In this interview Michael Loomis of Nortel Networks and Gary Bolton of Hatteras Networks explain the applicability of Carrier Ethernet to rural markets, using both existing copper and/or new fiber infrastructure. This allows carriers to provide services to rural areas that are comparable to what can be found in urban area. Michael Loomis points out how rural carriers are closer to their subscribers and are much faster to move to solutions than larger entities.
Doug Wenzlaff of Solarus, a Wisconsin-based Independent Telecom provider, talks about the the "cool factor" at the 2008 IP Possibilities conference in Chicago. The long-term implications of Wenzlaff’s comments are that independent telcos will need to concern themselves with style as much as substance. This is a preview of the type of programming that will be seen as we bring ViodiTV to next week’s WSTA conference in the Dells.
The previous issue of the Viodi View referenced Sheri Cooper and the selection of her husband as a finalist in the Children’s Category in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. To get to the finals, they had to pass through a panel of judges that included the likes of noted musicians, such as Al Jarreau and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead). In the final phase of the contest, it is about getting votes from the public; essentially it is now a popularity contest.
In the tradition of using video to promote music, the duo put together this clever, low-cost production in the above video.
Check out the song and their CD, The Uh Oh Moon, at http://cdbaby.com/cd/cooperbounds. Vote by going to the following link and look for the title Jack Rabbit in the category Children’s Session I.
A few hours after I wrote the first draft of this post and while I was thinking of ways to to tie it a little tighter Viodi View, I ran across the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus at NAB. The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Project is related to the aforementioned contest. The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus web site describes what they do as follows:
"The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit 501(c)(3) mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility. Since 1998, the Bus has provided free hands-on programs to hundreds of high schools, colleges, Boys and Girls Clubs, music festivals, concerts, conventions and community organizations."
In addition to having John Lennon’s name behind it, any organization that has a booth at NAB that is large enough for a freight trailer and more is impressive. Good luck Sheri and Clancy.

Jay Cuthrell of fudge.org is broadcasting live from IP Possibilities using the ustream.tv service. The cool thing is the panel he is part of is all about social media and using broadband to connect people. Through extension, Viodi is broadcasting live from IP Possibilities. In fact, I am going to send sent out an email to Club Viodi members to let them know.
