VoIP is now competing with wireline telecommunications in the home, and IP-based PBX is now the standard for wireline telecommunications in the office.  The next generation of VoIP is to go mobile when dual mode cell phones come to market in 2006 allowing cell calls to be made when away from the home or office and Mobile VoIP calls to be made when in the home or office.  This panel will investigate the coming world of Mobile VoIP and consider implications, timing and technical requirements.

 This meeting will be an opportunity for wireless companies, city government representatives, community activists, investors and other interested parties to exchange ideas on these and related topics.

Moderator: (see bio below)
Gerry Purdy Ph.D., principal analyst, MobileTrax & Venture Advisor, Diamondhead Ventures

Speakers:
- Ben Gibson, Cisco Systems
- Ed Taulbee, Director of Carrier Markets, Tropos Networks
- Steven Shaw, Kineto Wireless
- Glen Richards, VON
-  Skype – TBD
- Intel - TBD

Agenda for the meeting:
• 6:00PM - 7:00PM networking
• 7:00PM - 8:00PM presentations
• 8:00PM - 8:30PM discussion
• 8:30PM - 9:00PM networking

Light buffet will be served from 6:00PM

Location:
Pillsbury Winthrop, LLP
2475 Hanover St, Palo Alto, CA 94303

The MetroSIG is organized by the WCA www.wca.org, which has been the focal point for Northern California wireless experts for over 10 years.

Gerry Purdy, Ph.D.:
Principal Analyst, MobileTrax LLC
Venture Advisor, Mobile & Wireless, Diamondhead Ventures

Dr. Purdy is a nationally recognized industry authority in mobile computing and wireless data communications. He is the principle analyst with MobileTrax, a professional services firm in Cupertino that produces conferences, conducts market research and consulting in mobile computing and wireless communications.   He is also a Venture Advisor for Diamondhead Ventures in Menlo Park where he identifies, attracts and recommends investments in emerging companies in the mobile and wireless space.

For over 15  years, Dr. Purdy has been consulting, speaking, researching, networking, writing and developing state-of-the-art concepts that challenge people's mind-sets and developing new ways of thinking and forecasting in the mobile computing and wireless data arenas. Often quoted, his ideas and opinions are followed closely by industry watchers who read his insightful column, “Inside Mobile & Wireless.”

Throughout his education and his career, Dr. Purdy has built the knowledge, experience and intellect that give him his unique vantage point on the industry.  He has worked in hardware systems including Compaq Computer (now HP) and Poqet Computer (now Fujitsu), software (Phoenix Technologies & Metier Management) and was VP and Chief Analyst at Dataquest before launching his own analyst and consulting practice in mobile and wireless.  

 
Ed Taulbee, Director of Carrier Markets, Tropos Networks, is a nineteen-year veteran in the telecommunications, broadband, and wireless industries, with a unique blend of industry, company, and customer focus.  His expertise and leadership include consulting, product marketing, strategic partnerships, and P&L.  He developed and honed his ROI models with industry experts and analysts, as well as many of Tropos' municipal customers.  He has conducted numerous trainings with corporate executives, entrepreneurs and municipal officials.  Prior to joining Tropos Networks, Ed was a principal with Bridge Point Consulting Group.  He helped businesses to navigate changing regulatory environments, develop alternative service strategies, and reduce annual telecommunications operating costs by more than $1.5 million.  During his career, Ed has also worked for Excite@Home, AT&T and IBM.

Glenn S. Richards, Glenn Richards is a partner in Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s communications group.  Mr. Richards represents VoIP companies, competitive local exchange carriers, long distance carriers, satellite licensees, telecommunications trade associations and users of telecommunications services in transactional and litigation matters, and in regulatory matters before the Federal Communications Commission and state public utility commissions.  Mr. Richards received a degree in journalism from West Virginia University in 1982 and a law degree from New York Law School in 1985.