IPTV has recently become a reality. The first successful IPTV deployments encourage further operators to go the same way. But are they economically successful? New entrants struggle to determine a positive business case. Which applications and business models can make IPTV fly? What will be the impact for the operators?

The session will share experience about the most recent application trends and business models. Covering new applications such as community TV, video communication, blogging, and new revenue streams trough cross promotions and target advertisement. New business models such as hosted solutions and franchising extend the opportunities for multi-play service operators.

The audience will get insight from presenters of IPTV vendors, operators, and the content industry. The audience will obtain new ideas to make their business more profitable.

Soeren Rank Director, Solution Management Siemens

Mr. Rank leads the business development and IPTV teams in the Siemens regional headquarters for APAC based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Working for the past nine years at Siemens, he has vast experience with technology as TDM, applications, IP routing, CATV, IPTV, and operators of NGNs. Mr. Rank has worked with various new technologies and projects in Europe and regionally in APAC. He graduated in telecommunications and got his diploma in marketing.

Gert Marien Manager, Future Development, IPTV Platform Belgacom

Mr. Marien graduated in 1991 as an electrical engineer specializing in digital technologies. After working on several software projects, he joined Alcatel in 1995, where he was responsible for the ADSL CPE modem software. After four years, Mr. Marien switched to Belgacom, where he focused on ADSL operations for one year before moving to the new media team, where he managed several video projects, varying from internet streaming to DVB. Four years ago, he moved to the network division as IDTV project manager. Mr. Marien led the team that started the IPTV project, which resulted in the BelgacomTV product deployed in June 2005.

Ross Pollack Senior Vice President, Distribution, Asia Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI)

Mr. Pollack has been in his current position since 2004. Based at SPTI's regional headquarters in Hong Kong, he heads SPTI's licensing group in Asia and is responsible for distribution of all Sony Pictures filmed entertainment, acquired products, and SPTI-produced product content in the region. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Pollack was named senior vice president of business development in Asia in 2003. He worked closely with the regional team to identify and develop new business opportunities in Asia for SPTI's three main lines of business—licensing, international production, and international networks.

Thomas Werner Senior Vice President, Mobile Networks Division Siemens

Dr. Werner is in charge of solutions and products for mobile operators. He has almost 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. Before his current assignment, Dr. Werner was in charge of business development for Siemens' mobile networks division. In his career, he was responsible for managing marketing and project management areas, both in fixed and mobile communications. Before he joined Siemens, he worked for Philips Communication Systems in IT, R&D, and corporate development functions in Germany and Belgium.