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Alcatel
and SaskTel Form R&D Alliance
 SaskTel,
the incumbent operator in the Canadian province of
Saskatchewan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
will Alcatel to conduct joint research and development.
Once finalized, the agreement will lead to the creation of
approximately twenty new R&D positions to be based in
Saskatchewan and jointly funded by Alcatel and SaskTel.
R&D activity resulting from the MOU will focus on the
development of advanced software applications to address
global market needs. Products and services resulting from
the collaboration will be distributed worldwide utilizing
the extensive market reach of Alcatel's global sales
presence in conjunction with SaskTel Internati
http://www.alcatel.com
29-Jun-06
NTT
Com Expands its Ethernet "Global Super Link"
Service
NTT
Communications is expanding its Global Super Link Ethernet
service to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and
Hong Kong in addition to the U.S. and Japan. The expanded
reach will be available in July.
NTT Com is also introducing a more flexible fee structure.
Currently, users can choose between two transmission
speeds of 45Mbps, for a flat rate, or 100Mbps with a fee
depending on data traffic. Under the new flexible fee,
users can choose transmission speeds in increments of
10Mbps from 10Mbps to 100Mbps for a flat rate, although
100Mbps subscribers can also opt for a variable rate.
The Global Super Link Ethernet service runs over NTT Com's
Global IP/MPLS backbone. Enterprise users can create a
global LAN environment using their existing equipment,
which saves the cost of having to purchase special
devices.
http://www.ntt.com
29-Jun-06
Senate
Commerce Committee Drops Net Neutrality from
Communications Bill
The
Senate Commerce Committee voted not to include Net
Neutrality provisions in the proposed
"Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband
Deployment Act of 2006" (SB 2686), which is now
making its way to the Senate floor. The vote was evenly
split (11-11), which meant the provision could not be
included in the bill.
The proposed bill, which was sponsored by Sens. Ted
Stevens (R-Alaska) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), seeks to
reform the cable franchise process by establishing a
national franchise, enabling telcos to enter the
television market more quickly. The U.S. House passed a
similar video choice bill on June 8.
"Congress is close to producing a tangible victory
for consumers -- lower cable TV bills and greater video
choice. The full Senate should vote soon because every
year reform is delayed costs consumers $8.2 billion in
higher cable bills. This bipartisan committee vote -- and
the huge House victory -- prove video choice is within
consumers' grasp this year. The momentum is there if the
full Senate acts soon to give consumers the competition
and choice they deserve, stated Peter Davidson, Verizon
senior vice president for federal government relations.
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/
28-Jun-06
BellSouth
to Lab Test Alcatel's WiMAX
BellSouth
plans to conduct a lab test of Alcatel's Evolium WiMAX
solution. The agreement comes four months after Alcatel
conducted a live demonstration of the newly ratified WiMAX
IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard.
http://www.alcatel.com
27-Jun-06
Amdocs
Seeks to Build Digital Content Marketplace
Amdocs,
a leading provider of telco billing and customer
management solutions, launched OpenMarket Exchange, a
web-based business system that enables media companies to
build lucrative, high-growth
"direct-to-consumer" (D2C) mobile content
businesses.
OpenMarket Exchange is a system for digital content
transactions designed to improve the profitability of
digital content initiatives of both media companies and
mobile service providers, as well as minimize the costs
and complexity associated with such initiatives.
The new exchange will enable "off-network"
transactions, in which consumers purchase mobile content
directly from media companies using the billing and
service relationship with their mobile service provider.
"When you look at the amount of money tier one media
companies spend on the mobile channel relative to the
others - TV, radio, print, and online media -- mobile is
receiving just a tiny fraction of its potential
investment," said Steve Shivers, senior vice
president and general manager of OpenMarket at Qpass,
Amdocs Digital Commerce Division, which developed the
service. "The OpenMarket Exchange addresses the
complexity and costs that make it difficult for media
companies to enter the D2C mobile commerce space. With the
scalable, financial-grade infrastructure provided by
OpenMarket, they can invest and profit from the mobile
channel on par with the other major media channels, and
can do so in a way that greatly increases revenues and
profits for mobile operators."
OpenMarket provides the critical functionality of offer
management, SMS short-code management, SAS 70 compliant
transaction processing, real time reporting, settlement,
and customer care integration.
http://www.openmarket.com
http://www.amdocs.com
26-Jun-06
SK
Telecom Deploys 10 Gbps Caspian Backbone for Flow-State
QoS
South
Korea's SK Telecom is deploying a 10 Gbps MPLS mesh
backbone designed exclusively with Caspian's Media
Controllers, core routers that perform both basic routing
and Caspian's unique Flow-State QoS traffic management.
Caspian also announced the availability of its Flow-State
QoS technology on 10 Gbps Ethernet interfaces and (10) x
1-port GE interfaces. Caspian already offers OC192c/STM64
line cards and (4) x OC48c/STM16c cards.
Caspian said its Media Controllers’ flow-state traffic
management capabilities enable SK Telecom to deliver
exceptional quality of service to its subscribers at
broadband data rates without the cost and complexity
involved in over-engineering the network. The Flow-State
QoS technology identifies all unique IP traffic flows,
without requiring invasive deep packet inspection. It then
applies the fair use policies that dynamically deliver the
QoS, bandwidth and priority required by each traffic flow.
Caspian's custom-designed ASICs enable each 10-Gbps
interface to process and retain state information for up
to six million separate flows and thousands of policies
simultaneously. Congestion is also mitigated proactively
using Call Admission Control for VoIP and video traffic.
SK Telecom will use the network to provision e-Gov
services, including high-quality VoIP, videoconferencing
and other real-time multimedia applications, along with
mission-critical virtual private networks and Internet
access for government agencies and citizens alike.
Caspian said its Media Controllers deployed in the
aggregation, backbone or peering points of existing IP or
MPLS networks are able to provide deterministic QoS,
zero-packet loss and a 2-3 times improvement in overall
bandwidth utilization.
http://www.caspian.com
26-Jun-06
- In June 2006, Caspian announced the second phase of
its joint technology development partnership with
Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research
Institute (ETRI) to deliver new IPv6 services. Caspian
and ETRI announced Phase I of their joint technology
agreement in February 2005 to develop multimedia
quality of service (QoS) solutions for South Korea’s
Broadband convergence Network (BcN) initiative. Phase
II of the joint development agreement between Caspian
and ETRI will focus on new IPv6 services that are part
of a comprehensive IPv4-to-IPv6 migration strategy.
Through its Phase I collaboration with ETRI, Caspian
has successfully deployed its Media Controllers in
South Korean’s Electronic Government (e-Gov) network
with Korea Telecom and SK Telecom. The e-Gov networks
are one of many BcN initiatives that represent an
ambitious countrywide network infrastructure to
deliver dedicated bandwidth in support of integrated
multimedia services including VoIP, streaming audio
and video, and real-time health and welfare response
services to 20 million Korean subscribers.
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Fair
Use Networking: Leveraging Quality To Create
Profitability |
What
is “fair use” of a service provider’s
network? Ideally, service providers should be
able to allocate capacity and be paid according
to what they carry over the network. While
Internet access providers are able to raise
prices for customers who require more bandwidth,
long-haul backbone service providers pay the
freight for growing volumes of traffic from
which they generate no revenue, and worse, rob
capacity at the expense of premium services
Today there seem to be two approaches to the
problem of balancing network traffic and revenue
considerations. The first approach is to simply
let any customer transport any kind of
traffic—and as much as they want—over the
long-haul backbone network. The second approach
available to service providers for managing
bandwidth is to filter out certain types of
traffic or lock out traffic from certain content
providers. |
BT
to Offer "Ojo" Personal Video Phones
BT
will purchase of WorldGate's "Ojo" Shadow
personal video phones for resale to customers around the
world. The agreement provides for BT to begin selling Ojo
immediately in conjunction with the launch of BT's Club
Complete platform.
http://www.wgate.com
23-Jun-06
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TV
as the Ultimate IMS Endpoint
 by
Hunt Norment
Vice President, Business Development
Integra5
Convergence
is an ambiguous word in the telecom
world. Generically, convergence is
defined as the state of having come
together toward a common point – a
two-dimensional reference. In telecom,
however, convergence takes on a third
dimension - time.
The temporal dimension of convergence
can be divided into three large
categories: systems convergence, service
convergence, and user-experience
convergence.
The
first phase, systems convergence, began
in the mid-1990s. The goal: to give
consumers a single, integrated bill for
all of their communications services. It
was reasoned that the convenience of
paying a consolidated bill would entice
users to purchase their communications
services from a single provider. What
that reasoning missed in consumer
adoption, it got right in operational
efficiency as costs and overhead were
removed from billing and CRM processes.
The second phase, service convergence,
began in the early 2000s and is still
seeing a reasonable amount of investment
today. The goal: improve customer
service by simplifying the way end users
interact with their communications
provider. This stage saw investment in
consolidating call centers; creating
portals for end users to add, delete, or
modify their services; and, most
importantly, saw the beginning of the
end user being managed as an individual
and not a telephone number. This phase
achieved great advancement in customer
service, as well as cost savings from a
support standpoint.
We are just beginning the third phase of
convergence, user experience
convergence. The goal: creating lasting
relationships with end users by making
the communications bundle work in
unison, i.e., make the aggregate user
experience so compelling that the pain
of switching even one service in a
bundle is insurmountable. The ROI in
this phase will be greater than the
previous two phases combined.
The
importance of user experience
convergence to service providers
The lifetime value of a triple- or
quad-play subscriber is worth
exponentially more than a single-service
subscriber. The biggest factor in this
calculation is not ARPU, but rather
“stickiness” that results in
reduction in churn and also reduction in
the retention spending required to
minimize churn. Therefore, the objective
of user experience convergence is to
increase the uptake and retention of
triple- and quad-play subscribers.
There is also a competitive aspect to
this equation that often goes
overlooked. Several non-facilities-based
Internet service providers have
converged the user experience across
devices, namely Google, Yahoo!, and MSN.
Based on this, these portals can no
longer be considered just portals, as
they are continually enhancing their
communications offerings and encroaching
steadfastly on the turf held by cable
and telephone companies.
For example, I am a quad-play subscriber
to a large telephone company. I receive
voice, video (via a satellite
relationship), broadband, and wireless
services from this company. However, the
provider cannot offer me an integrated
communications experience across the
devices and services they sold me,
leaving me with multiple email
addresses, multiple address books, and
multiple preference profiles. The
communications experience is not ideal
to say the least.
On the other hand, Yahoo! and other
portals offer me an integrated
communications experience across these
same devices (except satellite, but that
is forthcoming). I can even get voice
service via Yahoo! Therefore, as a
consumer, my loyalty lies with Yahoo!,
not my telephone company, and I would
switch service providers to lower my
access prices in an instant.
To combat this effect, some cable and
telephone companies have proactively
partnered with MSN and Yahoo!, but this
is a double-edged sword. These
partnerships can increase uptake
initially, but will be detrimental to
service providers seeking lasting
relationships with their subscribers.
Television
– the Great Equalizer
The real battle for extracting consumer
value is not between telco and cable
operators, but rather service provider
against the opposition that most
threaten them: non-facilities-based
service providers that can delivery
services on top of the cable and telecom
infrastructures. The television gives
service providers a vehicle to redefine
this fight for the consumer.
The
television has undergone a major
face-lift in recent years. The
transition to digital, high-definition
technology, along with new capabilities
like video-on-demand (VOD), and
augmented by the space saving design of
flat, large LCD, plasma or
rear-projection television sets has
brought a renewed interest to this home
entertainment device. Costly investments
in this new generation of televisions
leave consumers expecting to be able to
do more with their TVs than their other
communications devices, and they are
showing an interest in converged
services that go beyond basic video
programming. Consumers are attracted to
services that offer them access to a
wide range of communications information
and entertainment services in a
user-friendly, cost-effective way.
Moreover,
consumers have spoken loud and clear to
their communications providers. In
surveys, and based on early technology
adoption, consumers are clamoring for
the same interactive experience on the
television that they receive on home
computers and mobile devices. They are
seeking a consistent user experience
across all of the services sold to them,
including video services. Incumbent
cable providers have a leg-up when it
comes to delivering video services,
however telephone companies with IPTV
have a technical advantage for
converging the user experience across
devices.
Unfortunately
for cable and telco service providers,
enhanced video services also enable over
the top competition from Google, MSN,
and Yahoo! Will service providers close
their enhanced video networks to
portals? Are there any business models
that adequately represent the interests
of all parties?
One
thing is for certain: telephone and
cable companies deploying quad-play
services must protect their core service
offerings: communications and video
services, respectively.
The
television as an IMS End Point?
To ensure a consistent communications
experience across networks and devices
– including the television – service
providers must make the television an
IMS end point. This places the
television on equal footing with the
telephone, mobile phone, and PC as
communications and other multimedia
devices where non-facilities-based
providers have a stronghold.
The
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) standard
defines a generic architecture for
offering Voice over IP (VoIP) and
multimedia services. It is an
internationally recognized standard,
first specified by the Third Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP/3GPP2) and now
being embraced by other standards bodies
including ETSI/TISPAN. The standard
supports multiple access types,
including GSM, WCDMA, CDMA2000, Wireline
broadband access and WLAN.
Read
the full article on our Blueprint:
Circuit to Packet Web site
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ClearMesh
Combines Wireless Optical + Mesh for Metro Nets
ClearMesh
Networks, a start-up based in Pasadena, California,
unveiled a wireless optical mesh networking solution
capable of delivering business-class services at 5-100
Mbps without requiring licensed spectrum.
The ClearMesh Metro Grid technology aims to extend the
reach of metro Ethernet networks, where lateral expansion
of fiber would require significant up-front investment and
months for deployment. The company is also positioning its
technology as a complement to metro Wi-FI or WiMAX
deployments.
ClearMesh Networks cites two major advancements since the
early days of free-space optical (FSO) enthusiasm:
- The use of LED technology rather than lasers for the
wireless optical transmitters. LEDs are significantly
lower cost than lasers and provide the added advantage
of a greater target. This enables the link to tolerate
vibration, and thus the LED transmitters can be pole
mounted or roof-mounted. The LEDs have a specified
range of 250m and are eye safe.
- The use of mesh networking algorithms -- this
provides a high level of resiliency compared to
line-of-sight, point-to-point FSO links, especially in
inclement weather.
The ClearMesh technology is able to distribute from 300
Mbps to 2Gbps of toll-quality service capacity throughout
the mesh. Each of the nodes includes three optical
transceivers and an integrated Ethernet switch.
ClearMesh said its wireless optical technology also
provides inherent security, including signal scrambling
between nodes and optional use of encryption.
http://www.clearmesh.com
28-Jun-06
TeliaSonera
Selects Siemens for DWDM Backbone
TeliaSonera
selected the Siemens Communications Group to build a new
DWDM backbone to serve as the foundation for the delivery
of all TeliaSonera services. The first Siemens deployment
in the TeliaSonera transport network was successfully
completed in spring 2006. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
Siemens’ Surpass Transparent Optical Networks solution
consists of the DWDM platforms Surpass hiT 7300, Surpass
hiT 7500 and the management system TNMS.
Siemens said its solution yields lower costs due to its
full-channel optical add/drop multiplexer capabilities and
photonic cross-connects, enabling remote configuration of
a path without the need to access the network while
staying all-optical through multiple add/drop nodes.
Another highlight of the solution is the simplification of
installation, provisioning and maintenance operations
compared to current systems. The Siemens system also
features transponders that are tunable over the full
wavelength band, resulting in quicker wavelength
provisioning for customers as there is no need to custom
order "colors" of light
http://www.siemens.com/communications
27-Jun-06
Corrigent
Releases TDM-to-Ethernet Interworking for its Packet
Transport Solution
Corrigent
Systems released a TDM-to-Ethernet suite of interfaces for
its CM-100 packet transport platform. Using the CM-100,
service providers can now offer Ethernet services over
existing TDM access networks and aggregate these services
efficiently on 10 Gbps packet rings. The following new
interfaces are now available on the CM-100:
- 24-port DS3/E3 clear-channel user interface module
with Ethernet-over-PDH termination, as well as PPP to
Ethernet Layer-2 interworking
- PPP/MLPPP to Ethernet Layer-2 interworking on 6-port
DS3/E3 channelized user interface module
Each of the modules also supports transport of native TDM
channels, and the TDM-to-Ethernet interworking capability
is configurable on a per-channel basis.
The Layer-2 interworking function on both DS3 interface
types is designed to terminate PPP and/or bundled MLPPP
sessions and map each individual connection to a standard
Ethernet VLAN.
http://www.corrigent.com
26-Jun-06
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Canada's
Rogers Communications Selects Amdocs CRM
Rogers
Communications will implement Amdocs CRM across its cable,
wireless and telecom lines of business. This
implementation is part of Rogers' integrated customer
management (ICM) strategy rollout which is designed to
provide a consistent customer experience to its more than
10 million subscribers. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
Customers receive a variety of communications services
from Rogers, including cable TV, high-speed Internet,
wireline and wireless. Rogers strives to ensure a
consistent customer experience across all those services.
Providing a single view of the customer is part of an ICM
strategy, which helps achieve that. ICM provides a
framework to organize a company's infrastructure and
resources around customer needs and the customer
experience.
Rogers is also using Amdocs billing software to support
its various lines of business.
http://www.amdocs.com
http://www.rogers.com/
29-Jun-06
Overture
Receives Patent on Ethernet Status Indicator
Overture
Networks was awarded its seventh patent, No 7,069,512 on
"Command Line Interface with Indication of Network
Element Status", which enables operators of Overture
Networks' ISG family of products to quickly ascertain the
operational status of nodes in their networks. Other
patents held by Overture Networks are in the pseudo- wire
and protected switching ring fields.
Overture said its patented Command Line Interface (CLI)
status indicator provides a simple, unobtrusive visual
indication of an issue requiring attention. Operators can
determine at a glance the severity of the issue based on
Overture Networks' unique fault classification
identifications, making problem isolation and resolution
faster and simpler.
http://www.overturenetworks.com
29-Jun-06
New Foundry Switches Target Acceleration and Security of IP, Web and
Triple Play
Foundry
Networks introduced a new family of ultra-high-performance
ServerIron application switches to meet the growing demand
for secure and optimized delivery of Web and Triple Play
services.
The new family of ServerIron switches features Foundry's
new generation application processor and ASIC technology
to deliver scalable performance up to 350,000 connections
per second and 12 Gbps of application level throughput.
The switches are available in three modular chassis
models, starting with a compact Two-Rack Unit (2RU) high
3-slot chassis to a highly scalable 8-slot chassis that
supports up to 112 Gigabit Ethernet ports for large
density server farms.
The network-centric ServerIron 350, 450 and 850 PLUS
series switches feature redundant power, hot swappable
modules and fully interchangeable modules for investment
protection and future expandability. A choice of 10/100,
Gigabit copper and fiber, and 10 Gigabit interface modules
provide connectivity options for the network and server
farm.
Foundry's new version of TrafficWorks OS includes enhanced
security features to protect Web applications from attacks
that target sensitive data. Using a positive security
enforcement model, these features provide protection for
Web applications against key threats like buffer overflow
attacks that can cripple servers, cookie poisoning and
tampering that hijack sessions and user identity, forceful
browsing attacks that allow illegal access to sensitive
Web content, and SQL injection and cross-site scripting
attacks that provide unauthorized access to sensitive
data.
http://www.foundrynetworks.com
28-Jun-06
SafeNet
Announces Client-Server IPSec and IKEv2 Security Toolkits
for OEMs
SafeNet
announced a major upgrade of its QuickSec IPSec VPN
product for manufacturers of enterprise security gateways
and client devices. The toolkit enables developers to add
IKEv2 to enterprise security gateways, enterprise-class
PBX systems, desktop VPN clients, and mobile VPN
platforms.
This major release of QuickSec 4.0 Client and Server
Toolkits is the first simultaneous release by SafeNet of
compatible client-side and server-side development tools
implementing the most current IPSec security features like
IKEv2, stateful firewall, IPv6/IPv4 support, 64-bit
platform support, and pre-integration with high-speed
security processors for hardware acceleration.
http://www.safenet-inc.com
27-Jun-06
Lucent
Lands Prime Contract for U.S. Army's Modernization Project
Lucent
Technologies was one of ten prime contractors selected by
the U.S. Army for its new Infrastructure Modernization
(IMOD) contract, which has a total ceiling of $4 billion
dollars.
Under the scope of the indefinite delivery, indefinite
quantity (IDIQ) contract, Lucent will work to engineer,
furnish, install, secure and test a next-generation
multi-vendor communications infrastructure at selected
Army installations around the world. The contract has a
base five-year award term and one additional five-year
award term potential option period.
http://www.lucent.com
26-Jun-06
Cisco-sponsored
Survey Finds Slow Government Take-up of IPV6
A
survey commissioned by Cisco Systems of U.S. federal
decision makers indicates that, despite federal government
mandates for rapid implementation of IPv6, less than 4
percent have completed IPv6 implementation and less than 8
percent have completed agency transition plans. Budget
constraints are cited as the biggest impediment, and most
agency decision makers are choosing to conduct planning
in-house, without outside vendor or consultant support.
Although 14 percent of the respondents indicate that
agency implementation is already under way, the largest
number of respondents indicate that they will complete
their implementation by the end of FY 2007. However, 26
percent state that they have not yet targeted a final
date. Almost 38 percent will complete planning by FY 2007.
The survey was conducted last month by Market Connections,
a federal IT market research firm. The research effort was
conducted by phone and targeted IT and business decision
makers in both civilian and military agencies.
"This survey indicates that agencies must focus more
on how IPv6 implementation will support the fulfillment of
their mission, underlining productivity and long-term cost
management benefits," said Bruce Klein, Cisco federal
segment vice president. "Focusing on the 'big
picture' benefits means that IPv6 should be driven from
the top down, versus from the bottom up. As every asset --
whether a person or an object -- becomes connected, agency
heads are beginning to understand and appreciate the vast
opportunities for mission efficiencies, as we move from
wired to wireless, from multiple, siloed networks (voice,
video, data, emergency response, etc.) to converged,
media-rich messaging, and from phone and mail transactions
to mobile applications and interactions."
http://www.cisco.com
26-Jun-06
Sensory
Networks Builds Security Appliance Ecosystem
Sensory
Networks, a start-up based in Palo Alto, California with
R&D in Sydney, Australia, unveiled an ecosystem of
security applications designed to run on its
"NodalCore" acceleration platform.
The NodalCore Security Processing Unit (SPU) is a 64-bit
dedicated processor designed for high-speed scanning,
analysis and classification across a wide range of
security applications including anti-virus, anti-spyware,
anti-spam, intrusion detection/prevention and content
filtering. Combined with Sensory Networks' suite of
accelerated software libraries, commercial security
applications and development tools, products built with
NodalCore can be rapidly brought to market.
The first commercial vendors offering applications in
Sensory Networks' Application Ecosystem include: AhnLab,
Endeavor Security, Eneo Technologia, Exinda Networks,
Kaspersky Lab, Intoto, Mail Filters, Mailshell, McAfee,
Message Labs, PC Tools, Sunbelt Software and Threat
Metrix. Additionally, open source applications include:
Snort, Clam AV, DSPAM, and Apache Spam Assassin. These
application partners join Sensory Networks' core
technology and appliance partners, including Xilinx,
Intel, Nexcom, Lanner and Advantech.
Sensory Networks said it no longer makes sense for
appliance designers to develop and integrate all of these
applications in-house and that general purpose
architectures simply cannot provide the necessary
processing power while meeting the price/performance
benchmarks sought by the market. Sensory's NodalCore
acceleration technology off-loads application vendors from
speed constraints and allows them to focus on their core
competencies and features.
http://www.sensorynetworks.com
26-Jun-06
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Vonage
Offers Softphone on a USB Drive
Vonage
introduced its V-Phone, a portable and multifunctional 256
MB USB device with a pre-loaded softphone.
The V-phone comes with a standard 2.5 mm stereo earpiece
microphone, which is compatible with many cell phone
headsets.
Vonage said its phone offers added convenience because
phone call history and contacts travel with the V-Phone if
customers insert it into different PCs.
Vonage worked with Ubistar and SJ Labs to collaboratively
develop its new product. The device is not compatible with
Macs nor with Linux.
http://www.vonage.com
29-Jun-06
LG-Nortel
to Develop IP Phones for Microsoft's Unified
Communications
LG-Nortel,
a joint venture of LG Electronics and Nortel, will develop
and market with Microsoft an IP desktop phone that will
work with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 to
provide presence-awareness, IP call management features
and enhanced instant messaging capabilities. The initial
target market for the LG-Nortel business enabled IP
desktop phone is small to medium sized companies and
government departments in selective markets across North
America, Europe and Asia, including Korea, from 2007. Both
Microsoft and LG-Nortel will market the new IP desktop
phone to Microsoft customers worldwide as well as through
LG-Nortel's global distribution network of operators and
channel partners.
LG-Nortel previously announced a strategic relationship
with Microsoft in May 2006 when the two companies signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for broad range
collaboration in VoIP, including the joint development and
marketing of Windows CE-based IP terminals and the new
Windows CE 6 videophone.
http://www.LG-NORTEL.com
26-Jun-06
Microsoft
Expands Unified Communications with Siemens, Motorola, HP
Microsoft
made a series of key partnership announcements in
conjunction with its Unified Communications initiative:
Siemens -- Siemens Communications and Microsoft
will expand their global collaborative efforts focused on
the convergence of telephony, audio, video and web
conferencing, instant messaging, and e-mail into a single
unified communications platform.
The new agreement expands on ongoing efforts by the two
companies to integrate technologies around Microsoft
Exchange Server and Microsoft Office Live Communications
Server.
Anchoring the initiative will be new products and Siemens
systems integration and support services to integrate
Siemens HiPath 8000 softswitch real-time telephony with
Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Office Live
Communications Server utilizing the OpenScape
communications broker capability. The joint solution will
provide enterprise customers with the ability to
transition from conventional PBX and voice-mail
communications systems to Microsoft Office Communications
Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2007.
Motorola -- Microsoft and Motorola have entered
into a multiyear joint marketing and development alliance
to deliver unified communications solutions using
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 across
Motorola mobile devices and network hardware. The
collaboration is intended to enable enterprise customers
to seamlessly connect and share information in real time
regardless of location, network or device.
The initial planned offering will start with the Motorola
HC700 series rugged mobile computing devices and the
Motorola Q smart phone. The offering will combine the
presence awareness and instant messaging (IM) capabilities
of Communications Server 2007 with Motorola’s Windows
Mobile 5.0-based devices through the integration of
Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile with Motorola’s
MOTOPRO Mobility Suite and Wireless Services Manager (WSM)
products, enabling users to seamlessly communicate and
collaborate across heterogeneous access networks.
HP -- HP will provide enterprise servers and
systems integration services for new and enhanced products
within Microsoft’s unified communications platform,
including Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007,
Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, Microsoft Office Live
Meeting, Microsoft Office RoundTable, Communicator phone
experience and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com
26-Jun-06
Microsoft
Unveils Unified Communications Product Road Map
Microsoft
unveiled its Unified Communications product road map and
announced new technologies that will be part of the
forthcoming Microsoft Office system 2007.
Microsoft plans to bring together the corporate e-mail
offerings of Microsoft Exchange Server, which includes new
unified messaging capabilities, Microsoft Office Outlook,
and Microsoft Speech Server, with updated versions of its
real-time collaboration technologies and a set of new
communications devices to form a cohesive unified
communications solution.
"Unified communications will reduce complexity by
putting people at the center of the communications
experience. Our goal is to integrate all of the ways we
contact each other in a single environment, using a single
identity that spans phones, PCs and other devices. Our
vision is to make it easy for people to reach each other
using the mode of communication that is the most
productive, on the device that is most convenient, while
at the same time providing individuals with the highest
levels of control over when and how they can be reached,
and by whom," stated Microsoft's Bill Gates.
Microsoft introduced the following capabilities of its new
and updated servers, services and devices:
- Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007,
a flexible, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
standards-based real-time communication platform that
enables presence-based VoIP call management; audio-,
video- and web conferencing; and instant messaging
communication within and across existing software
applications, services and devices.
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 unified
messaging goes beyond e-mail and today’s stand-alone
voice-mail systems to deliver a unified inbox
experience that includes e-mail, voice mail and faxing
functionality, as well as new capabilities such as
speech-based auto attendant allowing users to access
their communications from any phone.
- Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, a unified
communications client that works in tandem with Office
Communications Server 2007 to deliver a
presence-based, enterprise VoIP "softphone";
secure, enterprise-grade instant messaging that allows
for intercompany federation and connectivity to public
instant messaging networks such as MSN, AOL and
Yahoo!; one-to-one and multiparty video- and
audioconferencing; and webconferencing. As with the
previous versions, Office Communicator 2007 will be
available in desktop, browser-based and Windows
Mobile-based versions.
- Microsoft Office Live Meeting, a rich
conferencing service designed to help users more
effectively collaborate, conduct training and deliver
presentations using just a PC and an Internet
connection. Improvements to Office Live Meeting
include support for e-learning, enhanced audio and
video capabilities including VoIP, a streamlined user
interface, seamless integration with the Microsoft
Office system and simpler deployment.
- Microsoft Office RoundTable, an audio-video
collaboration device with a unique 360-degree camera.
When combined with Office Communications Server 2007,
RoundTable delivers an immersive conferencing
experience that extends the meeting environment across
multiple locations. Meeting participants on site and
in remote locations gain a panoramic view of everyone
in the conference room as well as close-up views of
individual participants as they take turns speaking.
- Microsoft Office Communicator phone experience,
Communicator-based software designed to run an
innovative set of new voice and video devices —
including business-enabled IP desktop phones — from
Polycom Inc., LG-Nortel Co. Ltd. and Thomson Telecom.
This is a new ecosystem designed to run on dedicated
communications devices in tandem with Office
Communications Server 2007 to extend and enhance the
Microsoft unified communications experience.
- PC peripheral devices, such as USB handsets,
wireless USB headsets, USB webcams and PC monitors
with built-in audio and video components. Devices from
industry partners GN Netcom Inc., Logitech, Motorola,
Plantronics Inc., Samsung and Tatung Co. will work
with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 to deliver a
compelling communication experience on the PC.
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 is scheduled to be released
in late 2006 or early 2007. Microsoft Speech Server 2007
will be available in late 2006. Communications Server
2007, Communicator 2007, Communicator phone experience,
Live Meeting, RoundTable and the IP-enabled business
desktop phones featuring Communicator phone experience
will complete Microsoft’s unified communications
solutions and are scheduled to be available in the second
quarter of 2007
http://www.microsoft.com
26-Jun-06
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Verimatrix
Supplies IPTV Content Protection in Russia
Norilsk-Telecom
has selected for the Verimatrix IPTV content protection
system for its interactive television service for the
Siberian region of Russia. Norilsk-Telecom, the
telecommunications leader for this region, will offer
local and popular international channels, films and
interactive services. Russian systems integrator and
software development company, CTI, is charged with the
integration of the Norcom deployment.
Verimatrix's VCAS is a software-based solution designed to
address the increasing security requirements imposed on
video-over-IP systems. It is built on the principles of
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and X.509 digital
certificates.
http://www.verimatrix.com
26-Jun-06
Akimbo
Raises $15.5 million, Adds Cisco and AT&T as Investors
Akimbo
Systems raised $15.5 million in Series C funding for its
Internet video-on-demand appliance and service. New
investors Cisco Systems AT&T and venture capital firm,
Blueprint Ventures, join existing Akimbo investors Draper
Fisher Jurvetson, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers,
Sprout Group and Zone Ventures.
The Akimbo Service currently offers more than 10,000
videos and movies provided by a global network of
approximately 200 mainstream and specialty content
partners. Akimbo's video collection spans 100 categories,
including genres like independent film, foreign language,
anime, sports, children's entertainment, travelogues,
lifestyle shows, music programming and video blogs.
Akimbo is accessible through the Online Spotlight area of
Microsoft Media Center Edition 2005 PCs and through the
company's own Akimbo Player set-top box.
This fall Akimbo and Thomson Corp. will launch the RCA
Akimbo Player, a new Internet video-on-demand set-top box
for television. The RCA Akimbo Player features the
complete Akimbo Service with new release movies from
Movielink. Akimbo will also soon be available to
subscribers of AT&T's Homezone service, scheduled to
launch later this summer. AT&T Homezone subscribers
will use their integrated set-top boxes and AT&T
Yahoo! High Speed Internet connection to access thousands
of video programs and movies, in addition to television
programming over satellite from AT&T/DISH Network.
A monthly subscription to the Akimbo Service for Media
Center or for the Akimbo Player is $9.99 a month. Sign up
for a free trial through the Online Spotlight area of
Microsoft Media Center.
http://www.akimbo.com
23-Jun-06
Telekom
Austria Expands Order for Amino IPTV STBs
Telekom
Austria, the country's leading telecommunications
operator, has ordered additional supplies of Amino's
AmiNET110 to meet customer demand for its aonDigital TV
service. The IPTV package was rolled out to subscribers in
March 2006.
"We are pleased with the level of subscriber interest
in our aonDigital TV service which has exceeded our
expectations after only a few months of full
deployment," commented Stefan Tweraser, VP Marketing,
Telekom Austria.
http://www.aminocom.com
http://www.telekom.at
23-Jun-06
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Ikanos
Supplies VDSL2 chipset for Calix
Ikanos
Communications is supplying its VDSL2 chipset for use in
the Calix E-series IP Service Edge Node (SEN), an
IP-based, Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) platform.
Ikanos said the multi-mode operation of its chipsets offer
interoperability with deployed VDSL2, VDSL1, ADSL2+ and
ADSL CPE on a per port basis, with auto-detect capability.
Line cards based on such multi-mode chipsets can enable
carriers to smoothly transition nodes, remote terminals
and central offices to VDSL2 technology, while minimizing
upgrade costs.
http://www.ikanos.com
28-Jun-06
Broadcom
Ships 100 Millionth 54g Wi-Fi Chipset
Broadcom
has shipped its 100 millionth 54g chipset.
"802.11g is currently the most prevalent Wi-Fi
technology because it offers the best price/performance
ratio for consumers," said Michael Hurlston, Vice
President and General Manager of Broadcom's Wireless LAN
Business Unit
http://www.broadcom.com
27-Jun-06
Marvell
to Acquire Intel's Handheld Processor Business for $600
Million
Marvell
Technology Group agreed to acquire Intel's communications
and application processor business for $600 million in
cash plus the assumption by certain liabilities. Intel has
the option to take up to $100 million of the $600 million
purchase price in Marvell common stock.
Intel's communications and application processor business
develops and sells processors for handheld devices
including smart phones and personal digital assistants.
The business' processors, based on Intel XScale
technology, include the Intel PXA9xx communications
processor, codenamed "Hermon," which powers
Research in Motion's (RIM) Blackberry 8700 device. The
Intel PXA27x applications processor, codenamed
"Bulverde," is used in the Palm Treo smart
phone, the Motorola Q and other devices. The business is
run by approximately 1,400 employees. It is expected that
the vast majority of these employees will become employees
of Marvell.
Marvell said the deal gives it a strong presence in the
growing market segment for processors used in smart
handheld devices.
Intel said the sale enable it to focus its investments on
its core businesses, including high-performance, low-power
Intel Architecture-based processors and emerging
technologies for mobile computing, including Wi-Fi and
WiMAX.
After the close of the transaction, Intel intends to
continue manufacturing products currently sold by this
business for handheld devices and embedded applications,
and to manufacture products that are being designed into
upcoming devices. This arrangement is expected to continue
while Marvell arranges other manufacturing resources.
Intel and Marvell do not anticipate disruptions in the
supply of these products due to this planned sale.
http://www.marvell.com
27-Jun-06
Freescale
Supplies ASICs for Hughes' Next-Gen Satellite Modems
Freescale
Semiconductor is supplying an advanced satellite broadband
ASIC to Hughes Network Systems for its HN family of
high-performance satellite broadband terminals. The HN
terminals, used in the provision of HughesNet services,
deliver high-speed data, voice and video services over
satellite to enterprises, government agencies, small
businesses and consumers around the world.
Based on Freescale's standard-cell ASIC methodology and
90-nanometer CMOS technology, the satellite broadband ASIC
solution combines wireless and analog technology from
Hughes and Freescale. The ASIC device supports DVB-S and
DVB-S2 standards, ACM and CCM modes. The device is
designed to perform QPSK, 8PSK, H8PSK and 16APSK
demodulation and decode (LDPC / BCH) functions. Key
functional blocks include: DVB-S2 demodulator, DVB-S2 FEC,
synchronization processor, legacy mode (DVBS) demod and
FEC, stream/adapter output interface and I2C interface.
http://www.freescale.com
http://www.hughes.com
26-Jun-06
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Turk
Telekom Expands DSL Rollout with Alcatel
Turk
Telekom, Turkey's incumbent fixed operator, selected
Alcatel to supply 472,500 Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL).
The deployment, which started in April, will be completed
in the second half of 2006.
Alcatel has been a longstanding partner of Turk Telekom,
having already deployed two million DSL ports in 82 cities
in the country.
http://www.alcatel.com
28-Jun-06
Verizon
to Offer 100 Mbps Broadband Home Router by Actiontec
Verizon
will supply a new broadband home router manufactured by
Actiontec Electronics to new customers of its FiOS
broadband and video services.
Verizon said the new router -- designed and built to
Verizon's specifications -- forms the basis of its digital
home architecture. The router is capable of providing
connectivity to the FiOS network at speeds of up to 100
Mbps, leverages existing in-home wiring (Multimedia over
Coax Alliance - MoCA), and uses the DSL Forum's TR-069
specification for remote management.
The optical network terminal (ONT) where Verizon's fiber
terminates at the customer's home will soon be upgraded
with technology similar to the Broadband Home Router.
"The Broadband Home Router will be the centerpiece of
our customer's home network. It delivers the clear
advantages of fiber-optic technology directly to our
customer's home devices, offering a superior customer
experience for our voice, data and video services,"
stated Verizon Senior Vice President and Chief Technology
Officer Mark Wegleitner.
Features of the box include:
- 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
- 4-port 10/100 switch
- 2 MoCA channels for separate WAN and LAN connections
- UPnP support
- QoS support (End to end Layer 2 / 3), Diffserv,
802.1p/q Prioritization, Configurable
Upstream/Downstream Traffic Shaping, Random Early
Detection
- DHCP Server Option
- Fully customizable firewall with Stateful Packet
Inspection
- Parental Controls
http://www.verizon.com
http://www.actiontec.com
28-Jun-06
- Actiontec is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and
maintains branch offices in Atlanta, GA; Colorado
Springs, CO; Denver, CO; Basingstoke, United Kingdom;
Shanghai, China; and Taipei, Taiwan.
ECI
Telecom Plans GPON for Q4
ECI
Telecom announced a series of Gigabit Passive Optical
Network (GPON) offerings for its broadband access
platforms, which are deployed in numerous networks
worldwide.
The single-shelf solution eliminates the need to add or
replace equipment. The interchangeable GPON-based cards
can be implemented in ECI's broadband offerings including
its IP-based Hi-FOCuS 5 MSAG and Outside Plant ONU
products such as the G-PoweRAM and MiniShelf, as well as a
wide range of ONTs which are designed for customer
premises and serve residential and business users.
ECI is the only vendor to offer integrated GPON, xDSL,
Gigabit Ethernet and ATM aggregation, Cellular UMTS
backhauling and voice, all on a unified management
platform.
"We believe our new GPON offering provides operators
with unparalleled value for optical networks," said
Danny Eisner, Executive Vice President and General Manager
of ECI Telecom's Broadband Access Division. "By
easily adding to currently installed boxes, operators can
offer flexible optical solutions today while keeping costs
down and maintaining future expenses."
ECI's GPON offerings will be available in Q4 2006.
http://www.ecitele.com
28-Jun-06
Verizon
/ DIRECTV Bundle Reaches 415,000 Customers
Verizon
has signed up more than 415,000 customers to bundle
DIRECTV all-digital entertainment with their Verizon
calling and DSL services. During Q1, there were 66,000
Verizon customers signing up for the bundle.
Verizon and DIRECTV signed a marketing agreement two years
ago.
Verizon said the DIRECTV choice is aimed at markets where
its new all-fiber network is not yet available.
http://www.verizon.net
http://www.directv.com
28-Jun-06
Juniper
Supplies Edge Routers to Sweden's Telge Energi
Juniper
Networks announced that Telge Energi, a utility-based,
government-owned communications provider in Sweden, has
deployed its E320 Broadband Services Router and the
SDX-300 Service Deployment System to create its new
broadband access network for the delivery of Triple Play
services. The network is secured by the Juniper Networks
ISG-1000 with integrated intrusion detection and
prevention (IDP) system, and was deployed by Juniper's
local partner, Imtech Telecom.
Telge Energi maintains a broadband access network that
provides its customers with access to multiple ISPs
offering a range of advanced IP-based services including
Internet/email, television (IPTV), video on demand, VoIP
and online gaming; and Telge also provides its own
broadcast TV content. Telge will use the E320 and SDX-300
combination to enable end-use customers to conveniently
select and self provision services from a wide range of
ISPs and network-based applications.
http://www.juniper.net
27-Jun-06
Redback
Supplies Edge Routers in Chile, Kazakhstan
Telefonica
del Sur (Telsur), the incumbent carrier in Chile’s
southern region, has chosen Redback’s SmartEdge
Multi-Service Edge Router to expand its next generation
network and power its business and residential services.
Already a Redback customer for five years, Telsur plans to
leverage the combination of edge routing, Ethernet
aggregation and subscriber management to simplify their
network, to expand capacity, and to decrease the time to
market for new services.
Kazakhtelecom, the incumbent fixed-line operator in
Kazakhstan, has deployed Redback's SmartEdge Multi-Service
Edge Routers. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.redback.com
27-Jun-06
Narad
Integrates RAD Pseudo-Wire Technology into HFC Solutions
Narad
Networks, a supplier of last-mile Ethernet access systems
for HFC networks, has integrated RAD Data Communications'
pseudo-wire circuit emulation technology into the NARAD
Broadband Interface Unit (BIU) to provide cable MSOs with
a single-box solution delivering T1/E1 plus Ethernet over
HFC.
Narad has physically integrated RAD's pseudo-wire,
ASIC-based CES technology into their BIUs to deliver a
family of broadband Ethernet CPE devices that include
single T1/E1, quad T1/E1 and high precision clock recovery
options (better than 16ppb). Furthermore, Narad's Service
Delivery Platform (NSDP) has been enhanced to support the
combined solution providing enhanced configuration,
management and service assurance.
Narad will market these integrated devices under its own
name.
RAD has been shipping its TDMoIP-based IPmux and Gmux
solutions for over five years with more than 40,000 ports
installed worldwide.
http://www.naradnetworks.com
http://www.rad.com
23-Jun-06
DSL
Surges Past 150 Million Worldwide Subscribers
Worldwide
DSL subscriptions surged past the 150 million mark in the
twelve months to 31 March 2006, according to the latest
data produced for the international DSL Forum by industry
analyst Point Topic.
The number or new DSL users was 43 million, representing a
growth of 39% in the year. There were 11.5 million new
subscribers signing up to DSL in the first quarter of
2006.
"This amazing sustained growth of DSL around the
world reflects how broadband DSL is becoming essential to
the average family, student and business," said
Michael Brusca, chairman and president of the DSL Forum.
Highlights include:
- At the end of the first quarter of 2006, there were
22 countries with more than one million DSL
subscribers -- seven nations reached the figure in the
twelve months to 31-March-2006.
- China added almost ten million new subscribers in
the 12 months to March 2006 -- three million in the
first quarter of 2006 alone -- and is now close to the
30 million DSL subscriber mark.
- Both Germany (up 3.8 million) and France (up three
million) now have more than 10 million DSL
subscribers.
- Of the established nations, with more than one
million DSL subscribers as at 31 March 2006, India
topped the percentage growth ranking, increasing its
subscriber base by more than 700% in twelve months.
- Significant subscriber increases were also made in
Turkey (190% increase), Mexico (99%) and Australia
(84.6%). Pakistan growth (484%) led the way in
countries with less than one million DSL subscribers,
with Morocco, Greece and Bulgaria all experiencing DSL
growth of more than 200%.
- Regionally, the European Union reinforced its
position as the world's leading DSL region. The EU
added more than 17 million new DSL subscribers in the
period to reach 52.8 million -- at a growth of 48% --
extending its global share of the DSL subscriber
market to almost 35%.
- Of the emerging DSL regions, a significant
subscriber increase was seen in the Middle East and
Africa, which more than doubled its subscriber base to
reach 3.45 million -- led by Turkey (up 1.84 million)
and Israel (up 830,000). Latin America reached a total
of seven million DSL subscribers by 31 March 2006, and
now makes up 5% of global DSL subscriptions. Brazil
and Mexico accounted for 74% of the region's total
growth, adding 1.2 million and 909,000 new DSL
subscribers respectively.
- In North America, the USA added 5.6 million new DSL
subscribers, at a growth of almost 34% -- far
outstripping the growth of cable modem access in the
same period (up 21.9%). DSL also extended its market
share in Canada, now accounting for 49% of the
country's broadband connectivity.
- Fourteen established DSL nations have now achieved a
market penetration of more than 20% of telephone lines
delivering DSL broadband services to homes and
businesses -- the DSL Forum's first stage target for a
global broadband DSL mass market.
http://www.dslforum.org
23-Jun-06
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Cranite
Systems Raises $11.5 Million for Network Security
Cranite
Systems, a start-up based in Los Gatos, California, raised
$11.5 million in venture funding for its network security
products.
Cranite Systems has developed a product that delivers
secure enterprise connectivity from hotspots, homes and
other public spaces. The technology encrypts all
transmitted information -- including network addresses,
applications, ports, and the data itself.
The new funding round led was by Warburg Pincus. Also
participating in the round are existing institutional
investors of Cranite: JK&B Capital, Diamondhead
Ventures, BV Capital, Selby Ventures, Industry Ventures,
and Pacifica Fund. Cranite plans to use the new funding to
build out its existing product line and to expand its
presence in the financial services, government and
healthcare sectors.
http://www.cranite.com
27-Jun-06
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UTStarcom
to Supply 300,000 QBOX Terminals to China Telecom
UTStarcom
has signed a contract with China Telecom Group to supply
300,000 QBOX terminals. China Telecom will sell the QBOX
for use with its Homebox fixed-line/PAS convergence
service, which is available in 24 cities in China.
The Homebox service is designed to allow iPAS users to
seamlessly roam between the public PAS network and their
private iPAS connections at home, which are provided by
the QBOX terminal. The QBOX thus enables fixed-mobile
convergence (FMC) by allowing subscribers to use their
iPAS devices as digital cordless phones. In addition,
existing fixed-line users can use the UTStarcom terminal
to enjoy the value-added services that PAS provides. The
QBOX can also be configured to integrate ADSL CPE and WiFi
access point functions, enabling China Telecom to offer
wireless data access in the home computing environment.
China Telecom is the largest PAS and fixed-line operator
in China, with approximately 60 million PAS subscribers.
The operator first launched the Homebox service in six
cities in the second half of 2005. To date, about 300,000
users have signed up, and the service will ultimately
extend to 24 cities.
http://www.utstar.com
29-Jun-06
Fujitsu
Adds Airspan WiMAX to Broadband Wireless Portfolio
Fujitsu
Network Communications added AirSpan Networks' WiMAX
solution to its portfolio for North American service
providers.
Under the terms of a new agreement with Airspan Networks,
Fujitsu has obtained the rights to resell their entire
portfolio of WiMAX AS.MAX broadband access products in
North America. Fujitsu will offer large- and small-scale
base station solutions as well as indoor, outdoor and
Wi-Fi enabled Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).
The Fujitsu-offered AS.MAX solution also incorporate
advanced network features that make it possible to deliver
carrier-class quality VoIP services, including integrated
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) gateway messaging to
enable call control and capacity reservation for voice
traffic. Voice capacity is not reserved until requested,
and can be dynamically adjusted while maintaining QoS,
thus enabling the optimal use of radio link capacity while
offering an ideal consumer experience.
Airspan was the first supplier to offer both base stations
and CPE in the 3.5 GHz FDD profile certified by the WiMAX
Forum, and their 4.9 GHz WiMAX products recently received
FCC certification for deployment in North America. With
the addition of 5.8 GHz products in the third quarter of
2006, Fujitsu will have access to the widest range of
frequencies in North America. Fujitsu said its Network
Life Cycle Services will be an integral part of the
network solution. These services are available to help
carriers create and extend their WiMAX footprint by
utilizing planning services such as RF engineering, site
acquisition and site preparation. When carriers are ready
to build their network, Fujitsu offers a full line of
deployment services, which include installation and
test/turn-up services, as well as backhaul and back-office
connectivity provisioning. Fujitsu will manage even the
most detailed logistics of deployment, including all local
permits, inspections, and contracts needed to deploy the
network. Carriers can also opt to have Fujitsu monitor and
maintain their wireless network with Network Operations
Center (NOC) services and provide full network statistics
so carriers maintain full visibility to the inner workings
of their network. Full maintenance and support is also
available 24x7, with rapid deployment of on-site technical
assistance personnel and spares management as needed.
Airspan Networks claims deployments with more than 350
operators in more than 100 countries. Airspan is
headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with its main
operations center in Uxbridge, United Kingdom.
http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom
http://www.airspan.com
28-Jun-06
- Earlier this month, Fujitsu announced plans to
resell BelAir Networks' entire portfolio of
carrier-class Wi-Fi products to North American telecom
carriers, cable/MSO operators, utilities and
municipalities. The portfolio includes environmentally
hardened outdoor Wi-Fi devices, with single-, dual-
and multi-radio products that provide uniform,
high-density, and high-bandwidth broadband wireless
capabilities. The multi-radio product solution
supports a true wireless mesh capable of providing
scalable and deterministic WAN services. Within the
same wireless network, carriers can offer applications
such as VPNs, VoIP, T1 access and mobility, with
multiple service levels that range from casual
subscription to commercial grade.
The IEEE 802.11a point-to-point backhaul radios within
the products operate within the 5.0 to 5.8 GHz
unlicensed band, providing dedicated and isolated
wireless backhaul links. The products support IEEE
802.11b/g access at maximum power output and optimized
sensitivities. The product solution can be wall-,
rooftop-, tower-, pole- or strand-mounted. They
support a variety of line interfaces, including
Ethernet (10/100Base-T and 100Base-FX), T1 and
DOCSIS.<.li>
Verizon
Wireless Selects Lucent for CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev A
Verizon
Wireless has selected Lucent to deploy CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Revision A (Rev. A) technology into its nationwide
network. Lucent's Rev. A solution, which consists of
incremental hardware and software upgrades to Verizon
Wireless' existing Lucent-supplied base stations, will
enable Verizon wireless to introduce a range of new
services such as enhanced push-to-talk, messaging, and
VoIP. Financial terms were not disclosed.
EV-DO Rev. A enables users to receive data (forward link)
at speeds up to 3.1 Megabits per second (Mbps) and send
data (reverse link) at speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps.
http://www.lucent.com
27-Jun-06
BT
Infonet Builds Global IP MPLS Network for ViewSonic
BT
Infonet is providing ViewSonic with a global MPLS IP VPN
to support the company's integrated voice, video and data
service needs. ViewSonic is migrating to MPLS from its
current Frame Relay network. The company has 10 offices
located in the U.S., Asia-Pacific and Europe. A
videoconferencing system also was deployed to facilitate
meetings from ViewSonic hubs in Taiwan, the U.K. and
Walnut, California With the network provisioned for VoIP,
ViewSonic is considering rolling out this functionality to
select sites in the near future.
http://www.bt.infonet.com
23-Jun-06
Novatel
Wireless Introduces 3.6 Mbps HSDPA ExpressCards
Novatel
Wireless has begun initial pre-commercial shipments of its
Merlin XU870 ExpressCard that is designed for both North
American and European HSDPA networks. The Merlin XU870
ExpressCard is a tri-band HSDPA/UMTS and quad-band
EDGE/GPRS product that allows for worldwide roaming
between HSDPA networks in North America and Europe. The
Merlin XU870 ExpressCard will initially be configured for
3.6 Mbps data speeds and when mobile operators start
providing 7.2 Mbps service, a software utility will be
used to upgrade the card and boost its speed to 7.2 Mbps.
Commercial shipments of the Merlin XU870 ExpressCard are
currently expected to begin in the third quarter of 2006.
http://www.novatelwireless.com
23-Jun-06
Ericsson
Licenses France Telecom's Turbo Codes for 3G
France
Telecom has granted Ericsson a worldwide license to its
Turbo Codes patents for use in Ericsson's 3G products
encompassing WCDMA to HSDPA. Turbo Codes are a form of
forward error correction (FEC).
Invented by Claude Berrou and Alain Glavieux of Ecole
Nationale Surperieure des Telecommunications (ENST) in
Brittany, France, Turbo Codes have been adopted by the
leading 3G standards, 3GPP (UMTS/W-CDMA) and 3GPP2
(CDMA2000), in order to provide previously unavailable
error correction performance at commercially viable costs.
http://www.francetelecom.com/en/groupe/rd
23-Jun-06
QUALCOMM
Shrugs Off Nokia's CDMA Decision
QUALCOMM
does not expect Nokia's announced plan to ramp down its
CDMA2000 R&D and manufacturing to impede the growth of
CDMA2000 or to impact QUALCOMM adversely.
QUALCOMM argues that Nokia has had very little success in
competition against many of QUALCOMM's other licensees and
chipset customers over the past several years, preferring
to focus instead on GSM where Nokia controls a dominant
share of the handset market in many countries. QUALCOMM
also said that it does not believe that CDMA licensing
terms resulted in the failure of Nokia to complete its
previously announced joint venture with Sanyo.
"In view of Nokia's existing small presence in
CDMA2000, we do not believe that Nokia's decision to ramp
down will have any impact on the continued growth of
CDMA2000 or any adverse effect on QUALCOMM," said
Steve Altman, president of QUALCOMM. "QUALCOMM, of
course, will continue to allocate substantial resources in
expanding the CDMA2000 market and we will continue to work
in close partnership with our many other licensees."
http://www.qualcomm.com
23-Jun-06
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EarthLink
Launches Anaheim Municipal Wireless Network
EarthLink
officially launched its first municipal Wi-Fi broadband
network in the City of Anaheim. EarthLink has deployed
Tropos Networks' MetroMesh Wi-Fi routers on light poles
throughout the city. The full city-wide deployment is
expected by the end of the year.
The network operates under an 'open access' business
model, so that multiple, competing providers can offer
their services to consumers and businesses along with
EarthLink's products and services. Several paid tiers of
service are available. For Anaheim-based small businesses,
EarthLink's wireless network promises speeds comparable to
existing T-1 solutions.
In conjunction with its commitment to open access,
EarthLink today announced its first national wholesale
partners that will offer service to their customers on
EarthLink's municipal Wi-Fi network. These partners are
PeoplePC (EarthLink's wholly-owned subsidiary) and
DirecTV. In addition, EarthLink has reached a non-binding
agreement with AOL and is discussing ways to offer its
AOL.com content and Web assets on EarthLink's municipal
network.
http://www.earthlink.net/muni
29-Jun-06
Verizon
Business Offers Managed WLAN Service
Verizon
Business will begin offering a new managed WLAN service to
enable large corporate and government customers to extend
the reach of their networks within office buildings,
factories and other locations. The Verizon Business
Managed Wireless LAN (WLAN) Service addresses all aspects
of a WLAN deployment and provides a platform for the
introduction of future applications, such as
voice-over-WLAN.
The Verizon Business Managed Wireless LAN Service uses
hardware developed by Aruba Networks. Built-in security
features, such as centralized network and policy
management and intrusion detection and prevention, help
ensure that only authorized employees and devices gain
access to enterprise systems, applications and data.
Verizon Business said it will use a multi-step approach to
the deployment and management of WLANs. It first gathers
extensive data at the customer location, including
anticipated usage and building layout. Then it creates and
validates a WLAN network schematic to ensure appropriate
placement of necessary hardware to meet customer coverage
and performance requirements. In addition, Verizon
Business performs a thorough review of security and
authentication policies.
Verizon Business procures, installs and tests WLAN-related
equipment. Once the service is up and running, Verizon
Business proactively manages the performance and usage of
the WLAN; monitors to help prevent unauthorized access or
the attachment of rogue devices; and provides reporting
capabilities to highlight key performance metrics.
Verizon Business also offers two optional professional
assessment services. The Wireless Site Assessment Service
provides customers with a comprehensive network-readiness
study, including a detailed analysis of physical site
characteristics and potential internal and external
sources of interference. The Wireless Security Assessment
Service entails an in-depth review of wireless
authentication, access and usage policies. In addition,
Verizon Business will conduct a post-implementation WLAN
review to determine if further remediation is required.
The Verizon Business Managed Wireless LAN Service will be
available in mid-July in the United States as a
stand-alone service or in conjunction with Verizon
Business' managed local- or wide-area networking services.
The service was previously available only on a custom
basis.
http://www.verizonbusiness.com
28-Jun-06
Azimuth
Develops Power Consumption Tester for Mobile Wi-Fi Devices
Azimuth
Systems announced a test solution that enables
semiconductor manufacturers, cellular phone vendors,
service providers, consumer electronics vendors and PC
manufacturers to measure the power consumption of mobile
devices.
Azimuth's Wi-Fi Power Consumption Benchmark Suite allows
design engineers to measure the power consumption during
various Wi-Fi usage modes and to run profiles that can
determine the impact of Wi-Fi connectivity on a device's
battery life.
Wi-Fi is being embedded into many battery-operated
products, imposing additional power demands on their
already strained batteries. Because battery life
significantly impacts user satisfaction with these
products, manufacturers must identify the factors that
lead to battery drain.
Azimuth said that although measuring power consumption is
a relatively simple process, correlating its affect on
battery life for Wi-Fi-enabled devices presents a
challenge for most manufacturers. The reason is that
mobile devices - especially those that include Wi-Fi
capabilities - operate in a variety of states with
variable power requirements.
http://www.azimuthsystems.com
26-Jun-06
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Boeing
Ponders Future of its In-Flight "Connexion"
Business Amid Tepid Acceptance
Boeing
is evaluating its options for the future of its Connexion
by Boeing high-speed broadband communications business.
The company said it has pursued the business vigorously,
developing technology that has worked well and evolved
into a useful product. However, the market for the service
has not developed satisfactorily. Therefore, the company
will be working in conjunction with customers to
thoroughly evaluate the Connexion marketplace and business
model to determine next steps.
Meetings are being scheduled with customers across all
Connexion business channels -- including airline, defense,
maritime, corporate aircraft and general aviation -- to
assess the current state of the market and develop plans
that address market conditions. In the meantime, Boeing
will limit further commercial expansion of the service.
The full extent of possible changes to the business model
associated with this evaluation process -- including a
sale, partnering arrangement or termination of service --
won't be decided until meetings with customers have taken
place.
http://www.boeing.com
26-Jun-06
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CacheLogic
Appoints New CEO
CacheLogic,
a supplier of P2P traffic management, announced the
appointment of Pat Chapman-Pincher as CEO. Pat was
previously the President of UUNET International, with
executive management responsibilities for all operations
in Europe, Asia and Latin America. She was also a Senior
Vice President at WorldCom and Director of Commercial
Operations at MFS International.
http://www.cachelogic.com
28-Jun-06
Nortel
Announces Job and Pension Cuts
Nortel
announced significant changes to its North American
pension programs as well as a net reduction of
approximately 1,100 positions globally. Nortel also
announced a series of new initiatives to create a
world-class Operations organization.
The announcement is the latest in a series of actions
Nortel is taking to achieve a targeted operating-margin
expansion in excess of US$1.5 billion in 2008.
Changes to the pension program are expected to result in
an estimated annual reduction of US$100 million in pension
expense starting in 2008 and savings of more than US$400
million in cash by the year 2012. Specifically, Nortel
employees currently in defined benefit pension plans will
be moved to defined contribution retirement programs. The
defined contribution programs will have a new formula
which is comprised of an automatic employer contribution
equal to two percent of employees' eligible earnings. In
addition, Nortel will provide a 50 percent match on
employee contributions of up to six percent of eligible
earnings, for a total maximum five percent employer
contribution.
Current post-retirement healthcare benefits will be
eliminated for employees who are not age 50 with five
years of service on July 1, 2006. All future retirees who
do not meet this age and service criteria will continue to
have access to healthcare coverage at their own cost
through Nortel's preferred provider, given they meet
eligibility requirements when they retire.
http://www.nortel.com
27-Jun-06
VeriSign
Receives Stock Option Subpoena
VeriSign
received a grand jury subpoena from the U.S. Attorney for
the Northern District of California requesting documents
relating to VeriSign's stock option grants and practices.
VeriSign also received an informal inquiry from the
Securities and Exchange Commission requesting documents
related to VeriSign's stock option grants and practices.
http://www.verisign.com
27-Jun-06
AMCC
Receives Subpoena on Stock Option Grants
Applied
Micro Circuits Corporation (AMCC) today received a
subpoena from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District
of California requesting documents relating to the
company's historical stock option practices. The company
also announced that it has been contacted by the Office of
the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California,
which has opened its own investigation into AMCC's
historical stock option practices.
http://www.amcc.com
27-Jun-06
Foundry
Networks Receives Subpoena on Stock Option Grants
Foundry
Networks received a grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of California
requesting documents related to the company's granting of
stock options from 1995 through the present. The company
has also received an information inquiry letter from the
Securities and Exchange Commission requesting documents
related to the same subject matter. Foundry said it
intends to cooperate fully with both requests.
http://www.foundrynetworks.com
27-Jun-06
Westell
Names Engineering Director for IPTV
Westell
Technologies named Joseph G. DeCarolis as Engineering
Director for its UltraLine II video gateway product line.
DeCarolis formerly served as the Director of Systems and
Architecture/Optical Business Unit at Centillium
Communications.
http://www.westell.com
26-Jun-06
Hong
Kong's PCCW Receives Bids from Macquarie, TPG Newbridge
PCCW
Limited , the incumbent operator in Hong Kong, confirmed
that it had received a non binding expression of interest
on 16 June 2006 from an independent third party, in
relation to a possible acquisition of substantially all
the telecommunications and media related assets of the
Company. The independent third party referred to in that
announcement is Macquarie Bank Limited.
PCCW also confirmed a second non binding expression of
interest on 20 June 2006, from TPG Newbridge, also in
relation to a possible acquisition of substantially all of
its telecommunications and media related assets.
http://www.pccw.com
23-Jun-06
Blue
Coat to Acquire NetCache Business From Network Appliance
Blue
Coat Systems, a supplier of secure content and application
delivery, agreed to acquire Network Appliance's NetCache
business.
Blue Coat said the acquisition would further its vision of
using proxy technology as the foundational element of the
emerging application delivery infrastructure to enable
secure and accelerated delivery of applications and
content to users.
Separately, Blue Coat announced an investment by Francisco
Partners and Sequoia Capital. Francisco Partners and
Sequoia Capital purchased shares of Blue Coat Series A
Preferred Stock, which are convertible into 2,400,000
shares of Blue Coat common stock at $17.525 per share for
a total value of approximately $42 million.
Blue Coat is using a portion of the proceeds from this
private equity investment.
http://www.bluecoat.com
23-Jun-06
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