The Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council has announced finalists for its 15th annual leadership awards. The categories include CEO, Consumer Product of the Year, Innovative Technology, Start-up to Watch and Emerging Executive of the Year.

Next-generation network and communications solution provider, ADTRAN and its Bluesocket (News - Alert) Business Group, has been recognized for their virtual WLAN solution in the Innovative Technology of the Year: Mobile category.

ADTRAN’s (News - Alert) virtual WLAN product line offers wireless solutions that allow companies to streamline and increase operational efficiencies, expand customer service offerings, speed the deployment of the network and increase overall flexibility for all employees.

The WLAN provider offers a wide variety of solutions focused on 3G wireless and business-class Wi-Fi. Companies of all sizes are implementing Wi-Fi into their daily operations as the demands of the user in an increasingly mobile environment continue to grow. With 3G wireless solutions integrated into the WLAN, companies are enjoying a new means for rapidly turning up business in locations that have been traditionally difficult to reach due to unavailable services or costs. Connectivity delivered over 3G is ideal in disaster recovery situations and emergency connectivity.

“This was a record year for the number of nominations received, making the selection process extremely competitive,” said Tom Hopcroft, president and CEO of MassTLC. “The new award categories by cluster area opened up the door to shine a light on even more innovative solutions than in past years.”

The judges for the awards include 55 executives, investors, analyst, media and thought leaders. Nominees have the opportunity to present themselves and their products to the judges, and judges will provide scores and feedback on a judging scorecard.

After the final scores of the cards are totaled, winners will be announced. Any tied scores will be broken after evaluations of responses from additional questioning by the judges.

Stay tuned to the WLAN channel for the final results when they are announced on Thursday, Sept. 13, at the MassTLC Leadership Awards Gala at the Boston Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston.

To find out more about ADTRAN visit the company at ITEXPO West 2012. To be held Oct. 2-5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premiere communications and technology event. Visit ADTRAN in booth # 1313. For more information on ITEXPO West 2012 click here.