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PARC Wins Research Grant for Content-Centric Networking
PARC, which is a division of Xerox, is one of four project teams chosen by the been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to pursue ways to build a "Future Internet Architecture" (FIA).
PARC will be collaborating with nine universities in a team led by UCLA for "Named-Data-Networking (NDN)" in a grant worth up to $8 million. NSF describes the NDN project as follows:
Today’s traditional approach to communications is based on a client-server model…where data contained within IP packets are transported along a single path. Today, however, the most predominant use of the Internet is centered on content creation, dissemination, and delivery…The proposed Named Data Networking (NDN) architecture moves the communication paradigm from today's focus on “where”, i.e., addresses, servers, and hosts, to "what", i.e., the content that users and applications care about. By naming data instead of their location (IP address), NDN transforms data into first-class entities…[and] secures the content and provides essential context for security. This approach allows…[for example] the potential to move content along multiple paths to
The project, which was launched by PARC Research Fellow Van Jacobson four years ago, already has produced early protocol specifications and open source software....
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Alcatel-Lucent Acquires OpenPlug, Extending its Application Enablement Strategy
Alcatel-Lucent has acquired OpenPlug,  a software developer specializing in tools for mobile applications, for an undisclosed sum. The deal extends Alcatel-Lucent's Application Enablement strategy, which is focused on combining the trusted and secure network capabilities of service providers with the speed and innovation of the Web to provide a richer end-user experience.
By building a robust application-enablement system, Alcatel-Lucent said it is aiming to transform service provider infrastructure by unlocking network resources and functionality and thereby creating new revenue share models.
OpenPlug, which is based in Sophia Antipolis, France, provides tools for converting application code into software that runs natively on any leading mobile device operating system, including Apple's iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and Linux. The company's ELIPS Studio is essentially an open software environment that lets developers create an application once and then deploy to multiple mobile phone OSes.
Alcatel-Lucent plans to integrate the OpenPlug toolset into its own Developer Platform and Open API Service, thus broadening the functionality available to service providers, enterprises and developers for the exposure of network assets and the rapid introduction of new services across mobile and Web domains.
"Being able to provide more applications across multiple devices helps service providers significantly broaden their app store content to create more value for consumers," said Laura Merling, vice president of Alcatel-Lucent's global developer strategy. "As service providers typically offer multiple mobile devices to their subscriber base, the OpenPlug software can help them get to market five times faster by allowing them to easily port an application to all of their devices. And this isn't purely a mobile play -- the software can be extended to support application development for IPTV set top boxes, game consoles, even the ng Connect LTE Connected Car."
"Deploying valuable web and mobile services requires assembling many different pieces from many horizons," said Eric Baissus, CEO of OpenPlug. "By combining OpenPlug's ELIPS Suite and ELIPS Studio technologies with Alcatel-Lucent's platforms and API services, we enable developers and service providers to gather all these pieces in a very efficient and consistent way. This will dramatically facilitate the deployment and the monetization of the new generation of applications that the market is expecting."...
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AFORE Debuts CloudLink Management Solution
AFORE Solutions, a start-up based in Ottawa, announced their "CloudLink" virtual appliance and
management solution for private, public and hybrid cloud computing environments.
The CloudLink software provides an integrated on-ramp to the cloud, combining AES-256 encryption, high performance network optimization, SLA assurance and monitoring and advanced traffic management capabilities. The solution enables the deployment of applications into a VMware vCloud based infrastructure.
"Many enterprises have been reluctant to migrate to a cloud model due to concerns regarding security, performance, availability and integration with their existing IT infrastructures," said Jonathan Reeves, AFORE's Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer. "CloudLink has been designed to address these concerns and deliver a practical solution to accelerate private, public and hybrid cloud deployments."...
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Ericsson Selects GoAhead's OpenSAFfire
Ericsson has selected GoAhead Software's OpenSAFfire source code for use in high availability platforms.
The OpenSAFfire product is GoAhead's commercial distribution of the OpenSAF open source high availability software project.
"Aligned with our strategy for commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software, we are selecting third party products to strengthen the establishment of an ecosystem around standardized SA Forum-based middleware," said Graham Osborne, Head of Development Unit Core & IMS at Ericsson.
In March, GoAhead announced its move to OpenSAF-based solutions and the simultaneous acquisition of the Avantellis product line from Emerson Network Power. The company's experience in high availability and the new capabilities acquired in the Avantellis deal give it a powerful combination of assets for building market-leading high availability open source solutions.
"This is a major milestone for GoAhead," said Asif Naseem, President and COO of GoAhead Software. "We look forward to providing Ericsson with a world-class high availability solution."...
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IP Infusion Moves Ahead with MPLS-TP
IP Infusion is preparing to add MPLS-TP (MPLS-Transport Profile) functionality to its ZebOS Network Platform software, which is widely used by network equipment manufacturers. The forthcoming MPLS-TP specification, which is expected to be finalized next year, will enable carriers to extend their core IP/MPLS network to the edge of mobile networks. MPLS-TP will enable automated maintenance, administration, provisioning and bandwidth management functions in the mobile aggregation network.
IP Infusion said its ZebOS MPLS-TP will preserve the operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) and management characteristics allowing a full end-to-end integration with existing and future IP/MPLS infrastructures. By using IP/MPLS and MPLS-TP from ZebOS, OEMs will be able to provide a consistent way of provisioning, troubleshooting and managing the networks from edge to edge.
MPLS-TP has been engineered specifically for transport networks. It is a reliable connection-oriented, packet-switched transport layer technology that is aligned with existing circuit-switched transport networking. MPLS-TP overlays on existing MPLS networks to provide:
- Standardized control plane functionality
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)
- End-to-end Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM)
- Reduced network equipment footprint
- OAM monitors and drives protection switching
- Support for existing management processes and work procedures
Initially, IP Infusion will be supporting MPLS-TP static capabilities. This will be updated to full MPLS-TP capabilities as the specification is completed.
IP Infusion has also added support for G MPLS to ZebOS, which can be used as a dynamic control plane with MPLS-TP so that the network sets up Label Switching Paths (LSPs) and PseudoWires (PWEs). GMPLS is based on the TE extensions to MPLS (MPLS-TE). It may also be used to set up the OAM function and define recovery mechanisms....
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IBM Acquires Storwize for Real-time Data Compression
IBM will acquire Storwize, a privately held developer of real-time data compression technology.  Storwize can compress primary data, or data that clients are actively using, of multiple types -- from files to virtualization images to databases -- in real-time while maintaining performance. This is in contrast to other storage compression technologies that only compress secondary or backup data. The companies claim the technology can reduce physical storage requirements by up to 80% Financial terms were not disclosed.
Storwize , which is based in Marlborough, MA, claims over one hundred customers, such as Mobileye, Polycom Israel, Shopzilla, Inc. and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction.
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Aricent Releases Data Center Ethernet Software
Aricent announced a new release of its Intelligent Switching Solution (ISS) specifically tailored for building Data Center Ethernet equipment. Aricent's ISS is a licensable, pre-packaged software framework that jumpstarts the development and integration of advanced switching products, and has been selected by more than 60 networking and telecom equipment manufacturers worldwide.
The new ISS release includes functions essential to delivering Ethernet in the Data Center including Priority Flow Control (PFC), Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), congestion notification and Data Center Bridging Extensions (DCBX). Additional features targeted for the Data Center include VRF, hot-standby for OSPF and PIM, graceful restart, IS-IS integration, and enhancements to private VLAN, ACL, MLDv2, MSDP and IPv6. These capabilities, available in a licensable pre-packaged framework, represent another industry first for Aricent. ISS' Data Center features are compliant with multiple IEEE specifications, including 802.1Qbb, 802.1Qaz and 802.1QAu.
Aricent said its new Data Center feature additions are targeted at networking equipment manufacturers building products in the data center and storage markets. The company offers ISS packages for a variety of applications, from top-of-rack and end-of-row Data Center switches, to simple managed Ethernet switches to industrial Ethernet platforms, from Layer 3 switches with comprehensive routing capabilities, to metro Ethernet/carrier Ethernet applications, such as cellular/mobile backhaul, optical aggregation, DSLAMs, GPON switches, and (Multi Service Access Nodes) MSANs. ...
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Aricent's Broad Daylight Program Offers Design Expertise
Aricent introduced its Broad Daylight product development program created specifically for small and mid-sized telecommunications equipment manufacturers to hasten their entry into new telecom equipment markets such as LTE, Home Networking, Data Center Ethernet and Cloud Computing.
Aricent's Broad DayLight offers technology consulting, product design, pre-packaged software frameworks and product development services for equipment manufacturers. The company noted that design activity has picked up across the industry this year as the economic situation has improved and network traffic demands have continued to accelerate. New product categories are emerging across the telecom equipment market and manufacturers are in a race to exploit these opportunities. Aricent believes its Broad DayLight program provides a strategic advantage in time-to-market and technical expertise.
Some of the key product categories that Aricent has helped develop include femtocells, WiMAX and LTE base stations, next generation metro network development, IP Backhaul, solutions, green networks and micro telecom.
"Thousands of companies today are pursuing the global surge in telecom equipment spending being driven by multimedia services, new classes of connected devices and mobile broadband," said Keith Higgins, senior vice president of marketing at Aricent. "Extreme cost pressures, rigid time to market objectives and significant technology complexities have created a clear need for an experienced partner who can assist these companies from product concept to commercialization success. Aricent is the first company to address this underserved market in a fundamentally unique way."...
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IP Infusion Releases its ZebOS Network Platform 7.8
IP Infusion released its ZebOS Network Platform version 7.8 software, adding support for Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), Data Center Bridging, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) resiliency for wireless backhaul and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) implementations required for Carrier Ethernet deployments.
GMPLS support delivers seamless control plane and network management capabilities for next generation packet-based optical networks. This enables automated interface-independent provisioning, simplified network administration and IP/MPLS end-to-end networks. GMPLS. ZebOS 7.8 embraces GMPLS support features and subsequent releases of the ZebOS Network Platform will continue to enhance this support.
Data Center Bridging is a unifying Ethernet-based technology for switch fabrics in the data center. Converged single technology switch fabrics in the data center can optimize traffic for cloud computing while reducing costs, power and space requirements.
The new wireless access/backhaul capabilities of ZebOS 7.8 leverage MPLS reliability features, such as Virtual Circuit Connectivity Verification (VCCV), Bi-Directional Forwarding Detection (BFD) for MPLS LSPs, and BFD for VCCV. In addition to maintaining the features of ZebOS 7.7, ZebOS 7.8 also includes:
- MEF specifications (MEF-2,9,11,16,13,17,19,20)
- BGP Multipath Routing
- Policy Based Routing
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Fanfare Enhances its Flagship Test Automation
Fanfare rolled out a series of enhancements for its flagship test automation product, which is used by service providers (SPs), network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), and enterprises to accelerate the testing of new systems and services. Fanfare's iTest provides a unified approach for rapidly developing, automating, and maintaining test cases. 
Among the new features in iTest 4.0 is an Activity-Based User Interface (UI), which streamlines controls around a set of common activities, allowing users to focus on common tasks for rapid testing and automation.
Fanfare has added a Centralized Reporting Database, which tracks key testing data, and a Graphical Topology component which provides testers with a visual testbed. This drag and drop-enabled graphical representation, combined with the ability to connect instantly to any device, provides a simple way to run the same test case by a different team or against different equipment. In addition, iTest 4.adds support for Adobe Flash technology.
Existing Fanfare customers with current maintenance or subscription licenses are able to upgrade to iTest 4.0. ...
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Aepona Raises US$10 Million for Mobile NaaS
Aepona, a software company based in Belfast, announced US$10 million in new funding to support its "Network as a Service" (NaaS) engine for mobile operators. The technology enables collaboration between mobile operators and application providers.
Aepona's solution enables the mobile operator to monetize important assets and functionality within its network - such as billing, location, messaging and voice communications. It can expose and share these assets as Web Service APIs, for third-party application developers, enterprises and media companies to incorporate into new and existing mobile-enabled applications.
Aepona said its customers include more than 20 Tier One mobile operators around the world. The company has also worked on the GSM Association's OneAPI initiative and on the launch of the Canadian OneAPI commercial service, which is at the forefront of the Mobile Cloud Computing market.
BlackBerry Partners Fund, a Toronto-based global fund focused on applications, services and supporting infrastructure for mobile platforms, led the investment round and was joined by existing Aepona investors Amadeus Capital Partners, Polaris Ventures, Innovacom, Nordic Venture Partners and Sutter Hill Ventures....
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GoAhead Adopts Open Source Business Model, Acquires Emerson's Avantellis
GoAhead Software, which specializes in high availability middleware for network equipment and defense applications, is shifting its business model and technology strategy from its proprietary SAFfire product to an open source software model.
GoAhead, which claims the market share leader in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) high availability software, cited several reasons for its strategic shift to open source:
- The maturity and stability of the OpenSAF software distribution, especially the upcoming 4.0 release
- The continued support of the OpenSAF Foundation by key industry players such as Ericsson, Emerson, HP, Wind River and Huawei
- The inclusion of OpenSAF in commercial deployments by industry leaders such as Ericsson
In conjunction with the move to open source, GoAhead is formally announcing that it is joining the OpenSAF foundation. GoAhead will be contributing key components of its SAFfire middleware to OpenSAF and company President Asif Naseem will be joining the OpenSAF foundation as a board member.
GoAhead also announced its acquisition of Avantellis from Emerson Network Power. The deal includes all Avantellis staff and key intellectual property, which centers on test cases, verification tools, documentation and management processes. Financial terms were not disclosed. Emerson Network Power will also become a global GoAhead reseller.
"The adoption of open source by industry leaders combined with the rapid maturing of OpenSAF technology makes the timing of this decision ideal for our company," said Asif Naseem, President and COO of GoAhead Software. "We look forward to contributing our breadth of experience in high availability software to this vibrant community. GoAhead's acquisition of Emerson Network Power's Avantellis team, representing many of the original developers of OpenSAF, creates an un-matched level of capability at GoAhead and enables us to continue our tradition of world-class expertise in delivering standards-based software solutions."...
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Apparent Enhances Cloud Network Performance Management Service
Apparent Networks released a series of enhancements for PathView Cloud hosted network performance management service, including new features for VoIP assessments.
The subscription-based PathView Cloud service monitors and measures the performance of end-to-end network paths —- including portions that traverse third-party networks.
New features for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Network Assessment include:
- MSP Branding -— MSPs can custom-brand PathView Cloud's user interface and reports and deliver them as a service to their customers.
- MSP Organization -— New self-service multi-tenancy capabilities allow MSPs to manage all customers from a single PathView Cloud screen and perform drill-down analyses. The organizational structure allows MSPs to easily add new customers to PathView Cloud as their customer base grows.
- MSP Customer Deployment Analysis -— MSPs can track PathView Cloud services they deliver to their customers and export reports for efficient customer billing.
- VoIP Assessments -— Allow users to determine their networks' readiness for VoIP prior to deployment. Assessments can be performed on up to 2,500 network paths at a single time to ensure overall network readiness for VoIP. Graphical reports clearly show overall network readiness for VoIP and also identify potential problems.
- Expanded Data Assessment Capabilities -— Enable users to assess their entire network at once to identify whether networks can handle the additional traffic of new data applications. If trouble areas are detected, PathView Cloud performs full hop-by-hop analyses across network paths to identify issues and provide remediation information.
- Support for the New PathView microAppliance -— The PathView microAppliance is a zero-administration device that can be used as the source or target of PathView tests. It eliminates the need to provision computer resources for the PathView Cloud and is ideal for remote offices that may lack a suitable, always-on device.
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IP Infusion Adds Tunneling for Coexisting IPv4 and IPv6 Networks
IP Infusion has expanded its portfolio of IPv6 software with new tunneling technologies that enable the coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
The IPv6 over IPv4 tunneling solution, which is being released as ZebOS Rapid Deployment, forwards IPv6 traffic though IPv4 networks and is based on 6rd (IPv6 rapid deployment) specifications which are published as a Request for Comments (RFC) by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
The proposed IETF 6rd solution utilizes stateless IPv6 in IPv4 encapsulation in order to transit IPv4-only network infrastructure, and can achieve high scalability by leveraging stateless tunneling technology. IP Infusion's ZebOS Rapid Deployment also provides an accounting function which manages user traffic for enabling Internet services, and a filtering function which differentiates users--both important functions in order for carriers to deploy a new IPv6 service by using 6rd.
BBIX Inc. currently provides an Internet exchange service in Japan and plans to launch an IPv6 roaming service for other Internet service providers based on IP Infusion's ZebOS Rapid Deployment....
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IP Infusion Adds GMPLS, Data Center Bridging, MEF Support
IP Infusion announced a major update to its ZebOS software for network equipment suppliers. Available in April 2010, ZebOS® 7.8 adds support for Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), Data Center Bridging, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) resiliency for wireless backhaul and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) implementations required for Carrier Ethernet deployments.
GMPLS support delivers seamless control plane and network management capabilities for next generation packet-based optical networks. This enables automated interface-independent provisioning, simplified network administration and IP/MPLS end-to-end networks. GMPLS. ZebOS 7.8 embraces GMPLS support features and subsequent releases of the ZebOS Network Platform will continue to enhance this support.
Data Center Bridging is a unifying Ethernet-based technology for switch fabrics in the data center. Converged single technology switch fabrics in the data center can optimize traffic for cloud computing while reducing costs, power and space requirements.
The new wireless access/backhaul capabilities of ZebOS 7.8 leverage MPLS reliability features, such as Virtual Circuit Connectivity Verification (VCCV), Bi-Directional Forwarding Detection (BFD) for MPLS LSPs, and BFD for VCCV. In addition to maintaining the features of ZebOS 7.7, ZebOS 7.8 also includes:
- MEF specifications (MEF-2,9,11,16,13,17,19,20)
- BGP Multipath Routing
- Policy Based Routing
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IBM Builds Cloud Computing Platform for SK Telecom
IBM has build a Cloud Computing platform for SK Telecom, which serves 24 million mobile customers in South Korea. The cloud environment provides developers with the necessary software and hardware to develop applications that will allow SK Telecom to offer up to 20 new services to their customers by the end of 2009, such as sports news feeds and a photo service.
IBM said that putting all the servers, storage and middleware required for application development into a secure cloud environment lowers the risk and the cost of new application development for the network operator.
For this project IBM Korea worked jointly with SK Telecom to develop the entire cloud environment - from concept planning to hardware and software selection and implementation. The cloud includes 80 systems, comprised of both System x and blade servers, Xen virtualization technology and IBM middleware and service management technology. Service management is performed using IBM's Tivoli Service Automation Manager to enable software to be leased and installed seamlessly, and virtual machines provisioned accordingly. In planning the cloud architecture, SK Telecom also utilized implementation services and operation process consulting from IBM Global Technology Services. through to implementation services and operation process consulting....
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Aricent Unveils OSS / BSS Innovation Lab
Aricent announced a new facility and associated services aimed at helping service providers architect and implement the latest in multi-vendor Operational Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) technology.  The company said its new Innovation Lab will help operators assess, develop and deploy new business models and improve the overall customer experience by implementing new OSS / BSS components in support of advanced services and 4G. The facility is initially equipped with COTS products from leading partners including ConceptWave, Hewlett Packard, Oracle and Telcordia. The lab also includes a number of Aricent software products and frameworks, which enable faster roll out of a variety of new services.
One example of the frameworks and services available through Aricent's Innovation Lab is a WiMAX reference architecture. The Innovation Lab also addresses related challenges, including:
- Integrating and Commercializing New OSS / BSS Solutions Based on COTS Platforms -- Green field operators in emerging markets are looking for very cost-effective, pre-packaged COTS-based solutions that are highly scalable and can be implemented quickly offering the flexibility to address evolving business models;
- Deploying New Network Infrastructure, Including 4G -- As operators look to deploy the latest 4G technologies like WiMAX and LTE, optimizing CAPEX and OPEX while trying to quickly recoup investments is critical. Aricent' s lab provides a cost effective feasibility modeling vehicle for implementing new technologies and solutions that involve multiple OSS / BSS vendors;
- Delivering and Monetizing Web 2.0 and Cloud-Based Services -- Carriers are looking to open network APIs and embrace cloud services, partnering with external vendors to deliver next-generation context aware services like location-based social networking and mobile gaming. As a result, there is a critical need for creating a back office infrastructure that makes it simple for third-party application providers to monetize and roll out services.
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Huawei Partners With Metaswitch For Packet Protocol Software
Huawei Technologies has licensed a broad portfolio of Metaswitch Networks' network protocol software to power its next generation family of packet transport platforms. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Metaswitch is providing Huawei with Metaswitch's unicast and multicast routing, packet MPLS, and VPN / PWE support. Huawei will also take advantage of Metaswitch's integrated control plane components that bond together the protocol stacks to deliver a fully integrated solution.
The deal builds on an original relationship between Huawei and Metaswitch that goes back to 2002, when Metaswitch provided control plane software for Huawei's optical networking platforms. This new agreement significantly expands the relationship to include a much broader set of Metaswitch protocol products to be deployed on a new set of Huawei packet platforms. Financial terms were not disclosed....
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Adara Tests its Network Path Xcelerator with Shenick
Adara Networks, which offers a Network Path Xcelerator platform of proprietary routing products that operate at the application-layer for optimizing network performance and virtualizing network resources, has chosen Shenick Network Systems' "diversifEye" technology to emulate, test and measure its NPX solution for per-flow aware routing.
Shenick's diversifEye can both emulate and analyze each and every application flow in real-time, guaranteeing Adara a method of generating real users using real applications and also a way to drill down to each and every individual user flow to pin-point quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) issues. ...
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Packet Design Signs OEM with Juniper
Packet Design has signed an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Juniper Networks. Specifically, Juniper will integrate Packet Design's route analytics products into the new Juniper Networks Junos Space network application platform. The new Route Analyzer product will provide management visibility that helps network engineers with troubleshooting, monitoring and planning for large IP/MPLS networks.
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