A Message from Sean SeatonWith the Canadian Telecom Summit just around the corner (June 16th to 18th – visit here for details), communications service provider strategists and business leaders are considering a number of important topics that could affect the industry, and their companies. How will they address these new challenges, and transform them into opportunities? A quick glance at the Summit agenda provides insight into some of the hottest topics. Communication convergence continues to be an important issue – this is verified by numerous research organizations. For instance, according to market analyst firm comScore, 19 million Canadians viewed an online video from their mobile phones in December alone, representing 89 per cent of the Canadian population aged 15 and older. That measurement illustrates how far the industry has come: people no longer view the wireless handset as a simple voice tool; they view it as a multimedia portal for many different kinds of communication, including video, email and text messaging. Service providers face an ever-changing customer base that seeks new mobile experiences. Microsoft aims to help carriers meet this challenge by working with partners such as NVIDIA to improve graphics and chipsets to make mobile phones better for entertainment and graphics-intensive applications. Entertainment over broadband is an associated trend for Canadian consumers and service providers. As end user demand for a richer, more interactive entertainment experience increases, carriers are challenged to offer compelling content and unique services. Microsoft is working with many Canadian service providers to address this trend. For example, in January MTS Allstream announced that it would introduce next-generation high-speed Internet and TV services to Manitoba customers, with more HDTV offerings, enhanced PVR and DVR functionality, and improved guide features. The new service will be powered by a combination of network connectivity provided by Alcatel-Lucent Canada and the award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform. Linking television with broadband and powerful software allows people to connect with their favourite content, services, devices and people, delivering on the promise of an interactive entertainment experience. One of the biggest discussion threads focuses on the wireless spectrum auction, and how the results will impact the communications sector. With a new industry player on the horizon, service providers need to offer feature-rich handsets and services to maintain and grow their customer bases. Microsoft supports those initiatives with investments in the mobile realm. Notably, Microsoft has announced Windows Mobile ® 6.1, a new platform for mobile devices that brings the power of the desktop to users’ hands. Featuring new Internet browsing software, Windows Mobile 6.1 gives users the ability to view any Web page, whether the page is optimized for mobile devices or not. These are just a few of the topics that service providers, industry analysts and the media will be discussing during the Canadian Telecom Summit. Microsoft will provide a unique perspective on the communications landscape in a keynote speech at the event, but as always, we encourage our partners and customers to send us their ideas about these topics, so we can continue the conversation here in Canadian Connections as customer and industry expectations evolve. Best regards, ABOUT SEAN SEATON Company: Since: Background:
Prior to Microsoft, Sean held the role of National Director of Business Development and Sales for the Telecommunications, Media and Networks Industry Vertical with a large consulting firm. In particular, his areas of focus included selling solutions that included services, outsourcing, software and hardware into Canada's top Telecommunications, Cable and Network Companies. Prior to his consulting and integration days, Sean held a variety of senior roles with one of Canada's largest telecommunications companies.
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