December 17 2011: J. Rao Cherukuri of Juniper Networks, a telecom veteran and a thought leader in IP/MPLS *, is one of two technologists honoured by the Broadband Forum by induction into its roster of Distinguished Fellows.
Cherukuri served as IP/MPLS & Core Working Group Chair since 2009. Prior to that, he was a leader within the IP/MPLS Forum for many years. He currently serves as the editor for “MPLS in Carrier Ethernet Networks” (WT-224). He continues to provide leadership and outstanding technical contribution on all MPLS related work items.
Greg Bathrick of PMC-Sierra, a member of the Broadband Forum’s Board of Directors, is other industry veteran honoured by the Forum this week at its fourth quarter meeting in Marina del Rey, California (US).
The Distinguished Fellow title is bestowed by the Broadband Forum to exceptional individuals who have over time provided a major influence on the direction and success of broadband development. Only seven individuals have been so honoured in the last 16 years.
In another accolade, Thomas Haag of Deutsche Telekom was inducted into the Broadband Forum Circle of Excellence, an achievement determined by member nomination and given to a select few who have exhibited leadership, diligence, or provided a contribution that was foremost in advancing the Forum's mission.
“The awards are our way of recognizing the outstanding contributions of key individuals who progress the work of the Forum,” said Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum. “We are very fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated individuals who are prepared to work tirelessly, alongside their ‘day jobs,’ in order to address the needs of the industry and to advance the work of the Forum in developing better, faster broadband.”
*An IP/MPLS network is a packet-switched network that uses the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) enhanced with the Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) standard.
Broadband Forum, a non-profit industry organization, is focused on engineering smarter and faster broadband connections www.broadband-forum.org .