Robert Harris

We are thrilled that Robert Harris has joined the TFI team as a Senior Consultant. Bob was Vice President, Network Planning and Architecture at Time Warner Cable from 1999 to 2012. You may recall that he keynoted at our TFI Communications Technology Asset Valuation Conference in January 2012. Later that year he retired from TWC and became an independent consultant.

He has always had a strong interest in technology forecasting, strategy and scenarios. That combined with his knowledge of fiber optic networks (he was with ADC, Nortel and C-COR, before TWC) and communications in general make him a great match for TFI.

Initially Bob will work with Ray Hodges, TFI Senior Consultant, on TFI's custom depreciation studies, teach at the TFI Technology Forecasting Seminar, speak at the TFI Communications Technology Asset Valuation Conference and provide analysis and advice on the transition to fiber communications networks.

Like Ray, Bob is based in the Tampa area. Welcome aboard, Bob!
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Robert Harris, Senior Consultant, TFI, is a business-savvy technologist with a unique 20+ year career holding leadership positions with service providers and with the equipment manufacturers of telecommunication systems. He has extensive knowledge in the analysis, engineering, marketing and management of multimedia and networking technology products and services with experience in domestic and international markets.

Mr. Harris' strong written and verbal communication skills allow him to discuss and present difficult concepts across all organizational levels of staff, management, vendors and customers. He is an analytical thinker and committed learner with well-developed skills in research, analysis and reporting on complex issues in business and technology

Key Capabilities                                               Key Technology Experience

Professional Experience

Present - Technology Futures, Inc., Tampa, FL (Headquarters: Austin, TX)

2012 - 2013  INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT, Tampa, FL
Technology and Business Consultant

Technology, business, market, and product development guidance to the cable television and telecommunications industries. Knowledgeable and experienced leadership in strategic technology assessment, scenario planning, long-range forecasting, product positioning and business strategy.

1999 – 2012      TIME WARNER CABLE, Herndon, VA
Vice President, Network Planning and Architecture

Established the long range vision, strategy, and fiscal guidance for network related programs. Coordinated the development and evolution activities for network architecture and next generation technologies.

• Identified and implemented new technologies in optical, RF, wireless, last-mile access, and metro, regional and national optical transport. 
• Responsible for guiding and overseeing the company’s technology selection activities and associated business/capital spending plans related to initiatives for the access and transmission of Voice, Video, and Data services.
• Defined the strategic vision, business case, and network architecture for the company’s DWDM-based Optical Transport Networks. Led its engineering design, planning, and nationwide deployment.
• Developed the analytical processes and evaluation parameters used within the company for quantitative technology assessments, product/technology roadmaps, and vendor business evaluations.
• Created a unique, innovative approach to determine “the appropriate price to charge” for multi-gigabit services throughout the company’s networks, based on specially-developed economic, business, and financial analysis functions.
• Primary resource to regional operations for engineering, planning and implementation of advanced technologies and services.  
• Subject matter expert on HFC, optical transport and internetworking architectures, technologies and performance.  
• Created the mathematical frameworks, modeling algorithms and business processes used as the foundation of the company’s traffic analysis, forecasting and capacity planning activities.

Mr. Harris long career includes positions as Program Manager, Optical Transport & Networking at ADC Telecommunications; Sr. Manager, CATV Market/Business Development at NORTEL; Product Manager, Optical Transport, C-COR Electronics; Sr. Sales/Applications Engineer, Fiber Optic; and Data Networking Engineer at NASA Langley Research Center.

Education and Credentials

M.B.A. in Management of Engineering & Technology, Northcentral University
Graduate Studies in Physics and Science & Technology Studies, Penn State University
M.S. in Physics, coursework, Old Dominion University
B.S. in Physics, minor studies in Mathematics and EE, Old Dominion University
A.S. in Electronics Technology program, San Jacinto Community College

Professional Development

• Member SCTE (since 1983), Member IEEE (since 1988), Member World Future Society (since 2002)
• Published over 20 technical papers and presented over 100 presentations on engineering, business, and technology issues with SCTE (Emerging Technology Conference, Cable-Tec Expo, Chapter groups), NCTA National Show, CableLabs, Optical Fiber Conference, and with industry journals/trade magazines.