Expert Details
Telecommunications, Wireless, Networks, IT Management, Statistical Analysis, Contracts, IP & Patents
ID: 727409
Maine, USA
• He conceived, designed, and directed the implementation of the first competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) for Westinghouse. The WESDIN network was the first all digital, fully synchronized network in the world, the first to switch 56 kbps between workstations and first structured cabling system. It offered copper, microwave, fiber, and satellite transmission, and had a centralized network management system. He also directed the preparation of the operational practices and procedures for the WESDIN system, the plan by which WESDIN became a profitable national carrier.
• He conceived, designed, and implemented for the Massachusetts Port Authority the first multi-location distributed corporate information system. The system networked all Massport information workers' desktop systems and mainframe applications.
• He conceived, developed the curriculum, recruited staff, and directed Northeastern University's telecommunications and networking continuing education program. This was the largest of its kind in the world. He also was the first to teach network management, network planning, and office information systems at an American university.
Other key experiences include he:
• Conceived the theoretical basis of measuring data error rates using only the online data signal and recently filed a patent application for real time language translation in a voice communications system.
• Was COO of LOCATUM, a startup company, that puts critical first response information online for ready access by safety services, prepared the business plan and technical specifications of the system, oversaw its implementation, and oversaw its daily operations.
• Consulted to the CIO of a Fortune 50 company for telecommunications strategic planning as well as managing the planning, engineering, and implementation of new systems and services including recabling all corporate facilities, renegotiation of IXC and LEC networking contracts, installation of a corporate data network, installation of a network management center, and installation of a fiber ring at corporate headquarters as well as reengineering of processes within the IT department.
Recently his practice has emphasized intellectual property and expert work including:
• Evaluating numerous IT, networking, telecommunications, and CATV patents.
• Preparing reports for the courts involving product evaluation and damage claims, cellular and wireless telecommunications and CATV tax and regulatory issues, and contracts issues.
• Being deposed in regard to these matters and testifying.
• Providing statistical analysis of data in an anti-trust matter.
He has evaluated cellular carrier customer acquistion and billing system software development projects, provided guidance to law enforcement regarding cellular technology in criminal matters, provided technology guidance to a cellular regulatory attorney, was an expert for the Cities of Jefferson City and Springfield (MO) in their successful effort to collect a telecommunications gross revenue tax from cellular providers, and taught cellular traffic theory at the University of Wisconsin.
He provided mathematical support for the statistical validity of a 6 nation, multi-language, 12,000 sample customer survey in a major anti-trust case. Soon after the completion of the survey, the plaintiff settled. This project demonstrates his understanding of the design and analysis of statistical experiments.He computed the availability of a complex Arctic telecommunications network and demonstrated that it met contractual requirements. The network was 800 miles in length and made up of numerous self-healing rings with sub-rings. Fiber, satellite, microwave, and cable physical technologies carried its SONET-based digital stream. This project demonstrates his ability to use probability to analyze complex systems. In a report for the court, he determined the gross revenue that a cellular carrier had within two cities, calculated the gross revenue tax due, ascertained that cellular service was a telecommunications service and subject to the tax. He was deposed in this matter. The plaintiff settled before trial. This demonstrates his ability to understand the financial aspects of telecommunications and present them clearly.Reporting to the CIO, he directed the creation of the networking department at Georgia-Pacific, oversaw the hiring of the Director of Telecommunications, prepared a corporated strategic communications plan, and directed the implementation of numerous new systems and services. This demonstrates his understanding of the networking technologies necessary to support a large business, his ability to implement these system, and his ability to motivate staff to get the job done.He conceived, designed, and directed the implementation of the Westinghouse WESDIN network. This was the world's first fully synchronous, integrated voice-data, all digital network that could switch digital signals between desktops. It became the world's first CLEC, had the first structured cabling plan, had a detailed set of operations and maintenance practices, and had a centralized real time network monitoring and control system. It was effectively a complete telephone company. This illustrates his ability to conceive advanced systems, demonstrate to customers the importance of implementing such systems, his systems engineering skills as he finalize the design and implement these systems, as well as work with staff in the implementation.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1972 | Degree: PhD | Subject: Electrical Engineering | Institution: Queen's University at Kingston |
| Year: 1965 | Degree: MS | Subject: Electrical Engineering | Institution: Tufts University |
| Year: 1963 | Degree: BS | Subject: Electrical Engineering | Institution: University of Maine |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 1988 to 2009 | Employer: Ronald O. Brown Consulting | Title: Principal | Department: |
Responsibilities:He is currently the Principal and Owner of Expert O. Expert Consulting where he consults in all areas of telecommunications, networking, and IT management for governments, vendors, carriers, and end users. A large part of his practice is expert work in intellectual property, contracts and anti-trust matters. Expert has a large network of senior consultants on which to draw additional expertise. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2001 to 2004 | Employer: LOCATUM | Title: Chief Operating Officer | Department: |
Responsibilities:He was COO of LOCATUM, as start-up that put critical first response information online for ready access by safety services. In this capacity, he prepared the business plan, prepared the technical specifications of the system, oversaw its implementation, oversaw the daily operations of the business, and sought additional venture funding. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1983 to 1988 | Employer: Coopers & Lybrand | Title: National Director, Network Consulting | Department: Management Consulting Services |
Responsibilities:He established a successful telecommunications and office information systems practice in the Boston office and became National Director. Provided support and direction to C&L's multi-million dollar national telecommunications and office information systems practice. Included in this was the conception, design, and implementation of the world's first corporate-wide desktop computing system. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1976 to 1991 | Employer: GTE | Title: Technical Director & Senior Telecommunications Systems Engineer | Department: |
Responsibilities:He performed telecommunications research and development, acted as engineering lead on telecommunications projects, was technical director of major telecommunications projects and implementations. Included in this was the conception, design, and implementation of the world's first CLEC, the $30M Westinghouse Digital Information Network.. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1976 to 1991 | Employer: Northeastern University | Title: Program Coordinator | Department: University College |
Responsibilities:He conceived, developed, and directed Northeastern University's continuing education program in telecommunications and networking. This was the largest program of its kind in the world, with several hundred students and over 25 staff. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1971 to 1972 | Employer: Bell Northern Research - BNR | Title: Member of the Scientific Staff | Department: Systems Engineering |
Responsibilities:He directed research into the costs of maintenance of the TransCanada transmission facilities and recommended automated management techniques to reduce these costs and improve quality of service. He was also President of the Laboratory Council. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1966 to 1971 | Employer: Queen's University at Kingston | Title: Research Associate | Department: Electrical Engineering |
Responsibilities:He performed basic research in estimation theory. This work lead to his doctoral dissertation. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1968 to 1971 | Employer: Bell Canada | Title: Consultant and Instructor | Department: Engineering Training School |
Responsibilities:He directed and taught the preparatory course for Bell Canada's Regional Communications Engineering School. At the time this was the worlds largest use of teleconferencing for teaching. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 1976 to 1977 | Agency: Defense Communications Engineering Center | Role: Principal Investigator | Description: He prepared the strategic network management plan for all military communications west from Washington DC through the Pacific and Indian Oceans. |
| Years: 1990 to 1992 | Agency: US Department of the Treasury | Role: Project Director | Description: He directed the preparation of the strategic information systems for all of Treasury and its many branches. |
| Years: 1998 to 2000 | Agency: Several Municipal Electric Companies | Role: Consultant | Description: He developed business plans and guided several municipal electric companies and they developed telecommunications services as a new business area. |
International Experience
| Years | Country / Region | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Years: 1966 to 1971 | Country / Region: Canada | Summary: He was a Research Associate at Queen's University where he performed fundamental research in linear estimation theory. This work lead to his doctoral dissertation and demonstrates his research ability. |
| Years: 1968 to 1971 | Country / Region: Canada | Summary: He directed the preparatory course for Bell Canada's Regional Communications Engineering School. Subjects taught included basis electrical engineering, mathematics, and statistics. The teaching mode was then unique -- remote electronic blackboards with audio links were in 5 cities across Canada for these simultaneous lectures. This work demonstrates his teaching and presentation skills |
| Years: 1994 to 1995 | Country / Region: Canada | Summary: At the request of the President of Rogers Cantel (now Rogers Cellular), he evaluated a customer acquisition and billing system software development project, recommended its cancellation. Then working with the newly hired CIO he directed the procurement of a new customer acquisition and billing system. This project illustrates his understanding of software development as well as his ability to procure large systems. |
| Years: 2009 to 2009 | Country / Region: Europe | Summary: Opined on the validity of the statistical analysis of a 12,000 sample, 8 country user survey regarding a software product in an antitrust matter. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| Life Member, IEEE Vice Chair, Maine Section IEEE Communications and Computer Society |
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| Professional Engineer (Ontario) |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| Board of Directors, Cooperative Communications Board of Directors, PRG Group Board of Directors, Maine Telecommunications Users Group Contributing Editor, Networking Management magazine |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| Francis Crowe Society as a distinguished engineering graduate of the University of Maine Phi Kappa Phi Tau Beta Pi Eta Kappa Nu |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| He has over 50 publications, over 60 presentations, over 65 press quotations and references, and has filed a patent application |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| Expert has had considerable and wide-ranging expert experience across a wide range of telecommunications and IT subjects. This includes that he: • Prepared reports for courts regarding contract disputes and tax matters. In some cases, these reports involved estimates of damages. • Was deposed in contract disputes and tax matters. Each involved damages. • Testified before public utilities commissions regarding telecommunications and CATV services. • Reviewed over 150 patents in numerous areas of telecommunications, networking, Internet, and IT technology. Reports for these included discussions of • Observability, • Ease of investigation, • Prior art, • Alternatives, • Technology life cycle, • Present commercial use, • Future commercial use, and • Strength of claims. • Reviewed clients’ contracts for non-performance and prepared reports recommending a course of action. • Provided guidance to police and public defenders regarding telecommunications in criminal matters. • Verified the statistical validity of survey data in an international antitrust matter. |
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| Expert has extensive training and seminar experience that includes he: • Has presented over 60 sessions at conferences and trade shows, including an invited seminar at IEEE Globecom as well as several on telecommunications education. • Has written over 50 papers on a wide range of networking and IT topic for technical journals and trade publications, including several on telecommunications education. • Taught statistical communication theory courses at Northeastern University. • Conceived, developed, and directed Northeastern University’s Continuing Education Program in Telecommunications and Networking. This was the largest program of its kind in the world. • Was the first person to teach Network Management and Network Planning at an American University. • Was a member of the faculty advisory panel of the National (now International) Communications Form. • Has guest lectured at several universities. • Has reviewed textbooks for publishers and papers for the IEEE. • Was a judge for the IEEE Region 1 student paper contest. • Evaluated a research program for the National Research Council of Canada. • Was Contributing Editor of Networking Management where he chaired the educational advisory panel and wrote a bimonthly column. |
| Vendor Selection |
|---|
| For over three decades, Expert has supported clients to prepare RFP, submit them to vendors, evaluate vendor proposals, recommend vendors to clients, oversee implementations, review acceptance tests, and recommend acceptance to clients. These projects ranged in size from vast commercial networks, to several thousand station corporate networks, to small location systems and LANs, to point-to-point fiber and wireless connectivity, to billing systems. Representative clients include: • Georgia-Pacific, • Portland Water District, • Rogers Cellular, • Staples, • Tufts Associated Health Plans, and • Westinghouse Electric. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Telecommunications Users Group for more than a decade. |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| Expert initially developed his industry insights in the 1970s when he was part of BNR’s long range planning group – a group that was charged with looking ten or more years' to the future. Representative of his industry insightfulness, he: • Demonstrates his executive skills as a member of the Boards of Directors of Cooperative Communications and PRG Group, showing a firm grasp of technology, business planning and execution, business process, and market development. • Has provided technology briefings for financial analysts. • Has demonstrated his diverse understanding of the telecommunications and IT industries in the research reports on switching systems, network management systems, and cabling systems that he has prepared. |
| Other Relevant Experience |
|---|
| Expert has many other valued skills. Representative of these, he: • Demonstrated his knowledge of basic technical principles & systems engineering skills in his conception, design, and directing the implementation of the world’s first CLEC and the world’s first corporate-wide integrated desktop information system. The global thinking demonstrated here are fundamental to his approach to each project. • Demonstrated his strategic planning & reengineering skills when he created Georgia-Pacific’s networking organization as well as developed a strategic plan and implemented numerous desktop, and LAN and WAN networking systems for G-P. • Has a firm understanding of prior telecommunications and IT art & technologies that he draws upon, especially for patent work. • Demonstrated his research skills with his PhD dissertation in estimation theory and later in his use of F-Statistics to estimate data error rates. • Demonstrated his project management skills in the implementation of the world’s first CLEC and world’s first corporate-wide desktop information system, and the procurement of a customer acquisition and billing system for Canada’s largest cellular carrier. • Demonstrates his executive skills as a member of the Boards of Directors of Cooperative Communications and PRG Group, showing a firm grasp of telecommunications and IT technology, business planning and execution, business process, and market development. • Demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills as the COO of LOCATUM a start-up which put building floor plans online for ready access by first responders. • Has superior writing and presentation skills as demonstrated by his more than 50 papers and 60 presentations, as well as the book, The Wireless Office that he wrote and that he was a contributing editor for Networking Management magazine where he wrote a bimonthly column. • Is fluent in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. |
Fields of Expertise
contract, networking, telecommunication, telecommunications strategic planning, telecommunications system, wireless communication, intellectual property, cellular telecommunication, information technology compliance, evidence, business information, storage networking, computer contract, project risk management, telecommunications outside plant engineering, patent application, wireless voice over IP, IP multimedia subsystem, wideband code division multiple access, general packet radio service, wireless internet, antitrust, data communication patent, multivariate experimental design, microwave regulation, knowledge management, patent infringement, broadband integrated services digital network, integrated voice response system, file server, mathematical theory, digital cross-connect system, information content, automatic call distribution, digital communication system modeling, digital telephony, mulitmedia communication planning, local area networking, mathematical analysis, system analysis, amplitude shift keying, trade secret, fiber-optic communication network, electric wave transmission, frequency hopping, communications path, cellular radio frequency link system, high-speed network, device patent, computer network standard, distributed network, Network Operating System database, contract bid evaluation, code division multiple access, communication technique, telecommunications-related technical training, telecommunications system design, telecommunication system electrical reliability, patentability evaluation, software patent, internetworking, Ethernet Network, cellular telephone system, disaster planning, reverse engineering, management, private branch exchange, program evaluation-and-review technique, local-area network operating system, local-area network communication protocol, information system high level architecture, voice communication, data transmission, optical communication, communication, acquisition, forecasting, Boolean algebra, radio local area network, data, telecommunication regulation, telephone switching equipment, statistical data analysis, satellite communication, network architecture, mobile radio system, line concentrator, infrared communication, information science, electronic switching, digital signal processing, communication software, carrier communication