IT EXPO wrap and the 2009 Fierce15

As I continue to mull over the conversations I had out at IT EXPO last week in Los Angeles, I've started to think about technologies in IP communications that industry execs and analysts repeatedly mentioned as future drivers of growth.

HD Voice was the single concept that came to the forefront of nearly every conversation I had at IT EXPO. While deployments of HD Voice technology, especially in North America, remain few and far between, vendors and analysts alike saw this space as potentially very lucrative. Everyone I spoke to on the topic echoed the refrain that current narrowband telephony products are due for a serious upgrade, and that the price had come down sufficiently for large deployments to gain momentum. I'm sure more developments around HD Voice will break next week around the second HD Communications Summit, scheduled for Sept. 15 in New York City.

Also, it became evident that the commoditization of VoIP services has people scrambling for the next technology that will drive value around IP communications.

With that in mind, I'd like to announce that we're opening up submissions for this year's FierceVoIP Fierce15 Top Companies in IP communications. Here are some links to past editions of the list: 2008, (hiatus in 2007), 2006, 2005, and 2004.

I am excited to learn more about the innovative companies making waves in some of the emerging IP communications niches. As a bit of a departure from the previous editions of the list, a company need not be traditionally VoIP focused to qualify for the 2009 FierceVoIP Fierce15.

I came away from IT EXPO and the conversations there with a conviction that other IP communications technologies need to be recognized for their potential to add value.

So, in addition to being a private company with at least a respectable presence in the U.S., Fierce15 nominees must be innovating in the field of IP communications. And that's about it, leaving the playing field wide open for companies that may not have a traditional voice focus to wow the editorial staff here with a new solution or technology that has significant revenue potential. I'd like to have conversations with company principals, and I'll agree to NDA if you let me have a look at financials, so that I can verify you're growing as you say you are. And obviously, strong revenue growth, user additions and partnerships will weigh heavily in the selection process. The nomination process will close Sept. 30, and the list will be announced Monday, Oct. 5. Get your company's nomination in early to beat the last minute rush!

I can't wait to start the process and take a look at all the exciting things innovative companies are doing in IP communications. 

- Pete