Zarlink Writes-off Investment in Mitel Networks

Zarlink Semiconductor announced a write-off of its investment in privately-held Mitel Networks to a nil value. Zarlink said it believes that the investment's carrying value will "not be realized in the foreseeable future." Zarlink will make a non-cash write-down of US$11.5 million, or US$0.09 per share, in its fourth quarter and annual results for the year ended 28-March-2003. This investment is Zarlink's residual interest in Mitel from the sale of its Communications Systems business in February 2001.
http://www.zarlink.com
http://www.mitel.com

• Zarlink holds a 10% equity interest in Mitel Networks, which is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

Read More

Galazar Networks secures CDN$22.7 million for Ethernet/SONET Framer

Galazar Networks, a start-up based in Ottawa, Canada, secured CDN$22.7 million for its portfolio of multi-service, Ethernet and data service framers. Galazar's flagship framer chip begins shipping to customers this quarter. The funding round involved both new and existing investors, including Skypoint Capital Corporation, VenGrowth Capital Partners, Katsura Investments, Desjardins Venture Capital Group, RBC Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs. Galazar has raised over CDN $33 million to date.
http://www.galazar.com

Read More

Matsushita Electric Shows IPv6 Desk Lamp

Matsushita Electric demonstrated an IPv6 desk lamp that can be remotely switched on/off via its Ethernet connection. While the lamp is not expected to be a commercial product, Matsushita officials told the Nikkei news service that the ability for a simple device to advertise its presence on an IPv6 network could be applied to other home electrical appliances.http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/wcs/leaf?CID=onair/asabt/news/240540

Read More

NEC to Resell Overture Networks' Metro Ethernet

NEC signed a multi-year worldwide reseller agreement with Overture Networks, a start-up based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina that offers multi-service products for metro Ethernet/IP networks. Overture Networks has developed an IP-centric intelligent edge solution that bridges TDM and packet. The company's ISG 5000 platform enables the aggregation of Ethernet and traditional TDM voice, data, and video circuits over metro Ethernet infrastructure. Product details have not been publicly announced.
http://www.overturenetworks.com

Read More

Packet Design Adds Support for Multiple OSPF Areas

Packet Design Inc., a start-up based in Palo Alto, California, introduced a new version of its Route Explorer appliance for diagnosing and analyzing IP layer problems by providing visibility into routing operations, no matter how large or highly subdivided the network. The company's Route Explorer, which is deployed as a router but does not forward traffic, "listens" to the network control plane, computing and displaying a layer 3 topology map while logging all routing events in a local database. The information is then analyzed and visualized in real time from a remote console. Route Explorer version 1.5 adds the ability to traverse OSPF area boundaries, showing and analyzing route paths across the entire network. OSPF areas are typically used to isolate different parts of networks geographically or administratively. Also new to Route Explorer is an extensive set of route-analysis reports and alerts, including a "watch list" function that proactively signals the network operator when a key route or router experiences changes or problems.
http://www.packetdesign.com

Read More

Broadcom Ships Dual-band 802.11a/g Mini-PCI for Notebooks

Broadcom began shipping dual-band 802.11a/g devices for embedded use in notebook PCs. The company said multiple major PC OEMs such as Dell will offer the dual-band embedded option.
http://www.broadcom.com

Read More

DialPad Tweaks its PC-to-Phone Software

DialPad.com released a new version of its PC-to-Phone software for better sound quality. On the network side, the new DialPad software is designed to allow more consistent usage with a wider variety of networks and firewalls. Audio transport technologies can be changed and ports can be switched to remedy problems that can arise from different networks configurations or ISP settings.
http://www.dialpad.com

Read More

VeriFone's New IP Point-of-Sale Terminals Reduce Transaction Times to 2-4 Seconds

VeriFone's Omni 3750 countertop point-of-sale terminal and its Omni 3600 wireless point-of-sale terminal now support IP connectivity to credit card transaction processing services via DSL, Cable Modem and VSAT connections. VeriFone software securely wraps an existing payment authorization or settlement message in a TCP/IP envelope using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) security. VeriFone is working with connectivity partners including Transaction Network Services (TNS) to provide end-to-end secure access to its data networks via the Internet. The company said an always-on connection could reduce transaction times to 2-4 seconds.
http://www.verifone.com

Read More

AT&T, Siebel Systems Forge e-Business Alliance

AT&T and Siebel Systems formed a strategic alliance focusing on e-Busines applications. The partnership matches AT&T's portfolio of managed services -- including hosting, business continuity and storage services -- with Siebel Systems' CRM applications software and business processes. Initially the joint initiatives will concentrate on serving U.S. business customers as well as U.S.-based multi-national enterprises.
http://www.att.com
http://www.siebel.com

Read More

AT&T Opens New Internet Data Centers in Europe and Asia

AT&T opened new Internet Data Centers (IDCs) in China (Hong Kong), France (Nice) and Australia (Sydney), bringing its total number of centers to 21 across three continents, including 13 in the U.S. AT&T said its managed hosting services grew by more 100% in 2002.
http://www.att.com

Read More

SAVVIS Provides VPNs for International Securities Exchange

The International Securities Exchange (ISE), the largest U.S. equity options exchange, will offer secured IP VPN connectivity to its trade matching and routing systems via SAVVIS Communications' Financial Xchange services. SAVVIS delivers private IP VPNs supporting a guaranteed service level for each application.
http://www.savvis.net

Read More

Boeing Readies AsiaSat 4 Satellite Launch

AsiaSat 4, a Boeing 601HP satellite built for Asia Satellite Telecommunications, is scheduled for launch on 10-April-2003. AsiaSat 4 will provide broadcast, telecommunications and broadband multimedia services to the Asia Pacific region, and direct-to-home broadcast services to Hong Kong.
http://www.boeing.com

Read More

Level 3 Teams with PanAmSat for Hybrid Satellite-Fiber Network

Level 3 Communications is working with PanAmSat to offer a hybrid satellite/fiber solution for the delivery of entertainment content and information to cable broadcasters, network television affiliates, news agencies, ISPs and other customers around the globe. As part of the design of this hybrid network, PanAmSat is using Level 3's (3)Packet ATM and (3)CrossRoads Internet access services in several U.S. markets. The network allows PanAmSat to transition to a virtual teleport model, enabling it to connect and consolidate its six existing U.S. teleports. In addition, it allows PanAmSat's customers to access these teleport hubs via Level 3's POPs in 70 cities in the U.S. and Europe. The companies also agreed to collaborate in the further development and promotion of PanAmSat's hybrid network initiatives.
http://www.level3.com
http://www.panamsat.com

Read More

Loral Skynet Launches SkyReach Global IP Service

Loral Skynet introduced SkyReach, a new set of IP-based services that provide one-way and two-way secure private networks and Internet access using very small aperture terminal (VSAT) antennas and its global constellation of satellites. The SkyReach service leverages digital video broadcast/return channel satellite (DVB-RCS) open standards using C-, Ku- and Ka-band frequencies. Loral Skynet said it offers higher throughput and efficiency than current VSAT networks, with return channel throughput ranging from 256 kbps up to 2 Mbps.
http://www.loralskynet.com

Read More

Cox Launches Digital Video Recorder Service in Northern Virginia

Cox Communications launched new Digital Video Recorder (DVR) service in Northern Virginia, offering consumers advanced recording and playback options including the ability to pause and rewind live TV, watch one recorded program while recording up to two others, easily record up to 50 hours of programming on one hard disk while away from home and the ability to watch two programs simultaneously with Picture in a Picture (PIP). Cox is using the Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 8000 digital video recorder, which functions as the customer's all-in-one digital cable set-top box and DVR. The cost is $9.99 per month plus the monthly lease cost of $9.99 for the integrated DVR set-top box. Compared to standalone DVRs, Cox said its service is better integrated with the cable TV program guide and it lets consumers avoid the upfront cost of a DVR.
http://www.cox.com

Read More

Microsoft Positions Windows CE .NET for DSL Connected Set-tops

Microsoft is adding the latest Windows Media 9 Series encoding technology to its Windows CE .NET version 4.2 to position the operating system for IP-based set-top boxes aimed at DSL networks. Microsoft said Windows Media offers the same video quality in one-third the bit rate of MPEG-2 and one-half the bit rate of MPEG-4 over IP. MPEG-1, MPEG-4 and MP3 are also supported in the operating system. Microsoft will also include Internet Explorer 6.0 and enhancements for set-top boxes to enable navigation with remote controls and support for Windows Messenger, Microsoft Passport and Digital Rights Management. The company also announced that ATI Technologies, National Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics, VIA Technologies and set-top box software vendors iMagicTV and Stellar One Corp will support its OS. In addition, CosTron Co. Ltd., HUMAX Co. Ltd., NEC and Tcom&DTVro are currently building set-top boxes powered by Windows CE NET.
http://www.microsoft.com

Read More

AudioCodes Acquires Nortel's Universal Audio Server Products

AudioCodes agreed to acquire selected assets and serve as an exclusive supplier to Nortel Networks for the Universal Audio Server ("UAS"), a product integrated into Nortel Networks Carrier Succession solution, for a period of three years. The UAS product provides enhanced conferencing, multi-language announcement functionality, and other regulatory media server applications for voice over packet networks. As part of the deal, AudioCodes agreed to an upfront payment of $2 million, the payment of $2 million on the 6-month anniversary of the closing and $1.5 million on the 12-month anniversary of the closing. In addition, AudioCodes will pay up to $12.5 million based on net orders for UAS products placed by Nortel Networks over an 18-month period following the closing of the transaction. AudioCodes will also pay $1 million upon Nortel Networks completing the integration of the IPmedia 2000 into Succession. Additionally, the transaction includes a Master OEM supply agreement covering a range of additional AudioCodes' products including the IPmedia 2000 Media server and the Mediant 2000 Media Gateway. AudioCodes said it would leverage the UAS product and technology to further enhance its Media Server product line.
http://www.audiocodes.com

Read More

Cisco Enhances 12000 Series Routers with 4-Port OC-12c ATM, 4-Port GigE Cards

Cisco Systems announced a new 4-Port OC-12c/STM-4c ATM IP Services Engine (ISE) line card for its Cisco 12000 Series Routers, enabling service providers to converge transport of ATM traffic over a 10 Gbps IP/MPLS infrastructure. Cisco also added a 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet ISE line card that advances the multi-gigabit peering capability of the Cisco 12000 Series and enables it to provide Ethernet aggregation. Cisco said both line cards could be used for delivering IPv6 features, IP QoS and advanced queuing for tiered service offerings. List pricing for the cards starts at $75,000. The Ethernet interface is available now and the ATM interface is scheduled to be available in May.


The company also introduced new Cisco 7600 Series interfaces optimized for integrated Ethernet and private line services. These include the Cisco 12-Port Channelized T3/E3 (DSO) Optical Service Module (OSM), the 1-Port Channelized OC-12s/STM4-c (DSO) OSM, and the enhanced 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet OSM. The new interfaces for the Cisco 7600 Series are available now and list pricing starts at $44,000.


Additionally, Cisco introduced the Cisco 7613 router, a 13-slot, half rack chassis for increased port density and capacity for carriers.
http://www.cisco.com

Read More

WiMAX to Promote and Certify IEEE 802.16a Wireless Network Equipment

The WiMAX Forum, a new organization founded by network silicon and equipment companies, announced its mission to promote and certify broadband wireless access equipment based on the recently approved IEEE 802.16a standard. The new 802.16a technology, which is being dubbed "WiMAX", provides up to 50 km (31 miles) of linear service area range and allows users to get broadband connectivity without needing a direct line of sight to the base station. It provides shared data rates up to 70 Mbps, which is enough bandwidth to simultaneously support more than 60 businesses with T1-type connectivity and hundreds of homes with DSL-type connectivity using a single sector of a base station. A typical base station has up to six sectors. WiMAX's current members include Airspan Networks, Alvarion, Aperto Networks, Ensemble Communications, Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Intel, Nokia, OFDM Forum, Proxim Corporation and Wi-LAN Inc. Following a similar model as the Wi-Fi Alliance, WiMAX intends to conduct interoperability testing and issue a "WiMAX Certified" label once compatibility has been established.
http://www.wimaxforum.org

• The IEEE 802.16 Air Interface Standard is a point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access standard for systems in the frequency range 10-66 GHz. The standard covers both the Media Access Control (MAC) and the physical (PHY) layers. Work is underway on an amendment to extend the specification to cover both the licensed and unlicensed bands in the 2-11 GHz range. More information on 802.16 is available from the IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless Access Standards. http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/16/

Read More