Alan Messer is Senior Director of the Convergence Technologies and Standards, Samsung Electronics Silicon Valley R&D Center. He leads both US research into next generation consumer electronics software technologies and Samsung's US convergence standardization activities. In this role, Messer has been a worldwide leader in connected TV, home networking and IP service technologies for consumer devices. Messer has been with Samsung for 7+ years, before which he has worked at a variety of consumer electronics companies including HP and Sony Electronics. Messer has participated in various standardization organizations and is the President and Chairman of the UPNP's Forum as well as holding Samsung's position on the DLNA Board of Directors.