FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Contacts:
Lisa Reyes
Phone: +1-312-559-3325
E-Mail: lreyes@iec.org

Katie Post
Phone: +1-312-559-3658
E-Mail: kpost@iec.org

European Contacts:
Brian Dolby
Phone: +44 115 9486901
E-Mail: brian@bcspr.co.uk

Howard Jones
Phone: +44 115 9486901
E-Mail: howard@bcspr.co.uk

CHICAGO – September 23, 2008 – The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) presents “Role of Service Providers in the Content Value Chain" at the Broadband World Forum Europe 2008 next week in Brussels chaired by Mr. Jean-Philippe Vanot, France Telecom's executive senior vice president of group networks and information systems. Panelists include Deutsche Telecom’s senior vice president of content sourcing and media cooperation, Mr. Peter Kerckhoff; Mr. François Moreau de Saint Martin, chief executive officer of Viaccess; and BT Vision’s head of business development, Mr. Richard Young.

“We look forward to hosting speakers of this caliber in Brussels, as their insight into the challenges and solutions facing today’s service providers will prove invaluable in defining one’s position within the broadband marketplace,” commented IEC President John Janowiak. “Access to plenary panels such as this illustrates the superior value we consistently look to provide to our general body of attendees with the Exhibits PLUS Pass.”

The plenary panel will address the content ecosystem and the role service providers play, the value they bring, and issues and alternatives that need to be addressed.

“Customers’ needs are increasing dramatically. They want access at all times and places from the device of their choice, as well as the ability to modify, enrich, and share content within different communities,” stated World Forum Plenary Panel Chair Vanot.

“On the other hand, the content owners want to protect their rights while selling secured access to their content. Our plenary panel, ‘Role of Service Providers in the Content Value Chain’ at the Broadband World Forum Europe 2008, will discuss how to maximize these new market opportunities and discuss how the different service providers will have to define their role in the content value chain.” Mr. Vanot continued, “European telecoms British Telecom, Deutsche Telecom, and France Telecom-Orange, as well as technology provider Viaccess, will explain their respective positions on the different strategic, financial, and technical issues facing the industry leaders today.”

Plenary Panelist François Moreau de Saint Martin added, “Content is the core of the service, and licensing content is key for content services providers. Their success is therefore based on the quality of their value proposition to the content owners. Innovation is generating new revenue streams and increasing them, benefiting the content owners as well. Content protection ensures that these revenue streams are protected...”

The session takes place at 14:00 on Tuesday, 30 September at the Brussels Expo. For more information on this panel, visit: http://www.iec.org/events/2008/bbwf/conference/pp_tuesday_2.asp.

The IEC grants access to this panel along with all keynotes, plenary panels, the InfoVision Awards, Technology Theater presentations, networking receptions, and the entire exhibition floor as part of its Exhibits PLUS package available at www.iec.org/events/2008/bbwf/register/.

All accredited members of the media are entitled to full and complimentary access to the entire four-day event by registering at www.iec.org/events/2008/bbwf/register/press_reg.asp.

Visit www.iec.org/events/2008/bbwf/ or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@iec.org or +1-312-559-3325.

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About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students. In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age. More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. Please visit www.iec.org.