Forum spotlights 'fundamental shifts'

Paris, 15 Feb 2007

Alcatel-Lucent's Enterprise Forum 2007 opened yesterday in central Paris.

The event focuses on giving business partners and customers a snapshot of what Alcatel-Lucent is doing in the enterprise space, as opposed to its other, carrier-focused businesses.

It is expected to attract about 8 000 visitors, according to Roch Muraine, Alcatel-Lucent's regional support centre director for emerging markets, speaking to ITWeb on the eve of the event.

Over 1 000 delegates attended early morning speeches yesterday. CEO Pat Russo delivered the first address, and spoke about the ongoing integration process following the merger between the telco giants, concluded two months ago.

This is Alcatel-Lucent's first major public event as a merged entity.

Immense change

Continuing with threads of some of the themes discussed at the 3GSM Conference in Barcelona (from which she had just returned), Russo spoke of the "fundamental shifts" the telecommunications industry is experiencing.

"We are undergoing immense change - technologically, psychologically, and in terms of the market structure," she told the audience. Russo reinforced the message of Alcatel-Lucent's commitment to businesses of all sizes, focusing on how enterprises are responding to changing market dynamics through transformation of their networks, services and businesses.

The event also features an exhibition demonstration hall and individual programme tracks designed for C-level executives, channel partners, service providers, press and analysts.

"This year the forum takes on a new level of excitement as it ushers in a new company, a new opportunity, a new focus on the enterprise market and new choices for enterprise customers," said Hubert de Pesquidoux, president of Alcatel-Lucent's enterprise activities.