The MultiMedia Telecommunications Association and the Telecommunications Industry Association announced an affiliation and intent to merge, creating a joint membership exceeding 1,000 companies.
“MMTA’s focus on computer telephony integration and businesses in the communications and computing delivery channel, coupled with TIA’s proven strengths in public policy, technical standards and export development, will enable both associations to greater assist members expand their markets for new telecom multimedia solutions and applications,” stated William Moroney, MMTA’s president and chief executive officer.
Through a memorandum of understanding, MMTA initially will be an affiliate of TIA and operate independently, said TIA. A merger of the groups is slated to happen during the next year, at which time MMTA will relocate to TIA’s headquarters. Both groups are based in Arlington, Va.
Mary Bradshaw, vice president of MMTA, said the associations are complementary. MMTA and TIA are focused on convergence of computing, wireline and wireless communications. “We share concerns on how to grow the market,” said Bradshaw. “Informally, we always coordinate with each other in matters of public policy and areas that concern standards.”
Historically, MMTA has “focused on marketing implications of public policy decisions and developments of technology. TIA’s focus has been on establishing standards and engineering … Their work groups focus on how the industry can comply with new regulations,” Bradshaw added. MMTA members “include the distributors, who come face to face with end users and usually have additional issues to raise.”
Bradshaw noted that the merger will offer economies of scale and opportunity to coordinate programs serving the industry.
TIA is a full-service organization representing 600 communications and information companies, large and small. Member are technology designers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
MMTA has 450 members that include manufacturers, distributors, integrators, software developers, value added resellers and corporate users. Previously named the North American Telephone Association-formed in 1970 to represent telecom equipment distributors and manufacturers-the group reorganized in February and expanded its function to support the convergence of the telecom and computer businesses. The group encourages technical interoperability and works to create necessary communications access standards and help mold global public policy. MMTA said it also serves as a market development forum for its members. The association also conducts educational seminars.
