — Mr. Rambold started DESS GMBH & Co. KG in 2000. The company focuses on external network architecture and business strategies for carriers and selected enterprises in Asia, EMEA, and the Americas. Mr. Rambold is also one of the global industry analysts in the telecom/IT/SW space as well as in the media space.

Gilad Zlotkin Founder and Chief Executive Officer Xeround Systems

Dr. Zlotkin has 20 years of experience in the software industry as an entrepreneur, innovator, developer, senior executive, and leading scientist, focusing on network management, parallel computing, and distributed systems. He has worked in the telecom industry for the past 10 years. Dr. Zlotkin has a Ph.D. in distributed systems from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and was a research fellow at the MIT Sloan School of Management.