Influential European trade organization IBC and TM Forum, the digital business trade association today jointly announced a new collaboration to drive open innovation between the telecoms and media industries. The collaboration will include a focus on developing multi-company, rapid proof-of-concept projects to be showcased at each other’s flagship events and a range of joint marketing and content sharing activities.
Now in its 51st year, IBC brings together more than 57,000 attendees from 170 countries who come together in Amsterdam every September. The collaboration with TM Forum provides an opportunity for the co-creation of value for the senior members of each other’s communities, as the two industries grow closer together.
TM Forum, which has more than 850 member companies worldwide, has successfully pioneered a multi-company open innovation Catalyst program for more than ten years, bringing together technology companies and communication service providers to solve pressing industry challenges. This year, more than 120 companies are taking part in 25 Catalyst projects, with the results showcased at TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World conference in Nice. The expansion of the Catalyst program with IBC reflects the increasing convergence between the media and telecommunications industries, with broadcasters, operators, and software vendors working more closely together.
Michael Crimp, CEO, IBC said, “Viewers now have the ability to watch, share and even create content where and how they like, and telcos have played a key role in enabling this fundamental change. With the media and telecoms sectors more closely intertwined than ever before, it makes perfect sense for IBC and TM Forum to collaborate and in doing so, we will ensure that both of our communities continue to advance together. As the world’s most influential media, entertainment and technology show, IBC has always been a showcase for the latest innovation and this collaboration will help us remain at the cutting edge.”
Nik Willetts, CEO, TM Forum said, “Media is an increasingly important sector for our global membership as the boundaries between telecoms and media continue to blur. The digital age is changing the landscape for creation, distribution and consumption of media, and we believe that through industry collaboration we can drive a new wave of innovation and growth. We’re delighted to collaborate with IBC, and to extend the Catalyst model to explore the convergence of telecoms and broadcasting.”
Veenod Kurup, Group CIO at Liberty Global said, “Operating in 12 European countries, Liberty Global is the world’s leading international TV & broadband company. We are always on the look out for innovative ways to improve our customers’ experience as the telecoms and media industries increasingly converge. Therefore, I warmly welcome the new collaboration between IBC and TM Forum and look forward to the fruits of the new Catalyst program as it promises to address some of the most pressing industry issues we face today.”