best-and-brightest-of-the-third-network-communityThe Third Network, built on the capabilities of Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0) and the ubiquity of the internet, is the name to remember in telecommunications. These standards and capabilities enable carriers, service providers, content delivery networks and enterprises to deliver reliable, on-demand NFV-based services and connectivity.

On November 8, MEF, the driving force enabling agile, assured and orchestrated Third Network services, will showcase the best and brightest companies that are working to shape the Third Network at the MEF 2016 Excellence Awards.

This awards program is the largest event in the world for advanced CE and emerging Third Network services powered by Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO), CE 2.0, NFV and SDN networking technologies. The MEF 2016 Excellence Awards recognizes service, technology, application, professional excellence and innovation in this field.  See what companies were named award finalists.

The judging panel was comprised of global and regional senior analysts from ATLANTIC-ACM, Frost & Sullivan, Current Analytics, IHS Markit, Metanoia, SDxCentral, Ovum, Vertical Systems and independent judges.

“We are pleased to congratulate 36 companies – including 19 service providers and 17 technology vendors – for being chosen as 2016 Awards Finalists,” stated Nan Chen, President of MEF. “Their participation and the quality of the submissions reflect excellent industry progress in delivering new, innovative solutions for the global digital economy and the hyper-connected world. We look forward to hearing more about their solutions at MEF16.”

Here is a breakdown of each category:

Service Provider Awards Finalists

For leadership in the development and delivery of global, regional, retail and wholesale Third Network and CE 2.0 services, as well as excellence in service orchestration, innovation, network modernization and marketing. This category also includes Service Provider of the Year.

  • AT&T
  • C&W Networks
  • Charter Communications
  • China Telecom
  • Colt
  • Global Capacity
  • INTERNEXA
  • Level 3 Communications
  • Liquid Telecom
  • PCCW Global
  • PLDT
  • Sparkle
  • Tata Communications
  • Telstra
  • Verizon
  • Verizon Partner Solutions
  • WireIE 

Enterprise Application Awards Finalists

For the most innovative use of services to meet application requirements across finance, health, education, government, sports/entertainment, manufacturing/engineering, media and retail.

  • AT&T
  • Colt
  • Comcast Business
  • Level 3 Communications
  • PLDT
  • TATA Communications
  • Vertical Telecoms Pty Limited (Vertel)

Third Network Technology Solutions Awards

For excellence in LSO, CE 2.0, NFV, SDN, and multi-vendor technology solutions, consulting services, and thought leadership. This category also includes the Third Network Technology Vendor of the Year.

  • Accedian
  • ADVA Optical Networking
  • Amdocs
  • CENX
  • Ciena
  • Comptel
  • ECI
  • Fujitsu Network Communications
  • Huawei
  • iDirect
  • InfoVista
  • Juniper
  • NetCracker Technology
  • Nokia
  • Oracle Communications
  • VeloCloud
  • Viavi

The Third Network Proof of Concept Award

For the company that best showcases the ability to deliver Third Network services over automated, virtualized and interconnected networks. This award will be judged onsite at MEF16. Twenty-nine companies across 14 participant groups have been selected to showcase interactive POC demonstrations.

The Professional Awards

For individuals who exhibited professional excellence and advanced the work of MEF and the development of Third Network solutions. Awards will be distributed for Industry Executive of the Year, MEF Distinguished Fellow and the MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (MEF-CECP) of the Year.

To register for MEF 16, click here. Attendance is free for qualified service end-user professionals from businesses, enterprises, defense, government, non-profit and educational organizations.