Virgo Publishing, a business-to-business information services company and publisher of PHONE+ magazine, announced today the launch of the VON.com online publication and the VON Conference & Expo, delivering on its promise to fill a gap in the marketplace for a service provider-focused resource on IP communications.

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Virgo also has named former InformationWeek Editor at Large Richard Martin as editor in chief of the VON properties.

Virgo announced in October its plans to create new industry-leading products based on certain assets, including the VON databases and trademarks, which were formerly owned by Pulvermedia and recently purchased by Virgo.

“The VON brand will be positioned as ‘The Voice of Network Convergence,’” said Mike Saxby, group publisher — Telecom Division for Virgo Publishing. “It won’t stop at voice over the net, but will cover the broader opportunity afforded by IP-based communications of all kinds — from IP telephony and IP video to unified communications and fixed-mobile convergence.”

VON.com explores the world of enhanced IP communications — IP telephony, IP video, unified communications, fixed-mobile convergence and blended services — for the entire value chain. Whether service provider, developer, channel partner or enterprise/SMB user, VON.com delivers news, analysis and insight to help executives better understand and act on the global IP revolution. Search, reader channels and topical categories help them find the information — news, analysis, Webinars, eBooks, buyer’s guides — that is most relevant to their businesses.

VON Conference & Expo 2009

In addition, Virgo is announcing that it will host the premiere VON Conference & Expo, Sept. 21-23, at Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami. The VON Conference & Expo will be colocated with the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, the only event devoted exclusively to The Channel delivering communications solutions.

The VON Conference & Expo showcases the best of the global IP communications world for service providers and large enterprises. Roundtables, keynotes, panels and Q&A sessions go beyond the pitch to examine the financial, operational, marketing and technological strategies, best practices and solutions for introducing innovative applications and products that resonate with users. Meanwhile, the exhibit floor features industry leaders and exciting startups with plenty of opportunities to interact with key decision-makers and industry luminaries. A can’t-miss event on the telecom calendar, VON is the only IP-focused event of its kind.

Both VON.com and the VON Conference & Expo will be targeted to the international audience of service providers and large enterprises that are embracing IP communications technologies.

“We are striving to be the global authority on IP communications strategy,” said Saxby.

To execute on this strategy, Virgo has tapped an award-winning business and technology journalist in Richard Martin. He is a former editor at large for InformationWeek, where he worked for three years as a senior writer covering the IT industry, including mobile and wireless, cloud computing, energy technology and more. His career spans more than two decades and also includes credits as a contributing writer for Wired magazine, technology editor for the Industry Standard and technology producer for ABCnews.com. He has a bachelor’s degree from Yale University.

Martin will work closely with Saxby and the Virgo Publishing, editorial and event production staffs to deliver a compelling content experience for VON readers and attendees.

“We are thrilled to have an editor of Rick’s caliber leading our content team,” said Saxby. “He has the know-how and the vision that VON needs to become the premier source of information on IP communications.”

“In talking to friends and sources in the telecom industry, it’s clear to me that there’s a great hunger for an event and publication of the scope and stature of VON,” Martin said. “I look forward to working with Mike and his team to produce the world’s top resource for the booming IP communications industry.”

About Virgo Publishing

Virgo Publishing is a dynamic information services company specializing in communications through print and electronic media, trade shows and special events, education and training, and value-added business services. In general, each print magazine serves as a platform to create communities through the integration of publishing, events and the Web. For information, visit www.vpico.com.

Virgo Publishing produces business-to-business magazines and conferences across four verticals. Virgo Publishing’s Telecom Division includes four titles: xchange, PHONE+, Billing & OSS World and VON. It also includes three trade shows: Channel Partners Conference & Expo, Billing & OSS World Conference & Expo and the VON Conference & Expo.

The company has a track record of success in the telecom industry. PHONE+ marked its 20th anniversary in 2007, and xchange and the Channel Partners Expo each are enjoying their 12th year of success. Billing & OSS World magazine has been a segment leader for 13 years, and Virgo will host the 17th Billing & OSS World event in April 2009. The VON event was founded in 1997, followed by the print publication in 2003.