1. business and industrial

DAY 2
Published by
FALL 2014
Scan with Layar
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
DALLAS
Wheeler vows competition will be protected;
FCC will take action when necessary
By Bruce Christian
H
earing, hailing and then leading the
cheer: “Competition, competition,
competition,” Federal Communication Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler on
Monday assured COMPTEL PLUS attendees the
FCC is ready and willing to step in should private
industry fail.
“The best way to serve consumers and
economic growth is through the push and
pull of competition,” Wheeler said in his
keynote address, adding that “where competition exists, the Commission will protect it.
Likewise, where it can be made more vibrant,
it should be incented.”
Wheeler acknowledged COMPTEL’s members
deliver competitive alternatives to business
and enterprise customers, which helps enterprises provide better, more affordable goods and
services to the public.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler discusses issues affecting the telecommunications industry and vows to support
measures that promote market competition during his keynote address.
The Chairman said he wanted to view the
conversation regarding supporting competition
with a look at the future. “Our basic approach is
simple, and by now familiar,” Wheeler said. “Technology transitions are good and they should be
(See Wheeler on page 32)
Introducing Nitel Ethernet Services
Lower Costs and Expand Your Network Reach with Layer 2 Interconnect
Instant Nationwide Reach
Productivity Enhancing Tools
500,000+ fiber-lit CLEC buildings
Instant pricing through n-Tellipro™ web portal
15,000+ ILEC/RBOC COs serving Ethernet over fiber
Full pricing integration through API access
1,430 ILEC/RBOC COs serving Ethernet over copper
Real-time network monitoring, ticket entry and
Interconnect at any of 61 POPs in 20 markets
management through MyNitel web portal or mobile app
Tap Into the Power of Ethernet
Lower equipment costs
Universal, familiar technology
No coordination of IP addressing or routing
Greater choice of bandwidth options
Contact a Nitel Carrier Solutions representative today to learn more.
773.661.5579 | www.nitelusa.com/CarrierSolutions | [email protected]
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
1
Visit us at Telispire.com
Your
Grow
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MVNO
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Your Service
Leverage the POWER
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Postpaid
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Join us at our Booth 314 to learn more about
how Telispire can help you grow your revenue!
Comptel Plus Fall 2014
Convention & EXPO
October 5-8
Gaylord Texan
Dallas, TX
Booth 314
Our nationwide fiber-optic infrastructure
is available and being used today by
community anchor institutions in 22 states.
With ring-protected paths for scalable data
transmissions from 10 Mbps to 10 GB,
our network offers the connectivity your
enterprise offerings need.
Mediacom Business Advanced Services Include:
■ Long Haul Transport
■ Wireless Backhaul
■ Point-To-Point Ethernet Service
■ Metro Ethernet
■ Dedicated Internet Access
■ Primary Rate Interface
Call and learn how easy and profitable it is to add Mediacom Business services.
Christina Montalvo
Carrier Account Executive
(515) 246-2251 • [email protected]
www.mediacombusiness.com
Day 2
Is NFV the future or an over-hyped story?
By Prayson Pate
CTO and Senior Vice President of Engineering of Overture
T
he telecommunications industry has come
a long way since network functions virtualization (NFV) and its extrapolated promise
of software-defined services hit the Internet hard
enough to cause a buzz.
We are digging into how to move NFV from a
data center phenomenon into a network-based
technology that works at a Carrier Ethernet,
carrier-class level.
Is NFV an over-hyped old story in emperor’s
new clothes?
In the run-up to the COMPTEL PLUS session,
“NFV: Hype, Hope or Honest Value?” at 9:30 a.m.
today, four industry experts join me to talk about
this topic relative to the service provider, the
enterprise and the future.
The true power of implementing an NFVenabled solution via a Carrier Ethernet-based
service is the ability for rapid-fire creation of new
revenue streams through the delivery of differentiated and customized NFV-enabled services on
top of existing network services, said Ray Patalano, director of Solutions Marketing for Cyan.
“Services, such as a software-based firewall
or virtual router, can be delivered without adding
additional hardware or rolling a truck and technician to turn up the new service. That’s a great
OPEX saving, but the true value is in delivering
the right service, at the right time and price for
the end user before your competition does.
“NFV delivers a scale and speed we’ve yet
to experience as an industry, and its timing is
perfect, as enterprise customers are demanding
more services that are flexible and open enough,
and the control to change their own services via a
web portal without service provider interaction.”
Masergy’s CTO Tim Naramore added that
“corporate CIOs are under pressure to reduce costs,
increase services supported and, maintain compliance. Utilizing NFV in the PoP or customer premise,
IT departments can simplify interoperability testing
of multiple, disparate systems by buying a pre-integrated solution from their carrier.”
Naramore continued. “Implementing NFV
offers a new level of business agility, enabling
IT network administrators to add functionality
without shipping equipment or incurring capital
expense overhead.”
I believe much of the NFV focus has been to
cut CAPEX and OPEX.
This is a worthy goal, but it doesn’t address
the real problem service providers face. A more
important driver is the ability to create and to
deploy new revenue generating services quickly
and efficiently. NFV enables that innovation by
allowing service providers to access a whole new
set of software tools and development models.
NFV has particular benefits for the competitive service provider. By removing the need to
deploy appliances, it empowers them to address
opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
Said Eitan Schwartz, vice president of Service
Provider Line of Business for North America at RAD,
“In 2015 we will see early adopter deployments
introducing NFV-based, value-added services to
enterprise customers wherever they make the most
practical, economic sense – including the customer
edge for maximum service agility with minimal
upfront investment or infrastructure change.
“Service providers adopting an evolutionary
approach utilizing hardware-based, Layer 2/
Layer 3 demarcation devices with CE 2.0 certified
functionality and x86 compute engine will be first
to benefit from improved customer satisfaction
and higher profitability,” Schwartz continued.
“This is achieved by complementing SLA assurance with powerful VNFs providing servicechained, value-added services.”
Schwartz added distributed NFV will become
mainstream in 2016 with deployments by innovative operators worldwide looking to differentiate
themselves with agile, future-proof edge solutions that can evolve with changing network
requirements and customer demand.
ATLANTIC-ACM delivers metro wholesale awards
S
trategy research consultancy ATLANTICACM delivered its 2014 Metro Wholesale
Provider Excellence Awards Monday afternoon at the COMPTEL PLUS.
The awards are based on data for the 2014
edition of ATLANTIC-ACM’s Metro Wholesale
Service Provider Report Card and derived from
more than 1,800 individual ratings of metro
service providers by their wholesale customers.
ATLANTIC-ACM President Fedor Smith delivered the awards to:
• Fibertech: CLEC Brand, Sales Reps, Provisioning, Network Performance, Billing,
Customer Service and Data Value
• Inteliquent: CLEC Billing and Voice Value
• AT&T: ILEC Brand and Network Performance
• CenturyLink: ILEC Brand, Sales Reps, Provisioning, Billing and Customer Service
• Windstream: ILEC Voice Value and Data Value
Boston-based ATLANTIC-ACM is a provider of
strategic research and consulting services to the
communications and information industries.
For more information, visit ATLANTIC-ACM’s
website at www.atlantic-acm.com.
4
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
LEBANON
KEENE
Day 2
NTT Com helps fight DDoS attacks
T
he title of a recent report on distributed
denial of service (DDoS) attacks pretty
much summarizes the present cyber security landscape: “The Danger Deepens.”
The study by leading information services
and data analytics provider Neustar found
DDoS attacks, more unpredictable than ever, are
evolving in strategy and tactics.
A DDoS attack is an attempt to make a network
resource unavailable by interrupting or suspending
services of a host connected to the Internet.
DDoS attacks can strike at any time, potentially crippling network infrastructure and
severely degrading user experience. Depending
on the type and severity of an attack, the impact
can result in resource damages, millions of
dollars of lost revenue and irreparable harm to a
company’s brand.
Any organization with an online presence is a
potential target for a DDoS attack, yet many organizations have inadequate security strategies in
place for defending against such a threat.
Early DDoS attacks were focused primarily
on flooding network resources with unwanted
traffic so that legitimate traffic would be unable
to reach the intended target. More recently,
application layer attacks designed to compromise a specific service on a host have become
more prevalent.
Because application layer attack traffic looks
similar to legitimate traffic, traditional security
measures, such as filtering, firewalls and IPS/IDS
are not sufficient defenses.
In addition, attackers are learning from the
defending countermeasures and adjusting their
attacks towards other targets and vulnerabilities.
UNITEL offers risk
management solutions
A
s the largest communications insurance
agency in the United States, UNITEL has
been active in the sector for more than
10 years. Its team has more than 100 years of
combined experience in insurance and risk
management focusing on the technology and
communications market.
Although traditional insurance markets are
used most commonly, UNITEL can provide
a number of risk management techniques to
any insurance problem to achieve adequate
coverage at affordable prices.
UNITEL has numerous insurance products including, technology errors and omissions, property and casualty as well as bonds.
Some included business types are: traditional telephone companies or incumbent
local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive
local exchange carriers (CLECs), broadband
companies and Internet service providers, as
well as some of the newer entrants into the
communications industry, such as middle
mile providers.
As an insurance agency, UNITEL writes an
ancillary benefits insurance program dedicated to communication companies looking
to provide employee benefit options at a
competitive price. To that end, COMPTEL
partners with UNITEL Insurance to help
member companies enhance their employee
benefits packages while potentially saving
money. Through this program, COMPTEL
members have exclusive access to a number
of benefits including:
• Discounted pricing
•Three-year rate guarantee
6
COMPTEL Plus
• Flexibility in plan design
• Underwriting concessions
Among the programs available from UNITEL
and Principal Life are: •Life and AD&D
• Guarantee issue amounts
• Voluntary life options available
• Portability provisions
• Short-term disability
• Flexible elimination periods
• Employee assistance program
•P
artial disability benefit with 20 percent
loss of income
• Survivor benefits
• Rehab incentive programs
• 24-hour coverage
• 17 movable provisions
• Long-term disability
• Flexible elimination periods
• 401(k) retirement plan supplement
• COBRA premium supplement
• Spouse rehabilitation benefit
• Dependent education benefit
• COLA benefits
• Activities of daily living provisions
• Critical illness
•G
uarantee issue coverage with no individual health questions
• $50 annual wellness benefit
• Portability
• Multiple payouts – two per lifetime
•G
uarantee issue coverage for spouse and child
For more information, contact Mike Reed at
402.680.3255 or [email protected].
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The motivations of attackers can range from social
and political protests to financial extortion with the
intent to disrupt governments, organizations or businesses and cause financial or reputational harm.
Recent political unrest in the Middle East and North
Africa saw corresponding spikes in DDoS attacks on
regional businesses and governments.
In many cases DDoS attacks are the cover for
other crimes, such as property, fund or data thefts.
As the holiday shopping season approaches,
online retailers and e-commerce businesses are
especially vulnerable, even if they have some
DDoS mitigation tools in place.
DDoS attacks
can strike at any
time, potentially
crippling network
infrastructure
and severely
degrading user
experience.
There is no single defense strategy to defend
against today’s sophisticated and evolving DDoS
threat landscape. Instead, a layered defense
approach is recommended that combines traditional security measures, vast availability of bandwidth, intelligent DDoS mitigation systems and
sound risk management strategies.
Recognizing the ongoing and increasing
threats from DDoS attacks, NTT Communications
(NTT Com) has deployed technologies to help
mitigate these threats. Built on industry-leading
DDoS protection platforms, NTT Com’s global
Tier 1 IP network and 24x7 expert monitoring
services, allows for fast and effective actions to
minimize the impact of a DDoS attack.
When notified of a possible attack, NTT Com
expert Network Security Team analyzes key
network data to confirm whether an attack is in
progress, and then rapidly re-directs incoming
traffic through our mitigation platform.
The DDoS Protection Service platform is built
on best-of-breed technology, which removes
attack traffic and passes legitimate “clean” traffic
onto a network, allowing businesses to stay online
and function during the attack.
NTT Com offers the technology, experience and
flexibility that competitive telecommunications
providers need to design and implement a comprehensive and successful DDoS defense strategy.
For more information about DDoS attack
protection, please visit www.us.ntt.net.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
LOOKING
FOR THE LARGEST
DARK FIBER
NETWORK
IN ARIZONA?
MEET US AT THE
COMPTEL DEAL CENTER.
SRP Telecom’s service territory spans 15 cities across metro Phoenix and includes a
network of more than 1,800 route miles. It’s the most physically diverse dark fiber
network in the area. SRP is one of the nation’s largest public power utilities and has
been providing water and electricity to Central Arizona for over a century. Backed by
that longevity, SRP Telecom is one of the most stable, trusted and reliable brands in the
market. Let SRP Telecom connect you at the speed of light.
To meet us at the show and learn more, go to srptelecom.com.
Day 2
Neustar adds
digital, brand
experts
N
eustar Inc. added digital and brand experts to
its executive ranks, underscoring the company’s commitment to digital.
Todd Wilms, Neustar’s new vice president, digital,
and Angela Culver, the new vice president, brand;
join CMO Lisa Joy Rosner, to help Neustar reach
marketing, security and operations leaders.
“Neustar’s goal is to help CMOs and CIOs be
successful,” said Rosner. “To achieve this, we needed
to enhance our team with savvy digital and brand
marketers that speak the right language to these business leaders. I am pleased to announce the addition
of top talent in Todd Wilms and Angela Culver as the
newest members of our marketing team.”
A widely recognized brand evangelist and
social media leader, Wilms will drive the vision
and strategy for all Neustar’s internal and external
communications. Wilms was most recently SAP’s
head of social business strategy, and led the charge
in establishing SAP as a social business and transforming its marketing direction from “helping sales
sell” to “helping customers buy.”
A thought leader in the digital arena, Wilms has
written more than 140 articles as a chief contributor
to Forbes. He is a highly sought after keynote address
speaker on social, digital and business leadership,
and is a guest lecturer at multiple universities.
A marketing executive with a rare combination
of data analytics, security and telecommunications
experience, Culver will manage and grow the brand,
creative services, web, events and international
marketing teams.
Culver joins Neustar from ACLynn, a boutique
marketing consulting firm she founded in 2004.
Clients have included BroadVision, HP, iFusion and
most recently URUUT.
She has built a career in helping organizations
use data to fine-tune their marketing operations
and creative output, resulting in overall increase in
brand equity.
Prior to ACLynn, Culver was responsible for
leading the marketing initiatives at Quova (acquired
by Neustar in 2010). As head of marketing at Quova,
she defined the geo-location product category,
increasing the company’s market value and its
opportunity to be acquired several years later.
“I am a data junkie at heart,” said Culver. “I
started using data to help make marketing decisions back in my early days at Brio Technology, and
I never stopped. A strong brand starts with happy
customers. Understanding our customers and how
they respond to us – using our own analytic services
– will help us determine how to increase the value of
our brand. This is my charter.”
More information is available at www.neustar.biz
or booth 200.
8
COMPTEL Plus
Windstream’s RevChain
delivers seamless workflow
F
or more than 19 years, RevChain Solutions, a Windstream company, has
maintained a reputation as one of
the nation’s premier providers of enterprise
carrier-grade billing, account management,
customer care and accounts receivable
billing platforms.
To maintain its customer loyalty
throughout the years, RevChain has applied
enhancements to its service and support
portfolio to adjust for the changing needs of
its customer base. The most recent improvement of the RevChain platform, Software
Release 8.4, offers a new functions to help
enterprises achieve more efficient workflow
processes.
Designed to meet the demands of
customers looking for integrated contract
management and configurable workflows,
RevChain Software Release 8.4 incorporates
a “free-ware” workflow billing application
platform and its advanced features enable
customers to manage workflow requirements
specific to their business.
What makes RevChain Solutions Software Release 8.4 unique? While other billing
platforms often require separate software
packaging and licensing fees for contract
functions, RevChain’s sophisticated contract
management function is integrated into the
core RevChain software platform.
This robust functionality enables
RevChain customers who work with clients
at small-to-large businesses to implement
contract terms and conditions easily into the
billing process without the need for thirdparty software applications.
Software Release 8.4 also helps growing
businesses configure and adjust workflows
for functions such as treatment and collections and eliminates the burden and costs of
professional service charges.
The RevChain Software Release 8.4 billing
process supports E-Rate features to apply and
to bill accurately educational and institutional
funding programs, a sophisticated partner
management feature and an integration tool
called XBi to migrate external and legacy
systems efficiently onto the RevChain platform.
This platform has been installed in
more than 70 locations internationally and
is helping to address the needs of service
providers across a variety of industries.
RevChain has been recognized for
offering the most sophisticated rating and
pricing engine, allowing businesses to
address complex discounted or contract
terms and conditions and pricing requirements as needed.
For more information about RevChain
Solutions and Windstream’s Carrier Solutions,
visit booth 401 or visit www.revchain.com.
After delivering his keynote address, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler visits vendors on the EXPO floor.
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
Walker, SmartRG sign deal
W
alker and Associates Inc. and SmartRG
Inc. have signed a multiyear master
distribution agreement that expands
the distribution reach of both companies.
Walker will provide go-to-market and
order fulfillment services, which include
customer engagement, product distribution,
technical support, advanced configuration and
product rework services of the entire SmartRG
product portfolio.
SmartRG will provide advanced technical
support, an established base of active customers
and software-driven tools for advanced product
customization. It also will gain access and introductions to Walker’s regional broadband service
providers and reseller customers.
The Walker and SmartRG relationship will
expand the availability of SmartRG’s advanced residential gateway technology, cloud customer premises equipment (CPE) management software and
value added solutions to a wider range of U.S.-based
regional broadband operators and aid in growing
Walker’s service provider customer base. ’Walker and
Associates
has a
world-class
sales and
engineering
team.’
— Jeff McInnis, SmartRG
SmartRG CEO Jeff McInnis said, “Our teams
are committed to a strategic co-marketing
agreement, designed so that each company can
leverage the other’s strengths.” McInnis added, “Walker and Associates has a
world-class sales and engineering team, combined
with an advanced telecom logistics operation that is
second-to-none in the U.S. market.” While the two companies will benefit from
the synergy the agreement brings, they also will
benefit from the investments each will make in
expanding its respective reach. All SmartRG gateways have the ability to
be customized to meet the specifications of
regional broadband operators and, in conjunction with this agreement, SmartRG will provide
10
COMPTEL Plus
an enhanced level of support to Walker to
support the growing needs of its North American
customers more effectively.
In addition, SmartRG will provide access to a
suite of proprietary tools that enable Walker to
create, quality assure, test custom CPE firmware
and flash, which will deliver products to an operator’s exact specifications. As part of the initial investment, SmartRG
will provide Walker access to the company’s
advanced custom configuration tool as well
as the company’s high density flashing system
(HDFS) to be installed in Walker’s primary distribution center in Welcome, N.C. The HDFS system will also improve Walker’s
ability to recondition “churn inventory,” further
extending its customers’ CPE investment.
Walker’s Vice President of Marketing Lisa
Smiley said that SmartRG provides flexible, carrier
class products for the residence. “SmartRG’s forward-thinking and attention
to detail delivers the best possible customer
experience. Their new products are compatible
and interoperable with our broadband service
delivery product of choice, ADTRAN Total
Access 5000.”
Smiley added, “Walker will provide all of the
configuration services for these CPE devices from
our in-house technical services facility. This is
part of our total solutions packaging that includes
network design and installation.” For more information, visit Walker & Associates
in booth 507.
Neutral Path
opens carrier
hotel in Iowa
N
eutral Path Communications has
added a new carrier hotel in Sioux
City, Iowa.
Sioux City is an ideal location for interconnection with local and regional networks in
the Western Iowa, South Dakota, Southern
Minnesota and Nebraska areas, the company
stated in a news release.
Located on the neutral path dark fiber
backbone spanning from Minneapolis to
Omaha, carriers will have direct access to
the key carrier aggregation points of Omaha
and Minneapolis.
The facility offers opportunities to interconnect with many other ISPs, service
providers and enterprises in the region.
“The Neutral Path Sioux City Carrier Hotel
provides our customers with a carrier neutral
space to regenerate their optical signal along
our dark fiber backbone network, locate servers
or other equipment, and exchange traffic with
many others all within a highly secure and efficient environment,” said Scott Bergs, Neutral
Path’s CEO. “This expansion fits well into our
long-haul dark fiber route and will offer many
options for our clients.”
The Sioux City facility augments Neutral
Path’s existing facilities in Mankato and
Rochester, Minn., and our other regeneration
locations spaced along its dark fiber backbone
network spanning the Midwest.
Vitelity vMobile wins
award for innovation
V
oice over IP technology provider Vitelity’s
vMobile won the Best of Show Award for
Best Wireless/Mobile Solution during the
ITEXPO in August.
Winners of the Best of Show Award program
are reserved for products or services that
demonstrate raw creativity and technological
innovation.
Vitelity’s vMobile gives users the freedom to
make their office anywhere they are. The mobile
product provides full integration between the
vMobile smart phone and any SIP-enabled PBX
telephone system.
Users are able to access their complete PBX
feature set, regardless of whether they are in the
office or not.
vMobile brings the full integration to
customers without relying on data, Wi-Fi, call
forwarding or downloaded apps. All integration
and functionality are completely native to the
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
vMobile smart phone. Additionally vMobile is able
to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular,
optimizing access for customers and saving
money over traditional mobile phone plans.
“Vitelity is pleased and excited to win the
award for Best Wireless/Mobile Solution,” said
Jeannie Zaemes, director of Marketing, Vitelity.
“The entire vMobile team has worked tirelessly to
develop a truly innovative wireless solution that
empowers communication for customers and
gives resellers a unique smart phone product to
expand their business and grow revenue.”
Vitelity provides depth in communications
expertise offering innovative products and services
including VoIP, fax and hosting with its 50Gbit
private dark fiber network and interconnections in
major cities throughout the United States. To learn more about how Vitelity is empowering communications, visit booth 215 or go
to www.vitelity.com.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
If your network under-performs, you can’t come through for customers. To identify who they are
and what services they really want, you need to be strong and agile. It all starts with your network.
FOUR WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR NETWORK AND BRAND
• Trim stranded assets and under-utilized circuits
• Whip your data into shape
• Strengthen your number inventory
• Bulk up network security
To get your network in peak condition, delight customers
and strengthen your brand, visit Booth 200 or www.neustar.biz.
Day 2
Equinox celebrates
multiple milestones
N
ashville-based Equinox Information
Systems reports several company milestones.
September marked the start of the company’s
29th year. Founded in 1986 with a simple, clearlydefined vision: “to be a great place to work,”
founders Wayne Lowe and Byron Middendorf have
succeeded in fulfilling the mission by focusing on
what really matters: family comes first.
Knowing their families are well cared for allows
Equinox employees to focus on the business
of providing the best telecom solutions in the
industry when they are on the clock.
This philosophy is responsible for its second
milestone, the signing of its 350th customer.
Equinox’s employees are passionate about
helping carriers protect and optimize revenue,
believing each customer should benefit from its
products, but should also enjoy the experience.
Instead of wielding large advertising budgets
or flashy marketing campaigns, Equinox relies on
the best form of marketing personal referrals from
existing customers. Every member of the Equinox
team takes this commitment seriously. As a result,
the majority of new customers comes through
industry referrals or experience using the product
at a previous employer.
Equinox takes pride in its reputation, knowing
it is built on a foundation of exceeding customer
expectations. The results of a recent survey
demonstrate success in this arena, as 97 percent
of respondents said “Yes, absolutely!” when asked
whether they would recommend Equinox products to their friends and colleagues.
When asked to rate their experience with the
Equinox Support Team, 87 percent checked the
highest rating – Extraordinary.
Such results reinforce the core principles
that drive Equinox and perhaps explains
another phenomenon, which is repeat
business. The company offers business assurance solutions in two distinct categories: fraud
management (Protector) and mediation/usage
analytics (TeleLink).
While virtually no customer buys both
Protector and TeleLink simultaneously, more
than 40 percent of all customers rely on and have
solutions in place. Based on the relationship and
overall project ROI, customers repeatedly task
Equinox with helping them achieve additional
revenue saving and optimization efforts.
When asked to comment on the company’s
success, Equinox Executive Vice President
David West said, “Surpassing milestones,
such as total numbers of customers, net
promoter score and repeat business, is an
exciting accomplishment. However, these
measures merely reflect our success at what
really matters – creating and maintaining an
environment where talented people can excel
at their jobs and also enjoy their families and
lives outside of work.
“The milestones we celebrate today are
possible because of Equinox’s 28-year investment
in employee happiness,” West added.
Since its inception, Equinox has helped
customers in the telecommunication industry
stop fraud, mediate usage data, manage
expense and optimize revenue. The company
has grown and adapted technologically to
become an industry leader for business assurance software solutions.
For more information, go to booth 414 or visit
www.equinoxis.com.
Inc. places
Nitel in
select group
N
itel, a managed telecom service
provider, was named to the annual
Inc. 500|5000 list for a sixth year in
a row. It also landed a spot on the Inc. 5000
Honor Roll as one of a select group of companies to make the list five times or more.
The list, published annually by Inc.
magazine, represents the top privatelyheld companies in the United States,
ranked by growth percentage. Nitel posted
a three-year growth rate of 57 percent,
as well as adding to its staff count by 35
employees over the same period, taking
its total to 108.
“We continue to focus on the growth of
the Nitel network,” CEO Rick Stern said.
“Over the past year we’ve expanded our
network to six core and 52 access PoPs, with
over 200,000 lit buildings across the country.
“We’ve added industry leading tools, like
our MyNitel web portal, where clients can
easily access their network and billing information from their desktop,” Stern added.
“And our first-of-its-kind MyNitel mobile
app allows clients to get real-time network
data on their iOS devices. In the coming
year we look forward to further bolstering
our network and increasing our innovative
product set to continue our aggressive plan
for growth into the future.”
For more information, visit www.nitelusa.com.
EZtax announces two
billing partnerships
E
Peter Radizeski, founder and president of RAD-INFO INC.,
serves as a host at the HUB on the EXPO floor.
12
COMPTEL Plus
Ztax (formerly known as BillSoft Inc.)
continues its phenomenal growth this
year, and with its expansion come new
partnerships with two billing providers, H2O
Overgroup and OneBill.
The innovative billing systems of these
two companies are fully integrated with EZtax
software, making it easy for their customers
to use EZtax and benefit from its exceptional
features.
As EZtax demonstrates its products are superior, its billing system partners continue to refer
their clients to the company. One of its long-term
partners, CommSoft, recently recommended
EZtax to a new clients, EATEL.
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
“It is refreshing to actually have dedicated
support when I have a tax question,” said Liz
Cook, controller of EATEL. “At EZtax, I talk to my
primary point of contact live each time. This is
a great service because we don’t have to explain
our business every time that we call. EZtax
customer support has served us extremely well.”
CommSoft has an end-to-end billing and OSS
software suite designed to meet the needs of each
department in your company. For information
about CommSoft, visit www.commsoft.net.
EZtax looks forward to continued growth with
its newly established and existing partners.
For more information about EZtax, visit
booth 207 or go to EZtax.com.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Symphony puts all the pieces
in perfect harmony
Can’t find the right information
at the right time?
Billing
& CRM
Mediation
Is it taking too long to get
products to market?
Rating
Executive
Dashboard
Roaming
Are you capturing billing
from all sources?
Are you duplicating tasks?
Suite of
Products
Settlements
Provisioning
Symphony™ – a carrier-grade,
stand-alone, turnkey platform –
can handle all these issues
and so much more!
Symphony enables service providers
TopUp
Workflow
Customer
Self-Care
and resellers to launch new Business Support
Systems applications and service offerings within
their existing OSS. Symphony is brought to you by
telecom experts who have built and installed state-of-the-art
systems for large and small companies across the globe.
Find out more! Stop by
Booth 419 and enter to
win an Apple iPad.
585-419-7040
[email protected]
xelex.net
Copyright © Xelex Technologies, Inc 2014.
Day 2
Premium rate number fraud increases
P
remium rate numbers have been a staple
of the telecom industry. Unfortunately,
fraudulent use of premium rate numbers
has exploded during the last several years.
TransNexus President Jim Dalton emphasizes,
“Premium rate numbers are begging to be used
for fraud. The premium rate number business
model made sense before VoIP technology was
available. Now, a whole ecosystem has evolved
that makes traffic pumping fraud to premium
rate numbers an easy endeavor for anyone.”
A new TransNexus report examines the
growing problem of telecom fraud stemming
from the use of premium rate numbers and how
TransNexus fraud detection solutions can help to
protect service providers.
According to the report, the problem with
premium rate numbers is they are easy to
abuse. The money paid to the “business” acts
as a strong incentive to pump traffic to a phone
number. Traffic pumping, or access stimulation,
is a scheme in which a fraudster uses inappropriate means to artificially inflate traffic to their
premium rate number.
The criminal can hack into a phone network,
use stolen equipment or simply use deceptive
practices to generate traffic to premium rate
numbers. The results can be tens of thousands of
dollars in fraudulent charges.
Recently, a seven-person architectural firm
in Atlanta received a $166,000 bill for fraudulent
calls to Gambia, Somalia and the Maldives. The
firm has filed a complaint with the FCC citing its
service provider, tw telecom inc, is aiding and
abetting the fraudulent scheme, since it has paid
its international carrier for the fraudulent traffic.
Because the public looks at telecom fraud as
similar to credit card fraud – something for which
they should not be liable – most service providers
are unable to collect payment for the huge
charges and are stuck paying the bills themselves.
Researchers at TransNexus turned up 41
companies that offer quick setup for premium
rate number services. A potential fraudster needs
to contact only one of these companies to be
provided with a list of premium rate numbers.
The service will then give the criminal a cut of
the income provided from calls to the numbers.
Many services even offer help setting up a
custom interactive voice response (IVR) system
or call center answering.
Fraudsters only need to specify whether they
want the line to be answered with psychic readings, betting tips, chat lines or weather reports.
Potential fraudsters don’t need special
equipment to operate a premium rate number.
Incoming calls to the premium rate number are
connected to international points-of-presence,
where they are either terminated onto IVR equipment or internationally forwarded to the fraudster’s own SIP servers.
Most services can handle up to 99 simultaneous calls at a time.
The full TransNexus report, “Hacking Premium
Rate Number Schemes,” details how fraudsters are
acquiring premium rate numbers and includes
call-flow diagrams that illustrate the way they take
advantage of the system. The report is available
for free download at www.transnexus.com/index.
php/whitepapers.
For more information, go to TransNexus at
booth 514.
Global Capacity buys Megapath services
G
lobal Capacity announced in September
that it signed a definitive agreement to
acquire the network services business
unit of MegaPath Corporation.
The transaction is expected to combine the
complementary capabilities of Global Capacity’s
One Marketplace platform and cloud application with MegaPath’s robust network infrastructure and intelligent delivery systems.
The acquisition will create a $300 million
company focused on making it simpler, more
cost-effective and more efficient for customers
to buy network connectivity in today’s increasingly complex $318 billion global data connectivity market.
MegaPath provides data, voice, security
and hosted IT services for small, medium and
enterprise businesses nationwide. Its services
empower businesses to communicate among
their headquarters, employees and business
partners, easily and securely.
As a result of the acquisition, Global Capacity
will gain infrastructure and human resources
that allow it to compete more effectively on a
global scale.
Global Capacity is a connectivity-as-a-service
company that improves the efficiency and
reduces the cost of buying access networks globally. Through its One Marketplace, the company
brings together customers and suppliers in an
14
COMPTEL Plus
automated platform that provides ubiquitous
access network solutions that deliver on its
brand promise: “Connectivity Made Simple.”
Pivotal Group owns Global Capacity. Terms of
the deal were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of these strategic assets from MegaPath,”
said F. Francis Najafi, founder and CEO of
Pivotal Group. “The disruptive nature of the One
Marketplace platform has become increasingly
self-evident in the market, and the ability to
accelerate the scale and competitiveness of our
platform through the addition of these assets is
very exciting.”
The acquisition also will provide Global
Capacity with a significant expansion of business and wholesale customers, as well as the
United States’ largest aggregated central officebased network, serving 50 markets, reaching
more than 14 million businesses and adding
more than 300 experienced employees.
“Our acquisition of MegaPath’s network
services business furthers our strategy to
simplify network connectivity by creating one
of the most innovative connectivity as a service
companies in the industry,” said Jack Lodge,
president of Global Capacity.
“By expanding our product portfolio, and our
network’s reach and depth, we can now deliver
access to over 98 percent of the U.S. market,
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
offering our customers more options to connect
to even more choice locations while improving
our price performance, and building on the
double digit growth we enjoyed this past year.”
The network services being acquired is
aligned with Global Capacity’s initiatives for
growth. Key drivers include:
• Continued build-out of ubiquitous network
reach;
• Enhancements to Global Capacity’s cloud
application that enables real-time design,
price and ordering of connectivity; and
• Improved real-time network management
tools to meet telecommunication carriers,
managed service providers, system integrators and enterprise customers increasingly
application centric bandwidth requirements.
With the sale of its network services business unit, MegaPath will continue operate its
managed voice, data, security and cloud services
businesses. The transaction will enable MegaPath
to focus on these high growth segments.
At closing, MegaPath will become Global
Capacity’s largest wholesale customer.
“This transaction provides great benefit to
our network services customers, while enabling
MegaPath to focus on investing in the growth of
our core value added services,” said Craig Young,
CEO, MegaPath. “Customers will benefit from
(See Global Cpacity, page 16)
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
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Day 2
Carriers change as a result
of wireless backhaul growth
T
he free-for-all days of wireless backhaul billing are coming to a close. As
wholesale carrier services evolve and
grow, wireless service providers, like Sprint and
AT&T, are tightening their wholesale billing and
auditing practices.
Many wireless and dark fiber providers have
begun insisting that wholesale carriers provide
mechanized, industry-standard bills and reports,
which can be loaded into their systems for
processing and verification.
“It’s a pretty common industry response,” said
industry expert and DataTech CEO Jon Jones.
“When new wholesale revenue streams, like wireless backhaul, begin you often end up with a
mixed bag of approaches and solutions.
“However, as those streams grow and establish
themselves, providers begin to take a closer look
at how they process, verify and resolve issues with
invoices rendered to them,” Jones continued.
“In the case of backhaul, for example, the wireless providers noticed a lack of consistency in the
billing formats and circuit inventory provided by
the wholesale carriers.”
Jones added, “Everybody was doing things
differently and many carriers were using homegrown solutions or cheap online services to
produce bills and spreadsheets of circuit informa-
tion that looked acceptable, but could not be easily
processed or audited by the wireless providers.
“To establish consistency, providers are
turning to the mechanized C-BOS compliant
bills, BDTs and CSRs most often associated with
landline access/interconnection billing as a
solution,” he added.
Communications Data Group CEO Bob
LaBonte said, “It makes sense, even if it’s a bit
ironic. As industry and regulatory changes
continue to call into question the future of
access/interconnection, here come these new
emerging wholesale markets that can directly
benefit from the standards established for
managing switched access circuits.
“We’ve actually been billing backhaul services
and producing C-BOS compliant wholesale bills,
BDTs and CSRs for numerous clients for several
years using tools originally designed for carrier
access,” LaBonte added.
With wireless data traffic projected to reach
nearly 16 million Terabytes by 2016, and Ethernet
backhaul revenues expected to eclipse $10
billion by 2017, wholesale backhaul services will
continue to expand, as likely will the billing and
auditing requirements of carriers.
For more information, visit booth 319 or go to
www.cdg.ws.
(Global Capacity continued from page 14)
the expanded portfolio of connectivity solutions provided by One Marketplace.”
Global Capacity’s One Marketplace eliminates the complexity and inefficiency of
buying network connectivity by combining
interconnected, aggregated network with
a cloud application that automates the
procurement of network services.
One Marketplace streamlines service
delivery and ensures the best client experience by providing customers with a single
interface through which to design, price
and fulfill multinetwork, multigeography
requirements, as well as a single SLA,
contract and point of contact.
Prior to the transaction’s closing, the
companies will continue to be led by their
respective management teams.
Upon closing, Jack Lodge, president of
Global Capacity, will lead the combined
company. Throughout the closing process,
there will be no impact to customer service
or support, and a detailed planning process
is underway to ensure a seamless transition
at closing.
The deal is expected to close in
December, following customary regulatory
approvals.
For more information, visit www.globalcapacity.com or www.megapath.com.
Roundtable lets execs speak their mind
F
our C-level executives, representing
over many, many years,” he said. “Customers
Medin verbalized what all panelists know:
different aspects of the communications
don’t care about that, however, but when we do
“There is a certain amount of physics in this busimarket, engaged in a casual conversalook at investments, we should be asking how it
ness,” he said. “As you go into more and more
tionMonday during the Executive Roundtable
serves our customers.”
markets, it’s difficult to close the gaps in some of
General Session at COMPTEL PLUS.
Bye also emphasized the need for fairness,
the really small rural markets.”
COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering moderated
pointing out how “a couple of players completely
He added that it is good to see people looking
the discussion among Chris Ancell, CEO of XO
dominated the lower frequency spectrum; it’s
for new ways to do business, calling the “data
Communications; Stephen Bye, CTO of Sprint;
important that we have policies that make it
piece,” relatively easy, but noting that adding TV
Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream;
competitive there.”
is “a struggle.”
and Milo Medin, vice president of
Not wanting to waste an opportunity,
Access Services for Google Inc.
Pickering asked each of the panelist
With FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in
what his company needs from the FCC.
the front row, the executives discussed
Ancell said certainty around special
industry priorities, opportunities and
access, as well a close look at the “lock
impediments in today’s environment,
up” contracts.
hitting on hot-button topics such as
Bye called for a “fair environment”
access, interconnection, fairness and
where everyone can compete equally. He
certainty in a market that seems always
said the FCC plays an important role as
to be in flux.
a referee to “keep the dominant players
Ancell stressed decisions made at
in check.”
a company level, as well as at the
Gardner called for the FCC to keep
FCC, need to consider how changes
customers in mind in making the deciaffect customers
sions that lead the industry through
Bye added that while companies
the transition from older systems that
invest in future technologies, the
are going away to the new world of
customers are more concerned about
communications.
(From left to right) COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering moderates the Executive
what they are paying for services today. Roundtable featuring Chris Ancell, CEO, XO Communications; Stephen Bye, CTO,
And Medin discussed the need to
Sprint; Jeff Gardner, President & CEO, Windstream; and Milo Medin, Vice President
“Payback of investment return is
manage access rights fairly.
of Access Services for Google Inc.
16
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
THE REAL NUMBERS IN NUMBER PORTABILITY
17 YEARS
WITHOUT A COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS FOR THE LNPA CONTRACT
$2 BILLION
ADDITIONAL FEES CONSUMERS AND CARRIERS WILL HAVE PAID
NEUSTAR DUE TO NO COMPETITIVE BIDDING
$1 MILLION
0 CHANGES
PER DAY IN CHARGES TO CONSUMERS AND CARRIERS FOR
EVERY DAY OF DELAY*
TO BUSINESS RULES, PROCESSES AND PORTING TIMES WITH
ICONECTIV
19 YEARS
OF EXPERIENCE ICONECTIV HAS IN NUMBER PORTABILITY
THERE ARE TWO FACTS ABOUT COMPETITION: IT BRINGS BETTER SERVICES AT LOWER
PRICES FOR CONSUMERS, AND INCUMBENTS HATE IT. ICONECTIV WILL DELIVER THE SAME
FUNCTIONALITY AT A LOWER PRICE.
SUPPORT COMPETITION.
DON’T LET NEUSTAR CONTINUE
TO MISREPRESENT TRANSITION
COSTS AND OVERCHARGE
CARRIERS AND CONSUMERS.
WWW.ICONECTIV.COM/INSIGHTS/COMPETITION
*According to August 8th CTIA Reply Comments
Day 2
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
COMPTEL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING
Yellow Rose Ballroom
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
COMPTEL PLUS REGISTRATION
Longhorn Marble Foyer
Sponsored by GENBAND US, LLC
BROADBAND INNOVATION
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
COMPTEL PLUS DEAL CENTER
Longhorn Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by bandwidth
Sessions are color-coded by specific focus:
Blue: Cloud Market
Red: Broadband Innovation
Green: Network of the Future
CLOUD MARKET
What’s the Forecast? Multiple
Clouds on the Horizon
Texas Ballroom 1
Moderator: Brian Fung, Reporter, The
Washington Post
Speakers:
Dr. Jonathan Reeve, Senior Director, Product
Marketing, CenturyLink Cloud
Vaughn Suazo, Distinguished Systems
Engineer, Cisco
Mike Toplisek, Executive Vice President and
Chief Revenue Officer, EarthLink
BROADBAND INNOVATION
Rural Broadband: Extending
the Reach to Meet Demand
Texas Ballroom 3
Moderator: Philip Macres, Principal, Klein
Law Group
Speakers:
Thomas Beem, Vice President Sales and
Marketing, Iowa Networks Services Inc.
Andre Cooks, Director of Business
Development, COMLINK
Bruce Holdridge, CLEC/Subsidiary Manager,
Gila Local Exchange, Inc. d/b/a Alluvion
Communications
Erin Ostler, Director of Sales, Emerging &
Wholesale Solutions, Sprint
NETWORK OF THE FUTURE
Open Internet: What’s at Stake?
Texas Ballroom 5
Moderator: Trey Hanbury, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Speakers:
Robert Beury, Vice President, and Chief Legal
Officer, Cogent Communications
Steve Davis, Executive Vice President, Public
Policy and Government Relations, CenturyLink
Matthew DelNero, Deputy Chief of Wireline
Competition Bureau, FCC
Gene Kimmelman, President and CEO, Public
Knowledge
Matthew Polka, President and CEO, American
Cable Association (ACA)
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
CLOUD MARKET
Locked Down: Key Components for
Airtight Security
Texas Ballroom 1 - Presented by Metroplex
Technology Business Council (MTBC)
Moderator: Drew Snow, Vice President,
Member Services, MTBC
COMPTEL Plus
Fiber, Fiber Everywhere:
The Intersection of Industry,
Government and Policy
Texas Ballroom 3
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
18
Speakers:
Jeff Schilling, Chief Security Officer, FireHost
Jeff Shaffer, Lab Manager, and Group Leader
for the North Texas Electronics Crime Task
Force, U.S. Secret Service
Kevin Wheeler, Founder and Managing
Director, InfoDefense
Moderator: Geoff Why, Member, Mintz Levin
Speakers:
James Capuano, Senior Vice President & Chief
of Network Operations, FirstLight Fiber
Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology
and Energy, and Immediate Past President/
Board Member of National Association of
Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
(NATOA)
Michael Hurley, Vice President, Sales and
Marketing, Fibertech Networks
Ron Kormos, Chief Strategy Officer, FiberLight
NETWORK OF THE FUTURE
Network Function Virtualization
(NFV): Hope, Hype or Honest Value?
Texas Ballroom 5
Moderator: Prayson Pate, CTO and Senior Vice
President of Research and Development,
Overture
Speakers:
Tim Naramore, CTO, Masergy
Ray Patalano, Director, Solutions Marketing,
Cyan
Eitan Schwartz, Vice President, Service Provider
Line of Business, North America, RAD
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
General Session: Wireless
Backhaul
Grapevine A
Moderator: Sean Buckley, Senior Editor,
FierceTelecom
Speakers:
Chris Albering, Vice President, Product
Marketing, Fairpoint Communications
Jerry Cady, Director, LSN (Formerly LS
Networks)
Greg Ortyl, Senior Vice President, Sales &
Marketing, PEG Bandwidth
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
COMPTEL PLUS TRADE EXPO
Longhorn Exhibit Hall
Lunch served
Stop by the new multimedia COMPTEL PLUS
HUB to get the latest news from the show.
2:15 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Drawing
Grand Prize Drawing Sponsors:
•C
OMLINK (Booth 601)
• CSF Corporation (Booth 418)
• GeoResults (Booth 415)
• NetSapiens (Booth 421)
•R
AD (Booth 609)
•S
ales Tax Associates Inc. (Booth 413)
• Sonus Networks (Booth 203)
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
CLOUD MARKET
Transforming Enterprise Networks:
An Aggregated Multi-Cloud
Strategy Texas Ballroom 1
Moderator: Ben Edmond, Chief Revenue
Officer, Global Capacity Speakers:
Adam Janota, Director, Global Networks,
Equinix
Russell Lahti, Director, Technology & Systems,
COMLINK
Duncan Puller, Vice President of Data Center
and Cloud, Ciena
BROADBAND INNOVATION
Rural Telehealth: A Healthy
Business Opportunity
Texas Ballroom 3
Moderator: Randy Lowe, Partner, Davis Wright
Tremaine
Speakers:
Dr. Chris Gibbons, Scholar in Residence,
Connect2Health FCC Task Force and
Associate Director, Johns Hopkins Urban
Health Institute
Larry Jonczak, Director, Information Services,
Lakes Regional Community Center
Tim Koxlien, Founder and CEO, Rural
Health Telecom, a division of Telequality
Communications Inc.
Ryan Lehman, Director of Health, BT Americas,
BT Global Services
NETWORK OF THE FUTURE
The Bottom Line: Maximizing
Network Revenue
Texas Ballroom 5
Moderator: David Byrd, Chief Marketing
Officer, ANPI
Speakers:
Anand Buch, CEO and Co-Founder, NetSapiens
Tom Savard, Vice President, Product &
Technology Development, Transition Networks
Gary Zimmerman, Senior Director, Product
Marketing, Neustar
Longhorn Exhibit Hall
COMPTEL Booth 325; Located in the
COMPTEL PLUS Hub
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to win one of the
grand prizes at COMPTEL PLUS! Prizes
include American Express gift cards worth
$1,500, $1,000 and $500. How the Raffle Works
At the time of registration, each attendee
will receive an entry card. To be eligible for
the drawing, the attendee must visit each
sponsor’s booth to receive a stamp on the
entry card, deposit the card in the bin at
the COMPTEL booth. Only entry cards with
all sponsors’ stamps are qualified for entry.
Entrants must be present at the time of
drawing to claim their prize.
Unlock the Value of the AT&T API
Platform for Solution Providers
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
General Session
Grapevine A – Sponsored by AT&T Foundry
Speakers:
Ryan Stafford, Director, Marketing
Communications, Emerging Business
Markets, AT&T
Sara Straley, Director, Product Development,
Emerging Business Markets, AT&T
COMPTEL PLUS
Fall 2014
Exhibitor List
COMPANY
BOOTH #
ADVA Optical Networking Inc.
208
Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc
209
AT&T Partner Exchange
518
Beka Publishing 624
BillSoft Inc.
207
Brocade 519
Carrier Hotel Alliance
202
CHR Solutions Inc.
619
Ciena 501
Comlink601
Communications Data Group
319
Compliance Solutions Inc.
614
Comptel224
Consolidated Communications Inc.
300
Contingent Network Services
212
Core Communications
513
CSF Corporation
418
CYAN309
DIDx225
ECI Telecom
312
Endstream/1st Point Communications 612
Enghouse Networks
206
Equinox Information Systems
414
FISPA - The Federation of Internet
Solution Providers of the Americas
626
Freeside Internet Services
321
GeoResults Inc.
415
Granite Telecommunications LLC
620
GSAssociates318
H20 Overgroup
618
Huawei North America
213
ICON Cloud Solutions
219
IEEE Dallas Section
627
INDATEL406
Infinera Corporation
302
LightRiver Technologies Inc.
412
LightSpeed Technologies
613
LinuxMagic527
LSN320
Magic Telecom
420
NetSapiens Inc
421
Neustar200
PEG Bandwidth
306
Presidio Network Solutions
227
Profitec Billing Services Inc.
307
RAD609
RIOREY220
RiverRock Systems Ltd.
520
Sales Tax Associates Inc.
413
Sandy Beaches Software
508
Snom Technology Inc.
201
Sonus Networks
203
Spirit Communications
621
Sunesys, LLC
512
Taqua214
Technologies Management Inc.
506
Telecom Professionals Inc.
308
TelePacific Communications
301
TeleSphere Software 607
Televergence Solutions Inc.
324
Telispire314
Thermo Credit LLC
615
TimelyBill407
TMCnet218
Transition Networks
313
TransNexus Inc.
514
Unite Private Networks
326
VarData LLC
525
Vector Data
221
Vitelity 215
VTX1315
Walker and Associates Inc.
507
Windstream401
Wolfe521
Xelex Technologies
419
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
COMPTEL PLUS Fall 2014 Convention & EXPO
October 5 - 8, 2014
Gaylord Texan - Dallas, Texas
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
19
Day 2
Two at MediaCom named innovators
T
wo members of MediaCom’s senior
management were named as Agency Innovators for 2014 by global marketing title,
“The Internationalist.”
The awards are designed to recognize agency
leaders who are transforming the shape and role
of their companies, broadening the areas where
they add value for advertisers in areas such as
trading, procurement, strategy and digital.
Global Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Mee
was recognized for his role in delivering MediaCom’s global connected planning system, while
Steve Carbone, chief digital and analytics officer
at MediaCom USA, was recognized for his work in
driving innovation across the agency’s 225-strong
digital team.
Mee recently launched MediaCom’s
connected planning approach and digital
hub to all 5,800 agency staff across the global
network. It’s designed to ensure the agency’s
clients benefit from transformative communications performance by focusing on their whole
communications system rather than just individual channel silos.
The rollout of the digital hub gives the agency’s
planners the tools they need to apply systems
thinking to the key communications challenges
their clients face, regardless of the market or
sector in which they operate.
Carbone joined MediaCom USA in 2013 to ensure
the company produces the most innovative digital
work in the media sector. He leads digital for some of
the biggest U.S. advertisers, including Volkswagen,
Subway, Shell, Revlon, Dell and Bayer.
He previously led Grey Interactive, G2 Direct
& Digital and was a founding partner at UMarketing Digital.
Global Capacity brings
multicloud panel together
G
lobal Capacity, the network connectivity company, has assembled four
of its top customers and partners to
participate in today’s executive roundtable,
“Transforming Enterprise Networks: An Aggregated, Multi-Cloud Strategy,” at 2:30 p.m. in
Texas Ballroom 1.
Global Capacity’s Chief Revenue Officer, Ben
Edmond, will moderate the panel of network
and cloud providers, including Russell Lahti,
director of Technology Systems at COMLINK;
Adam Janota, director of Global Networks at
Equinix; and Duncan Puller, vice president of
Data Center and Cloud Strategy for Ciena.
The session is expected to provide an invaluable 360-degree perspective that makes up key
elements of today’s cloud ecosystem.
Panel participants will discuss how network
and cloud service providers are aligning to help
competitive operators and global enterprises
leverage the benefits of cloud services.
Discussion points will provide insights into
the speed, security, performance and agility
offered by establishing private network connections to the cloud.
Adoption of cloud is prevalent across a number
of industries. According to Gartner, end-user
spending on cloud services could reach more than
$180 billion by 2015, with IDC predicting a steady
growth in the number of telecommunications
services consumed by cloud companies.
With Global Capacity’s panelists of experts
designing, implementing and operating cloudbased solutions, insights into the needs of
customers and how they use the cloud are
expected to be revealed.
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COMPTEL Plus
To schedule a meeting at COMPTEL, call 877-366-2674.
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
Windstream awarded Robin Air Force Base contract
W
indstream, a provider of advanced
network communications, was awarded
a contract by the United States Air Force
to provide Robins Air Force Base with diverse voice
communication services.
Windstream will provide Ethernet and voice
services to Robins AFB, the largest industrial complex
in Warner Robins, Ga., employing more than 25,000
people, including civilians, contractors and troops.
The five-year award includes all commercial
voice, data, and Internet services intended for
non-secure communications, such as phone calls
home for the soldiers on base.
“With the technology solutions we’re providing
to Robins Air Force Base, we’re supporting the
overall mission of the United States Air Force – ‘to
fly, fight and win... in air, space and cyberspace,’”
said Mike Magliato, Windstream’s vice president
and general manager of Government Solutions.
“Equipping those who defend and protect our
country with custom-designed solutions that help
them win in any capacity – whether in combat or
in communications to their loved ones back home
- is an honor for the Windstream team,” he added.
With its nationwide network of more than
118,000 fiber route miles, Windstream has been
serving government entities, such as the Department of Defense and Defense Information Systems
Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, Depart-
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
ment of Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs,
U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy, U.S. Courts and the
Department of Homeland Security since 2005.
“Providing secure and reliable communications and IT solutions to the U.S. government
is a source of pride for Windstream,” said John
Leach, Windstream’s executive vice president of
Enterprise Sales. “When government operations
are involved, our ‘smart solutions, personalized
service’ brand promise is more critical than ever
to ensure those operations succeed flawlessly.”
Windstream offers a full suite of advanced
network communications and technology solutions, including voice and data services such as
VoIP, SIP trunking, MPLS, and dedicated highspeed Internet. Windstream also offers Unified
Communications, managed services, cloud
computing, disaster recovery and networking
services designed to help businesses increase
productivity and improve operational costs.
For more information, go to booth 401 or visit
www.windstreambusiness.com.
EZtax taps into new industries
B
ecause of its expertise in the sales
and use-tax arena, EZtax (formerly
BillSoft) has been gaining customers
in numerous industries.
“We specialize in retail, technology and telecommunications to name a few,” the company
stated in a release. “EZtax’s versatile and userfriendly products give confidence to businesses
of all sizes, in all markets, that their indirect tax
challenges are being solved.
“As we experience this phenomenal growth,
we continually strive to improve our superior
customer service and support.”
EZtax offers indirect taxation solutions for
nearly 750 distinct products and services with
more than 300 detailed built-in tax descriptions
in nearly 100 countries.
One of the company’s most recent improvements is the enhancement of its disaster recovery
system. To safeguard clients’ data, EZtax has
upgraded its disaster recovery system to include live
data replication and automatic failover of services.
EZtax uses a Class 5 underground facility for
its backup servers to the EZtax primary data
center in case a disaster occurs.
For more information on the benefits of
choosing EZtax as your total tax solution, visit
booth 207 or go to www.billsoft.com.
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
21
Day 2
ADVA Optical Networking showcases transport SDN
A
DVA Optical Networking will play a vital role
in the world’s largest demonstration of transport software defined networking (SDN).
Developed jointly by members of the
Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) and Open
Networking Foundation (ONF), the demonstration will span carrier environments in China,
Europe and the United States. It will highlight
how SDN can be used by carriers to develop a
service-centric network infrastructure.
ADVA Optical Networking will use its FSP
3000 platform with Reconfigurable Optical Add/
Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) technology and its
Network Hypervisor to showcase how flexible
SDN-based networks can become.
“We were the first to bring SDN into the optical
domain, we were the first to underline the potential this technology could have on a network,
how it could usher in a new era of opportunity,”
said Christoph Glingener, CTO for ADVA Optical
Networking. “This is why we’re working with the
OIF and ONF. We’re using our experience of SDN
in the transport layer to further highlight its benefits to network operators.
“What’s key about this global demonstration is
the sheer scale of interoperability, the sheer scale
of interworking,” he continued. “The industry
is working collectively to drive programmability
forward and define the right standards that guar-
22
COMPTEL Plus
antee network performance and ease-of-use. The
outcome of this demonstration will reveal how
we can gradually transition to a service-centric
network that will open new revenue opportunities.”
The global transport SDN demonstration will be the first time that ADVA Optical
Networking publically shows its new Network
Hypervisor technology.
‘We’re using our
experience of SDN
in the transport layer
to further highlight
its benefits to
network operators.’
– Christoph Glingener, ADVA
The Network Hypervisor is a critical component in the development of service-centric
networks. It enables carriers to develop virtual
networks that support multi-tenancy and single
customer ownership on a shared underlying
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
physical infrastructure.
The level of freedom is a significant departure from operational models and could impact
several key areas: It could reduce operating costs,
ensure rapid provision of new services and drive
a quicker return on investments. These are goals
carriers have wanted to achieve for years.
The OIF and ONF interoperability demonstration will highlight what’s possible.
“The migration to a service-centric network
has been a long-held aim of carriers. It presents a
genuine opportunity to achieve cost savings and
drive new revenue opportunities,” said Ulrich
Kohn, director of Technical Marketing for ADVA
Optical Networking. “To be successful here,
carriers need firm assurances that this technology can perform, that the vendor community
can deliver. That’s why the OIF and ONF
demonstration is so important.
“We have carriers and vendors from across
the globe working together to achieve interoperability, to assure interworking, to develop a clear
roadmap for the future. The results from this
testing will clearly highlight where we are and
the next steps to achieving the full potential that
transport SDN offers,” Kohn added.
For more information on the ADVA Network
Hypervisor and programmable networks go to
booth 208 or visit http://adva.li/hyper.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
LSN begins Confluence Initiative for rural Northwest
L
SN announced the launch of its Confluence
Initiative, which brings federal, state and
private industry broadband infrastructure
initiatives together into a cohesive and robust
regionwide network.
During the past six years, many seemingly
unrelated broadband initiatives supported by
federal or state programs and private industry
have bolstered access to broadband infrastructure
in rural communities. LSN believes bringing all the
uncoordinated efforts together is the first chapter
in what could be a spectacular broadband story.
The Confluence Initiative has two main parts.
The first component is based on the idea that all
individual initiatives should build exponentially
upon each other. LSN reasons funded fiber initiatives that pass unrelated and initially unfunded
fiber points will need to intersect eventually.
The second component is based on fostering
fiber route protection in underserved communities.
By connecting isolated fiber routes created through
unrelated initiatives, LSN creates a secure and
robust Layer 2 network for rural communities.
avoided and a robust network can be created to
serve all communities.
The 11 cell towers are just part of the story,
however, as LSN has been contracted to deliver
fiber to the tower to nearly 500 locations in
Oregon and Washington.
The company completed construction and
delivered its 400th tower location in September.
All towers are served with fiber and the services
are delivered via LSN’s layer 2 backbone.
During the height of the projects, more than
200 people were directly or indirectly employed
and more than $50 million were invested in the
construction project.
LSN said most of the construction occurred in
remote areas with difficult terrain, adding complexity
to the project. However, its ability to deliver FTTT
in rural parts of the Pacific Northwest has helped
fundamentally change the wireless providers
approach to delivering 4G-LTE to the area.
For more information on LSN and its services,
visit booth 320 or go to www.LSNetworks.net.
LSN’s goal is
to bring these
initiatives
together by
building out new
and connecting
isolated
fiber networks.
LSN has seen success with the strategy. In
2011, the company received funding from the
Oregon Health Network to connect a remote
prison healthcare clinic in Southwestern Oregon.
Although the economics for completing the
project were unfavorable, LSN proceeded.
The fiber route was in close proximity to 11 cell
towers, and while the company had no contracts
to bring fiber to those towers, it believed the need
for fiber to the tower services would present itself.
A purely return on investment view would
have discouraged completion of the initial build,
however, three years later, all 11 cell towers are in
service via the initial build.
The confluence of this project allows 4G-LTE
service in a critical need public safety area and
prepares the area for the eventuality of the
FirstNet initiative.
LSN’s goal is to bring these initiatives together
by building out new and connecting isolated
fiber networks. By doing this, overbuilding can be
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
23
Day 2
Cyan introduces Planet Orchestrate
C
yan, a provider of SDN, NFV and packetoptical solutions for network operators
introduced Planet Orchestrate, a multivendor and multi-domain, NFV and Cloud
orchestration application for Cyan’s Blue Planet,
the industry’s first carrier-grade SDN platform
for network operators and the WAN.
Unlike other “siloed” solutions, Planet Orchestrate combines the power of WAN service creation
and automation with the orchestration of virtual
resources – creating a software-defined engine for
revenue generation in carrier networks.
Defining the Orchestration Challenge Network
operators need to introduce, automate and
operationalize virtualized services among data
centers, on top of existing network services and
across the WAN.
Legacy hardware-based appliances dedicated to performing a single function within
the network are expensive and inefficient.
Orchestration solves this problem by delivering
the framework, templates and processes essential for stitching together virtual and physical
resources, as well as automating and dynamically configuring these resources across multiple
network domains.
“The top motivation driving service providers
to pursue SDN and NFV is the ability to deploy
services much more quickly for new revenue
opportunities – it’s about revenue and service
agility,” stated Michael Howard, principal
‘Planet
Orchestrate
is ahead of
the market and
has already
proven its
viability and
interoperability.’
– Michael Hatfield, Cyan
analyst, Infonetics Research. “While operators
are certainly attuned to the capital and opera-
tional benefits of these transformative technologies, it is the orchestration of virtual compute,
storage, and network, combined with the automation of existing network resources that will
lead to new, higher-margin revenue streams and
happier customers.”
Planet Orchestrate is purpose-built for
managing, automating and orchestrating end-toend services that leverage physical and/or virtual
resources, including compute, networking, and
storage from a “single pane of glass.” To speed
time to market rapidly, customers will be able to
define and create new service types using Planet
Orchestrate’s service template architecture.
Also, Planet Orchestrate provides multidomain orchestration, cloud services orchestration, and NFV orchestration (based on the
ETSI NFV ISG Management and Orchestration
framework). This new Blue Planet application
uses open APIs to ensure interoperability with
different OSS/BSS platforms, cloud management
systems, SDN controllers and virtualized network
function (VNF) managers.
Key Planet Orchestrate features include:
• Multi-Domain Service Orchestration
– Planet Orchestrate enables seamless
service delivery across multiple domains.
It can leverage existing SDN controllers
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COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
CSF Corporation Contact
www.csfcorp.com
[email protected]
+1.732.302.0222
Frank Lauria, 732.713.3562
Ask us about
8MS TeXT texting
for toll-free numbers!
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
and management platforms to deploy
end-to-end services. Through a single painof-glass, Planet Orchestrate can help to
break down management silos and enables
network operators to provision and manage
services across networks comprised of
legacy and new SDN/NFV-enabled components. Multi-domain service orchestration
supports service-chaining between VNFs
and physical network functions to allow
operators to deploy services efficiently
across networks.
• NFV Orchestration – Planet Orchestrate is
designed to fulfill the roles of the orchestrator and VNF manager functionality
described in the ETSI NFV ISG architecture. Planet Orchestrate NFV orchestration
is both VNF vendor and function neutral,
providing a platform for operators to deploy
and manage a variety of VNFs at varying
degrees of scale and performance. Planet
Orchestrate supports VNF management
and orchestration across one or more data
centers, as well as distributed architectures where VNFs may be deployed at the
customer premise edge. Furthermore, the
NFV orchestration engine supports intelligent VNF placement to maximize performance within a virtualized infrastructure.
• Cloud Orchestration – Planet Orchestrate
enables network operators to offer flexible data center service offerings, such as
IaaS, PaaS, etc. and coordinate that across
a wide area network. Operators will be
able to offer their customers the ability to
instantiate new cloud resources, such as
virtual machines, new tenant networks and
storage, on-demand through an enterprise
portal with the ability to control network and
virtual resource allocation.
• Production networks, trials and PoCs –
Cyan’s Blue Planet is deployed and provides
SDN control and service automation in
more than 120 networks. Planet Orchestrate, the new application for Blue Planet,
is being validated in customer labs, official
ETSI proof-of-concept demonstrations, and
Cyan’s Blue Orbit Lab, which is dedicated
to testing, demonstrating, and delivering
real-world, multi-vendor SDN and NFV
solutions. The first live proof-of-concept
demonstration of Planet Orchestrate functionality was showcased at Tokyo Interop in
June of 2013. Two additional ETSI-approved
operator-sponsored proof-of-concept
demonstrations have since followed in 2014
including “End-to-End vEPC Orchestration
in a Multi-vendor Open NFVI Environment”
and “Multi-vendor Distributed NFV.”
“Planet Orchestrate combines the capabilities of a WAN service automation and network
management system with an SDN controller
and orchestrator to enable network operators to
deliver new services, on both physical and virtual
infrastructure, more quickly and at a lower cost,”
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
said Michael Hatfield, president, Cyan. “Developed in collaboration with network operators
and other industry-leading Blue Orbit partners,
Planet Orchestrate is ahead of the market and
has already proven its viability and interoperability via multiple real-world trials and proof-ofconcept demonstrations.”
While the benefits of network transformation
are clear, the specifics of how to bring together
multiple network domains, VNFs and cloud can
seem daunting. Cyan’s Professional Services orga-
nization is available to help carriers accelerate
technology integration and speed new service
introductions.
By working closely with service provider IT
and DevOps teams, Cyan’s team of SDN and
NFV software engineers will be able to help
ensure that Blue Planet applications are integrated seamlessly into a carrier’s existing BSS/
OSS environment.
For more information go to booth 309 or visit
www.cyan.com.
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
25
Day 2
BTI advances Carrier Ethernet portfolio
B
TI Systems, a provider of cloud and metro
networking software and systems to global
content and service providers, announced
enhancements to its Ethernet business services
and mobile backhaul solutions with the addition
of the BTI SA-805 service-access platform for high
capacity Ethernet access.
Introduced at COMPTEL PLUS, the MEF
2.0-compliant BTI SA-805 is compact in size and
enables service providers to address the transition
26
COMPTEL Plus
to 10G access services in a cost-effective manner.
The SA-805 also has advanced features designed
to protect and increase revenues.
“As the leading provider of specialized
communications and connectivity solutions for
the global capital markets, we are constantly
optimizing our network to increase bandwidth, performance and scale,” said IPC’s Vice
President of Global Engineering Tim Carmody.
“Carrier Ethernet access and aggregation are
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
vital to deploying reliable and scalable Ethernet
business services.
“IPC already leverages BTI’s broad portfolio
for both metro networking and low latency
Ethernet business services, including most
recently the BTI 7800 Series as a 100G core
platform,” he continued. “We look forward to
further optimizing our 10G Ethernet access and
aggregation through the compact and scalable
end-to-end packet solutions in the enhanced
BTI 800 Series.”
Growth in service provider network traffic
is creating the need for increased bandwidth
from the end user to the core of the network. For
example, streaming video is driving an increase
in residential customer bandwidth requirements
by 31 percent compound annual growth rate by
2018, according to ACG Research.
Service providers are reacting to enterprises
that need high speed, guaranteed performance
for cloud service access by providing SLA-guaranteed 10G Ethernet business services.
Mobile operators need more bandwidth for 4G
LTE and LTE-Advanced Radio Access Networks
(RANs) to keep up with the flood of video
streaming and other bandwidth-intensive applications from the proliferation of smartphones.
The BTI 800 Series provides scalable solutions
that are MEF CE 2.0 compliant, drive 1G to 10G
access services, are cost effective and increase
revenue opportunities for service providers.
“Service providers are constantly increasing
bandwidth and driving new services which
require an affordable, seamless path to highperformance Ethernet WAN and 4G LTE mobile
backhaul services,” said BTI Systems Senior
Product Manager Frank Chang. “Reducing operational costs and complexity are also vital, and the
800 Series seamlessly integrates with our entire
packet optical portfolio – including the BTI 7800
Intelligent Cloud Connect and BTI 7000 platforms
– all managed with a single management and
control system.
“BTI continues to establish a leadership position in delivering solutions that add value to our
service provider customers, while increasing revenues and enabling new services,” he added.
The BTI 800 Series are compact, multiservice, carrier-grade platforms designed to
deliver Ethernet, or Ethernet and TDM-based
connectivity for enterprise business and wireless
provider mobile backhaul service applications.
The small form factor, low-power requirements and wide-temperature range support make
the BTI 800 Series ideal for use at wireless towers
or customer premise locations – delivering highperformance, scalable services, while reducing
operational costs and complexity.
The BTI SA-805 is an ultra-compact
Ethernet access device that supports
4xGE/10GE SFP+ ports with Ethernet switching
capacity up to 40Gbps, G.8032v2 resiliency,
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
Y.1731 Ethernet OAM, built-in RFC 2544
test, SyncE and IEEE 1588v2 support. The
fan-less 805 delivers up to 4x10GE in a
conventional GE NID form factor.
The BTI 800 Series platforms integrate
seamlessly with the BTI 7800 platforms
providing high-speed 100G metro packet
core network connectivity, and with the BTI
7000 Series platforms with packetVX Carrier
Ethernet switching modules that provide
Ethernet service switching and aggregation.
The entire packet portfolio is supported by
the SDN-enabled BTI proNX Control Software
and associated applications, including the
BTI proNX Service Manager, BTI proNX Dashboard and BTI proNX SLA Portal.
The BTI proNX Service Manager includes
a comprehensive and intuitive graphical user
interface that provides a full set of ISO FCAPS
management functions and focuses on pointand-click activation of Ethernet services endto-end across the network.
The BTI proNX SLA Portal leverages standard Y.1731 OAM functions for end-to-end
Ethernet service quality monitoring, and
provides real-time as well as historical access
to performance statistics and monitoring of
key performance indicators.
For more information, visit www.btisystems.com.
BalsamWest FiberNet, NGN
create new fiber path
B
alsamWest FiberNet announced an
interconnection partnership with NGN
to create a direct carrier-grade network
path between Knoxville, Tenn., and Atlanta. The
resulting transport network path allows direct
connection between carrier exchanges at Digital
Crossing in Knoxville and Telx in downtown
Atlanta without routing through other cities like
Chattanooga or Nashville.
By bypassing traditional hubs, the alternative, diverse route offers low latency.
The combined network provides DWDM
transport services from 1Gbps to multiple
10Gbps waves.
“BalsamWest has always focused on
offering next generation carrier-grade infrastructure throughout our Appalachian Mountain network.” said Terri McElroy, BalsamWest
CEO. “This partnership with NGN allows us
to further enhance the diversity and redundancy of network routes available to our
carriers and enterprise customers throughout
the entire southeast.”
NGN CEO Paul Belk added, “NGN hopes
to meet the demand of Atlanta-based
customers and carriers to bypass traditional,
high traffic routes through Chattanooga,”
added CEO Paul Belk. “This is especially
critical for applications requiring non-oversubscribed connection, which may include
enterprise customers, data centers, wireless
backhaul and telecom carriers.”
For information on either network, contact
[email protected] or [email protected].
Reach outside your footprint.
Mammoth Networks: Your off-net provider.
Contact us at 307.685.5557 or visit www.mammothnetworks.com
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
27
Day 2
snom unveils lineup of mobile DECT products
s
nom technology AG, a developer of IP desktop
business phones, unveiled lineup of IP-based
cordless DECT products delivering major
improvements in coverage, reliability and features.
The snom M65 IP DECT phone, M700 multicell
base station and the M5 DECT repeater are the first of
a new wave of innovative communications products
that snom will bring to market in the coming months.
snom is on the leading edge of SIP-based
desktop phone development, with a full complement of feature-rich, affordable endpoints for
28
COMPTEL Plus
every business need. Now it is broadening its
reach to satisfy the millions of business users
requiring on-site mobility.
The M65 handset combines business communications functionality with the intuitive features
offered by mobile carriers. It is ideal for businesses that require mobile coverage across several
floors or throughout large buildings.
The new generation of snom DECT phones
integrates seamlessly with existing phone systems
for presence, paging and other capabilities, and is
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
far less expensive and offer better call quality than
cellular phones.
The snom M700 multicell base station
delivers expanded coverage over several floors or
throughout large buildings. It links multiple M700
base stations to form a network enabling free
movement and seamless handover between base
stations for uninterrupted calls while moving from
one base station to the next.
The M700, which can be used in single cell or
multicell configuration, supports up to 200 handsets, 40 base stations and 100 repeaters in the
same installation.
The M65 phone has a two-inch backlit color
display and a backlit keypad for dialing in poor
lighting conditions. Other features include wideband audio (including speakerphone) for the
crispest voice quality, six polyphonic ringtones
and vibration setting for incoming calls.
Dual internal antennas ensure reliable reception,
with talk time of up to 17 hours between charges.
When used with the new snom M700 base station,
the M65 features voicemail, call forwarding, call
lists, caller ID, direct search in a corporate directory,
three-way conferencing, auto answer, two simultaneous calls and many other capabilities.
The cordless DECT phone offers expanded range
and is operational up to about 130 feet beyond its
base station in a typical office environment. Shop
floors can expect range of about 195 feet and about
300 feet for production areas, without obstacles.
“Our M65 DECT phone and M700 base station
represents a new generation of feature-rich mobility
for business users,” said Tom Ostrander, snom’s
director of North American Channel Sales. “These new
products offer expanded range, and more features
and flexibility for administrators to easily increase the
number of users while maintaining performance.”
DECT phones offer a multitude of benefits
for business users and administrators including:
large coverage area, low cost, high capacity, very
high security and call quality. These benefits are
applicable to businesses of any size.
Base stations, which are an integral part of
DECT infrastructure and cordless VoIP communications, support HD audio and synchronize
themselves – no additional hardware necessary.
The snom M5 repeater, which includes DECT
encryption, increases reception range and bridges
any gaps between base stations, ensuring the
continuity of calls and eliminating blind spots.
The snom M65 DECT phone and M700 base
station are interoperable with all major VoIP systems.
The M65 phone and the M700 base station
will be available in mid-October, 2014. The M5
repeater will be available later this year.
Along with the new DECT products, snom also
unveiled a modernized, streamlined corporate
logo that better reflects our product portfolio.
snom’s DECT lineup gives business users the
flexibility to be more mobile, which, in today’s
environment, is an absolute requirement.
To see these new phones and for information, go
to booth 201 or visit www.snom.com.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
H2O Overgroup Honored on Inc. 5000 List
H
2O Overgroup, a billing and back-office solution provider, ranks No. 4,219 on this year’s
Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing
Companies. This is the third consecutive year the
company has been part of this prestigious group.
“We are once again thrilled and honored to be
recognized as one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. magazine,” said Brent Maropis, CEO
of H2O Overgroup. “This continued recognition
is a testament to the dedication of our team, as
well as the support of our outstanding clients and
industry partners.”
This year marks the most competitive
winners in the list’s history. The Inc. 5000’ s
aggregate revenue is $211 billion, generating
505,000 jobs during the past three years.
“What surprises me, even though I know it’s
coming, is the sheer variety of the paths our entrepreneurs take to success, thematically reflecting
how our economy has evolved,” says Inc. President
and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg.
H2O Overgroup’s path to success began in 2002
with the creation of H2O, a cloud-based platform
to manage billing and back-end operations in real
time. As an early pioneer of cloud solutions, H2O
has grown to be an industry leader for technology
and communication service providers.
The company considers itself a “next-generation billing and back-office solution” that allows
service providers to acquire, manage, analyze and
grow their customers.
H2O helps service providers grow beyond their
legacy systems by consolidating customer data
across multiple systems, facilitating faster timeto-market and improving operational accuracy
and efficiencies.
Features include ordering, provisioning,
high-velocity rating, usage tracking, realtime reports, automated processes, ticketing,
customer relationship management tool, and
full-service billing.
For more info, visit www.overgroup.com or call
866.470.5502.
CSF adds 8MS TeXT
to provisioning,
LCR suite
C
SF Corporation announced the availability of 8MS TeXT to enable texting
with toll-free numbers as part of its 8MS
toll-free provisioning, and LCR software suite.
CSF’s 8MS toll-free number management,
provisioning, and least cost routing solution
allows carriers, RespOrgs, and enterprise
customers to provision faster, safer and
more efficiently.
The addition of 8MS TeXT for toll-free
numbers adds texting enablement to CSF’s
8MS suite of solutions.
“CSF is pleased to announce the availability
of 8MS TeXT,” said Frank Lauria, CSF’s executive vice president.
“In addition to provisioning and managing
toll-free voice services and routing using 8MS,
our customers can now enable texting from the
same easy to use 8MS provisioning interface.
This opens up a whole new revenue opportunity for RespOrgs, carriers and their customers
because mobile users can now send texts to and
receive texts back from toll-free numbers.
“With a whole new generation of customers
that prefer to interact via text, and years of
investment in branding of their toll-free voice
vanity numbers, this new capability is not
only logical but highly synergistic with their
existing toll-free voice services,” Lauria added.
Live demonstration of 8MS TeXT are being
conducted along with the rest of the 8MS tollfree provisioning and LCR software suite at
the CFS booth, 418. Or for information, go to
www.csfcorp.com.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
We’re NTT Communications. And we’re global leaders in all
Internet-related business. We’re dedicated to getting your data
and video where they need to go. Fast and safe, through our
Tier-1 Global IP Network. And that’s what we do. All day.
Every day. Join our network, and experience the benefits of
our award-winning products and services.
• Global IP Transit
• DDoS Protection Service
• Smart Content Delivery CDN Solution
• Industry-leading Service Level Agreements
• Extensive Private Peering
• 24/7 Global Network Operations Center
COMPTEL Plus
us.ntt.net
@NTT_America
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
29
Day 2
Tower Cloud launches
Ethernet private line services
T
ower Cloud Inc., a backhaul transport
and wireless infrastructure specialist
across the Southeastern United States, has
launched Ethernet private line services designed
to give customers reliable, high-speed, point-topoint or point-to-multipoint network connections over Tower Cloud’s fiber network.
Companies seeking high-speed, scalable
Ethernet support for business-critical applications can get data speeds from 50 Mbps to
100 Gbps using Tower Cloud Ethernet private
line services.
Tower Cloud’s private line service gives
customers a dedicated service connection that
combines an IP/MPLS platform with high transmission rates and unparalleled reliability. The
service is ideal for broadband-intensive applications such as video and other large content
files, since it combines high throughput with low
latency and low jitter.
“We are delighted to be able to extend the
same carrier-grade connectivity we deliver to
our wireless carrier customers to other organizations looking for high performance and superior
reliability,” said Ron Mudry, CEO of Tower Cloud.
“With our high-speed network we can support
virtually any application, including video conferencing, telemedicine, point-to-multipoint
collaboration, and more. We consider ourselves
the carriers’ carrier, and now we can offer that
same high-performance connectivity to companies across the Southeast.”
Ethernet private line services are an excellent option for financial institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies, educational institutions and other organizations
that need to move vast amounts of data across
a secure connection.
Tower Cloud’s Ethernet private line services
are also ideal for high-speed links to cloud,
content and storage services for applications
such as big data. They include Ethernet services,
optical wave services, LAN connectivity, pointto-point connectivity and machine-to-machine
(M2M) connectivity with a fully redundant core.
And for maximum security and performance,
Tower Cloud monitors circuits and equipment
around the clock through to the customer’s site
from its own Network Operations Center.
For more information, www.towercloud.com. TMI’s annual
seminar,
workshop set
T
echnologies Management Inc.
(TMI) will present its autumn 2014
Telecom Regulatory Seminar &
Workshop, Oct. 23-24, in Maitland, Fla.
TMI’s specialized seminars and workshops feature best practices and strategies
for telecom regulatory compliance in an
expanding deregulated environment.
Industry issues to be covered include
VoIP regulation, special access data collection, telecom audits and step 4 access
reduction.
“Our Telecom Regulatory Seminar &
Workshop this October is structured to
provide training and practical regulatory business strategies participants can
take back to their companies and apply
immediately,” said Connie Wightman, TMI
President. “We are extremely pleased that
our newest consultants – Deborah Gainor
(formerly of CenturyLink) and Sharon
Warren (formerly of S2K Consulting) – will
be expanding our curriculum to include
tutorials focused on network integration
and telecom auditing.”
For more information, go to booth 506 or
visit www.tmiinc.com.
With the INS Family of Companies by your side.
Inbound Customer Support
Technical Support Services
Hardware and Software Support
IT Service Desk and Helpdesk
Voice and Data
Data Center Services
Network Management and Support
Managed IT Services
Custom Software
SS7 and Database Services
When business is going to occur, attendees find their
way to the Deal Center to iron out the arrangements.
www.IowaNetworkServices.com • 800-CALL-INS
30
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
Day 2
Vector Data releases Vault 2552 storage device
V
ector Data announces the release of the
Vault 2552 hybrid storage array.
Designed to support IT needs longer, the
Vector Data Vault 2552 hybrid storage array provides
better value than other systems in its class.
The Vault 2552 simplifies the task of managing
growth in house and in the cloud by providing
support for a broader range of workloads along
with seamless scaling of performance and capacity.
With the release of the NEBS Level 3 (ATT-TP76200) and ETSI-certified Vault 2552, Vector Data
provides network operators with a consistent
storage product across their entire infrastructure
including AC and DC powered, and NEBS and
non-NEBS facilities.
With proven integration to the cloud, users can
leverage external storage resources to protect data
and handle dynamic storage needs. For organizations concerned about budgets and meeting challenging IT needs, the Vault 2552 is a perfect choice.
The Vault 2552 is powered by NetApp ONTAP,
and supports Windows 2000, Windows Server
2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012,
Windows XP, Linux, Oracle Solaris, AIX, HP-UX,
MAC OS, VMware and ESX.
Vector Data COO Craig Stelmach said, “Vector
Data is excited with this latest addition to its
broad suite of field proven ruggedized hardware.
The release of the Vault 2552 demonstrates that
Vector Data continues to be at the forefront of the
latest technologies and hardware.”
The Vault 2552 is available exclusively through
Vector Data. To learn more or request more information, go to booth 221 or visit www.vectordata.com.
UPN announces fiber network
expansion in Council Bluffs, Iowa
U
nite Private Networks (UPN)
announced construction of a major
fiber network expansion in Council
Bluffs, Iowa, has begun.
The state-of-the-art-high-speed network will
consist of a fiber-optic ring that will provide backbone route diversity into neighboring Omaha.
“We are looking forward to expanding
our network in Council Bluffs,” said Stuart
Howerter, vice president of enterprise sales
at UPN. “The network will cover the majority
of the central business district, along with
most of the Council Bluffs market, providing
businesses and government entities access to
the suite of products UPN provides, including
Ethernet services from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps,
wavelength services, Internet access, and
dark fiber.”
Council Bluffs’ Chamber of Commerce President Bob Mundt added, “We are pleased to have
Unite Private Networks as part of our fiber infrastructure. Our business community now has more
options to create efficiency and competitive rates.”
UPN provides high-bandwidth, fiber-based
communications networks and services to
schools, governments, carriers, data centers,
hospitals, and enterprise business customers
across a 20 state service area.
Service offerings include dark and lit
fiber, private line, optical Ethernet, Internet
access, data center services, and other
customized solutions.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., UPN
provides customer-focused communications.
For information, visit www.uniteprivatenetworks.com.
Booth #615
Thermo Credit focuses on funding
well-run companies in every segment of
the technology industry. We are able to
deliver funding, insight, and strategic
opportunities that foster growth for both
traditional companies and those on the
cutting edge.
Working capital. No personal guarantee.
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
1-504-620-3316
www.ThermoCredit.com
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
31
Day 2
(Wheeler continued from page 1)
encouraged. But advances in technology will never
justify abandonment of our values.”
Drawing applause with the statement,
Wheeler reiterated what he calls the “network
compact,” includes expectations that consumers
and businesses bring to the relationships with
network providers:
• Access
• Interconnection
• Public safety
• Consumer protection
• National security.
“They must be protected,” Wheeler said to
more applause.
The FCC is gathering information to understand the impact of technology transitions have
on the core values, Wheeler said, who added
he and his fellow Commissioners will use the
information to guide them in their policymaking
around tech transitions.
“Let me be clear: transitions to IP are not a
license to limit competition,” Wheeler proclaimed
to more applause. “So let’s concentrate on three
keys to preserving network competition: access to
last-mile facilities, the future of copper networks
and VoIP interconnection.”
Wheeler reminded the attentive audience
the “Internet revolution” serves consumers and
provides new opportunities for business.
“It’s hard to think of a business in America
today that doesn’t use the Internet to serve its
customers better,” Wheeler said. “Whether the
customer is a neighborhood pizza parlor, or a
national pizza chain, the ability to enjoy the fruits
of competitive networks often requires access to
wholesale capacity.”
He added COMPTEL members serve
hundreds of thousands of businesses, offering
competitive rates and customized services for
medium and small businesses, and pointing out
that larger incumbents often aren’t willing to do.
“Of course, when CLECs offer competitive
services, it creates an incentive for incumbents
to invest more in their networks and offer better
services to win their share of business customers,”
Wheeler said. “This is good, and another example
of the virtuous cycle of network innovation.”
Recalling a statement he made last month,
Wheeler said, “Communications policy has
always agreed on one important concept: the
exercise of uncontrolled last-mile power is not
in the public interest. This has not changed as a
result of new technology,” he said. “That is as true
for businesses and other enterprise customers as
it is for consumers.”
He then reiterated, “There is no choice
between embracing technological change and
protecting values.”
But he added serious questions exist regarding
the current special access regime’s ability to
ensure continued access at reasonable rates,
terms and conditions.
The FCC is in a position to make informed,
data-driven decisions about where to curb market
power and where to step out of the way, Wheeler
said, calling special access a critical issue for
providers and customers.
However, he added “serious questions” exist
regarding the current special access regime’s
ability to ensure continued access at just and
reasonable rates, terms, and conditions.
Collecting data to support a comprehensive
market analysis of wholesale access to last-mile
services is underway, which Wheeler said that
the FCC will be able to dig deeply into the critical
questions. He added that if the results show regulation is needed to constrain market power, the
?
Associating customers and special circuit IDs
shouldn’t involve a multiple choice question.
32
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
FCC will do so.
Wheeler also addressed how “lock-up provisions”
requiring large volume and term commitments in
existing contracts are causing uncertainty, unreasonably raising costs, and delaying the transition
to IP for your customers.
“This does not serve competition and it does
not serve your customers,” he said. “That is why I
have directed the staff of the Wireline Competition
Bureau to recommend ways to alleviate the impact
of such provisions on the tech transitions.”
Addressing copper infrastructure, Wheeler
emphasized the importance it plays in a highspeed, fiber-driven world. “It’s easy to say that
old-fashioned all-copper networks are obsolete.
But for business and other enterprise customers,
advances in copper technology can deliver highspeed broadband over those networks — especially over short distances.”
He said technological advances are making
DSL a powerful means of supplying broadband at
a fraction of the cost, and the ubiquity of copper
creates competitive opportunity, cautioning the
importance of not rejecting everything old in the
rush to embrace the new.
“Our goal should be to improve our copper
retirement process to strengthen our core values,
including competition,” Wheeler said. “Let there
be no mistake: there has been competition
before the transition, and there will be competition after the transition.”
Finally, Wheeler addressed the FCC’s strategy
to promote competition in the enterprise broadband market is to clarify VoIP interconnection
rights and obligations.
“COMPTEL has described interconnection as
the First Amendment for networks, ensuring the
right to access any network, service and content,”
Wheeler said. “That is a great analogy.
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Day 2
“VoIP interconnection is an issue that needs to
be solved so that customers – small and medium
size businesses, anchor institutions like schools,
health-care facilities, and libraries, and others –
can enjoy the benefits of robust competition.”
He said, “If the industry in the public interest,
FCC involvement will be low, but if the public
interest is not being served, the Commission will
not hesitate to act.”
One of the problems that exists today, he
noted, is that competitive providers that have
implemented IP solutions are forced by incumbents to interconnect using yesterday’s technology, TDM.
“This deprives customers of benefits of the
IP transition, like HD voice,” Wheeler explained.
“Rural providers, who have an effective advocate in NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association,
made a compelling case for the relationship
between HD voice and IP interconnection in
filings over the summer.”
“One analogy that comes to mind for me is
that the current system is like taking a beautiful
HD movie and converting it to analog before
displaying it on a brand new 100-inch flat panel
set,” he described. “No one would do that for
video, why should we permit it for voice?”
He added, “Losing the benefits of IP technology through needless TDM conversion is an
annoyance today … That sort of inability to reach
callers on other networks will take us back to the
19th Century at a time when we should all be
enjoying the benefits of the 21st.”
Concluding his presentation, Wheeler called
on New York Yankee great Yogi Berra who once
said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you
might not get there.”
Wheeler said, “You know where you’re
going, and it’s the right path. It’s the path
called competition.”
Beka Publishing, www.bekapublishing.com
COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering and the COMPTEL staff presents former CEO Jerry James a pair of custom-made
boots to honor James’ long-time service to the association at the start of Monday’s General Session.
COMPTEL Plus
| Tuesday, October 7, 2014
33
On the floor
Members meet, greet, converse, play games and shop while networking on
the show floor during the COMPTEL PLUS 2014 Fall Convention & EXPO.
Berge Kaprelian
Group Publisher
[email protected]
Percy Zamora
Art Director
[email protected]
Bruce Christian
Editor-in-Chief
COMPTEL PLUS Dailies
[email protected]
Photos: ©2014 Harry Butler, Nashville
www.harrybutlerphotoav.com
See this year’s photos at:
www.digiproofs.com
Event password: comptel_10_14
Jim Bankes
Business Accounting
Beka Publishing
Berge Kaprelian
President and CEO
Neil Ende
General Counsel
Corporate Headquarters
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Voice: 480.503.0770
Fax: 480.503.0990
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