I did a lot more listening than talking this week, at GENBAND’s annual Perspectives event in Orlando, Florida. While I enjoyed presenting our vision to over 700 professionals from around the world, gathered to engage around the challenges, opportunities and disruptions going on every day in the real-time communications industry – I benefited much more from the opportunity to listen and learn from some of the greatest minds and teams doing big things.

We covered the entire “technology stack” – from data centers and physical infrastructure all the way to over-the-top applications and open source development. I was focused on hearing what service providers are doing to bridge the gap between their old and aging infrastructure and all the promise of the rapidly emerging, all-software world.

Following the panel discussion highlighting innovative new ways to finance the transition to all IP networks and moderated by Grant Seiffert from the TIA, one operator I was speaking to said, “If we can find a way to fund our new initiatives with cost savings against our existing infrastructure, I’m all in.”

Another customer said, “This is the elephant in the room. No one wants to talk about it, but we know something has to be done about it.”  

All of our speakers and panelists were outstanding, and I am extremely grateful that they took time out of their busy schedules to share their perspectives with our attendees.  But one presenter in particular, Jonathan Chambers, really moved me and many others in the audience.

During his Perspectives14 presentation Jonathan, from the FCC’s Chief Office of Strategic Planning & Policy Analysis, had an authentic message for the industry – "Give Back." He urged us to do more because there are so many who are not as fortunate as we are. His call to action is for new services for the hearing impaired, more bandwidth for schools and libraries in underserved communities.  I am thankful for Jonathan's 1,000 mile trek to Orlando to be with our customers and partners. Now we know why he came – he had an important message to deliver. Message received.

The transformation continues for all of us, and together – in an industry that has always been about connecting and collaborating – we will all continue to grow by giving back so that everyone can benefit from the continual growth as people communicate and share more – not less.