MEF announces Global Ethernet Networking 2014 event

MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum), the defining body for Carrier Ethernet, launches its industry wide Global Ethernet Networking (GEN14) conference on 17 to 20 November 2014 at the Gaylord National in Washington, DC. With a target audience exceeding 1 200 attendees, GEN14 is billed as the must-attend networking event for senior professionals involved in the Carrier Ethernet (CE) services and technology industry that consists of retail, wholesale and mobile service providers; data centre providers; cloud service providers; mid-sized to large businesses; government organisations; network solutions vendors; the press; analysts; and others.

GEN14 (www.gen14.com) will assemble an unprecedented line-up of CE, SDN, NFV and network-enabled cloud services market leaders to map out the evolution of Carrier Ethernet and other wide area network services in the context of a paradigm shift that is reshaping the data services and networking landscape. This paradigm shift promises to accelerate the ability of CE network operators to develop and deliver more dynamic, customised and scalable services and applications to many more locations over much more efficient, agile and interconnected networks.

"The MEF created from zero the $45 billion+ global Carrier Ethernet services and technology market in just nine years with a powerful collaborative framework where service providers and equipment vendors from around the globe defined the specifications and certifications that underpin this now-dominant WAN technology," said Nan Chen, President of the MEF. "GEN14 gives us an extraordinary opportunity to bring together the industry movers and shakers to build upon this strategy and take CE-powered networks and services to a whole new level of innovation. We are excited about breaking down the barriers between next-generation Carrier Ethernet and emerging disruptive technologies to help realise the vision of automated and dynamic networking that will dramatically boost service provider and end-user productivity in the years ahead."

Every aspect of GEN14 is being developed with the paramount goal of empowering industry professionals with the highest-quality information, analysis and peer-to-peer networking opportunities possible to help them successfully navigate through today's pressing cost, revenue and business process challenges.

GEN14 will encompass industry leading keynote speakers, educational roundtables and panels, a services and technology demonstration centre (including proof-of-concept and other CE, SDN, NFV and cloud services demos), an exhibit floor, a networking lounge and a vibrant media hub.

For program and sponsorship information, contact MEF GEN14 Program Director Stan Hubbard at 804.822.6620 or email stan@metroethernetforum.org.

For event registration and other information, see www.gen14.com.