IMS has shifted from a vision to an industry reality. Fixed operators are today considering network restructuring with this next-generation architecture. Mobile operators introduce IMS for similar reasons as well as to introduce new services. Operators with fixed and mobile operations see an opportunity for network and service convergence by introducing IMS in their network.

More and more operators are launching IMS services on their respective markets. By doing so, they are gaining valuable experience.

This session will focus on the lessons learned from leading operators that have launched IMS services on the market. What market strategy have they used? What customer segments have they addressed? What IMS applications did they start with?

Furthermore, we will look at operators' preferred evolution toward IMS networks. What is the suitable approach toward an IMS network-stepwise migration or forklift?

The panel will have representatives from both operators and vendors.

Magnus Furustam Vice President, IMS Program Ericsson

Mr. Furustam's responsibilities cover fixed and mobile engagement in IMS, as well as Ericsson's mobile platform parts. In the program, Mr. Furustam manages the R&D parts and the strategic product management aspects. He has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and has been working with IMS for the past five years. Before joining the IMS program, Mr. Furustam was heading the system management unit in the IMS R&D organization. Before that, he held a number of senior management positions at Ericsson.

Jorge de los Ríos Manager of Technology Telefonica

Mr. de los Ríos is in charge of the technical evolution, network planning, product development, and the support of voice infrastructure and new-generation networks. In 2006 he assumed the technical development of Telefonica's IPTV solution, Imagenio. In 2003, Mr. de los Ríos assumed the technical position of platforms and service creation environments manager, having the responsibility of developing value added service over the DSL in the residential and SOHO markets.

Noël Foret Director, Service and Network Control Architecture France Telecom Group

Mr. Foret is in charge of leading the corporate activities related to France Telecom network architecture for services and core network control (fixed, mobile, and Internet). He joined France Telecom R&D in 1993 to work on the development of the mobile core network. In 1999, Mr. Foret became responsible for the mobile core network studies and standardization team. At the beginning of 2001, he joined Orange headquarters to lead the implementation of the GPRS and UMTS core networks.

Kjell Forsberg Director, IMS Sales Support Ericsson

Mr. Forsberg has been active in Ericsson's IMS efforts since 2002 and is heading the global sales activities for Ericsson's IMS portfolio. He joined Ericsson Research in 1997 and has held various leading positions in R&D, product management, and sales across several technologies such as NGN, broadband access, WCDMA, and IP backbone.

Stéphane Téral Principal Analyst, Service Provider VoIP, IMS and FMC Infonetics Research

With more than 17 years of telecom experience, Mr. Téral is regarded as one of the top analysts in his field, having been the trusted advisor at some of the world's largest telecom providers and manufacturers. He joined Infonetics Research in January 2006 after eight years with analyst firm RHK, where he developed their European optical coverage and helped carriers migrate from PSTNs to NGNs. Prior to RHK, Mr. Téral was an engineer and project manager with Alcatel.