Speaking of the soft economy, it seems that transformation is still a part of the Forum's rallying cry, and that transformation is being pushed as a cost-saver and profit-maximizer. However, transformation projects can require a good deal of initial cost. How are CSPs responding to the idea of transformation in this era of gloomy economic forecasts? “Case studies and entries for the 2009 Excellence Awards clearly show that even in the face of the current economic climate, CSPs are continuing to focus on transformation projects as key initiatives in retaining profitability,” said Creaner. “We’re continuing to see significant interest both in the Management World conference series…and also TM Forum collaboration programs, training…and use of TM Forum best practices and standards, which focus on transformation topics.” Creaner feels that today, the Forum’s work is more relevant than is has ever been. “Our frameworks provide the toolkit for service providers to reduce the costs and risks associated with transformation projects, and enable suppliers to offer new products and services faster, for less,” Creaner said. He also added that “it’s important to note that transformation programs often grow organically, being proven in one business unit before they are applied to the rest of the business.”

Additions and Subtractions

Any veteran attendees of the Management World event should be familiar with the black tie gala that is usually the wrapping on the Excellence Awards ceremony. However, it looks like this year's Excellence Awards will be presented during the first keynote session, rather than at an evening gala. Why the shift from black-tie awards ceremony to an auditorium presentation? Was it a budget cutback or a maneuver to appease the suggestion-box? Creaner says it was more of the latter. “Following 2008’s gala dinner, feedback from attendees and the awards nominees included a strong preference to give the awards more visibility in the

which are eight unique demos, including sixteen service provider champions. The Content Encounter Phase 4 will offer “a series of end-to-end demos specifically geared towards helping service providers make the right investment decisions regarding new services in these challenging times, ” according to Creaner. And for those of you who are unfamiliar, the Content Encounter is “an innovative environment focused on developing win-win business models and solutions to problems that span the value chain including Content Lifecycle Management, Personalized Advertising Business Models, Service Creation and Delivery, Service Profitability.