This and That

Earlier today I was reading a spot-on piece that dotPhoto Inc. did last month for xchange’s Only Online section (see Closing the Wireless Convergence Circle). The piece talks about how ever since the word convergence crept into the tech lexicon several decades ago, analysts have predicted a wide array of technological permutations and combinations.

As the article explained, companies bet millions on the idea that paper, PCs and the pen would converge into PDAs; the PC and the cable TV guide would unite into set-top boxes with Web browsers and VoD; and the Web was going to merge with refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and other common household appliances.

But, as the piece concludes, it is the cell phone that has become the hub of this convergence. It is the cell phone that offers e-mail, Web browsing, messaging, games, music, photos and even video.

That said, it is good news for Siemens that Nokia, the world’s largest supplier of cell phones, has opted to combine its Networks Business Group with the carrier-related operations of Siemens. While handset and network-based gear don’t have to go hand in hand, a company like Nokia can set the direction — and marketing message — for future services and applications with its handset business, and then support that functionality on the back end with its network-based gear.

For more on the Nokia/Siemens deal, see Kelly Teal’s piece in our Now section.

This issue also features a package of stories on how network operators can outsource various services and functions to allow them to offer more and better revenue-generating services to end users.

Our outsourcing package includes a piece I wrote on content aggregation services, which are an important resource for telcos as they move into video services.

This special section also contains an article about how the market for SMB Web hosting is ripe, so service providers might want to consider taking a bite with the help of Web hosting wholesalers that offer white-label services (See "Let Me Be Your Host").

Tara Seals contributes to the package a story highlighting how the definition of directory assistance has changed significantly from its original meaning and what it portends for service providers, who can consider outsourcing directory assistance from a large number of outsourcers (See "Next-Gen DA").

And Kelly Teal offers a look at how Switch and Data has paired its services with that of VeriSign Inc. to offer its customers access to peering and exchange services with capabilities that include ENUM and SIP protocols (See "Peer Pressure").

Until next time,

Paula Bernier
Editor in Chief