The Power of Innovation

However, only two Finalists can be selected and only one will win.  Notably, all the Semi-finalists in this category set themselves apart by having a specific impact on key part of today's customer experience lifecycle and articulated how their technology not only solves this key issue but how it can also be leveraged to foster additional customer experience innovations. This shows a significant leap forward in CEM technology and indicates a new technical and market maturity.

In the Innovations in Big Data and Analytics category, we saw a similar technical maturation which extended beyond the category itself.  At the Semi-finalist level, Apptium, DigitalRoute, Nakina, and Overture all had impressive submissions.  DigitalRoute was extending its longstanding experience in mediation to create an innovative solution that correlates data from large data repositories typically in OSS, BSS, Policy and other systems for predictive analytics. Apptium submitted its sophisticated new product Intelligent Data Management (IDM) which can efficiently analyze up to petabytes of data in a variety of structured and unstructured formats. Ericsson and NetCracker, who submitted in other categories, notably also showed an high level of advanced sophistication in integrating, analyzing and leveraging information from large, disparate data sources to help operators achieve high-level of operational efficiency and predictive customer insights.

Cloud, WebRTC, and virtualization were pervasive themes in several categories this year including Innovations in Customer Experience, Networking Technology, Operational Support Systems and Business Support Systems. OnSIP's submission illustrated how it is bringing state-of-the-art communications into CRM through real-time web video conferencing. GENBAND showed how it's simplifying the evolution to virtualization through the management of virtualized network functions (VNFs) and Overture Networks presented its Ensemble Carrier Ethernet (ECE) solution for "pure-play" NFV deployments. Meanwhile, submissions from companies like Nokia and Comverse showcased how they are helping operators manage and monetize cloud offerings. This is a significant departure from last year's Innovation Awards program where the Cloud & Virtualization category was sparsely populated. This year, cloud and virtualization technology permeated nearly every category.

Also prevalent this year were integrated product catalog solutions, such as those from Apptium, Cisco, Ericsson, and Sigma Systems. These are the innovators who are helping operators make a true, integrated digital lifestyle a reality for their customers. Other contestants include companies such as CSG International, who appear to be in a league of their own, not only integrating OSS and BSS functions but extending them to include rich content services, helping operators evolve into next-generation Digital Service Providers (DSPs).

But we couldn't possibly cover all the categories and contestants here. We've only just scratched the surface and, regretfully, haven't even touched on the Most Innovative categories which recognize service providers and technology developers who have innovation steeped into the fabric of the company, their technology, and their products. These categories include submissions from service provider Semi-finalists Allstream, AT&T, Global Capacity, and Megaport and technology providers such as Apptium, Comverse, Nakina, NetCracker, and Overture Networks. This one of several reasons there will be another article covering the progress of the awards program in the June Innovation issue of Pipeline and ongoing coverage of these technical innovators in each and every issue of Pipeline. You can also watch the presentation of the coveted Innovation Awards trophies live in Nice, France on June 1st, just prior to TM Forum Live! 

Both Winners and Runners-up of the Pipeline Innovation Awards receive this one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted art-glass trophy. The trophy is new each year and specifically selected to represent the flame of innovation.

The venue for the awards presentation, Le Negresco, was intentionally selected because of its historical significance and perseverance, much like the spirit of innovation itself. Since its opening more than a century ago, Le Negresco has hosted luminaries from Queen Elizabeth II to the Rolling Stones. Tickets to this memorable event are provided to nominees, and may also be purchased by anyone in the industry who is interested in celebrating the spirit and power of innovation with the the world's leading technical innovators in a truly extraordinary venue. However, the event has nearly sold out with attendance confirmed from the judges and key contestants already so don't delay!