Meet the connected evangelist

In 2000, the people at Philips audio had an idea. Why not move the great sounds of streaming Internet radio and PCs into comfort of the living room? Their solution? The MC-i200, the world´s first Micro HiFi system for home and Internet entertainment, followed in 2003 by the MC-i250, the WiFi wireless version.

Now the hard work began - how to create a market for this new wireless wonder. They called on Gerhard Faltner to help promote the Connected Home. It was a concept ahead of its time, so Gerhard looked around Philips for other wireless products.

Great potential

All kinds of potential ideas arose. Broadband entertainment, healthcare, home security.... Before he knew it, Connected Home became Connected Planet, and Gerhard was facing a new challenge.

"We had long talks about my job title," he said. "Because I need to convince people about the potential of Connected Planet, we thought of 'the evangelist'."

Gerhard joined the intial Digital Connectivity Platform team, which was split early 2004 into two groups. The Connected Planet Applications and Serivces Group based in California and Europe work on new services with content partners, enabling infrastructure, and marketing. The Connected Planet Program Group in Eindhoven handles dedicated product strategy, standardization, and system architecture.

What type of person is ideal for the teams? "People with drive, vision, and innovative thinking," said Gerhard. "You need to be enthusiastic about new concepts, because you run into resistance, both internally and externally. Because we are breaking through a barrier of conventional business models, products and supplier relationships."

Connected Planet is about the future, and Gerhard is passionate about his mission. It's an exciting job and a worthy climax to his 16-year career with Philips.

Gerhard Faltner
Marketing Manager Connected Planet
Philips Austria GmbH