 | | | Cloud Questions Still Linger Overhead Editor's Note
Cloud computing, or cloud services if you prefer, is nothing new for many companies who have essentially been farming out certain functions and processes for years and reaping the financial and other benefits. But there are still concerns – mostly around security – and questions about the CSP opportunity.
To address these questions, we’re featuring a Q&A with Yaron Levi, Architect, Security and Cloud Program Management at eBay, on the potential for service provider success in the cloud, as well as an article from the forthcoming Perspectives 2012 on issues surrounding cloud security and possible solutions for government agencies and commercial organizations.
We’re also highlighting the sometimes-murky area of Customer Experience Management and get a look at M2M, a topic – like cloud – that’s sure to dominate the conversation this year.
Anita Karvé, Newsletter Editor | | | | | | | | | | Telling It Like It Is: CSPs and the Cloud For the last couple of years, the cloud has been all the rage with everyone from Amazon and Google to the biggest enterprises in the world jumping on the bandwagon. But how can communications service providers position themselves to be successful in this growing market? Find out more in this interview with Yaron Levi, Architect, Security and Cloud Program Management at eBay, conducted by Monica Zlotogorski, Vice Chair, Latin American Advisory Board, TM Forum, and Editor, Inside Latin America. Read More | |   | | | | | The Customer Experience Collision Course
The expression 'Customer Experience' is one the communications industry has embraced in the last few years, with CSPs claiming a need for better 'Customer Experience Management' and vendors promising solutions for the same. But without better clarity, focus and measurement, the road ahead is as murky and fraught with risk as any traveled to date, and we're likely to witness more failures than successes in the coming years. It doesn't have to be this way, according to Susan McNeice, CEO of Software Market Insight, but a successful Customer Experience program does require a concentrated re-think of the way we approach this challenge. Read More | |  | | | | | M2M Strategies for Communications Service Providers
Within the next four years, machine-to-machine (M2M) device connections are likely to overtake non-M2M connections for communications service providers (CSPs). Advances in M2M are set to be widespread, and opportunities for CSPs could be substantial. In an excerpt from our new Insights research report by Phil Marshall of Tolaga Research, find out how to get ahead of the competition with an early understanding of impending developments that will enable you to profit from advancements in M2M. Read More | |  | | | | | Getting from Cloud 'Nein' to Cloud 'Nine'
Cloud security has big implications for government agencies and commercial organizations alike. Many governments describe it as the biggest single risk they face. In this special preview article from the forthcoming Perspectives 2012 – TM Forum's flagship publication – author John Williamson takes a look at the threats and some extant and possible solutions to them. Click here to receive your copy of Perspectives 2012 as soon as it's available. Read More | |  | | | | | | | | | | | Clean Clouds – Exposing the Cloud Security Myth
Independent surveys continue to put cloud security at the top of the list of customer inhibitors when it comes to adopting the cloud business model. This makes little sense when you look at cloud services in a purely technical context. This article from Juniper Networks discusses the primary components of cloud network security, suggests why security concerns may be mostly myth and describes how to instill customer confidence in your cloud service. Read More | | Sponsored by  | | | | | | | | | | | | Last Chance to Save on Management World Asia 2012 The Keynote Perspectives at Management World Asia 2012 (February 7-8, Singapore) will bring together the thought leaders from enterprise customers, service providers and technology suppliers to share and discuss strategies for new innovation, ever-changing customer expectations, network transformation, operational efficiency and more. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the region's leading communications executives. Register by Tuesday, January 17 to save! Read More | |  | | Other Conferences | | Middle East Summit – Mar. 20-21 - Dubai (Register by Jan. 27 to save 30 percent) | | Latin America Summit – Mar. 27-28 – São Paulo, Brazil | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Have You Submitted Your Nomination? Now is the time to enter your nomination for the 2012 Excellence Awards, which recognize global leaders in the communications industry and their contributions. There are 4 categories to choose from: Business Innovation, Industry Leadership, Operational Excellence and Solution Excellence. All entries must be received by February 10, so submit your nomination today! Read More | |  | | | | | TM Forum Spotlights Spotlight on Frameworx, Cable at TM Forum Action Week
The Frameworx Spotlight on Cable on Jan. 23 will highlight the progress of TM Forum's Cable Initiatives in delivering 'Frameworx for Cable' to support new services and showcase tools, resources and solutions, to enable time to market while reducing risk. And the Frameworx Spotlight, also on Jan. 23, offers attendees a comprehensive introduction to TM Forum's Collaborative R&D Program and Frameworx standard. | |  | | | | | | For information about newsletter sponsorship opportunities, please contact Athar Naser. | | |  | |