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NEWS FLASH June 7, 2006

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A bi-weekly bulletin designed to help keep you informed of North Texas Global Telecommunications Society (NTGTS) and Communications and Technology Connections (CTC) programs and activities. To view past issues of the NTGTS News Flash go to:
http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=1&Itemid=2

In this News Flash:-        

President’s Message

-June 8 Monthly Networking Event        

 -July 13 NTGTS Monthly Networking Event

-Website Registration and New Web Presence

-2006 Membership Drive

-Leadership Opportunities

-Event Sponsorship Opportunities

-Speaking Opportunities

-Venue Space Needed

-Public Relations Expertise Needed

-Call for White Papers

-Resources, Jobs & More

-Events Calendar

-Questions and Support

-Subscribing and Unsubscribing

-Editor’s Comments

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Members and Colleagues,Since our last communication to you, we launched our much enhanced and anticipated website in March.  The newly designed website contains a state-of-the-art content management system.  This ensures the site contains the very latest information on our activities and programs.  I believe you will find the new website full of excellent content and valuable resources, including special content for members.  If you have not already done so, please visit the site at www.ntgts.org or www.ctconnections.org to register for your member-only access. 

On the programs side, we have a full roster of programs scheduled through the end of the year.  On June 8, we will hear from one of NTGTS’ Advisory Board Members, Dr. Stanley L. Kroder, who will discuss his personal reflections on Thomas Friedman’s recent book, “The World is Flat:  Essential Messages for All of Us.”  In July, BG Kumar, Vice President of Engineering with Tekelec will discuss the role of networking bridging elements in the transition from TDM to IMS-based networks.   

After our well-needed August recess, our Fall program slate will feature programs covering the following topics:  IPTV and Triple Play, Mobile Security, Global VoIP Regulatory Developments, Internet and Technology Legal Issues, and Telco Video Franchising. 

I would also like to extend special thanks and recognition to George Michael of Michael & Partners who serves on our Programs Task Force.  George and his team recently updated the organization’s media and public relations list.  This was important to ensure the organization stays current with all related media outlets.  Thank you George!

We look forward to seeing you at our future events.

Regards,

Jeremy Azif

President & Co-Founder

 JUNE 8 MONTHLY NETWORK EVENT  

Please join the North Texas Global Telecommunications Society (NTGTS) for its June 2006 Monthly Networking Event taking place on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at The Richardson Hotel located at 701 East Campbell Road, Richardson, TX.  The program will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST.  NTGTS is pleased to host and welcome one of its Board of Advisors, Dr. Stanley L. Kroder, who is responsible for the Telecom MBA, Online Learning and the International programs at the University of Dallas (UD). Dr. Kroder will discuss Thomas Friedman's book, "The World is Flat:  A Brief History of the 21st Century."  In that book, the author ties technology together with geopolitics to explain, among many other things, the explosive growth of high value added outsourcing.  Friedman develops many lessons from his visits to Bangalore, India.  Dr. Kroder also visited Bangalore as part of his university duties recently and will relate his observations from that trip with those in the Friedman book. RSVP to programs@ntgts.org if you plan to attend by Tuesday, June 6 since space is limited.  When responding, please provide your full contact information.  If you plan to bring a guest(s), please provide your guest's information as well.  For more information, please see www.ntgts.org.  

JULY 13 MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT 

Please join the North Texas Global Telecommunications Society (NTGTS) for its July Monthly Networking Event taking place on Thursday, July 13, 2006 at The Richardson Hotel, 701 East Campbell Road, Richardson, TX.  The program will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST.  NTGTS is pleased to host and welcome BG Kumar who is Vice President of Engineering for Tekelec. 

Mr. Kumar will discuss “The Role of Network-Bridging Elements in the Transition from TDM to IMS-Based Networks.”  As operators migrate networks from a time division multiplexing (TDM) network to an Internet protocol multimedia subsystems (IMS) reference architecture model, network-bridging elements will play a pivotal role.  

RSVP to programs@ntgts.org if you plan to attend by Tuesday, July 11 since space is limited.  When responding, please provide your full contact information.  If you plan to bring a guest(s), please provide your guest's information as well.

WEBSITE REGISTRATION AND NEW WEB PRESENCE

In March 2006, the newly designed NTGTS/CTC website was launched using a state-of-the-art content management system.  This ensures the site contains the very latest information on NTGTS/CTC activities and programs. The site, attracting thousands of unique visitors annually, features an innovative user interface that is a model for Internet functionality.  The new website, containing information on both NTGTS and CTC, includes many new features for members and other visitors.  Some of the key enhanced user features include: -Enhanced menu navigation and buttons with links to all sub-pages of the site.-Enhanced members-only areas, which provides access to the NTGTS Newsletter, Membership Directory, and other special members-only resources.-Easy page printing along with a PDF formatting option.-A detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) section covering all aspects of the organization.-A job postings section.-Discussion board and Blog.-A powerful and enhanced events calendar, featuring all of the latest-NTGTS/CTC programs as well as other events of interest.-Access to several famous classic arcade games, to keep your mind and fingers sharp and fit.-An enhanced shopping cart and secure payment gateway area, allowing you the ability to register for membership and programs, and other products/services that we have to offer. The website will be the strategic core of our marketing efforts, acting as a strong foundation for all other marketing communications.  Alongside information about our services, the site will feature the latest news and announcements, along with a supporting portfolio of information and useful resources on the latest telecom and IT developments. 

User Registration

To begin taking advantage of all of these user features, users must go and register for website access at:http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers.  The page will prompt you for some information, along with an individually created user ID and password. If you were already a paid NTGTS/CTC member, please note that the existing website ID and password is no longer valid.  You must go and register on the new website.  Once you receive the email acknowledgment, you will be accorded the enhanced member-only access privileges based on confirmation of your member status. 

2006 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 

We are currently conducting our summer membership drive.  If you are not yet a member, you can join/renew today at www.ntgts.org or www.ctconnections.org.

If you would like join NTGTS/CTC or renew your membership, we would encourage you to do so immediately since member renewal invoices have been sent out.  Please go to the new Member Application Form at: http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=75.  After this is done, please also register in the product section of the site located at: http://www.ntgts.org/zenCart/index.php.  This will permit you to submit your secure payment information.  We continue to accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

For additional information on membership, please contact Roberto Fanini, Director, Membership, NTGTS at membership@ntgts.org.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We seek volunteers to serve in various leadership and internship roles.  We need support on our programs and membership teams as well as support with our annual strategic plan.  Becoming involved from a leadership standpoint is an excellent way to enhance your industry visibility, knowledge, leadership, management and professional development skills with a dynamic organization.  

If you are interested, please contact Jeremy Azif at president@ntgts.org by June 15, 2006.  When responding, please indicate your areas of interest and provide us your contact information so we can get in touch with you.  Note, you do not need to be located in Texas or the Greater Washington, D.C. area to serve in our leadership.  To submit your information, please go to the online leadership application at:  http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=61.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to your involvement. 

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

We are looking for event sponsors to help support our monthly networking series in North Texas and the Greater Washington, D.C. areas.  This is an excellent opportunity for any company or organization to gain additional industry visibility and exposure.  We will work with your organization to customize an event sponsorship package that is tailored to your goals and needs.

SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES

If you or someone you know would like to serve as a speaker at our events, please see http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=68 and complete an on-line speaker application.  Once the application is received and reviewed, a representative from our Programs Task Force will contact you.  If you find yourself in either D.C. or the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please let us know in advance of your trip and perhaps we can set up a program around your schedule. For further information about these opportunities, please send an e-mail to programs@ntgts.org or sponsorship@ntgts.org.

VENUE SPACE NEEDED

In addition, we are seeking companies and/or organizations to sponsor meeting space for our events and activities.  Venue sponsorship would give your entity another opportunity to obtain additional exposure.  If you know of space, please contact programs@ntgts.org.

PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERTISE NEEDED

The organization has worked closely with several public relations, advertising and media relations firms locally, nationally and internationally.  Presently, we want to establish a partnership(s) with a public relations firm who can provide us public and media relations expertise and support.   If you know of a firm that is able to provide expertise to our organization, please contact Jeremy Azif, President & Co-Founder, NTGTS/CTC at president@ntgts.org by June 15, 2006 for more details.

CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS

NTGTS and CTC are currently conducting a call for White Papers that may be posted to the NTGTS/CTC website.  Papers may either be original and/or previously published.  Authors of published papers must grant reprint permission rights to NTGTS/CTC.  Papers should be no more than 15 pages in length and consist of general topics interest to the telecommunications, media, and information technology communities.  For consideration, please submit your paper in Word/PDF format no later than June 25, 2006 to membership@ntgts.org.

RESOURCES, JOBS & MORE

World Dialogue on Regulation (WDR) for Network Economies Email Newsletter

For an excellent way to stay informed of industry developments, we suggest that you checkout the WDR e-Brief which is an electronic bulletin.  The e-Brief keeps you informed of new documents, new projects, ongoing discussions and information of interest to the regulatory community.  For further information, please see their websites at www.lirne.net and www.regulateonline.org.

Job Positions Available

For further details on all positions listed below, please contact Ms. Chris Shoulet at Top Dog Recruiting at 301-530-9694 or chris@topdog-inc.com.

·        CISCO IP TELEPHONY ARCHITECT

·        NETWORK SPECIALIST

·        NETWORK ARCHITECT

·        AVAYA ARCHITECT

·        NETWORK ARCHITECT

OTEC Internship Opportunities

Jamaica:  Communications Technologies and Equipment

EVENTS CALENDAR

NTGTS/CTC EVENTS

What:              NTGTS Monthly Networking Event

Speaker:           Dr. Stanley L. Kroder, Associate Dean for On-Line Learning and Information Technology, Associate Professor at the College of Business, University of Dallas

Organizer:       NTGTS

When:              June 8, 2006

Where:             The Richardson Hotel, 701 E. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX

Time:                6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

URL:                www.ntgts.org  

What:              NTGTS Monthly Networking Event

Speaker:            BG Kumar, Vice President, Engineering, Tekelec

Organizer:       NTGTS

When:              July 13, 2006

Where:             The Richardson Hotel, 701 E. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX

Time:                6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

URL:                www.ntgts.org  

OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS

What:              Shrink-Wrapping Consulting Services:  How to Turn Technical Consulting

Services Into Products to Boost Your Revenue

Speaker:            Mary Swensen, M.J., APR, Principal Consultant

Organizer:       IEEE

When:              June 12, 2006

Where:             Holiday Inn Select, 1655 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX

Time:                6:15 p.m. CT

URL:                www.ieeedallascn.org   

What:              FCBA 70^th Anniversary Reception

Organizer:       Federal Communications Bar Association

When:              June 14, 2006

Where:             Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17^th St., NW, Washington, D.C.

Time:                7:00 p.m. ET

URL:               www.fcba.org 

What:              Face Off:  RFID vs. Wireless Sensor Networks

Organizer:       MIT Enterprise Forum of Dallas Fort-Worth

When:              June 15, 2006

Where:             University of Texas at Dallas, School of Management, Richardson, TX

Time:                5:00 p.m. CT

URL:                www.mitforum.com    

What:              Reception for His Excellency, Dr. Tarek Kamel, Egyptian Minister of

Communications and Information Technology

Organizer:       Northern Virginia Technology Council

When:              June 19, 2006

Where:             McLean Hilton, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA

Time:                6:00 p.m. ET

URL:                www.nvtc.org    

What:              Addison Happy Hour:  Discussion on VoIP

Speaker:            Ron Hamlett, District Manager, XO Communications

Organizer:       GeekMeet

When:              June 22, 2006

Where:             Blue Mesa Grill, 5100 Beltline Road, Addison, TX

Time:                5:30 p.m. CT

URL:                www.geekmeet.com    

What:              WCA 2006

Organizer:       Wireless Communications Association

When:              July 27-30, 2006

Where:             The Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

URL:                www.wcai.com

What:              China RoHS Compliance

Organizer:       AeA

When:              June 28, 2006

Where:             TI Auditorium, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX

URL:               www.aeanet.org/RoHSChina

QUESTIONS AND SUPPORT

If you have questions about NTGTS and CTC, send them to membership@ntgts.org.  For technical matters, contact shelly.haffly@mavericksystemscorp.com.

SUBSCRIBING AND UNSUBSCRIBING

The News Flash is a bi-weekly bulletin from NTGTS/CTC.  You are receiving this publication because you are a paid member and/or expressed interest in receiving this publication as well as other announcements about NTGTS or CTC related events and activities.  To subscribe, send a message to membership@ntgts.org with SUBSCRIBE NEWS FLASH in the subject line.  To unsubscribe, send a message to membership@ntgts.org with UNSUBSCRIBE NEWS FLASH in the subject line.

Note that unsubscription requests must be sent from exactly the same address as the one you used to subscribe.  If you do not remember which address was used to subscribe, please send us all current e-mail aliases.

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

Co-Editors:  Jeremy Azif and Jennifer Ullman

We hope that you enjoyed reading this News Flash!  We welcome your comments and suggestions about this bulletin.  Please send them to membership@ntgts.org.Copies of the News Flash are also available on the website at http://www.ntgts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=1&Itemid=2.

NTGTS and CTC seek to stimulate friendships, professional cooperation, and respect in order to effectively promote cross-cultural developments and commerce.  A further goal is to provide members and organizations with the information, resources, and tools that better enable them to take advantage of the developments occurring in the international communications and technology arenas.  The organization also fosters personal/professional development and the networking needs of its members by providing access to a global network of industry contacts and leaders.   In addition, one of the organization’s key missions is to continue expanding and developing into other markets worldwide. 

News Flash is published bi-weekly by the North Texas Global Telecommunications Society (NTGTS) and Communications and Technology Connections (CTC).  It is a member service.

Copyright 2006 North Texas Global Telecommunications Society (NTGTS) and Communications and Technology Connections (CTC).  Copying or distribution in whole or in part is welcome, so long as this notice is included in the distribution.