FutureNet thoughts

I'm still decompressing after four content-maximized days at FutureNet, but here are some thoughts.  For those of you who have never been to MPLScon or FutureNet in the past, the conference is rich on in-depth technical content mostly designed for an engineering audience (both service provider and enterprise).  We had a number of sessions that did a deep dive on topics such as WiMAX - MPLS integration, alternatives for next generation Ethernet, and MPLS Multicast.  We also had a number of sessions that looked at success factors around application management, security, and resiliency strategies.  Some of my favorite sessions were the end-user case studies from organizations including Cox Communications, The NY stock exchange, and a number of Verizon Business customers.

On the service provider side, the most interest seemed to be around the debate over Ethernet standards such as PBB and PBT/PBB-TE.  See Network World's recap by Jim Duffy who chaired the Tuesday evening "Beer and Pizza" Shootout.  From the enterprise side, we had a strong day of sessions covering different approaches and trends in the area of application performance management.  Enterprises also continue to struggle with picking the best service at the best price based on variable availability of service options and breadth of carrier coverage.

The conference as a whole set some records, with over 425 total attendees, making it the largest event in its seven-year history.  We also had the largest show floor so far. 

Next year's event will continue to broaden beyond MPLS into evolving WAN services.  I expect that Ethernet, mobility (including FMC), and application management will continue to be key topics.  I also expect we'll start talking a bit more about topics such as IPv6, SIP trunking, Internet susbtitution XML acceleration, and other network infrastructure related topics.  We move to Boston in April at the Boston World Trade Center.