The Magician (Technologists)
Thursday, November 10, 2005, 2:45pm - 4:15pm
Upright - Mastery of the material world, creative action, self-discipline and a willingness to take risks. An ability to recognize one's own potential, the power to initiate, communication and wit.
Reversed - Confusion, hesitation, inability to make decisive choices. Inability to properly utilize time or talents. Lack of inspiration or energy. Giving up easily, poor self-image, poor co-ordination and sometimes learning difficulties.
In ancient times, science was often mistaken for magic. What are the modern day magicians doing with IP technology? The Technologists and Innovators will share their perspectives on how IP technology will transform communications.
David Beckmeyer, Founder & CEO, TelEvolution
As Chief Executive Officer, David Beckmeyer sets corporate strategy and oversees all aspects of the business for TelEvolution. He has been instrumental in spearheading and executing TelEvolution's major milestones including: founding the company; developing the patent-pending PhoneGnome technology and business model; securing angel financing; establishing a world class advisory board; and recruiting a seasoned executive team. Beckmeyer secured TelEvolution’s strategic relationship with Linksys/Cisco and retail distribution of PhoneGnome. Most recently, he successfully deployed PhoneGnome around the globe, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prior to founding TelEvolution, Beckmeyer was co-founder of EarthLink, where he served as Vice President Engineering and Chief Technology Officer. As CTO, he directed EarthLink's technical growth from a single server and a few modems to a multi-billion dollar company with state-of-the-art data centers in Pasadena, CA and Atlanta, GA. Beckmeyer was instrumental in EarthLink’s initial public offering in 1997. He currently serves as EarthLink's Distinguished Research Engineer where he serves as strategic advisor to executive management.
Jonathan Canis, Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren
Jon Canis is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP, a New York-based corporate law firm with over 400 attorneys in 13 offices in the United States and overseas. Jon is a member of the team of senior lawyers that established the Kelley Drye Telecom Group in 1996 and 1997.
Jon served in the Tariff Division and the Accounting and Audits Division of the Federal Communications Commission from 1984 to 1987. Since entering private practice in 1987, he has represented Internet service providers, long distance carriers, and large users of communications services, but Jon’s practice concentrates primarily on competitive local exchange carriers (“CLECs”).
Niel Ransom, Board Member, Overture Networks and Teknovus
Dr. Niel Ransom serves on the Boards of Overture Networks and of Teknovus. Previously, he was the CTO of Alcatel responsible for corporate and product strategy, corporate research, R&D investment, M&A strategy, and intellectual property. He joined Alcatel from BellSouth where he directed an organization responsible for expanding BellSouth’s offerings into PCS wireless, IP, video, and advanced intelligent networks. He started his career at Bell Labs. Ransom served on the Technological Advisors Council of the FCC. He is co-author of the book, Broadband Access Technologies, published by McGraw-Hill. Ransom holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Notre Dame, BSEE and MSEE degrees from Old Dominion University, and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
Mark Spencer, President, Digium/Asterisk
Mark Spencer is President and founder of Digium, formerly Linux Support Services, Inc., a Huntsville, AL based company focused on the development and support of low-cost, innovative telecommunications hardware and open source software. Spencer, originally from Auburn, AL, graduated in 1999 from Auburn University with a BS in Computer Engineering and founded his company in 2000. He is the original author of GAIM, the widely popular, multi-protocol instant messanging program for Linux, BSD, and Windows. Spencer is also responsible for Asterisk, the Open Source PBX for Linux, BSD, and MacOS.
Douglas Sicker, Professor, University of Colorado
Dr. Douglas Sicker has held various positions in academia, industry and government. Presently, he is an assistant professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Computer Science and the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Previously, he was Director of Global Architecture at Level 3 Communications. Prior to that, Chief of the Network Technology Division at the Federal Communications Commission. His efforts at Level 3 focused on optimizing network service architectures, particularly in the area of firewall design and IP-based signaling. His responsibilities at the FCC included CALEA, Internet related issues, advanced services, cable open access and communications merger proceedings. Sicker is a senior member of the IEEE. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Science and Telecommunications from the University of Pittsburgh.
Jonathan Taplin, Professor, USC, Annenberg School for Communications; Founder & CEO, Intertainer
Jonathan Taplin was a founder of Intertainer and has served as its Chairman and CEO since June 1996. Taplin was Vice President in the Media Mergers and Acquisitions Group for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets from 1984-1989. He began his entertainment career in 1969 as Tour Manager for Bob Dylan and The Band. In 1973 he produced Martin Scorsese’s first feature film, Mean Streets, which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Between 1974 and 1996, Taplin produced 12 feature films and 26 hours of television documentaries. Taplin graduated from Princeton University. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Annenberg School For Communication at the University of Southern California.
