Letter from the Editor

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Evolution and revolution go hand in hand. When you think about it, they’re virtually the same thing. The only real difference is the timetable.

In astronomical terms, it was only yesterday when we were throwing sticks and stones at mammoths and enjoying the fruits of our efforts over a flint-struck fire. Today, we can order takeout from virtually anywhere on a mobile device, have it delivered by drone, and eat it while a robot vacuums the rug. We’ve come a long way, and in a relatively short amount of time.

But we still have a long way to go, especially as the technological revolution continues to accelerate. The choices we make now will determine whether we evolve in ways that are ultimately beneficial as a global and connected society. Choices that will determine whether we promote positive social change, preserve our natural environment, and ensure equality that puts every person on equal footing – or not.

We’ve seen what can happen when things go wrong. We’ve seen supply chains collapse, infrastructure attacks bring down commerce and critical infrastructure, and the impacts of war, pandemics, and climate change. And let’s not forget Monkey Pox.

The challenge before us now is to harness the promise of evolution while averting the consequences that upset the natural order of evolution. To temper the tempo as to evolve while mitigating the risks by considering and contemplating the impact it has. We must also prepare for the challenges and opportunities of a new world, to continue to thrive among uncertainty and a certain degree of unexpected chaos.

Three years ago, I would wager that a global pandemic was on very few people’s radar. Yet here we are. Are you prepared now for the next black-swan event? Do you have a business continuity plan in place for the next wave of COVID? Are you prepared for a global recession? What about a ransomware or DDoS attack targeting your company?

The list goes on and on, and it can be a bit daunting. To balance the spinning plates of opportunity, risk, and social good. The good news is that technology and innovation is alive and well, and here to help you continue to transform the world. It’s also why this issue of Pipeline is so important.

In this issue of Pipeline, we explore a variety of topics related to network evolution. ZPE Systems explores business and network continuity by answering three questions every board should ask now. Total Network Services shares how access to capital is being secured with blockchain and UCID. NCTA shows us how 10G broadband has the power to change our lives. Speedcast shows how hybrid 5G-satellite connectivity is connecting people in some of the most remote places in the world. CHR Solutions discusses rural broadband expansion and how to build broadband better. Ericsson illustrates how to maximize energy efficiency and performance in 5G networks, and T5 Data Centers delves into why sustainable data centers makes good business sense. CloudSmartz examines CX and how make the shift to customer-centric networks. Intraway looks at the future of OSS with no-code orchestration, and Oracle looks at the multi-CSP 5G network slicing for drone communications. All this plus the latest enterprise and communications technology news and more.