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What's Inside
Letter from ED
This month I wanted to focus on two good things that we accomplished: the announcement at CTIA Wireless in Las Vegas that Vancouver will host the Mobile Monday Global Summit in 2010 and the successful debut of the BC Demo Day, as part of the 2010 Wireless & New Media Showcase Initiative.
I attended CTIA Wireless 2009, Las Vegas April 1-3. The theme for 2009 was "Mobile Life" and there was a much greater focus on creating an open environment for international companies than in previous years. I announced WINBC's successful bid and the selection of Vancouver as the host city of the Mobile Monday Global Summit 2010 at a networking event put together by our friends from Mobile Monday Helsinki. The announcement was made in a room that reflected the international presence of the conference: there was representation from Mexico City to Melbourne in house to hear about Vancouver (download invitation).
Overall, it seemed like conference attendance was down 15%-20% over 2008, which in some ways, made for a better show as I had more time to spend at some of the 1,000 exhibitor booths and network with some of the 40,000 attendees from more than 100 countries. Highlights for 2009 included: the keynote of Dr. Eric Topol, Chief Academic Officer of Scripps Institute and a director of the newly announced West Wireless Health Institute in San Diego, about how wireless technology will revolutionize the healthcare industry; two, the solutions that Ericsson is developing to make "Mobile Life" and convergence a reality (their R&D lab in Montreal is working on some very cool applications for social networks, LBS, police forces, health); and the launch of the BlackBerry AppWorld.
I also attended various seminars including the WIP Mobile Jam Session, the Mobile Monday Session, the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge Awards for The Americas, and visited our member companies who exhibited: Sierra Wireless, Vecima Networks, Linxoft Solutions, NOKIA, NAVTEQ, and Alcatel-Lucent. Unfortunately, the Canada Pavilion was nowhere to be seen, while countries like China, Korea, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain were there in full force.
This needs to change. If we want BC to have a stronger presence and create some real economic impact at CTIA IT & Entertainment in San Diego (Oct. 6-9) we need to start planning now!
The October show promises to be a good one. It's all about Mobile Enterprise, Wireless Health, Smart Energy, Mobile Media & Content, Mobile Apps and Intelligent Transportation, all areas where BC wireless companies are leaders and innovators. We have one of the most dynamic and creative wireless, new media and a life sciences technology clusters in the world. We want to build a profitable, long-term relationship with the San Diego tech community and as such, WINBC has taken the lead and has started conversations with New Media BC and Life Sciences BC to organize a technology, trade & investment mission to San Diego the week of October 5th preceding CTIA. If you are interested or have any ideas you'd like to share please contact me at michael@winbc.org.
Despite tough times out there, our industry is doing well compared to many others. We're growing. Some sectors are very profitable. BlackBerry has just posted another quarter of fantastic results. iPhone's App Store registered 1 billion downloads. In a recent Mobile Monday Vancouver event we learned that Sierra Wireless, WebTech Wireless, Novax and Clevest are growing and doing well.
To add to that good news, I am very excited about the future of our industry. We have had tremendous response from our wireless and new media community with regards to the planned initiative at 2010 Commerce Centre and International Media Centre at Robson Square. The overwhelming response to the BC Demo Day held on April 30; the generosity of our people; the commitment of more than 7,000 hours and min. $100,000 in cash from the industry; and the genuine interest from all three levels of government in what we want to do is proof that we're on the right path doing the right things.
I think that's called Leadership, which is what we need in hard times.
Thank you for reading,
Michael Bidu
Executive Director, WINBC
P.S. Don't forget to vote on May 12th. The future of the wireless industry is in your hands.
BC Demo Day 2009
BC Demo Day at Vancity Theatre, Vancouver, BC |
BC Demo Day Vancity Theatre Presentations |
BC Demo Day Vancity Theatre Presenters |
WINBC and New Media BC held the BC Demo Day on April 30 at the Vancity Theatre as part of the Wireless and New Media 2010 Showcase & Service initiative. The event mushroomed and grew legs of its own as true extent of commitment and excitement from the presenters and participants became clear. We underestimated the amount of support and enthusiasm both for the day itself and for the initiative more generally. All-in-all there were 61 unique 3-minute presentations; 36 on the Showcase side and another 25 on the Service side from 47 different presenters. We had 120+ RSVPs from attendees to watch the presentations and the event was filmed and streamed live, enabling many others to tune-in remotely. Visit here to see clips from the day.
 It was an ambitious agenda, but everyone kept to their time and Adam Behr's Tarzan call and Samurai ringtones kept everything fast and furious. Kudos to Mayor Gregor Robertson for giving the opening remarks for the day and underlining his support for the creative industries in this city. It was great to see the creative things being done in the region and to have representatives from the community-at-large (from tourism to transport to retail) in attendance to get a chance to see what they are missing and get ideas about how some of these products and services could be relevant their respective organizations. The presentations provided context for networking and connections to take place throughout the day. Partnerships and spontaneous collaboration and more great ideas abound!
If you missed the day, click here to download the guide and see the companies that you missed.
Mobile Health: Opportunity for BC?
Mobile health is a rather all encompassing term that refers to the support of medical and public health practice through the use of mobile telecommunication and multimedia technologies. Whether integrated into existing health care delivery systems, as stand-alone devices or as service applications, they are not only part of the evolving healthcare landscape, but tools that save and improve lives. Products are involved in functions such as the collection of community and clinical health data; delivery of healthcare information to practitioners, researchers, and patients; real-time monitoring of patient vital signs, and even direct provision of care using mobile telemedicine.
In the US alone, healthcare costs top $2.2 trillion (or 16% of GDP). The opportunity to for wireless technology to “profoundly change the quality and cost structure of medicine" (Dr. Eric J. Topol) are significant and represent an extraordinary opportunity for the wireless industry.
Telus for example just made an annoucment this morning about a license agreement with Mircrosoft to host and operate the HealthVault platform for the development of a consumer-focused e-health service in Canada. Read full announcement here.
What do you think: is this important for BC and for Canada? We are organizing an event in conjunction with Life Sciences BC mid-June in order to assess the level of interest in pursuing mobile health as an opportunity in BC. Is this an area we need to focus on in a more strategic way? Are you interested in participating?
Let us know.
Renew your membership today. Or become a member today
WINBC is the only wireless association focused on and representing wireless companies in BC. WINBC connects you to investments and partnership opportunities, and to the community at large. As a member, you also enjoy high value programming that helps you to succeed and grow, both at home and in international markets. Your membership in WINBC supports all those activities and contributes to the overall well-being of BC's wireless cluster.
» View Membership Benefits 2009
Content call - we want you
 We are always looking for quality content: stories, insights, updates, news, events. You've been to a conference and learned something that you want to share; you have an exciting announcement that deserves more lavish consideration than a press release; you have an event you want everyone to know about; you have some fantastic insights on how we can all get rich fast.
Well come on, tell us. We want to hear from you and your community wants to hear from you. This newsletter is just another way for us all to stay connected.
The Prognosis for CDMA – Chetan Sharma
weighs in
Apple waded into the CDMA debate last week, stating that CDMA has a limited lifespan and triggering renewed deliberation about the future of the technology. The technology is currently employed by Verizon Wireless in the US and some of the biggest and fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, like China and India have deployed or are currently deploying CDMA networks. At the end of 2008, there were 465 million CDMA subscribers worldwide; by 2013 that number is expected to reach 600 million.
Some argue that because of the technology's limited market share, handset makers should just wait until CDMA carriers roll out LTE. But wireless technology consultant Chetan Sharma says that's a missed opportunity. Find out why. Read more and add your comments.
BC Wireless Industry News
TELUS Licenses Microsoft HealthVault to Launch TELUS Health Space
Vancouver, BC, May 6, 2009 — TELUS today announced that it has signed an agreement with Microsoft Corp. in which TELUS is granted the exclusive license to host and operate the HealthVault platform for the development of a consumer-focused e-health service in Canada. » More
Sierra Wireless Reports First Quarter 2009 Results
Vancouver, BC, May 1, 2009 — Sierra Wireless reported revenues of $100.4 million and net income of $4.3 million for the first quarter 2009. » More
Tranzeo Partners With WiMAX Base Station OEM in $1.58 Million Deal
Vancouver, BC, April 30, 2009 — Tranzeo Wireless has signed an agreement worth $1.58 million with an OEM WiMAX base station partner to supply OEM-branded customer premise equipment. » More
Doyon Deploys Tantalus Advanced Metering System at Three Alaskan Army Posts
Vancouver, BC, April 28, 2009 — Tantalus Systems Corp. announced the deployment of TUNet at three U.S. Army posts in Alaska served by Doyon Utilities, LLC. » More
TMW Systems and WebTech Wireless Partner to Offer Fleet Management Solutions for Trucking Industry
Vancouver, BC, April 21, 2009 — TMW Systems and WebTech Wireless today announced a reseller and partnership agreement that will enable a new mobile resource management solution based on TMW's existing D2Link® software and WebTech's new WT7000 Locator in-vehicle device. » More
Upcoming Events
May 8, 2009 – Competition Bureau of Canada Info Session,
Vancouver, BC
Following the passage of significant changes to the Competition Act, the Competition Bureau of Canada is holding an information session to help business leaders understand these important amendments and the Bureau's commitment to implementing them in the most effective and efficient way possible. The Competition Act touches all businesses and consumers in Canada. These latest amendments include changes to the law regarding: Deceptive marketing; serious cartels and conspiracies such as price fixing; abuse of a dominant position; the process for reviewing mergers. 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street). Contact Brock Kruger 819-934-6755 or public.affairs@bc-cb.gc.ca to RSVP or for more information.
May 11-14, 2009 – Vancouver Digital Week, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
Vancouver Digital Week is a not to be missed series of events for top creative minds and business leaders working in digital media. Join visionaries from games and digital entertainment, social media, interactive design, and animation and VFX. Get access to international business match-making, big picture conference sessions, high-level seminars and workshops, as well as loads of networking parties. For details and to register: www.vancouverdigitalweek.com
May 14, 2009 - Digital Kung-Fu Interactive Workshop, Centre for Digital Media, Vancouver, BC
Get your digital black belt during a day of intensive training and professional development workshops at the Centre for Digital Media. Bringing together experts and leaders from an array of sectors in digital media, this workshop offers a full day of interactive sessions to help inspire new ideas and develop them into realizable goals. Participants will be treated to insider techniques for the conceptualizing, visualizing, prototyping and pitching of ideas, as well as insights into current industry trends and technologies. For details and to register: www.mdm.gnwc.ca/workshops/digital-kung-fu
May 21, 2009 - VIAtec Awards, Victoria, BC
The awards recognize the individuals behind all of the hard work in the technology industry and celebrate the achievements of the technology companies that are responsible for making Greater Victoria the fastest growing technology region in British Columbia. This event is a great opportunity to have a fun night while networking with industry pioneers, participating to the celebration of tech community and to applause their success for making Greater Victoria a leader in advanced technology in Canada. The event will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre on May 21 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. To learn more and register: www.viatec.ca/nominee/index.html
May 26-27, 2009 - International TD-SCDMA & TD-LTE Summit, Beijing, China
Conference fee waived for all BC attendees. The Summit will focus on the whole industrial chain of TD-SCDMA technology as well as its evolution path to TD-LTE. All the key stakeholders of the TD ecosystem will be participating and/or showcasing at the event, including China Mobile, Datang Telecom, Potevio, Agilent, Qualcomm, Intel, Ericsson, ASB, Spredtrum, ADI, T3G. The Summit will cover major categories: TD-SCDMA current networks and issues, TD-SCDMA enhanced technologies, and convergence between TD-LTE and LTE FDD. For more information, contact: christina@winbc.org.
May 26-27, 2009 - MarketLink (British Telecom), San Diego
MarketLink a.k.a. High-Tech Speed Dating: Marketlink is a FREE program that pairs local companies with multinational corporations hoping to identify and license new technologies. MarketLink brings parties of mutual interest together by orchestrating an event that will offer selected companies the opportunity to present to technology executives from visiting corporations in a personalized 1-on-1 session. For details and to register: www.commnexus.org.
May 31, 2009 - 10th Annual PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run,
Vancouver, BC
Registration Is Now Open! The Fun Run is the largest timed 5K race in BC and is one of the technology industry's largest fundraising events. All proceeds from the run go towards The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment, which assists in the advancement of Science Fair programs throughout BC and the encouragement of youth to actively participate in science and technology. All registered Fun Run participants are eligible for prizes and receive FREE admission to TELUS World of Science on the day of the race. For more details and to register: www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun/.
June 1, 2009 – MoMoVan, Vancouver, BC
The next MoMoVan will take place Monday, June 1st, location TBD. Once again we are joining forces with New Media BC to bring you a start-to-summer party memorable enough to see you through the MoMoVan summer break. www.momovan.com
June 17, 2009 – BCTIA 2009 Technology Impact Awards, Vancouver, BC
Join 700+ of your peers and colleagues to celebrate BC's successes at the 2009 Technology Impact Awards (TIAs). The province's largest and most prestigious technology awards night, the TIAs showcase and recognize British Columbia's most innovative and dynamic technology companies. Join in the celebration on June 17! Buy tickets online now or call 604-683-6159. To learn more click here.
September 9-11, 2009 - IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband, Vancouver, BC
This conference provides a forum for the latest UWB systems, technologies and applications in both microwave and millimeter wave bands. The ICUWB program of 2009 will feature invited plenary sessions and symposia by international experts and new product displays by market leaders in the field. Prospective authors are invited to submit technical papers until 23 February 2009. For more information visit the 2009 ICUWB website at: www.icuwb2009.org.
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| BC Demo Day Testimonials |
"Thanks very much for putting on a great event. The tech community seemed really excited about the opportunity!"
"Wanted to send you a note to say thanks. Yesterday was a great opportunity for us to unveil our Video Journalism on Demand services and to start building some awareness of what we've been busy building here at SoMedia."
"Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for inviting us to be a part of that great day."
"I thought the Demo was a great success and it was great to hear from all the presenting companies."
"Thank you so much for organizing the event! I heard lots of very positive feedback from the attendees!"
"Once again, many thanks for all your hard work!"
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INDUSTRY EVENTS
Competition Bureau of Canada
Info Sessions
Vancouver, BC - May 8, 2009
Vancouver Digital Week
Access to international business match-making
Vancouver, BC - May 11-14, 2009
Digital Kung-Fu Interactive Workshop
Experts and leaders from an array of sectors in digital media
Vancouver, BC - May 14, 2009
VIAtec Awards
Celebrate the achievements of the technology companies in Greater Victoria
Victoria, BC - May 21, 2009
TD-SCDMA & TD-LTE Summit
International Summit
Beijing, China - May 26-27, 2009
MarketLink (British Telecom)
MarketLink brings parties of mutual interest together
San Diego, CA - May 26-27, 2009
10th Annual PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run
The Fun Run is the largest timed 5K race in BC
Vancouver, BC - May 31, 2009
June MoMoVan
Start-to-summer party
Vancouver, BC - June 1, 2009
Technology Impact Awards 2009
Celebrate BC's successes at the 2009 TIAs
Vancouver, BC - June 17, 2009
IEEE International Conference
Conference on Ultra-Wideband
Vancouver, BC - Sept 9-11, 2009
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