Figures confirming the astonishing growth in the Carrier Ethernet market were provided by Michael Howard, Principal Analyst at Infonetics Research, who stated: "Carrier Ethernet Switch and Router (CESR) manufacturer revenue worldwide grew an astounding 132% from 2005 to 2006, and will continue strong growth to $9.1B in 2010, a 5-year CAGR of 16%. Carriers clearly want and are deploying Carrier Ethernet qualified routers and Ethernet switches. Meanwhile, other technologies are in decline, as worldwide spending on metro SONET/SDH equipment hit a peak in 2006, and will be lower than CESR in 2007, with a negative 5-year CAGR through 2010."
In his new role as MEF COO, Kevin Vachon will be responsible for managing the day to day activities of the MEF, including coordinating and enhancing contracted professional resources to the Technical and Marketing Committees and enhancing member support with the creation of “Member Services” function. Kevin will also continue to dialogue with industry stakeholders regarding the mission and activities of the MEF and the benefits of membership. He brings to the Forum 25 years of experience in networking and telecommunications – including 2 years as CEO of Diatem Networks and 6 years as Chairman and CEO of Nuvo Network Management.
The appointment is especially timely, as the Forum’s membership recently broke through the 100th member ceiling and already includes 114 members with a major influx of cable equipment and MSO companies this year. For the past 15 months, Kevin has acted in a business development capacity with the MEF and has been instrumental in leading the Forum’s membership growth initiative.
Kevin drew attention to the massive untapped market beyond the fibre infrastructure, and the role of Ethernet access via bonded copper, coax and wireless technologies, where ethernet is the logical choice with no rival protocols on the horizon. New projects for the MEF include a planned e-tree definition to meet the growing demand for point to multipoint services, an aggregation interface to enhance support for residential services, the optimization of Carrier Ethernet to meet the needs of wireless backhaul usage, and further OAM work needed to meet the soaring volumes of Carrier Ethernet deployment.
Nan Chen, President of the MEF, commented, ”The MEF has grown steadily since 2001, but has accelerated significantly this year. The growth has been in terms of Carrier Ethernet scope, Forum activities and membership numbers – and every indication suggests that these trends will continue. Our volunteer management team have done a superb job, being busy people in their own right, but we welcome Kevin’s professional management skills to take us into the next phase of growth, and to maintain and enhance the many benefits the Forum offers to all its members.”
”The MEF has proved to be one of the most dynamic and respected industry forums ever” commented Kevin Vachon, ”and I could not be joining at a more exciting time. I look forward to working with its active members as we continue to expand the influence of the MEF and advance the global adoption of Carrier Ethernet.”