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The FOCUS 08 Conference will feature five keynote speakers addressing issues important to telecom/IT professionals today. Those issues include how AT&T is changing its game so you can improve yours, how to make your enterprise network more secure, and how to meet challenges and overcome obstacles.
AT&T Blueprint for Changing Your Game
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8:00AM, Tuesday, September 16 |
In a telecommunications career that spans 28 years Cathy Coughlin has seen her industry evolve in ways that were almost impossible to imagine when she joined "the telephone company" fresh out of Northwestern University. As Ms. Coughlin sees it, there has never been a better time to work in telecommunications. Ms Coughlin joined Southwestern Bell in her native St. Louis in 1979. She has grown with the company as it evolved from a five-state telephone operation to the world's largest telecommunications services provider. Today, AT&T leads the industry in wireless, business, internet access, voice and directory, and is gaining momemtum in the TV market.
Proliferation of Cyber Crime Today
11:45AM, Tuesday, September 16
Dr. E. Douglas Harris
Associate Dean and Research Professor
Executive Director, CyberSecurity and Emergency Preparedness Institute,
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science,
The University of Texas at Dallas Dr. Harris' Biography
Dr. Doug Harris will talk about the growth of cyber crime. He also will talk about how hardware and software scientists come together at the unique UTD Cyber Security facility to study and develop ways to counter cyber terrorism with secure telecom networks and advanced information systems.
Safeguarding the Enterprise and Global Network
11:45AM, Tuesday, September 16
Dr. Edward G. Amoroso
Chief Security Officer
AT&T Inc. Dr. Amoroso's Biography
Ed Amoroso is one of the most knowledgeable experts in the country on cyber and network security. Amoroso will describe how AT&T protects its global communications network to keep it safe and secure, plus what you can do to protect your infrastructure with preemptive versus reactive security measures.
Challenges of IT Managers Today
8:30AM, Wednesday, September 17
Robin Gareiss
Executive Vice President, Senior Founding Partner,
Nemertes Research
In today’s fast-changing, user-demanding industry, telecom/IT managers have added another task to their already heavy workload: Chief Problem Solver. Telecom and IT professionals in enterprise, healthcare, education and government are bombarded each day with new issues and critical decisions. Robin Gareiss looks at trends and experiences "Chief Problem Solvers" dealt with today, how that influences their priorities, and how it impacts their approach to the job.
Overcoming Obstacles, Going for Gold
8:30AM, Wednesday, September 17
Dan Jansen
U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Speed Skater
Dan Jansen will deliver his own inspirational and motivational story about overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, regardless of the stage. Jansen overcame the death of his sister, illness, and discouraging 
defeats to finally capture the Olympic gold in 1994. His insights are applicable to anyone who faces daunting challenges whether in a technology industry or Olympic sport.
