QWEST TO DEPLOY SONUS NETWORKS' PACKET VOICE IN NATIONAL NETWORK
Qwest Communications will deploy Sonus Networks' packet voice platform in its national network.  The multi-year, multimillion-dollar agreement covers the implementation of Sonus' GSX9000 Open Services Switch, IntelligentIP Softswitch (gained through the recently completed acquisition of telecom technologies inc.), the PSX6000 SoftSwitch and the SGX2000 SS7 Signaling Gateway.  The Sonus equipment is already being used for the new Qwest CyberVoice Interconnect service, a wholesale VoIP terminating service.  Qwest said its strategy is to integrate Internet, voice and data applications to deliver truly converged, collaborative services.  The carrier is also evaluating the new Sonus-based infrastructure for collaborative applications.  http://www.sonusnet.com
Qwest, March 13, 2001

• Global Crossing is using Sonus Networks' GSX9000 Open Services Switch, the PSX6000 SoftSwitch and the SGX2000 SS7 Signaling Gateway in VoIP gateway centers across its production network.  Global Crossing has previously announced plans to converge all of its voice traffic by the end of 2002.
• In November, Sonus Networks announced a major contract to supply its packet voice platform to XO Communications (formerly known as NEXTLINK/Concentric).
• In November, Sonus Networks agreed to acquire of telecom technologies, a start-up developing softswitching technology, for 10.8 million shares of stock (worth $441 million), plus an additional 4.2 million shares ($171 million) based on reaching certain business objectives.  telecom technologies focused on multivendor softswitch services and media gateway interoperability.

OPENVOB INITIATIVE PUBLISHES IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE FOR INTEROPERABLE VODSL
The OpenVoB initiative, which promotes multi-vendor voice over broadband services, released an Implementation Guide for the ATM Forum's Voice over AAL2-Loop Emulation Service (LES) using CAS.  The document provides a set of implementation guidelines that ensure a common level of interoperability among VoDSL gateway and IAD products based on the ATM Forum's LES specification.  OpenVoB will host a multi-vendor interoperability testing event during the week of March 26-30, 2001 at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory, in Durham, New Hampshire.  http://www.openvob.org/
OpenVoB, March 13, 2001

HONG KONG’S NEW WORLD TELEPHONE IMPLEMENTS CISCO’S LONG REACH ETHERNET
New World Telephone Ltd., a Hong Kong-based broadband carrier and telecommunications service provider, will power its network with Cisco Systems’ Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) technology and IP+Optical networking products.  Cisco’s LRE, which is compatible with ADSL, runs over existing telephone wire at distances of up to 4,000 feet and is capable of handling voice, video and data services at 5-15 Mbps.  The LRE technology will provide old buildings with a broadband last mile solution.  New World Telephone will also be able to wire up new buildings already using Ethernet-grade cables by deploying the traditional LAN connectivity approach.  Its network core will use Dynamic Packet Transport (DPT) technology.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  http://www.cisco.com   http://www.newworldtel.com
Cisco Systems, March 13, 2001

WILLIAMS TO INSTALL NARUS IP USAGE-BASED BILLING PLATFORM
Williams Communications will deploy NARUS systems and solutions throughout its entire network infrastructure to provide IP usage-based billing to its customers.  The companies said the NARUS Billing Mediation System would facilitate Williams' ability to develop value-based business models for digital content distribution (such as video and audio), Web commerce, application hosting, messaging services, and other value-added services.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  http://www.narus.com
NARUS, March 13, 2001

• The NARUS platform uses hardware appliances known Semantics Analyzers that are installed through a network to capture application-level usage information in real time.  The system also offers "content metering" capabilities that will enable its IP Billing Mediation System to transform certain network traffic into billable events using third-party billing systems.  Other NARUS modules would enable ISPs, portal providers and Web site operators to track and bill for a wide range of activity -- from the volume of traffic going to specific domains, down to "micro-transactions" or billing for individual web links or URLs selected by individual customers.
• In November, NARUS raised $26 million in 3rd-round financing, bringing its total financing to date to $57 million.  Investors include Intel Communications Fund, KPMG Consulting, NTT Software Corporation, Sumisho Electronics Bowman Capital, Presidio Venture Partners, Chase Capital Partners, Global Crossing Ventures, Mayfield Fund and Walden Ventures.

INTEL DEVELOPS LINE CARD REDUNDANCY CHIP FOR TELECOM APPLICATIONS
Intel announced a Protection Interface Unit (PIU) chip that allows an active connection on a line card to be switched from one port to another when a port failure occurs -- without losing the connection.  The chip could replace as many as 32 electro-mechanical relays, the solution used on most telecommunications line cards today, while providing 99.9% service availability.  Applications could include short-haul T1/E1/J1 boxes, SONET/SDH add-drop multiplexers, digital access cross connect systems, digital loop carriers and access concentrators.  http://www.intel.com
Intel, March 13, 2001

WORLDCOM TESTS SIEMENS/OPTISPHERE DWDM AT 3.2 TBPS PER FIBER
Using existing fiber routes in its Dallas metropolitan area network, WorldCom conducted a month-long technology test of a DWDM platform from Siemens Information and Communication Networks capable of carrying 3.2 Tbps over a single fiber.  The companies deployed 80 wavelengths of 40 Gbps traffic over three spans of standard single mode fiber with a total link length of 250 km.  The equipment was provided through Siemens’ optical networking subsidiary, Optisphere Networks Inc.  http://www.optisphere.com
Optisphere Networks, March 13, 2001

PACKETVIDEO RAISES $100 MILLION FOR WIRELESS MPEG4
PacketVideo Corporation raised nearly $100 million in Series E Preferred Stock, bringing its total funding to $140 million.  The company enables video and audio delivery over existing and next generation wireless networks to a variety of handheld devices.  PacketVideo is developing products and services in the areas of wireless network and infrastructure equipment; wireless silicon and devices; and content and applications.  Series E investors include BFD First Global Partners, GE Equity, Intel Capital, Kyocera, Mobile Internet Capital, Motorola, MTI, Nexus Group, LLC, QUALCOMM, SAIC Venture Capital Corporation, Siemens’ Mustang Ventures, Softbank Technology Group, Sun Microsystems, Texas Instruments and Wheatley Partners.  Previous investors include Credit Suisse First Boston, Philips, Reuters, Sonera, Sony Corporation of America and Time Warner.  http://www.packetvideo.com
PacketVideo Corporation, March 12, 2001

• PacketVideo's software provides encoding, transmission and decoding capabilities based on MPEG-4.

• PacketVideo has entered into technology and service agreements with several companies, including QUALCOMM, Motorola, Mitsubishi, Sprint PCS, Bell Mobility, Sonera, Swisscom Mobile and SK Telecom (Korea).

• Earlier this month, Nortel Networks agreed to co-market PacketVideo’s wireless multimedia software for delivery over 2.5G and 3G wireless networks.

• More than forty media and Internet companies are now showcasing their content on PacketVideo's PVAirguide. http://www.packetvideo.com/pvairguide/

PICOSECOND PULSE LABS RAISES $25 MILLION FOR 40 GBPS + TRANSCEIVERS
Picosecond Pulse Labs (PSPL), a privately held opto-electronics developer based in Boulder, Colorado, raised $25 million in Series A funding for development of components and modules for 10, 40 and 160 Gbps long-haul optical communications systems.  The funds will be used to expand Picosecond's existing 40 Gbps component line.  Investors include Corning, Finisar Corp., and Barrington Partners.  http://www.picosecond.com
Picosecond, March 13, 2001

VSK PHOTONICS TARGETS 40 GBPS INDIUM PHOSPHIDE COMPONENTS
VSK Photonics, a start-up based in Irvine, California, received $18 million in first round funding from Morgenthaler Ventures and Intel Capital.  The company is developing Indium Phosphide (InP) semiconductor technology for 40 Gbps opto-electronic components.  http://www.vskphotonics.com
VSK Photonics, March 13, 2001

Conference Announcement;

A delegation of 14 optical fiber communication companies from Taiwan will host an open house event on March 15 (Thursday) in Boston as well as on March 20 (Tuesday) at the OFC conference in Los Angeles. The event will provide an overview of Taiwan's photonic industry and a chance to meet one-on-one with each of the companies. The delegation includes eight suppliers of passive optical components, six suppliers of active optical components, one optical communications systems company and one supplier of optical fiber cable. The Boston event will be held on the morning of March 15 at the Wyndham Westborough Hotel in Westborough and includes a complimentary breakfast.  The Los Angeles event will held at the Marriott Hotel (adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center) from 10:30am to 4:30pm.  It will feature a keynote speech on the Taiwan Photonics Industry as well as a complimentary lunch. Complete registration information is online. http://www.convergedigest.com/TaiwanOFC.html The event is organized by: Commercial Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston China External Trade Development Council (CETRA) Taiwan Trade Center, San Francisco Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association, Taiwan (PIDA)