INTEL LAUNCHES NETWORKING SILICON INITIATIVE
Intel unveiled a major initiative to increase its presence in the networking business. Key points of the Intel announcement include the launch of an Internet Communications Architecture, the introduction of a core network processor family from Level One, the acquisition of NetBoost Inc., and the establishment of a $200 million venture fund for network communications. 

Internet Communications Architecture
Intel's Internet Exchange (IX) Architecture is an open standards-based design for adding new functionality, such as wire-speed voice, video and data services, quickly and cheaply to networking equipment. Intel will release a developer's tool kit facilitate product designs using its architectures. Companies supporting the IX Architecture include Broadband Access Systems; Cabletron; CAG; Cisco Systems; Newbridge Networks; and Omneon Video Networks. Third-party developers that have announced support for the IXA include: Hi/fn; Harris & Jeffries; Inter-Niche; Trillium, T.Sqware, Inc.; and Wind River Systems. A white paper is available online.
http://www.level1.com/product/pdf/ixp1200arch_wp.pdf

Level One IXP1200 network processor
The flagship networking component of Intel's strategy will be Level One's new IXP1200 network processor, a reprogrammable device comprised of a StrongARM processor core and six programmable RISC packet processing micro controllers. Intel recently acquired Level One for about $2.2 billion in stock. The Level One solution will deliver approximately 1,000 MIPs of useable wire speed performance per processor. The programmable device is designed as an alternative to custom ASICs used in routers, switches and access concentrators. Newbridge will use the device for the next generation of its 36170 switches.
http://www.level1.com/ixa/

Level One also introduced a number of components for the IXP1200 network processor, including switching and formatting engines and physical layer devices. These components include a LAN/WAN fabric for wire speed layer 2, 3 and 4 switching and routing, and a separate multi-port Gigabit witch fabric that can scale to 100 Gbps. A new Formatting Engine Family (IXF) will feature a 64-bit access processor for handling frames, cells, and packets at up to 622 Mbps full-duplex or up to 2.4 Gbps in a multi-engine configuration. http://www.level1.com/ixa/

Intel Acquires NetBoost
Intel will acquire privately held NetBoost, a developer of hardware-software accelerator for policy-based networking, for an undisclosed amount of cash. NetBoost provides a provides a programmable platform for policy-oriented network services such as firewalls, intrusion detection, Virtual Private Network (VPN) gateways, load balancing and other applications. NetBoost's current Policy Engine PCI cards use a custom ASIC and a 233 MHz StrongARM processor to enable enables policy enforcement applications to operate at wire speeds (100 Mbps full duplex). The company had previously announced a multi-million dollar OEM contract with Ascend Communications to integrate the capabilities into Ascend's MAX TNT concentrator. Intel said the NetBoost tools would be key components supporting Intel's new Internet Exchange (IX) Architecture. NetBoost is based in Mountain View, California. http://www.netboost.com/
http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/Netboost.htm

$200 million Communications Fund
Intel established a $200 million Communications Fund to invest in companies developing IX Architecture-based systems and software. The fund will make minority equity investments of typically less than $10 million. Target companies include developers of basic communications components, real-time operating systems, software tools, protocol stacks and other communications building blocks.  Intel also plans to invest in voice and data communications programs and initiatives. As of the end of June, Intel had about $3.5 billion invested in approximately 275 companies worldwide.  http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/Fe90199b.htm
Intel, September 1, 1999

*NetBoost, hardware/software accelerator for policy-based networking, September 1999, price not disclosed

* Softcom MicroSystems, network access processor designed for full OC-12 cell rate performance for 64 byte packets, July 1999, price not disclosed price

* Dialogic Corp., computer telephony software, network interfaces and media processing boards that run on Intel-based servers, June 1999, approximately $780 million.

* Level One Communications, a developer of LAN/WAN silicon devices, March 1999, about $2.2 billion in stock.

MEDIAONE TO DEPLOY LUCENT'S 5ESS IN HFC NETWORK
MediaOne awarded a five-year, $250 million contract to Lucent Technologies for upgrades to its Broadband Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network. Lucent will provide its flagship 5ESS Digital Switch to allow MediaOne to provide voice and data services. Lucent will also supply on underlying SONET solution.  http://www.lucent.com/press/0999/990901.nsa.html
MediaOne, September 1, 1999

MediaOne is currently providing digital telephone service is some parts of Los Angeles, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Boston. On May 6, 1999, MediaOne entered into an agreement to merge with AT&T. http://www.mediaone.com/

NTT COMMUNICATIONS SELECTS CISCO FOR MPLS-BASED VPNS
NTT Communications selected Cisco Systems for an IP Virtual Private Network (VPN) service based on use Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS). NTT Communications will deploy Cisco 12000 GSRs in its optical core and Cisco 7500 series routers at its edge. The Japanese carrier plans to introduce a business class IP service. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/146/september99/2.html
Cisco Systems, September 1, 1999

In June, NTT Communications announced a major restructuring aimed at reforming its corporate culture and spurring its competitiveness in next generation IP networks. In addition to a new corporate logo and brand name, NTT Communications said it would expand its own networks in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe. The company revised its procurement procedures to provide competitive opportunities to both domestic and foreign suppliers. NTT Communications also said it would seek alliances with other major carriers to expand its global presence. http://www.ntt.co.jp/index_e.html

LIGHTNING ANNOUNCES FIRST BURSTABLE, PAY-AS-YOU-GO DSL SERVICE
Lightning Internet Services, an ISP focusing on the corporate market, is preparing to launch a "burstable" DSL service that would let clients pay for bandwidth on demand. The company will provide its burstable access service through resale agreements with by DSL carriers such as Covad Communications and Network Access Solutions. Pricing was not disclosed. Lightning currently offers a burstable leased line T-1 service that provides a minimum 128Kbps with burstability to full T1. Usage of the circuit is monitored with SNMP to create end-of-month billing. http://www.lightning.net/
Lightning Internet Services, September 1, 1999

NEXTLINK ACTIVATES 432 STRAND FIBER RING IN SILICON VALLEY
NEXTLINK Communications completed construction of a 432-strand fiber ring extending 60 miles throughout Silicon Valley. The ring was constructed completely underground and features three empty conduits that could accommodate thousands of additional fiber strands. NEXTLINK's fiber backbone is being expanded up the Peninsula and  around San Francisco Bay. These extensions will be completed by the end of the year. NEXTLINK also launched 200+ strand local fiber networks in Houston and Detroit. NEXTLINK is the largest holder of LMDS spectrum in the US. The company plans to launch its broadband wireless access services next year. http://www.nextlink.com/ra/news/archive/press/xpr_corp090199_new_market_wrap.html
NEXTLINK, September 1, 1999

SONERA FIRST TO LAUNCH WAP SERVICE
Helsinki-based Sonera launched the first information services intended for WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) compliant mobile phones. Content providers ready to offer WAP services include Finnair, CNN Interactive, Yellow Pages, Diners Club and others. The first WAP phones are expected to be available later this year. http://www.sonera.fi/investor_en/news/press/71.html
Sonera, August 31, 1999

BELLSOUTH EXPANDS INTERNET ACCESS OPTIONS WITH ATM, NXT1, LEASED LINE AND T3 FR
BellSouth announced four new business Internet access offerings: 

* ATM Dedicated Internet Access -- operating at 128 Kbps to 45 Mbps

* NxT1 Internet Access -- operating over the Frame Relay network at up to 9 Mbps

ELECTRIC LIGHTWAVE INSTALLS CISCO GSRS, FOCUSES ON WESTERN STATES
Electric Lightwave announced a $9 million network upgrade to install 14 Cisco 12012 GSRs throughout its nationwide network. ELI's major nodes are connected via multiple OC3s. The company has 6,000 miles of fiber in the western US. Electric Lightwave plans to consolidate its East Coast and Mid-Western sales operations to focus on its core territory. Nationwide data POPs will be maintained. http://www.eli.net/about/releases/SEPT0199.shtml
Electric Lightwave, September 1, 1999

ELI also uses Ascend Communications' ATM switches in its backbone. Last year, ELI signed a multiyear contract valued at US$150 million for Nortel's S/DMS Transport Node OC-192, four fiber bi-directional line-switched ring SONET platform and its 32-channel DWDM equipment.

BRAZIL'S EMBRATEL SELECTS ALCATEL DWDM, 155 SDH RADIO
Embratel, the Brazilian long distance operator owned by MCI WorldCom, selected Alcatel's SDH and DWDM platforms for its transport network linking the southern and northeastern regions of the country. The optical network will upgradeable from 40 Gbps to 160 Gbps. Embratel also awarded Alcatel with the largest digital microwave contract to date in Latin America. More than 700 SDH radio systems will be used to provide 155 Mbps access to Embratel's main Brazilian transmission routes. The deals were valued at US$70 million total.
http://www.alcatel.com/press/current/1999/09_01a.htm
Alcatel, September 1, 1999

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