By Martin Creaner, President, TM Forum

Last week’s Management World in Nice was another key milestone in an ever-changing industry. A record attendance of over 3,300 people came to hear and learn, discuss and debate, network and do business in what has become an annual ritual for the key decision makers in our industry. Without a doubt, Management World Nice is now the ‘must see’ event of the year for anyone involved in the management challenges of the information, communications and entertainment industries.

If you weren’t able to make it, you missed experiencing a most vibrant atmosphere for business development, landmark announcements and cutting-edge solutions. Some of the discussions last week will carry on through the coming year, as we find ourselves living through the realities of the predictions that were made.

This year “transformation” was at the heart of the event, and three types of “transformation” were discussed:

• Radical and ambitious network and systems transformation projects designed to significantly reduce operational costs and improve operational flexibility.
• Business model transformation that brings new models to the table such as ‘advertising funded’ services.
• Underlying OSS & BSS transformation as services become software based and service providers continue implementing converged Service Delivery Platforms.

These transformation themes were explored by the keynote speakers, which included two CEOs—Sol Trujillo from Telstra and Paul Reynolds from Telecom New Zealand. Both Sol and Paul highlighted the transformations underway in their companies and the lessons that other Service Providers can draw from them. New service and business transformation themes were picked up by Alan Bell, CTO of Paramount Pictures, Imran Khand, CEO and founder of Picsel Technologies, along with Mika Vehvilainen, COO of Nokia Siemens Networks.

The underlying OSS & BSS transformation themes were also picked up in many of the 150 presentations that kept us entertained and intrigued during the week. Panel after panel of C-levels from all the major players all honed in on the twin themes of urgency and opportunity that act as the classic carrot and stick. Transformation isn’t an option no matter where you are based because competition no longer has to be physically resident in the same geography.

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the wide range of companies and industries that were present. Alongside the traditional companies you would expect to see at a Management World event, we had multiple cable companies, several companies from the device industry and a range of companies that are beginning to drive new digital content and new advertising-based service models.

Content Encounter phase II attracted enormous interest through its multiple demonstration scenarios which showed how every organization involved in providing digital services can deliver, manage and charge for services successfully. The live demonstration highlighted personalization of content and monetization and delivery of seamless services over multiple devices.

Of course there was a lot more to see during the week including the largest expo we have ever held, a hugely successful black-tie industry awards event, nine catalyst projects, and much, much more.

Through events like Management World, TM Forum continues to set the standard for the industry, and as management steps more and more into the spotlight, be sure you stay informed by sticking close to TM Forum.