Letter from the Editor: April 2013

By: Tim Young - do not use (default)

“Opportunity, opportunity / This is your big opportunity / They shop around / Follow you without a sound / Whatever you do now / Don’t turn around” —Elvis Costello & the Attractions, “Opportunity” (1980)

I know. The word “opportunity” is so ... Tony Robbins. Every setback is an “opportunity.” Every bit of extra work. Every bump in the road. The word has all but lost its meaning.

Still, it seems that if you can look at the wide world of connectivity that surrounds us and not see the potential, you might be more than just stagnating — you might be losing ground. 

Of course, lots of service-provider powerhouses are doing amazing, innovative things and embracing the changing communications landscape with remarkable aplomb. But many still spend more time pining for the old days than forging ahead.

And sure, the low-hanging fruit has already been plucked, the subscribers having been totally spoiled; they all want more for less, and they all want to use their connections in ways that may not put money directly in carriers’ pockets. Between ongoing market consolidation and shifting market paradigms that create new competitive threats, it’s hard to feel like taking risks is a wise choice. But as we all know, smart providers everywhere are taking big new risks every day.

In this issue of Pipeline we look at some of the emerging opportunities that service providers are taking advantage of around the world. We’ll discuss proven strategies for geographic expansion, and how new content-delivery models continue to impact the bottom line. We’ll check out still-growing market opportunities like mobile gaming, connected automobiles and M2M while exploring how savvy carriers are doing everything from monitoring air quality to selling fruits and vegetables. And a special commentary from Monica Ricci, director of product marketing at CSG International, will explain why the time to capitalize on enterprise business services is now.

These new lines of business aren’t always comfortable, but no risk, no reward, right? Whatever you do now, don’t turn around.

Speaking of now, don’t forget that the nomination submission deadline for Pipeline’s 2013 Innovation Awards is fast approaching. If you know of a company that deserves to be recognized for its willingness to take risks and innovate, help it catch a COMET by filling out the nomination form on our Innovation Awards page.

Best,

Tim Young
Editor-in-Chief