Ask any service provider that has deployed IPTV what the most expensive component of the IPTV business case is in the long run, and the answer in unanimous—the deployment costs related to the home. Not surprisingly, controlling and optimizing these costs are essential for IPTV service provider success. From real-life experiences and best practices to new technologies and services, this panel—drawn from major consumer electronics, wireless, modem, access, and service providers—will address the issues surrounding the most costly, time-consuming, and customer-impacting component of the IPTV implementation and explore the real-life experiences of implementing these solutions.

Geoff Burke Director, Field Marketing Calix

Mr. Burke is a recognized industry expert in all aspects of the implementation and deployment of advanced information, communication, and entertainment service strategies by communications service providers. He has been involved with more than 75 North American IPTV deployments and is often asked to share his expertise and perspectives with the national media and at industry events. Mr. Burke is responsible for all external company messaging, marketing, and content development initiatives. He is also actively involved in consulting with Calix clients that are pursuing advanced broadband services, helping them to both envision and execute their network, services, and business transformation initiatives.

Brian Drachman Director, Business Development, IP Subscriber Networks Scientific-Atlanta, A Cisco Company

Mr. Drachman has more than 12 years of telecom experience in business development, marketing, and product management. He joined Scientific-Atlanta in 2005 to help bring IPTV set tops to market with major international carriers. Prior to joining SA/Cisco, Mr. Drachman held a variety of positions in product marketing and customer facing roles at OpVista, LiquidLight, Arris, and SRC with businesses ranging from metro DWDM to cable telephony. He has a bachelor's in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and an M.B.A. from Georgia State University.

David Gwartzman Senior Marketing Manager Motorola

Mr. Gwartzman is responsible for Europe and Latin America strategic accounts planning for the Broadband Solutions Group of Motorola's Home and Networks Mobility business. In this role, he manages the introduction, marketing, and growth of DSL CPE and remote support software solutions within these international markets. Mr. Gwartzman joined Motorola through the acquisition of Netopia Inc., where he held similar roles for Netopia's EMEA market.

Milt Johnson Vice President, Engineering Ready-Links

Steve Mathesius Chief Architect, IP Video Design and Integration TDS Telecom

Mr. Mathesius is involved in the deployment of a fiber-to-the-home IPTV service offering. He is a leader in home networking strategy and has expertise with MoCA, HPNA3, and wireless video distribution methods. Mr. Mathesius has worked for TDS Telecom for seven years in the areas of IP video and broadband architecture and engineering. Mr. Mathesius began his career designing networks for Cargill and Deere & Company.

Bob Payne Vice President of Sales Ruckus Wireless

Mr. Payne has over 25 years of sales and sales management experience with specific expertise in growing startups to emerging companies. Previously, he was the vice president of worldwide sales for ARIO Data Networks. Before ARIO, Mr. Payne spent over six years at Cisco Systems in sales management and business development roles. His start up experience includes management roles at NuSpeed (acquired by Cisco) where he was vice president of OEM and strategic sales, Alteon WebSystems (Nortel) as director of OEM sales and Centillion Networks (Bay Networks).

Kurt Scherf Vice President and Principal Analyst Parks & Associates

Mr. Scherf studies developments in home networks, residential gateways, digital entertainment, technology development in the housing market, and residential and building management and controls. He is the sole author or contributing author/analyst to more than 50 research reports and studies produced by Parks Associates since 1998. Mr. Scherf joined Parks Associates following a career in political research and multi-tenant dwelling management. He earned his BA from The University of Iowa.