This article originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of NGN.

When TMC (News - Alert) launched NGN Magazine in January 2009 – or, rather, rebranded its predecessor, IMS Magazine – it was with the understanding that while IMS would continue to play a major role in next-generation networks, other evolutionary technologies were also moving center stage to help shape the new world of networking.

That includes 4G wireless networks, which promise to further blur the lines between fixed and mobile applications and services. Meanwhile, we’re seeing rapid growth of the software-as-a-service and infrastructure-as-a-service markets. Of course, these are just two key areas that have seen significant investment and adoption in recent months.

The second annual NGN Leadership Awards seeks to recognize the companies that personify that growth and evolution. And this year TMC and NGN magazine recognize with these awards both companies in the area of network technology, and those that deliver services and applications.