Telecom Service Providers have long sought to graduate beyond commoditized connectivity to business models centered around premium digital services. Telco Cloud Platform, in collaboration with Hyperscalers, is a new tack for operators to earn premiums from services delivered at the edge. But do service providers understand the service models that will help them monetize new digital services from customization for micro-segments of customers and enable premium experiences? Let’s find out. Our guest for today&apos;s podcast is Francis Haysom. He is a telecommunications industry veteran with stints at Ericsson, Telcordia, and Cramer Systems where he led transformation initiatives. Currently, he is a Principal analyst at Appledore where he has worked for the last four years. A Ph.D. from the University of Bath, he has deep knowledge of the impact of software in the telecommunications industry and on the business strategies of service providers.  In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things: -        The importance of cloud platforms in service provider’s strategy to drive business in the new world of private enterprise networks, 5G, and digital services -        How can service providers collaborate with Hyperscalers and IT ecologies to innovate and generate revenues from new services? -        What resources, technologies, and skillsets they can draw on to make their partnerships with Hyperscalers mutually beneficial? So, without further ado, let us welcome Francis Haysom. 

ALYNMENT - Connecting Tech to Biz

Ep # 26: Can Cloud Platform Help Telcos Graduate to High-Margin Digital Services? - with Francis Haysom

The mid-band CBRS spectrum has been an extraordinary boon to private networks and digital innovation in the US. Enterprises across verticals are investing in automation, taking advantage of the security of private LTE networks and the control of the quality of service. Some verticals like manufacturing have entered the adoption stage, and others like utilities have overcome the initial barriers to adoption. As the usage of shared spectrum bands booms, will we soon see mass commercialization of CBRS-based networks, or is it still early days? Let&apos;s find out.Our guest for today&apos;s podcast is Oren Binder. Oren is Director, Marketing at OnGo Alliance, an industry alliance that supports the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE solutions for the US 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum. Oren has contributed to the development of CBRS since its early days. He is a veteran in the wireless telecom industry and has extensive experience as a senior professional in product marketing in service providers, Fortune 500, and start-up companies. In today&apos;s discussion, we will explore some important topics such as: - how can the scarce CBRS spectrum continue to meet its growing demand? - Discuss any exciting shifts in the market that will help drive the adoption of the CBRS spectrum? And- Finally, what are some of the early learnings from CBRS deployments, and how can enterprise CIOs plan the private networks better?So, without further ado, let us welcome Oren Binder.

Ep # 25: Will the CBRS Goldrush Last - with Oren Binder

Open Radio Area Networks have democratized networks for small-and-medium scale companies. The CBRS spectrum freed the enterprise and other organizations of the chokehold of public communication service providers and helped them build private networks for their IT solutions. Companies, as big as Honeywell, however, have still been unserved. Will the new generation of vendors and MSPs that are using Open RAN overcome the limitation of size and bring inexpensive private networks to smaller organizations? Let’s find out.Our podcast guest for today is Vivek Parmar. Vivek is a prominent thought leader in the 5G industry acutely aware of the rich possibilities of product development with increasing integration of IT and communications.  Assistant VP at Hughes Systique Corporation in the Washington DC area, he is especially passionate about extending private networks to small and medium scale companies. In our discussion today we will uncover - Are CIOs of the small and mid-scale enterprises aware of the immense possibilities with Open RAN and private networks? Do they know how can they collaborate with a new generation of providers to lead in digital business services and gain an edge on their counterparts in large enterprises? 

Ep # 24: Driving Innovation for Smaller Organizations with Open RAN and Private Networks - with Vivek Parmar

The persisting disarray of global supply chains during and after Covid-19 exposed the crying need for automation at ports. Antiquated labor-intensive methods have no place in a world where ships disgorge towering stacks of containers that choke terminals at seaports. Private 5G networks have raised hopes about the possibility of factory-like automation to relieve congestion at seaports. But do port authorities see a business case and have a plan, the know-how, and the resources needed to implement private networks? Let’s find out in this episode of the #Alynment podcast with Ori Marom, Director of Smart Mobility & 5G at Port of Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Ep # 23: Making Seaports Autonomous with Private 5G - with Ori Marom

Private wireless network is one of the most exciting topics in the mobile space today. It is accelerating industrial automation, bridging the digital divide, and closing the homework gap. Also, the integration of wireless infrastructure with cloud deployments at the edge is a boost to enterprise application development. But do CIOs understand their choices to implement a private network using 4G, 5G, and a plethora of deployment models? Which of these make business sense, and is the underlying ecosystem ready to support them? Let’s find out in this episode of the #Alynment podcast with Anand Shah, Director of Technology Strategy and Architecture at Verizon.

Ep # 22: 5G and Wi-Fi – The PB&J of Enterprise Private Networks - with Anand Shah

Getting reliable, high-speed connectivity continues to be a challenge for enterprises, but things are changing! Private-sector innovation and government support are working to advance America&apos;s longtime leadership in wireless technologies. Spectrum sharing initiatives like CBRS are disruptive, DoD&apos;s investment in 5G testbeds is promising, and the recent decision by FCC to break free 100 MHz spectrum in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band is exciting. But how will all these initiatives help enterprises accelerate digital innovation?Our guest today is going to help us weave through the maze of shared, flexible-use, and licensed mid-band 5G spectrum that is coveted for private business networks and how the latest 5G testbeds at the Department of Defense will benefit the private sector. Dr. Eric Burger is a Professor and the Founder and Director of the Security and Software Engineering Research Center at Georgetown University. Before Georgetown, he served as the Assistant Director at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He also served as the CTO of FCC and lead several public and private network equipment and enterprise software companies. He played a key role in implementing the regulations to remediate illegal robocalls AKA Spam Calls. Dr. Burger also contributed to the Secure 5G and Beyond Act and led the program to identify and transfer 100 MHz of 5G mid-band spectrum from Federal DoD use to the private sector. Let us welcome Dr. Eric Burger.

Ep # 21: Advancing America's Leadership Through 5G & 6G Innovation? With Eric Burger

Covid was a rude awakening for manufacturing—it almost came to a standstill. CIOs have started to rethink operations with modern technologies like extended reality (XReality) for remote assistance and collaboration. Collaboration in virtual reality, remote control with mixed reality, and expert assistance, among others. But do business leaders realize the implications and value of XReality for their long-term strategy? Our guest for the podcast is Randy Nunez, Tech Trends Lead at Ford Motors. Randy has nearly 30 years of experience researching emerging technology trends and identifying those with the most promising business impact. Evaluating the business impact of XReality in the manufacturing industry is one of his key focus areas at Ford. In this podcast, we will get a fresh perspective on the practical value and readiness of XReality for enterprises. Let us welcome Randy Nunez. 

Ep # 20: Can XReality Help Manufacturers Function Without Interruption? With Randy Nunez

Covid appeared to have knocked brick-and-mortar stores dead. Will they rise like a Phoenix from the rubble aided by a raft of new technologies for experiential marketing? If the latest forecasts are to be believed, store openings in 2021 will boom. Big Box stores are taking the lead. In this podcast, we will discuss what shape will the retail renaissance take? Let’s find out! Our guest for the podcast is Ricardo Belmar. He is a prominent thought leader in the retail industry. He is regularly featured by major publications and actively talks about the impact of technology in retail. Ricardo was named a Top 100 Global Retail Influencer by RETHINK Retail. He recently joined Microsoft as a Senior Partner Marketing Advisor for Retail and Manufacturing. So, without further ado, let us welcome Ricardo Belmer and discuss the future of retail.

Ep # 19: What Shape Will Retail Renaissance Take in 2021? With Ricardo Belmar

With private wireless networks gaining momentum, businesses are testing the waters to see if LTE-based CBRS technology can offer reliable connectivity and reduce their operations&apos; cost. Yesterday&apos;s Wi-Fi might be low cost, but today&apos;s Wi-Fi 6 and 4G can provide speed and security, while tomorrow&apos;s 5G can deliver ultra-quick connections backed by quality assurance. Which of these new technologies can deliver secure, efficient, cost-effective connections that truly improve business operations? Let&apos;s find out. In this podcast, we will discuss how 4G and 5G can truly support private business networks.  Carl Gunell, SVP & Co-founder, Geoverse, is a successful tech entrepreneur with many ventures spanning the technology, internet, media, and entertainment sectors. Geoverse is his most recent venture, and it is a licensed mobile operator that enables businesses with digital services through private 4G and 5G networks and applications. Carl uses his experience with regulators and standards bodies to help customers in all verticals connect the dots between 4G and 5G private networks and their business application needs. He also successfully tinkers with technologies, like the recently-awarded patent that links blockchain to wireless services. The conversation aims to help businesses understand how they can solve their infrastructure challenges using private networks – with real-world private network deployment examples. Are 4G and 5G the right network solutions to create these private networks, or does Wi-Fi 6E bring the right capabilities? 

Ep # 18: Can Private Networks Bring The Wireless Sunshine Indoors? With Carl Gunell

5G and Edge Computing technologies are the centers of attraction these days. MEC or Multi-edge computing promise operators to host applications closer to the customers - making it accessible to businesses and consumers in a way that has never been possible. So, are we looking towards a future where virtual reality gaming and self-driving cars become the norm? Can businesses truly implement the benefits of MEC, and what are some common roadblocks? Let’s find out.Hi guys, this is your host Ashish Jain, and you are listening to the alignment podcast, where we go beyond the buzzwords and connect the dots between technology and its business impact.Today’s guest is someone who can give us an authentic perspective on how, if at all, 5G and MEC can shape the future of businesses. She has led strategy and marketing for a multi-billion-dollar public sector and the B2B wireless line of business at Verizon. In her most recent role as the Director of Commercial Marketing for MEC, she worked closely with SMBs, large enterprises, and the government to help them identify business opportunities with 5G and MEC. She currently leads a non-profit organization, “National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund,” as the secretary and board member.  Let me welcome Caitlin Clark-Zigmond.

Ep #17: Is Your Business Ready for 5G? with Caitlin Clark-Zigmond

We all know that the B2B sales process is becoming increasingly complex. Over the past many years, we have seen a shift in how B2B buyers make decisions. They are much more informed, have too many options, and are digitally well connected to validate their choices. Sellers struggle and often fail to provide their buyers with the right answers. This alignment gap between buyer’s expectations and seller’s skills continue to grow, and the new normal with COVID-19 isn’t helping.But, is the gap because the sellers are less capable, or is there something else that is fundamentally misaligned? We’re questioning everything – from old school sales practices to how we communicate with the buyer who knows it all. Let’s hear what an expert has to say.Hi guys, this is your host Ashish Jain, and you are listening to the ALYNMENT podcast, where we aim to expose the day-to-day misalignments between marketing and sales activities and discuss practical solutions to end this long-standing paradigm. Today’s guest is Spencer Wixom, the senior vice president of marketing and business development at Challenger Inc, an organization with many top-selling books on overcoming sales challenges, such as The Challenger Sale, The Challenger Customer, and The Effortless Experience. With over 15 years of experience at CEB, Gartner, and Challenger, Spencer has helped transform sales and marketing teams in some of the biggest and best companies in the world.He regularly authors articles on sales & marketing alignment – a passion that we both share. I am hoping to gain some insights from him around what is “good” sales enablement and how sales and marketing should align during these trying times.

Ep #16: New Practices Sales Must Adopt in the New Normal with Spencer Wixom

The year 2020 has dramatically changed how technology is impacting everyday life. Whether it is video conferencing for remote work and home schooling or getting curb side deliveries, COVID19 has ushered in a new normal and pushed us to adopt technology faster than we ever imagined. It has also increased what we expect from our “smart cities”. If we adopted new technology quickly, why can’t our cities transform quickly, too? Are cities up to the tech challenge? Let’s find out.Today’s guest is more than qualified to answer these questions and shed light on what officials are doing to adopt technology that can improve city’s infrastructure and the citizens’ life. Nicole Raimundo is the Chief Information Officer of the Town of Cary in North Carolina. She is an award-winning technology executive who calls herself GovRebel as she pushes the boundaries of how governments use technology. Nicole believes that the powers of 5G, IoT and AI together can transform the way cities communicate with, and protect their citizens. The goal of our conversation today is to uncover the real benefits and challenges in implementing IoT and other smart city initiatives. How has COVID19 impacted these efforts? And what does it take to align all departments across the government to adopt new technologies? 

Ep #15: From Resource Management to City Safety, IoT Is the Answer with CTO Nicole Raimundo

With technology changing at blinding speeds, businesses often struggle to understand what is real and what is hype. Blockchain, which is the technology behind BitCoin and other cryptocurrencies - is one of such technologies that offer a lot of promise but rarely understood. 5G is yet another great technology that claims to revolutionize how we connect and communicate. But do these two innovations have anything in common? Together can they provide a better economic value to businesses? Our guest, David Walsh, is one of the finest technologists, investors, and business leaders. Over the past 30+ years, he has successfully disrupted and innovated technology across a wide range of markets including Automated Trading Systems, Financial Extranet, and Embedded Cloud Communications. He has built, scaled, and sold companies from start-ups to global enterprises, generating over $3B of cumulative gains. I enjoyed working with David on several initiatives, and I was always amazed by his ability to connect the dots across the entire value chain of technology.My motive in today’s discussion is to hear this great visionary investor bring reality to blockchain in the context of 5G by understanding the challenges that leaders might face when applying these technologies. 

Ep #14: How 5G and Blockchain Can Disrupt a Collaborative Economy - with Visionary Investor David Walsh

5G is one of the most anticipated, promoted -  and debated – technology advancements in modern history. The industry claims that 5G, along with AI and machine learning, will revolutionize connectivity and communications for many business applications. But does 5G play any role in solving the day-to-day challenges for trucking operations? Can 5G make the life of a truck operator any better? Let’s hear what the experts say.  Hi guys, this is your host Ashish Jain, and you are listening to the alignment podcast, where we go beyond the buzzwords and connect the dots between technology and its business impact.In this episode, we will dive into a day in the life of a truck driver to sift through the realistic impact that 5G can make in the trucking industry. While some pundits indicate that trucking communications are some two years away from adopting 5G technology, we are pleased to be speaking with a transportation industry expert who can shed some realistic light on this subject.Our guest today is Dr. Ashim Bose, Chief Data Scientist and Vice President of artificial intelligence and machine learning at Omnitracs, a company that provides SaaS-based fleet management solutions for the trucking industry. Dr. Ashim has a PhD in Artificial Intelligence with deep experience in the Automotive, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Telecom verticals. During his two-decade long career, he has helped the Space Telescope Science Institute, Verizon, EDS, HPE, DXC, and a host of other reputable companies solve their technology-to-business alignment challenges.

Ep #13: 5G and the Future of the Trucking Industry with Dr. Ashim Bose

Starting a company or launching a new product in a highly competitive tech space is like going to war where knowing your enemy is imperative. With the pace at which technology is evolving, the need to keep a pulse on new players and solutions has never been greater. But scaling competitive analysis and measuring its success continues to remain a challenge for most B2B technology companies. Sales, product, and marketing leaders remain misaligned in answering the most fundamental question, “Why Us?” How can we fix that? Let’s hear what the experts say!  Hi guys, this is your host Ashish Jain, and you are listening to the ALYNMENT podcast, where we aim to expose the day-to-day misalignments between product marketing and sales activities and discuss practical solutions to end this long-standing paradigm. In today’s episode, we talk with Sam Rinaldo, Hubspot’s Competitive Intelligence Analyst,  about the incredible power of ‘competitive intelligence’ and how only some companies manage to get CI right. Sam served as an Intelligence officer in the US Marine Corps for 9 years before entering the B2B tech world. As a marine deployed in Afghanistan, he developed his passion for intelligence by leading and managing an organization of 300+ military and intelligence personnel. I bet heading a B2B competitive intelligence unit is rather simple compared to that!  I am hoping today’s conversation uncovers some new tactics that help you break away from legacy tools to develop the 360-degree view of the competition to identify “what matters” to win the deal. 

Ep #12: The 3 Missing Tactics Companies Need In Their Competitive Intelligence Process with Hubspot’s Sam Rinaldo

What makes technology real? How can we go beyond buzzwords and see the impact of technology in our everyday lives? How can we align on the challenges, the readiness gaps, and the opportunities to make technology mainstream? These are some of the critical questions that industry experts, vendor communities and service providers in the tech industry must respond. Tune into the ALYNMENT podcast with Ashish Jain, CEO and Co-founder of Kairos Pulse, where we aim to connect the dots between technology, business values, and customer needs in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Join us as we capture the real-world stories and realistic perspectives that help us align the what, why, and how. Let’s break out of our silos and get aligned.

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ALYNMENT - Connecting Tech to Biz

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