It will take brave leadership to achieve true convergence, says Telkom COO Reuben September.
September was referring to the world's readiness to embrace true convergence at the opening day of the Southern African Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (Satnac) today. The conference is being held in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg.
When using the Gartner hype curve, September said, technological developments facilitating convergence are in the "trough of disillusionment", while service levels are still at the peak of "over-inflated expectations".
"If developments follow the curve, we will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of convergence. Thus, customers have the right to be excited by the future," September said.
Users want it simple
Also this morning, Satnac panellists focusing on the convergence needs of digital users said users did not want to know about the intricacy of the network that would allow true convergence.
Led by Professor Hu Hanrahamn of the University of the Witwatersrand, the panellists agreed that market penetration would not be driven by the sale of more personal computers or broadband. Instead, market penetration is more likely to be driven by lifestyle.
"Consumers care about the use of technology to communicate, work, learn, enjoy music and play games, among other things," said Claus Bjoernsten, service provider director of Digital Home at Intel. He said they are more likely to purchase the experience of watching a live soccer game when they want to, than being interested in the delivery tools.
Linda Khumalo, deputy CEO of Alcatel, agreed. So far, users have had a fragmented experience with various tools, each providing a different service, he said.
"Globally, we are moving towards a more user-centric environment which provides for the consumer's need for a more interactive, personalised and accessible experience. The tools should also be simple and easy to use," he said.
Challenges
The challenge lies in making content providers more comfortable with the idea of using IP technology as a transport mechanism, Willem Oosthuizen, regional chief technical officer of Cisco Systems, told delegates.
September also touched on the issue of broadband access. The cost of broadband entry in SA will have to be lowered or convergence will stay on the periphery, rather than being embraced, he said.
The three-day conference also includes breakaway meetings, where papers on progress achieved in applied research in the ICT sector will be presented.
The day's proceedings are being broadcast on Summit TV and streamed via the Internet at www.satnac.org.za
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