“Winning the 2012 COMET for Technical Innovation provided Ontology Systems with external and objective target-market validation at an important time in our growth,” says CEO and cofounder Benedict Enweani. “For example, the exposure and endorsement of our innovation by leading global service providers and key industry stakeholders provided unique credibility that subsequently helped us achieve strategic deployments within T-Mobile and Vodafone group companies.”

On the vendor side, this year’s finalists include market leaders such as Nokia Siemens Networks, CSG International and Microsoft along with potent market entrants like Aepona and Cycle30. And the inaugural year of CSP eligibility has brought AT&T, NTT Docomo, Sprint, Tata Communications, and others to the table—in fact, AT&T entered the competition with ten nominations! Companies that win a coveted Innovation Award will receive a notable endorsement of their innovations, not only by top analysts who specialize in this unique area of technology but by Pipeline, which has dedicated itself to covering the COMET industry over the past decade.

Dine with the innovators on the French Riviera

The COMET awards program culminates with a gala ceremony on Monday, May 13, presenting an exciting opportunity to network with the top innovators in the industry at Les Salons de La Rotonde Lenôtre, a spectacular venue on the French Riviera. 

A true architectural masterpiece from the Belle Époque, La Rotonde once provided world-renowned cuisine to the historic Bristol Hotel. Topped with a cupola that bathes the interior in natural light, this majestic, circular building is listed as a French historical monument, and its pilasters, sculpted columns and smiling angels make La Rotonde an elegant, one-of-a-kind pavilion, full of the charm and refinement that was typical of the Riviera’s seaside resorts in the early 20th century.

The evening begins with a champagne reception and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace overlooking the picturesque marina. A multicourse meal featuring mouthwatering culinary creations from one of the world’s leading French chefs is next on the agenda, followed by the awards presentation, entertainment and dessert. Pipeline editor-in-chief Tim Young will serve as emcee, and several judges will take the podium to share their experiences. During the ceremony one service provider and one technology provider in each category will be presented with a prestigious COMET trophy; the runners-up in each technology provider category will also be recognized.

For attendees of TM Forum’s Management World event, which begins the following day in Nice, the timing and location couldn’t be more perfect. Seating is still available but limited, so if you’d like to attend, be sure to visit Pipeline’s RSVP information page. Until we meet in Nice, au revoir!