Innovation in the world of technology is surging forward. What's happening out here in the Nevada desert at NXTcomm08 tells us something about the high octane at work in network technology, and about the charting of America's -- and the world's -- course.

On the exhibit floor here in Las Vegas you can see that technology in its latest form, but the bigger question is what does it mean for businesses and consumers who will use it?

Verizon's Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president of technology, shared the stage with his counterparts from AT&T and Qwest Tuesday for a wide-ranging discussion of services and technologies. Their panel followed an address by Randall Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T. The most consistent message in all the messaging for the day was that convergence of networks and the cross-breeding of services, applications, networks and customer hardware will lead to faster communications and more convenience for customers. Home networking is a key to making things simple for customers, Mark told the keynote audience, and all this technology will have to be green. Mark noted Verizon’s recent initiative  to assure our suppliers are building gear with an eye on cutting energy consumption.

Everyone spoke of the magic of actual anytime, anywhere, “anytool,” any format messaging with confidence and certainty that it is, officially, "emerging."

Most people don't need to know about the chips and the planning, or even the vision of these technology leaders. But, if anything, the pace of network change is faster than ever, and delivering the power to make customers’ lives easier.