Quick Jump Menu to this Month’s Articles A New Mug in Town Seven Degrees of Separation Between Motorola and Iraqi Freedom NLC User’s Group Take-Aways Another Subtle Technique for Promoting Video Services Small Really Can Be Beautiful Call for materials from Telcos involved with FRED
April, 2003
Seven Degrees of Separation Between Motorola and Iraqi Freedom
by Ken Pyle
The ultimate reality television has been playing itself out the past three weeks and it has been next to impossible to tear myself away from the screen. And, as I write this, Iraq’s Ambassador to the U.N. has just declared “game over”, making the rule of Saddam Hussein’s 24 year regime history. By any measure, the success of this military aspect of this objective has been an unqualified success, probably never seen before in such proportion.
What does this have to do with Motorola, Independent Telephone Companies or iTV and VOD? There are series of links, similar to the Kevin Bacon, seven degrees of separation game.
First, like the independent telcos, the U.S. Military deploys the best soldiers who are so well trained that they can create and execute contingency plans as if they were executing the original plan. The performance of the special operations troops has been spectacular in this operation. Much like an independent telco’s employees, these front-line, special operations troops are able to wear multiple hats, but have a single focus of meeting their objective. The special operations troops are part of a larger team that does an amazing job of coordinating logistics that would be extremely difficult in peacetime, but seemingly impossible with bullets and mortars flying.
There has been much criticism that the plan did not include enough mass of U.S. soldiers. But, just like the independent telephone companies, the U.S Military proved that size doesn’t matter, but how it is used that matters.
That is, the principle of leverage applies in war or telecom. Like the independent telcos are doing with their existing copper networks, the U.S. leveraged its superior technology to minimize civilian casualties, while toppling an entrenched force that, on paper, had the advantages of size and incumbency. Interestingly, some of the technology used to relay video pictures to the Pentagon was from Videotele.com/Tut, a supplier of headends to the independent telcos.
A clear objective with a firm resolve to achieve that objective was clearly communicated from the very top of the U.S. Military. Just like the independent telcos have done for the last century, the credibility earned from doing what they said they would do, is critical in motivating our soldiers, (e.g. the CSRs and installation people), rally the allies (suppliers and partners) and securing the homeland (happy customers).
And another common denominator with independent telephone companies is Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfield. Like most of the independent telco folks, his candor and sharp mind is refreshing. Like many telco leaders I have seen, he gets in the trenches with his troops. Who can forget the videos of him on 9/11 helping care for his Pentagon colleagues?
The other link between Rumsfield and the independent telephone companies is Motorola. By some accounts, he could be considered the one who began the rejuvenation of General Instrument. General Instrument was an early investor in Next Level. Later, its dominant position as a cable television supplier made it an attractive acquisition target of Motorola.
So, that’s my five or six degrees of separation between Iraqi freedom and Motorola.
P.S. I can’t express enough appreciation to the brave men and women of the U.S. Military for their sacrifices in protecting our freedom.
Copyright 2003 Viodi, LLC. All Rights Reserved
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