Green Telecom Preview

In two weeks, Light Reading will be hosting the second in a series of Green Telecom events that first launched last October. In spite of the economic climate, based on sponsor and carrier response, it appears the green movement is clearly alive and well, will continue to evolve in all network segments, and is in fact moving into the implementation phase.

And yet, there are still a considerable number of outstanding questions – including optimal approaches to reduce carbon emissions and power consumption, addressing the development of critical metrics for business cases, how to utilize green initiatives as market differentiators, the proper implementation framework, and the impact of regulatory policy and standards – that network operators need to find answers for sooner rather than later.

Accordingly, Green Telecom East 2009: Transitioning to Environmentally Responsible Networks, which will be held at the Westin Times Square Hotel in New York on June 17, 2009, is designed to address these important topics to encourage open dialogue, weigh in on the status of technology enablers, and consider future steps in the transition to environmentally responsible networks. Here is a brief summary of the content, which utilizes a combination of wireless, fixed, and common streams to facilitate the broadest possible discussion of green topics.

Wireless Innovation
Given the unprecedented, continued growth of wireless globally – but especially in emerging markets, where off-grid radio access powering considerations may need to be considered – it is not surprising that deploying green radio access networks is becoming such a critical consideration. At Green Telecom, Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU) and Nokia Networks will be presenting their visions of how innovation in radio network design and site building is harmonized with green agendas based on a sound business case, while minimizing environmental impacts.

Delivering Green Ethernet Solutions
Next-generation carrier Ethernet network infrastructure and access platforms promise to deliver more energy efficiency than legacy platforms in terms of network simplification and the number of circuits/subscribers that can be supported per watt of power. Major infrastructure and/or access solutions providers Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC), and Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE: JNPR) will highlight the latest innovations in carrier Ethernet/MPLS technologies that are helping move the industry forward in terms of sustainable networks and will share their perspectives on how energy efficiency can be measured to more accurately reflect real-world deployment scenarios.

Impact of Hardware Innovation & Successful Implementation Strategies
TelcoBridges Inc. will be making a presentation that outlines the significant reduction in power and cooling requirements that the latest generation of products, such as media gateways, can deliver to customers, to not only further green deployments, but also to significantly lower the total cost of ownership.

The conference will also feature a common stream presentation in which IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM) will address the critical requirements to develop measureable criteria that all network operators need to include in strategic plans to ensure a smooth implementation of green initiatives, and to monitor and measure the ongoing progress of the transition.

Worldwide Keynotes
In recognition that green strategies essentially start and end with network operators, we are pleased to be presenting keynotes from three network operator innovators. The first keynote, from Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), will focus on the steps it is undertaking to develop its own set of power requirements for infrastructure, followed by a panel discussion on the status and role that standards could play in the future. The second keynote, from Tata Communications Ltd. , will address how widespread usage of services such as telepresence can be productively employed to reduce carbon emissions associated with travel.

Finally, the conference will feature a keynote from BetterWorld Telecom LLC, which has embedded environmental commitment into its business plan and day-to-day sales strategy. This keynote will provide valuable insight into how other network operators can leverage the power of green to meet emerging customer requirements, followed by a second panel discussion summarizing what is expected to happen in the next 12 months with respect to the deployment and delivery of green networks.

Demonstrating our commitment to reach the largest possible audience aligned with an environmentally responsible approach, the Verizon and BetterWorld Telecom keynotes and panel discussions will also be made available for worldwide viewing via Webinar enrollment (click here and here to pre-enroll.)

My colleague, Stan Hubbard, and I hope to see you at the event, either virtually or in person.

— Jim Hodges, Senior Analyst, Heavy Reading and Green Telecom East 2009 Chair

Come to Green Telecom East 2009: Transitioning to Environmentally Responsible Networks, a one-day conference designed to provide telecom executives with a concise summary of the latest infrastructure developments that will facilitate a global transition to environmentally responsible networks, to be staged in New York, June 17. For more information, or to register, click here.