Tilley, Neal
A-LIST 2005
Company: Alcatel.
Job title: North European solutions marketing manager.
Place of birth: Haltwhistle, Northumberland.
Year of birth: 1971.
Marital status: Married.
Career highlights: Leading the design team on the world's largest IP telephony solution (more than 50,000 IP phones), still regarded as the largest installation of its type. Being instrumental in growing Alcatel's IP telephony market share in the US from 2000 to 2003, and now in the UK. Publishing white papers in several technical magazines. Taking on the position of marketing director for voice solution for Alcatel in North America. The real highlight was when a customer described my presentation skills as Òlike an IT-based Eddie Izzard without the dressÓ. If it all ended tomorrow, that would do me.
What do you love most about the IT industry? The constant challenge and change that we face balanced against the striving to unlock innovation that not only injects opportunity into this great industry, but fundamentally changes peoples lives.
Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Microsoft.
Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Iain Milnes, president of Zultys Technologies.
What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? The biggest trend is the move to collaboration and clientless communication tools (XML-based), and the biggest issue will continue to be the security of customer networks.
What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? There is always someone in the audience who knows more than you.
Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? I see an increase in the channel in terms of application expertise, and a focus on selling value-added services to combat the increase in competition with the maturity of managed IP communication services.
Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Cisco.
Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Equant.
Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Alcatel.
How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Going to the cinema with my two daughters. Watching Newcastle United (when I can). Writing comedy stand-up and TV scripts.
Where is your favourite place to eat? Malik's Indian Restaurant in Cookham, Berkshire.
What is your favourite drink? Jack Daniel's and Coke.
What is your favourite TV programme or film? Rushmore.
Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Gomez or Agent Blue.
What is your favourite book? At the moment, the Da Vinci Code. It was A Year in the Merde.
What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Waterstone's checkout or stand-up comedian (I wish).
What has been your greatest business achievement? Being lead designer on the world's largest IP telephony installation across 500 sites, all in Las Vegas.
What is your personal ambition? To reach the highest level in this industry I can, or have a stand-up slot at the Comedy Store recorded for TV.