Master Software and Next Generation Network Innovators to Keynote at IEC’s SOFNET 08 in London

The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) will spotlight leading experts in software and next-generation networks at SOFNET 08 – the only conference and exhibition dedicated to the impacts of software as a driving element in next-generation carrier networks

CHICAGO – March 27, 2008 – The International Engineering Consortium’s (IEC) SOFNET 08 conference and exhibition will present Conference Chair Matt Bross, chief technology officer of BT Group; BT Wholesale Chief Executive Officer Sally Davis; senior vice president and general manager of Oracle Communications Business Unit, Oracle, Mr. Bhaskar Gorti; Mr. Helmut Leopold, managing director of platform and technology management at Telekom Austria AG; and Mr. Andreas Mueller-Schubert, general manager global solutions for Microsoft Mediaroom, Microsoft Corporation.  These leading innovators will serve as SOFNET 08 Keynoters this 28 April through 1 May at the Olympia National Hall in London. 

“This stellar lineup of keynote speakers is truly original and illustrates the balance of software and network programming designed especially for SOFNET 08,” commented IEC President John Janowiak.  “Both the soft service provider and software professional will benefit and learn from these fascinating speakers.”

The SOFNET 08 conference and exhibition will provide a unique platform to discuss how next-generation services will be developed, delivered and monetized.  SOFNET 08 will also provide invaluable software and hardware solutions that will result in innovation to increase speed to market of new services.

Opening Keynoter Mr. Bross commented, “There is a shifting power equation in our industry and to unleash the capability of our global platforms we must innovate at the speed of our customers' lives rather than the speed of changing infrastructure," said Mr. Bross. "The debate [that will take place at SOFNET] is essential for the industry because broadband is becoming as important to world economies as energy has been in the past.”

The five keynote addresses are among nearly 50 world-class sessions that will address service oriented architecture; service delivery platforms; Web 2.0 service provider impacts; collaboration; service provider transformation; convergence; and more at SOFNET 08.

"[SOFNET attendees will learn that] as the communications industry transitions to next-generation all-IP networks, productized business software built on open standards is paramount to helping service providers quickly launch new services to improve their competitiveness and deliver a superior customer experience,” commented Monday Keynoter Mr. Gorti.

Tuesday Keynoter Mr. Leopold also commented on his SOFNET Address, “The fundamental Transformation-programme of Telekom Austria – the next generation factory programme “net@fact” – is pioneering the whole telco-industry and is based on a profit-oriented development of base products for wholesale as well as retail markets implemented on efficient product platforms.” He continued, “The programme’s key objectives include the lowest production costs and the shortest time to market, as well as the highest flexibility for product marketing and innovation and the highest automatisation for product delivery concepts.”

These SOFNET Keynoters will lead more than 170 ICT (information and communications technologies) and software speakers at the upcoming conference and exhibition.

"Our industry is witnessing a growing demand for software-driven, feature rich multimedia and multi-play services. SOFTNET provides a crucial platform for our industry to come together to debate how we can respond to these changing needs," added Ms. Davis.

The final keynote address will be presented by Mr. Mueller-Schubert.

“The transition from broadcast to connected TV is transforming the way we experience television.  This presents a fantastic opportunity to the telecommunications provider community and I expect will be a key focus at SOFTNET. In many ways, Microsoft is leading the charge.  The Microsoft Mediaroom multimedia and IPTV platform is gaining momentum with service providers and their customers.  Today, over 20 of the world’s leading telecommunications providers are delivering advanced TV services with Mediaroom.  Thirteen of these service providers have launched commercial services, most in the last year.  We believe 2008 will become a landmark year for connected TV - so exciting times ahead for the industry,” said Wednesday keynoter, Mr. Mueller-Schubert.

For a full conference schedule and additional event information, visit www.iec.org/events/2008/sofnet/ or contact Lisa Reyes at [email protected] or +1-312-559-3325.