Just how are the enablers of Internet services and infrastructure using social networking and mobile broadband? ADVA Optical Networking’s CEO Brian Protiva (right) and CTO Christoph Glingener detail their preferences.

What for you are must-read online sites/ magazines?

GG: None in the social space. I look at Google/Yahoo finance, LightReading and T-Online news. Privately I use Facebook.

BP: Bloomberg, Yahoo, Forbes, LightReading  various industry magazines and various German news and info sites.


What newspapers do you read and your preferred format?

CG: I prefer ‘Die Zeit’ if I get to it - the paper version.

BP: The Wall Street Journal, Handelsblatt, and Yahoo site. I read newspapers and online.


What mobile handset do you have?

CG: A Palm 750i.

Its most useful feature? Phone, mail.
The most useful application you use? Just phone and mail.
What handset feature would you most like added? Nothing – too many calls, mails to do anything else.

BP: iPhone

Its most useful feature? User interface for ease of use.
The most useful application you use? Email to communicate and drive the organization forward....speed...speed ....speed.
What handset feature would you most like added? Further integration with Microsoft applications and even better surfing capabilities...speed.


Do you have any tips for making the most from mobile/ social networking technology?

CG: Ease-of-use needs to be improved.

BP: Mobile networking: integration needs to be holistic with the IT strategy within the company which you lead. Social Networking: Business and your social life need some separation and this is not easy in our present environment.


Do you do anything which you think makes extraordinary use of the technology?

CG: Yes, I share music, films and views with friends.

BP: Not really but we have a very mobile integration so that I am always online or a heartbeat away from the business.


What in your view are the key media trending topics in the next five years?

CG: Moving to advertisement-based media in all areas - social, technical etc.

BP: Better integration of search and media with Google and Microsoft upping the ante every 24 months ... getting to the right information immediately creates huge efficiency gains for executives.