Roundup: NTT America, Intel, Alcatel-Lucent

Industry consolidation, emerging technologies and video applications are among the top trends that will continue to impact the Americas during the remainder of 2011, Michael Wheeler, VP of NTT America's global IP network business unit, said in a statement. Latin America continues to rise in prominence as the next big emerging market, Wheeler said, pointing out Netflix's recent announcement that it will launch in the region. Industry consolidation will continue as IP transit providers continue to struggle with constraints on capital following the global financial crisis, Wheeler said pointing to Level 3's (Nasdaq: LVLT) acquisition of Global Crossing (Nasdaq: GLBC). IPv6 will remain at the forefront of industry discussions, as the transition will be extremely gradual. Meanwhile, demands on the internet will continue to grow as the application of video evolves and people continue to access Facebook, Flickr and YouTube. *** David Thomas will return as director of strategic investments for Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Latin America, after a hiatus of 18 months, Intel Capital said. During that time, Thomas served as director general of the mergers and acquisitions group at Intel Capital, where he was responsible for large mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. The executive has worked at Intel Capital since 2000 and directed operations of Intel Capital Latin America between 2003 and 2009. Thomas also served as honorary president of the Latin American Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) and as a founding member of the Center for Brazilian Studies in Private Equity and Venture Capital FGV. *** French telecoms equipment supplier Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU) has created a new business group - Software, Services & Solutions - as part of the company's continuing focus on applications and services, ALU said in a statement. The unit will be led by Adolfo Hernandez. Replacing him, Stephen Carter will become president of the EMEA region and retain oversight of global marketing and communications. Robert Vrij, Americas region president, will assume the additional responsibility of the company's strategic alliances, including the telecommunications and IT alliance with HP. *** Alcatel-Lucent is exploring options to enhance future opportunities for its Enterprise business, the company said. All options are being explored, including discussions with third parties. Alcatel-Lucent is also holding meetings with employee representatives of its Enterprise business. No decision has been made on the options being explored, and there is no certainty that this review will result in any change to the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise business.