WELCOME FROM THE GENERAL CHAIR
Bill Oliver

Today's communications developments and transformations have made our world in the new millennium smaller, faster and far more informed than ever before. The rapid deployment of fiber optics, the amazing expansion in wireless bandwidth, the explosion of Internet users and capacity, the merging of telecommunications software and cable, the astounding growth of new businesses and the unquenchable thirst for acquisition have eliminated boundaries and created unique expectations.

These expectations can be realized through nothing more than a keystroke or voice command. Read a newspaper in Europe, shop in Africa, trade stock in Asia, consult in South America, seek medical opinions in North America...whatever the world has to offer ... whatever you can dream to do ... it can be done, because this is a millennium of "Global Convergence Through Communications."

However, we must strive to make our communications systems unbelievably portable, extremely reliable and totally ubiquitous - where speed is never a concern and choice is always available. To ensure this environment, there must be those behind the scene - thinking, creating and improving. They must then be willing, or even demanding, in their desire to share these ideas by coming together from all over the globe to exchange ideas and learn about managing and improving this great communications infrastructure.

With that, I welcome you to New Orleans for ICC 2000 where we will have an incredible "Global Convergence Through Communications." From June 18 through June 22, I invite you to enjoy our city where we will have a Mardi Gras parade and party just for you. Take time to visit the French Quarter, walk down Bourbon Street, enjoy a carriage ride or just hang out with me at Pat O'Brien's. I assure you we will have a great time.

If we are to have total convergence, you must be there. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans for ICC 2000.