Bell Labs to establish R&D Center in Ireland

Lucent Technologies' Bell Labs will establish an R&D center in Ireland in partnership with IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. The center will be a global headquarters for research into telecommunications and supply chain technologies and will be located at Lucent's facility in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Plans also call for the establishment of a Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain-Driven Research (CTVR) to be headquartered at Trinity College, Dublin. Opportunities for up to 120 researchers will be created between the two centers. http://www.lucent.com/press/0604/040630.bla.html

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India's Bharti Infotel SelectsTellabs

Bharti Infotel is deploying the Tellabs 6300 managed transport system to enhance and expand its bandwidth capacity. The Tellabs solution includes the Tellabs 6370 WDM node, the Tellabs 6350 switch node, a high-density 4/4/3/1 digital cross-connect, and the Tellabs 6300 network manager, a single platform that manages the entire network. The new 14,500 km network provides Bharti with an initial 10 Gbps capacity and the option to scale and grow the network to 32 channels, each with 10 Gbps capacity. http://www.tellabs.comhttp://www.bhartiteleventures.com

• Bharti Tele-Ventures currently serves over 7 million mobile users in India. It offers mobile services in 15 out of 23 circles in India. The Company also provides fixed-line services in 6 circles. The company complements its mobile and fixed-line services with national and international long distance services. The company also has a submarine cable landing station at Chennai, which connects the submarine cable connecting Chennai and Singapore.

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Energis Deploys Marconi Multiservice Optical Core

Energis is deploying Marconi's OMS1664 optical multiservice platform in its optical core network. The Energis national core network also uses Marconi's PMA32 DWDM platforms. Financial terms were not disclosed.



The Marconi OMS1664 platform is a high-density, full-connectivity service delivery platform as well as a compact, high-capacity traffic aggregation and switching device. The platform integrates with Marconi's optical core and metro WDM solutions and offers new ITU-approved data enabling capabilities -- fully standardized Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) and Virtual Concatenation (VCAT) solutions. http://www.marconi.com

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Tacit Networks Offers Windows Wide Area File Services

Tacit Networks began shipping its Wide Area File Services (WAFS) solution based on Windows Storage Server 2003. The company already offered a UNIX implementation of the file sharing solution, which provides transparent availability to data for remote office users regardless of the physical location of enterprise storage systems.



Tacit Networks' WAN-optimized protocol connects directly to industry-standard CIFS and NFS file systems and layers six simultaneous software technologies including differencing, data streaming, compression, data aggregation, I/O clustering and read-ahead. http://www.tacitnetworks.com

• Tacit Networks has developed an enterprise storage caching appliance designed to enable low-latency file sharing among geographically dispersed locations. The platform leverages a unique Storage Caching/ Internet Protocol (SC/IP) developed by Tacit Networks that is interoperable with existing storage, network and hardware infrastructure. The Tacit Storage Cache attaches directly to the LAN at a remote site and connects back to a Tacit Cache Server in the data center through a gateway using a standard VPN. From the LAN user's perspective, the Storage Cache appears to be a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, providing access to shared files using standard file sharing protocols like CIFS (for Windows) and NFS (for Unix). The Tacit Cache Server is a thin appliance that sits in front of a network attached storage (NAS) system at the data center and coordinates access by multiple remote Storage Caches to the consolidated storage resources. Tacit's SC/IP protocol, which is run between the Tacit Storage Caches and the Tacit Cache Server, uses compression and file differencing to minimize the amount of data transferred over the network. The storage caching system is aimed at enterprises that need to share data in real time.

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Lucent and Novatel Supply 3G Cards to Orange, TMN

Lucent Technologies and Novatel Wireless announced an agreement with Orange to supply 3G UMTS PC card modems for network rollouts in the UK and France. The Merlin U530 Wireless PC Modem Cards -- jointly developed by Lucent and Novatel Wireless -- enable connection speeds up to 384 kbps. Financial terms were not disclosed.



Lucent Technologies and Novatel Wireless also announced a contract to supply the same 3G PC card modems to TMN, the leading mobile operator in Portugal. http://www.lucent.comhttp://www.novatelwireless.com

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TransDimension Closes $18 Million for Peripheral Connectivity

TransDimension, a start-up based in Irvine, California, raising a total of $18.35 million in new funding for its peripheral connectivity solutions. TransDimension's product lines include the integrated circuits, IP cores and USB software stacks that enable direct connectivity for a wide range of PC peripheral applications and mobile devices. Proceeds from the financing were used in part to acquire the assets of the ARC International Peripheral Connectivity business including the ARC USB and Ethernet IP cores, CertiPHY capability and USB system support and development tools. The acquisition will enable TransDimension to expand its wired USB product base by leveraging the ARC USB IP cores and to further develop the company's peripheral connectivity focus into wireless USB used in high-volume consumer electronic devices.



TransDimension recently shipped its five millionth embedded USB host controller and has secured customer wins with NEC Electronics Corporation and STMicroelectronics. TransDimension also recently announced that it has joined the WiMedia Alliance, an industry alliance focused on Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless connectivity.



VantagePoint Venture Partners led the Series D financing, with participation by iSherpa Capital. Additional investors include GKM Ventures, Rolling Oaks Capital, and Shelter Capital Partners. http://www.transdimension.com

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Verizon Wireless to Buy Qwest's PCS Licenses for $418M

Verizon Wireless agreed to acquire Qwest's PCS licenses (1900 MHz) and related wireless network assets in 14 states for $418 million in cash. The deal includes relevant cell sites and wireless network infrastructure, site leases, and associated network equipment. The sale is contingent upon federal regulatory approval. JP Morgan acted as a financial advisor to Qwest. http://www.qwest.comhttp://www.verizonwireless.com

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Nokia and ST Propose Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture

Nokia and STMicroelectronics proposed a new specification for camera modules in mobile devices.
The specification, dubbed Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture, or SMIA, will cover all aspects of the modules, including their electrical, mechanical, and functional interfaces, and also address other key areas such as characterization, optical performance, and reliability.



The companies said the mobile-phone camera-module industry has developed rapidly in terms of technology, with dramatic increases in image quality and higher resolution. The SMIA would enable mobile handset vendors to work with multiple suppliers.



Nokia recently estimated that the camera phone market would exceed 200 million units this year.



While Nokia and ST hold key patents and other intellectual property in the SMIA specification, both companies have decided to open these up to any third party and will not assert those rights against anyone implementing a fully compliant SMIA module. No fee, nor royalty, will be levied. http://www.smia-forum.org

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Kasenna and SecureMedia Partner on Video Content Protection

Kasenna will integrate SecureMedia's Encryptonite System with its video network infrastructure. SecureMedia's Encryptonite System is an open platform DRM software solution optimized for the secure distribution of VOD, broadcast pay television, and multimedia services over IP networks. The system is entirely software-based (allowing for field upgrades), and runs on a variety of operating systems and hardware platforms. http://www.kasenna.com/http://www.securemedia.com

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Global Crossing Tunes its Converged IP Suite for Financial Firms

Global Crossing introduced an IP Convergence Solutions Suite designed for the data security and privacy requirements of the financial services industry. The company said its new IP services suite support mission-critical applications and transport IP data seamlessly throughout key financial centers worldwide.



Global Crossing's MPLS-based IP VPN provides three classes of service (CoS) with differentiated QoS, enabling financial firms to simultaneously run multiple applications, including IP turrets, instantaneous trading and multicast services with guaranteed performance.



In addition to the Converged IP Solutions announced today, Global Crossing has been serving the financial services industry with a set of customized applications for the investment trading community for more than eight years. Global Crossing's Hoot and Holler network carries real-time news and market commentary to trading floors and offices worldwide. The company's Trader Voice capability provides instant voice messaging for the trading community, while its Financial Extranet allows customers to connect, communicate and transact by linking global data providers and trading partners. http://www.globalcrossing.com/

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Apples iTunes Music Store Approaches 100 Million Song Downloads

Apple's iTunes Music Store has now delivered over 95 million songs and is expected to cross the 100 million download milestone shortly. Over 1.5 million songs have been sold in the UK, France and Germany since iTunes was launched in Europe two weeks ago.



The iTunes Music Store is the world's top online music service, with more than a 70% market share of legal downloads for singles and albums, according to Apple. http://www.apple.com/itunes

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T-Systems North America Names CEO

T-Systems
North America, a division of Deutsche Telekom, announced the
appointment of Sean Parkinson as CEO for its North American
operations. Andrew Borgstrom has resigned his position and will
continue in a consulting role. Parkinson previously served as
Senior Vice President, Outsourcing Sales, for AIG Technologies.
Prior to joining AIGT he held senior executive positions with
Equant and Case Communications. Borgstrom has led the company
since 2000 and was instrumental in forming the North America
division and growing it to a $300 million unit. http://www.t-systemsus.com/

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Vonage Wins Injunction Against NY Public Service Commission

Vonage was awarded a preliminary injunction by a U.S. District Court barring the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) from regulating Vonage as a telecommunications carrier. The judge will consider the merits of a permanent injunction in January 2005.



"We are satisfied with the court's decision and believe this is a positive step forward for New Yorkers and the industry," said Jeffrey A. Citron, chairman and CEO of Vonage Holdings Corporation. "Vonage remains eager and committed to working with the states, Congress and the FCC to create a national framework for this emerging industry."

• On 20-May-2004, New York's Public Service Commission ruled that Vonage is a telephone corporation as defined by state law and therefore must obtain a certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The New York state commission said it does not seek to interfere with the rapid deployment of new technologies, but "must ensure that its core public interest concerns, including public safety and network reliability, are met." The state commission holds that Vonage must be subject to the same "limited" regulatory regime which is applied to competitive carriers in New York. Specifically, the commission said Vonage is not subject to economic or rate regulation, but must obtain authorization to provide telephone service and must file a schedule of its rates.



• In September 2003, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission issued an order for Vonage to comply with state laws governing telecommunications companies. A month later, a U.S. District Court ruled that Vonage is an "information service" and should not be regulated by state laws.

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EC Outlines Plans for Mobile Broadband Services

The European Commission reaffirmed it commitment to a policy blueprint to ensure that information services can be accessed anytime, anywhere across the EU, and that the EU retains its lead in mobile broadband services. Mobile penetration levels in Europe are over 80% and rising. The challenges ahead include ensuring that services can be supplied seamlessly to a variety of devices, making the technologies and networks that carry them interoperable, and providing adequate intellectual property protection for services with high value-added content. To meet these objectives, the EC is calling for targeted R&D, both on basic research and to accelerate technical innovation.



The EC communication outlined the following key issues:

• R&D - the share of GDP that Europe spends on R&D lags well behind that of its main trading partners. An R&D strategic agenda that supports innovation, including basic research, is needed;



• Interoperability - industry is asked to take urgent steps to improve the interoperability of mobile broadband services, so as to facilitate communication and the supply of services on different networks;



• Value-added content -- the regulatory framework for intellectual property rights should be implemented so as to foster the creation of high value-added content;



• E-payments -- prudential rules governing the use of "e-money", where relevant to mobile payments, need to be applied in a proportionate and risk-sensitive manner;



• Base stations and masts -- action is required to address regulatory barriers to their establishment in some Member States;



• Spectrum policy - a coordinated European approach towards availability and flexible usage is needed.

"Mobile broadband services are an economic locomotive in their own right, but are also vital to sustain competitiveness throughout the economy. Building on Europe's strength in the mobile communications sector, these new services will increase productivity by boosting labour efficiency in public services and business. Anywhere, any time availability will be essential to a European information economy where the mobility of people, goods and services is increasing," said Enterprise and Information Society Commissioner Erkki Liikanen. http://europa.eu.int/

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BT Trims Broadband Prices, Confirms Rollout Schedule

BT announced broadband price cuts of up to 25% for its consumer services. The prices will now be as follows:

• BT Broadband (512k) - down from £27 per month to £24.99



• BT Yahoo! Broadband 512k - down from £29.99 per month to £26.99



• BT Yahoo! Broadband 1 Mbps - down from £40.99 per month to £29.99,



• BT Broadband Basic (512kbps), remains at £19.99 per month, now with free modem and connection.

All products will continue to offer free connection and modem when purchased online.




BT also raised the monthly bandwidth allowances to "levels significantly higher than the usage of the overwhelming majority of broadband customers." For example, the 512k service has a monthly allowance of 15 GB.



BT also confirmed the deployment dates for making broadband available to more than a thousand communities across the UK. The move follows an earlier announcement that BT would be rolling out broadband so that 99.6% of UK households are connected to broadband exchanges by August 2005. http://www.bt.com/broadband

• As of 14-May-2004, BT reported an installed base of 2.45 million Wholesale broadband lines, an increase of 162% on the number of connections 12 months ago, with net additions in the quarter growing at more than 35,000 per week.

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Kotura Raises $11 Million for its Silicon Optics

Kotura, a start-up based in Monterey Park, California, secured $11 million in funding for its Silicon Opto-Electronic Integrated Circuits (SOEIC). The company's CMOS platform can be used for dynamic optical modules that combine active devices with passive waveguide devices on a single silicon chip. The funding came from existing investors, ComVentures and ARCH Venture Partners. http://www.kotura.com

• Kotura, was founded in October 2003 through the merger of Arroyo Optics and Lightcross. Both companies, based in southern California, have developed integrated opto-electronic products for the optical communications industry.

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Mitsui to Market Firetide Wireless Mesh Networks in Japan

Firetide, a provider of wireless mesh networking technology, announced a marketing and sales partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of the largest trading companies in Japan and its U.S. subsidiary Mitsui Comtek Corp. Mitsui will become the master distributor for Firetide products in Japan.



Firetide's HotPoint Wireless Mesh Routers replace Ethernet cabling and form a Wireless Instant Network, eliminating the need for trenching and laying fiber or cable. The network self-configures by simply plugging HotPoint routers into standard AC power outlets. http://www.firetide.com

• In May 2004, NETGEAR and Firetide announced a co-marketing agreement targeting large-scale WLANs in locations otherwise too difficult or costly to reach with wires. The partnership combines NETGEAR's access points and Firetide's Hotpoint Wireless Mesh Routers, which provide a wireless backhaul solution.

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Xten Reports Successful VoIP Onboard Transatlantic Flight

Klaus Schulz, a former 3Com Chief Technology Architect, reported great VoIP quality using Xten's softphone, the free SIPphone service and the Connexion by Boeing broadband service during a Lufthansa flight from Munich to Los Angeles. http://www.xten.com/

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Level 3 Providing Network Services to Tiscali International Network

Level 3 Communications was selected to supply optical wavelength services to Tiscali International Network BV, the carrier arm of Tiscali. Level 3 is providing Tiscali International Network with 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps wavelengths connecting Europe to New York, Chicago and other U.S. markets. Tiscali International Network will use the wavelengths to upgrade their network capacity into main Internet exchange points on both U.S. coasts. http://www.Level3.com

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AT&T Continues National Consumer VoIP Deployment

AT&T announced the expansion of its CallVantage VoIP service to residents in 10 additional states. The consumer VoIP service has now been launched in 22 states and 72 major markets in the 14 weeks since its introduction. The company plans to reach 100 markets by the end of September 2004.



AT&T has also extended its special six-month introductory rate of $19.99 a month through the end of August. Earlier this month. it reduced the full retail price to $34.99 per month for all subscribers. http://www.att.com

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Metalink Cites Growing VDSL Shipments in Japan, Korea

Metalink shipped over 30,000 VDSL ports to Japan in June 2004. The company also announced record shipment of over 200,000 ports to Korea -- fueled by demand for its Long-Reach Total-VDSL solution. Metalink now expects that its Q2 2004 revenues will be approximately $6.1 million, compared to $3.2 million for Q2 2003, its highest revenues recorded during the last 12 quarters. The quarter revenues represent an increase of 90% over the year ago quarter, and a 15% increase over the $5.3 million for Q1 2004. http://www.metalinkbb.com/

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Intrado Extends Presence in VoIP 9-1-1

Intrado will provide Primus Telecommunications with 9-1-1 services for its VoIP subscribers. Intrado routes VoIP 9-1-1 calls to the appropriate public safety agency. Due to industry-wide technical and regulatory limitations, these calls cannot be treated as traditional 9-1-1 calls with priority routing and critical location information. Intrado said it is working with the industry to proactively address these VoIP issues while providing a clear roadmap to a true Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) solution in 2005. http://www.intrado.comhttp://www.primustel.com

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Cisco Supplies Optical Network in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation has deployed an optical network infrastructure that will help transport voice, data and multimedia services to government departments, companies and the general population. The deployment is based on Cisco ONS 15454-based optical transport infrastructure and an IP/MPLS core network. A fiber network has been built around Addis Ababa, and it will transport both mobile and fixed-line analogue voice traffic. An IP/MPLS layer provides a single converged core infrastructure based on Cisco MGX 8000 Series switches to support existing ATM and Frame Relay networks. A combination of high-speed fixed and microwave links extends this network to other parts of the country. The Ethiopian Government, through its Ministry of Capacity Building (MoCB), enlisted ETC to build a core multiservice network. ETC awarded the tender for this infrastructure to Cisco Systems and its pan-African network and systems integrator, Business Connexion. http://www.cisco.comhttp://www.telecom.net.et

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Cisco Announces New Global Technical Support Services Program

Cisco Systems is launching a new Global Services Alliance program to help its partners provide co-branded technical support services to customers requiring consistent information technology (IT) support capabilities on a global scale. The program integrates Cisco SMARTnet technical support and Cisco services' best practices with the partner's value-added IT services. The program is expected to benefit Cisco customers with extensive IT resources distributed across multiple countries.



To be eligible for the Global Services Alliance program, interested Cisco partners must have achieved multinational certification in two of Cisco's three multiple country regions (Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Asia-Pacific and Americas International) and Cisco Gold Certified Partner status in the United States and Japan. In addition, Global Services Alliance partners will need to make ongoing investments, such as linking their internal support systems to Cisco's support systems, to facilitate an integrated services offering. http://www.cisco.com

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U.S. Robotics Management Team Acquires Majority of the Company

The management team of U.S. Robotics Corporation has acquired a majority stake in the company from Solectron Inc. The acquisition gives the U.S. Robotics management team majority ownership in the company. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.



U.S. Robotics will retain its current employees including the executive management and account management teams. Moreover, the company's supply chain infrastructure will remain intact, and existing distribution channels will be used for all current and future products.



3Com and Accton Technology Corporation maintain a minority interest. http://www.usr.com

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Orange Plans France's Largest WiFi with Cisco

Orange plans to extend its current total of 3,000 hotspots in France to 4,500 by the end of 2004. The project includes the first use in France -- and one of the first in the world -- of zero configuration networking, a feature which allows users to log onto WiFi networks directly without any changes to the setup of their computers, facilitated through capabilities provided by the Cisco Mobile Exchange architecture.



Orange has forged deals to provide pre-paid WLAN services in Air France business lounges and Accor hotels, with around 55 new WiFi hotspots -- with up to 25 access points -- being introduced each week. Besides targeting real estate owners, the operator offers a post-pay WLAN service to its 2 million corporate mobile phone customers since April. Orange mobile users can dial #125# from their mobile phone to get WLAN connection codes. Payments can be added to the user's mobile phone bill. Cisco said the integration is made possible by the Cisco Access Registrar server, the Cisco Mobile Exchange component enabling Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) services.



Orange is deploying redundant Cisco Service Selection Gateway (SSG), Subscriber Edge Services Manager (SESM) and Cisco Content Services Gateway (CSG) platforms, along with Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches. At hotspots, Cisco Catalyst 2900 or 3500 Series platforms provide switching capability while Cisco 1700 Series modular access routers connect Cisco Aironet wireless access points to the DSL network. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.cisco.com

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ECI Telecom Awarded Large DSL Order through Strategic Partner

ECI Telecom announced that it will supply hundreds of thousands of DSL lines in Europe within the coming two years through a new contract secured by its strategic partner. ECI's equipment will enable an unnamed service provider to deliver advanced broadband services such as voice and ADSL to its subscribers. The Hi-FOCuS scalable solution will additionally enable an evolution path to multimedia services. http://www.ecitele.comIn February 2004, Nortel Networks named ECI Telecom as a strategic partner for its new last mile access portfolio.

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Meru Signs Japanese Partners for Voice over WLAN

Meru Networks, a start-up offering voice over WLAN solutions, announced strategic partnerships with Nissho Electronics Corporation and Tokyo Electron Ltd, two leading Japanese IT solutions providers. Both companies will distribute, resell, and support Meru's 802.11 Wireless LAN products to meet the advanced voice and data requirements of their enterprise customers throughout Japan. http://www.merunetworks.com

• Meru's technology provides application-specific QoS, high client density on a WLAN, and cellular network-style soft-handoffs between access points. Meru leverages a set of distributed algorithms in its access points and gateway to provide near deterministic channel access. Multiple access points collaborate to form one "virtual AP". No changes are needed for Wi-Fi compliant client devices. Meru Networks claims that by controlling over-the-air contention, its Air Traffic Control architecture yields a 5X effective performance boost for an access point. This leads to an ability to support up to 100 active users per access point, compared to a maximum of 10 to 20 users per access point today.



• Meru's Wireless LAN System includes the Meru Access Point, a standards-compliant 802.11 access point that simultaneously acts as an access point and RF monitor; the Meru Controller, a centralized gateway by which all security, QoS and management policies can be configured and enforced across the entire wireless LAN, and the Meru System Director, an extensible, embedded software suite.

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Q1 Labs Secures $11 Million for Network Security

Q1 Labs, a start-up based in Waltham, Massachusetts, secured $11 million in a new round of funding, for its network monitoring software. Q1 Labs flagship product, QRadar, provides a unique live window for surveillance, analysis and control, acting as a RADAR screen for an organization's entire network. QRadar profiles the behavior of systems, applications and users; learns normal patterns; and recognizes anomalies, whether they originate from security breaches, internal network misuse or operational inefficiencies.



The funding round was led by new investor Globespan Capital Partners and included previous investors Menlo Ventures and Polaris Venture Partners. The round also included additional investments from BDC Venture Capital and New Brunswick Investment Management Corporation (NBIMC). This brings total funding raised by the company to $29.4 million. http://www.q1labs.com

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Navini Raises $30 Million for Broadband Wireless Access

Navini Networks, a start-up based in Richardson, Texas, secured an additional $30 million in Series D funding for its non-line-of-sight, wireless broadband technology. Navini recently announced the expansion and opening of an office in China.



The new funding round was led by Lehman Brothers Venture Partners and include existing Navini venture investors Austin Ventures, Granite Ventures, Sequoia Capital and Sternhill Partners. Navini has now raised $115 million to date. http://www.navini.com/

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Broadcom Offers Single Chip 802.11g Client/Router

Broadcom announced a new single-chip wireless LAN solution that it describes as the smallest and most cost-effective IEEE 802.11g solution on the market. The AirForce One 54g solution incorporates a high-performance 2.4 GHz radio, 802.11a/g baseband processor, medium access controller (MAC) and other radio components, reducing the size of typical Wi-Fi modules by 72%.



The new chip features built-in interfaces to GPRS, GSM and Bluetooth, which enables it to be used multi-band (WAN/PAN) devices such as smart phones,http://broadcom.com

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NTELOS Upgrades Optical Transport with Tellabs

NTELOS, an integrated communications provider that operates in the mid-Atlantic region, is deploying the Tellabs 5500 NGX transport switch, the Tellabs 7120 NGX advanced transport node and the Tellabs 5320/L digital cross-connect. The equipment will be used for high-density bandwidth management and grooming. The Tellabs 5500 NGX transport switch is a metro edge device that integrates highly-scalable VT/STS (virtual tributary/synchronous transport signal) and M13 cross-connect technology, SONET transport, and highly-efficient data transport for Ethernet and Internet protocol (IP) traffic. The Tellabs 7120 NGX advanced transport node is an OC-192 next-generation SONET multiplexer that supports STS-1 cross-connect and Ethernet data transport capabilities. The Tellabs 5320/L digital cross-connect provides full non-blocking "any-to-any" connectivity for DS-1, E-1, STS-1e, and DS-3 interfaces and performs DS-0-level bandwidth management. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.tellabs.com

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Tektronix to Acquire Inet for Communications Software

Tektronix has agreed to acquire Inet Technologies, a provider of communications software, for approximately $12.50 per share consisting of $6.25 per share in cash and approximately $6.25 per share in Tektronix' stock. After adjusting for Inet's $172 million cash balance as of March 31, 2004, the net purchase price is approximately $325 million.



Inet's products address next-generation networks, including 2.5G and 3G mobile data and voice-over-packet, and traditional networks. The company's "Unified Assurance" Solution and its diagnostics products help carriers manage their voice and data services at the network, service and customer layers. Inet is headquartered in Richardson, Texas and has 501 employees worldwide. It had 2003 sales of $104 million.



Tektronix said the acquisition will accelerate its delivery of products and solutions for network operators and equipment manufacturers seeking to implement next-generation technologies such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS) and VoIP. Inet will become part of Tektronix' Communications and Video business. When combined with Tektronix' mobile protocol test business, sales from products addressing the network monitoring and protocol test markets are expected to exceed $200 million, making Tektronix one of the largest global providers of these solutions.



"Tektronix' strategy is to develop leadership positions in selected test, measurement and monitoring product categories that are large and growing. We believe that combining Inet with our mobile protocol business enables us to grow and enhance our leadership position in this market," said Rick Wills, Tektronix Chairman and CEO. http://www.tektronix.comhttp://www.inet.com/

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3Com Commemorates 25th Anniversary

3Com Corporation is celebrating its 25th year in operations. The occasion also marks the one-year anniversary since it moved from Santa Clara, California to Marlborough, Massachusetts. http://www.3com.com

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BigBand Closes CUDA Acquisition, Raises $25 Million

BigBand Networks closed its acquisition of the IP Cable Business Unit of ADC Telecommunications, including the Cuda and FastFlow product lines. The company also announced that it has completed a $25 million funding round. The financing brings the total amount of venture capital raised by BigBand Networks to more than $100 million. Investors included Charles River Ventures, Evergreen Investments, Meritech Capital Partners, Pilot House Ventures, Redpoint Ventures and Time Warner Ventures.



With closure of the acquisition, BigBand's product portfolio now includes:

• the BMR (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router), a high capacity platform with support for services, including: digital broadcast grooming for control of SDTV and HDTV programming with RateShaping to maintain video quality at maximum bandwidth efficiency; standards-based splicing of local advertising and programming with precise geographic targeting; Gigabit Ethernet transport of high quality video including enhanced service reliability from redundant facilities; dense edge modulation of VOD and broadcast programming; and switched broadcast to dynamically provision live programming in response to real-time subscriber demand



• the Cuda CMTS for DOCSIS-based video, voice and data services


the BME (Broadband Multimedia-Service Edge), a high-density platform that terminates local and distant transport links by optical or electronic Gigabit Ethernet, and directs the right on-demand and broadcast programming towards the right subscribers with robust QAM modulation and RF upconversion.


• the BRE (Broadband Real-Time Encoder), which provides digital encoding of analog programming



• the BigBand Management Server Suite, software to control implementation, scaling and ongoing management of BigBand Networks services.



• the FastFlow Broadband Provisioning Manager, which automates configuration and activation of DOCSIS / EURDOCSIS cable modems, PacketCable / EURPacketCable multimedia terminal adapters, and CableHome residential gateways for IP video, voice and data services.

http://www.bigbandnet.com

• BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, California.

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Juniper Delivers IPv6 VPN / Security Solution

Juniper Networks announced availability of its NetScreen ScreenOS, the company's standard security products operating system, with production-ready support for IPv6. The IPv6-enabled ScreenOS provides IPv6 support for both stateful inspection firewall and IPSec virtual private network (VPN) capabilities for the NetScreen-5XT, -204, -208, -500 and -5200 appliances and systems, an industry first according to the company. It also complements Juniper Networks' other IPv6-enabled networking products. http://www.juniper.net

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Alcatel Shanghai Bell Secures US$500M Export Loan

Alcatel Shanghai Bell, has secured a US$ 500 million buyer's credit loan through the China Export Import Bank (China Eximbank). The loan will facilitate the company's export of telecom solutions, voice and data network components, and overseas investment.



Alcatel Shanghai Bell, which is already a leading telecom solutions supplier in China, has recently announced a series of customer wins in Africa. http://www.alcatel.com

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Infineon Appoints New Head for Wireline Group

Infineon Technologies appointed Professor Hermann Eul to take over the helm of its Wireline Communications Business Group, replacing Thomas Seifert. Dr. Eul began his professional career with Siemens AG in 1991 after completing his studies in electrical engineering, joining the company's Telecommunications Infrastructure Division. http://www.infineon.com

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Cisco to Acquire Actona for Enterprise WAN Link Caching

Cisco Systems agreed to acquire Actona Technologies, a start-up developing software that facilitates data management across geographically distributed offices, for approximately $82 million in cash. The Actona ActaStor file caching solution enables storage consolidation across the WAN.
The file caching system utilizes sophisticated caching, compression and network optimization techniques to ensure efficient operation of standard file system protocols (Windows/CIFS, Unix/NFS) over low bandwidth, high latency network links.



Cisco currently offers a Full Service Branch solution that combines WAN connectivity with advanced network security, IP voice communications, and business application and video acceleration services. Cisco said Actona's technology will augment that offering by expanding the functionality of Cisco's branch office access router portfolio with intelligent network services that enable WAN-optimized file transfer and access. In addition, Actona will extend Cisco's solutions for Data Center Storage Consolidation to the branch office. http://www.cisco.com

• Actona was founded in 2000 and has 48 employees in Los Gatos, California and Haifa, Israel. The company is headed by Randy L. Ditzler, who previously was a founder, CEO and Director of Telegis Networks, a global provider of hosting and managed services. Actona was founded by Dr. Ilan Kessler (previously VP of Technology at Qualcomm and co-manager of Qualcomm Israel), Dr. Israel Ben-Shaul (previously a faculty member at the Technion), and Prof. Israel Cidon (a professor of Electrical Engineering at the Technion).



• In March 2004, Actona Technologies announced $10 million in Series C funding, bringing its total equity investment to $23 million. The most recent round of funding was led by Mayfield and included participation from current investors Sequoia Capital, Evergreen Partners, and the Fantine Group.

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Kingston Deploys Marconi's Softswitch

Kingston Communications has deployed eight fully-configured Marconi SoftSwitches, providing the foundation of a next-generation network while supporting its existing voice and Virtual Private Network (VPN) business. Kingston's SoftSwitch network consists of eight platforms connected in a meshed configuration but located in separate geographical zones to improve security and reliability. Initially, the operator is using its Class 4 SoftSwitch deployment to support its existing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) network, providing features such as Indirect Access, Number Translation Services and Carrier Pre-Select. During the second phase Kingston will employ SoftSwitch's next-generation features to support new services as they evolve. Financial terms were not disclosed.



Kingston Communications is the first UK mainland operator to deploy Marconi's Softswitch. http://www.marconi.comhttp://www.kcom.com

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Marconi Wins Four-Year £360 Million Contract with BT

Marconi has won a renewal of its cable services frame contract with BT estimated by the operator to be worth around £360 million over four years. The contract covers civil engineering, pole renewal and underground cabling works in England.



During 2003, Marconi Cable Services installed in excess of 3300 km of fibre, copper cabling and ducting for BT; as well as 20,000 telephone poles. http://www.marconi.com

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Nortel Finalizes Outsourcing Deal with Flextronics

Nortel Networks reached an agreement with Flextronics regarding the divestiture of certain manufacturing operations and related activities in Calgary and Montreal (Canada) and Campinas (Brazil). It is also anticipated that Flextronics will acquire Nortel Networks manufacturing operations in France and Northern Ireland, subject to the completion of the required information and consultation process. Flextronics would also acquire Nortel Networks global repair services, as well as certain design assets in Ottawa and Monkstown related to hardware and embedded software design, and related product verification for certain established optical products.



The manufacturing outsourcing means that Nortel Networks will move towards a 100% variable cost structure for manufacturing, which the company said leads its major competitors. The company anticipates proceeds of approximately US$675--US$725 million in cash payments to be received in the fourth quarter of 2004 and during 2005 which is comprised of approximately US$475--US$525 million for inventory and equipment, dependent on the asset value at closing, and US$200 million for intangible assets relating to the design and engineering transfer.



As part of today's announcement, both companies would also enter into a four-year supply agreement for manufacturing services (whereby Flextronics will manage approximately US$2.5 billion of Nortel Networks annual cost of sales) and a three-year supply agreement for design services.



Approximately 2,500 Nortel employees would transfer to Flextronics. http://www.nortelnetworks.com

• In January 2004, Nortel Networks first announced its plans to divest substantially all of its remaining manufacturing activities, including product integration, testing, and repair operations carried out at its facilities in Calgary and Montreal (Canada), Campinas (Brazil), Monkstown (Northern Ireland), and Chateaudun (France). At the time, Nortel confirmed discussions with Flextronics about the activities being considered for divestiture.



• In June 2004, Flextronics announced plans to acquire Hughes Network Systems' entire ownership stake of fifty-five percent (55%) in Hughes Software Systems (HSS), a leading provider of software products and services to telecom infrastructure companies, for a total cash consideration of approximately US$226 million (Rs547 per share). HSS, which is based in India, provides convergent software solutions for fixed and mobile networks for both voice and data. Its products and services span a variety of domains, such as optical networks, wireless networks, satellite networks, switching systems, convergent networks and broadband networks. HSS' product portfolio includes protocol stacks and value-added frameworks and are comprised of licensable technologies focused on Voice over Packets (VoP), SS7, broadband and wireless (GPRS/UMTS) products that provide customers with open architecture solutions.

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Nortel Networks Adds to its Enterprise Switching Line

Nortel Networks announced a number of enhancements to its convergence-ready data product portfolio, including three new BayStack Ethernet switches targeted at the SMB segment. Nortel said the switches are optimized to for latency-sensitive applications. A number of security enhancements are also being added to the BayStack products.



In addition, the company has bolstered the Nortel Networks Passport 8600 Routing Switches for the network core with new Routed-Split Multi-Link Trunking (RSMLT) capability. http://www.nortelnetworks.com

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German Regulator Cuts Loop Access Charges

Germany's official Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Post (RegTP) announced two important decisions on charges for access to the local loop.



The first decision approved new one-off provisioning and termination charges, effective 1-July-2004. For the most frequently required variant, simple transfer of a two-wire copper pair without work at the end customer's, competitors will be required to pay a provisioning charge of EUR 47.97. The new fee represents a 15% drop from the previous rate and is 35% percent less than the charge Deutsche Telekom had filed for.



The second decision fixed the charges for shared access to the local loop, known as line sharing. From 1 July 2004 a monthly rental of EUR 2.43 will be payable for access to the higher frequency portion of the line, thus granting Deutsche Telekom's request.



Matthias Kurth, RegTP President, said "the significantly lower prices that today's decisions have brought about will further boost competition in the local market. In the last few months in particular, we have noticed a clear increase in the number of loop rentals."http://www.regtp.de/

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TI Unveils New DSPs for Low-Power Mobile Applications

Texas Instruments released three new low-power digital signal processors (DSPs) aimed at mobile, portable and other low-power, real-time signal processing applications.



The devices enable advanced low power consumption through the industry's lowest standby power (0.12 mW), very low core and memory operating power, dynamic frequency and voltage scaling, and multiple standby modes with ability to turn individual peripherals and internal functional units on and off. http://www.ti.com

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Marconi Launches Multiservice SDH Extension Platform

Marconi introduced a low-cost customer premise located platform for its optical multiservice metro portfolio. The new OMS840 is a multiservice customer located device used to support mixed E1 and Ethernet (10/100) interfaces. It uses Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) for the mapping Ethernet frames into SDH payloads (virtual containers) and Virtual Concatenation to use and allocate network bandwidth. In addition, the OMS840 employs Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) technology to provide the flexibility to adjust bandwidth in service. Carriers could use the platform as an extension to their SDH networks. The OMS840 integrates with Marconi's SMA range of SDH multiplexers via a flexible range of STM-1 & 4 network interfaces delivered via Small Form Pluggable modules (SFPs).



Marconi said the compact 1U high device allows operators to simultaneously offer more competitive Ethernet services, such as Ethernet private lines, alongside traditional TDM services, such as leased lines, to their customers. http://www.marconi.com/

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UTStarcom Signs $55M Contract with China Telecom / Shanghai

UTStarcom was awarded a US$55 million contract by China Telecom Corporation (CTC) to deploy its IP-based PAS network in Shanghai.



PAS was introduced in suburban areas of Shanghai in May 2003 and reached more than 500,000 subscribers within one year. According to Shanghai China Telecom officials, more than 15,000 people subscribe for iPAS service each week in Shanghai now that service has been extended to the city center. Shanghai China Telecom has set up an aggressive marketing plan to promote the service throughout the city and hopes to have more than one million subscribers by the end of 2004.



Separately, UTStarcom noted that 50 million people currently subscribe for PAS (Personal Access System) service in China. As of the end of May, UTStarcom had more than 29 million PAS subscribers in China. http://www.utstar.com/

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Alcatel Offers Service Aware Manager for IP/MPLS and Ethernet

Alcatel announced availability of an advanced management solution for IP/MPLS and Ethernet based business services. The Alcatel 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM) is an addition to the company's 5620 network management portfolio, which is deployed in hundreds of service provider sites around the world.



New capabilities include automated service provisioning of multiple VPN technologies based on wizards and service templates. Advanced Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OA&M) tools improve service troubleshooting and monitoring, which can significantly impact day-to-day costs associated with truck rolls, deployment of technical resources and compliance with government security regulations such as CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act) in the U.S. and similar requirements established by governments around the world. http://www.alcatel.com

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Comcast Adds Video Content to its Broadband Media Portal

Comcast, the largest U.S. cable operator, is adding financial video content from CNBC/Dow Jones to its broadband web portal. Comcast's 5.7 million High-Speed Internet customers now access video clips from Squawk Box, Economic Roundtable Discussion, NYSE and NASDAQ Market Wraps and Capital Report co-host Alan Murray's Business Day report from Washington, D.C.



Additional video content partners on the Comcast.net portal include FoxSPORTS.com, MLB.com, HGTV (Home & Garden Television), The Food Network, DIY, Fine Living, E!, and Associated Press. http://www.comcast.net/

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Qovia Files Patents for Voice Spam Blocking Technology

Qovia has filed a patent application for a method to identify and block VoIP Spam and prevent security problems such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks that have the potential to overload voice servers and affect system reliability. The patent application, titled, "System and Method for Broadcasting VoIP Messages," covers the use of VoIP for emergency broadcast as well as provides for methodologies to prevent inappropriate use of VoIP applications such as Spam over Internet Telephony, also known as SPIT or VoIP Spam.



Qovia said VoIP Spam, the combination of telemarketing calls and e-mail spam, is a top security challenge because of the potential to flood large volumes of unwanted voice messages into voice mailboxes. In an attempt to prevent the spread of VoIP Spam, Qovia has created an application that can identify unsolicited and unwanted messages and differentiate these messages from those that recipients desire to receive. Qovia plans to incorporate this tool into a security module that will be available as part of the company's VoIP Monitoring and Management System (VMMS) later this year. http://www.qovia.com

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Cox Turns Up High Definition Digital Video Recorder Service

Cox Communications began offering a high-definition digital video recorder service via the Scientific Atlanta 8010 HD set top box. The service is currently available in the company's San Diego network and will be expanded shortly to other markets. Cox's HD DVR service costs $9.95 per month, plus the lease price of the integrated high-definition digital set-top box with DVR functionality for $9.95. http://www.cox.com

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TeliaSonera Rolls Out MPLS-VPNs with Cisco 7600s

TeliaSonera is deploying an Ethernet, leased line and IP-VPN aggregation solution based on Cisco 7600 Series Routers to provide business IP and MPLS services. The deployment is an extension of TeliaSonera's MPLS-based core network, which is already supported by the Cisco 12000 Series Router. The new architecture will help TeliaSonera to enhance its relationship with customers by delivering advanced MPLS Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services. In addition to business IP/MPLS services, Cisco 7600 Series Routers are also providing Broadband Aggregation for Ethernet based access both over DSL and fiber-to-the-home/business. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.cisco.com

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ECI Telecom Delivers its XDM MSPP in Ukraine

Ukrtelecom (Ukrainian State Telecommunication Enterprise), the leading national telecommunications operator in the Ukraine, will deploy ECI Telecom's XDM MSPP for its national multiservice optical backbone network, covering major cities and international gateways. The deployment follows the successful installation of ECI's XDM equipment in Kiev's metropolitan area network (MAN). Under the new contract, ECI Telecom will deploy and support XDM platforms in over 50 sites nationwide, to create a national multi-service transport backbone based on DWDM and SDH technologies and next generation Ethernet capabilities. Financial terms were not disclosed.



ECI's modular XDM MSPP converges intelligent optical networking capabilities with advanced data functionality including ATM and Ethernet Layer 2 over SDH/SONET, CWDM and DWDM. http://www.ecitele.com

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Vernier Networks Names New CEO

Vernier Networks, a start-up specializing in adaptive security products for wired and wireless networks, appointed Simon Khalaf as president and CEO. Before joining the company, Khalaf led Connectus Management Group, a management consulting firm in the IT security space. Previously, he was president of Volera Corp.



In addition, Vernier named Bethany Mayer as its new vice president of marketing. Prior to joining Vernier, Mayer served as vice president of product marketing for four years with SkyStream Networks, where she was responsible for directing marketing strategies and driving technology initiatives. Previously, she served in the Office of the CTO for Cisco Systems. http://www.verniernetworks.com

• Vernier Networks is based in Mountain View, California.

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Juniper Delivers SSL VPNs with SAML Standards

Juniper Networks has integrated the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) standard into its NetScreen Secure Access appliances, enabling the SSL VPN products to interoperate via standards-based interfaces to administer authentication, authorization and Single Sign On (SSO) policies stored in corporate directories.



SAML defines an XML-based framework for exchanging security information in a standards-based manner. Enterprise customers can use the new capabilities to simplify the deployment of trusted environments through centralized policy stores.



Juniper Networks is working with a number of access management companies to ensure interoperability between their products and its new Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)-enabled SSL VPN solutions. Specifically, Juniper is using SAML to integrate with access management products from Entrust, IBM, Netegrity, Oblix, OpenNetwork Technologies and RSA Security. The SAML standard is used to assert and enforce the authentication and authorization information stored, eliminating the need to distribute and maintain software agents or to replicate resources in a DMZ. http://www.juniper.net

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Peribit Debuts Latest WAN Optimizers

Peribit Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, introduced a new integrated WAN optimization architecture that integrates compression, sequence caching, latency reduction, bandwidth management, path optimization, and visibility tools for enterprise WAN links. Peribit's PeriSphere architecture is aimed at improving application performance over congested enterprise WAN links. The company is also introducing new hardware and software:

• SR-100 Sequence Reducer, which provides OC-3 compressed output speeds and can support connections to 2,000 remote SRs. The SR-100 is available immediately.



• SM-500 Sequence Mirror, which combines caching /compression and supports Network Sequence Mirroring (NSM). With 500 Gigabytes of persistent storage, NSM eliminates large, repetitive data patterns even when separated by hundreds of gigabytes.



• New SRS 5.0 software. Its Active Flow Pipelining (AFP) and Forward Error Correction (FEC) features enhance application performance on links with high latency and packet loss.

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Telenor Partners with Inmarsat on Global Broadband Net

Telenor Satellite Services will offer interconnection to the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), Inmarsat's next generation satellite communication offering. The BGAN system, currently planned for commercial launch in 2005, will offer telephony and high-speed data services through small size land portable terminals with near-global coverage.



The enhanced capabilities of the BGAN system are made possible through a new generation of satellites, known as Inmarsat 4, to be launched first quarter 2005. http://www.telenor.com/satellite

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Top Layer Networks Hires VP of Engineering

Top Layer Networks, a start-up providing intrusion prevention solutions, appointed Mike Cooper as vice president of engineering. Previously, Cooper founded New England Project Services (NEPS), a project management consultancy. Before NEPS, he served as vice president of service delivery with Tanning Technology, an IT services company.



Top Layer Networks' ASIC-based Attack Mitigator IPS 5500 product family uses advanced deep packet inspection technology. http://www.TopLayer.comTop Layer Networks is headquartered in Westboro, Massachusetts.

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Agilent and Sun Form Java Community for Open-Source Development

Agilent Technologies and Sun Microsystems have formed a new Java Distributed Data Acquisition and Control (JDDAC) java.net community, an open-source forum for development of Java applications and libraries for wide-area distributed sensors and controls. Sun Microsystems is the developer of the Java technology platform.



JDDAC's objective is to share information and encourage development of Java applications for industrial control, building automation, industrial security, utilities management, robotics, mobile communications, and distributed sensor and control networks. JDDAC will create the first Java implementations of technologies for distributed sensors and actuators based on the IEEE 1451 and IEEE 1588 standards supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies. Agilent Laboratories is conducting extensive research on distributed wide-area sensor networks using wireless networking built on these standards. http://www.community.java.net/jddac

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IPCC Merges with International VoIP Consortium

The International Packet Communications Consortium (IPCC) has merged with International VoIP consortium. The mission of the newly combined organization, which retains the IPCC name, is to promote and accelerate the development of VoIP and packet communications. http://www.packetcomm.org

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Bob Metcalfe appointed Advisory Director to the Metro Ethernet Forum

Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet, founder of 3Com and now venture capitalist with Polaris Venture Partners, is joining the Metro Ethernet Forum as Advisory Director.



"The Metro Ethernet Forum is the kind of place I like to be," said Bob Metcalfe, "where standards, particularly Ethernet standards, gain momentum with organized efforts to knock down obstacles to market adoption."http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org

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CableLabs Completes Latest Certification Round

CableLabs awarded qualified status to a DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem termination system (CMTS) from Arris. CableLabs also announced three more DOCSIS 2.0 cable modems had achieved certified status, that it had recertified five other DOCSIS 2.0 modems, and that it had qualified two DOCSIS 1.1 CMTSs. Ambit, Cisco-Linksys, and Thomson were certified for DOCSIS 2.0 modems. Conexant, Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta received re-certifications. ADC and Motorola were qualified for DOCSIS 1.1 CMTSs.



In addition, CableLabs has awarded CableHome 1.1 certified status to two devices from Cisco-Linksys. The announcement followed the recent conclusion of a certification wave. The CableHome 1.1 specification adds residential gateway security features, introduces standardized prioritized quality-of-service (QoS) for home local area networks (LANs), and adds support for home servers, telecommuters and home offices.www.cablelabs.com

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Network Chemistry Offers Wireless Intrusion Protection

Network Chemistry, a start-up based in Palo Alto, California, introduced a wireless intrusion detection system that monitors security for 802.11 networks. Using a set of 802.11a/b/g sensors and specialized software, Network Chemistry's "Rfprotect" system detects all types of rogue devices and their activities over enterprise WLAN's of all sizes. Vulnerabilities due to policy violations, mis-configurations and mis-implementations are reported. RFprotect also detects a multitude of wireless-specific attacks -- denial of service, impersonation, war-driving, client-to-client, insertion - many of which have been automated into scripts that hackers could download off the Internet. The system also captures detailed user traffic and logs performance-related statistics.



Network Chemistry said its RF sensor appliance are designed as security devices and are not just repurposed access points. http://www.networkchemistry.com

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Ikanos Files for IPO -- Broadband Silicon Company

Ikanos Communications, a start-up based in Fremont, California, filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. Citigroup Global Markets and Lehman Brothers will act as the joint book-running managers for the offering. UBS Investment Bank and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC will act as co-managers. http://www.ikanos.com

• In April 2004, Ikanos raised $15 million in Series E funding for its broadband silicon solutions. The latest investors included Copan, PMC-Sierra, Greylock Partners, Intel Capital, JP Morgan, Ridgewood Capital, Sequoia Capital, Telesoft Partners, TL Ventures, Walden International and VentureTech Alliance (an affiliate of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).



• Ikanos recently announced that global shipments of its programmable chipsets surpassed two million ports since volume production began in Q4 2002, with orders more than doubling since October of last year.



• The Ikanos family of chipsets includes the Fx family for FTTP/FTTH over copper and the SmartLeap family for the VDSL-DMT over copper markets. The chipsets deliver Ethernet or ATM services at data rates up to 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps upstream, or symmetrical rates of 50 Mbps over single-loop copper.



• Ikanos' announced customers to date include Sumitomo Electric (SEI) and NEC (in Japan; ECI Telecom in Israel; Marconi, Siemens in Europe; Samsung, Dasan Networks, Woojyon Systec, and Millinet in Korea; and ZyXEL in Taiwan.

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Movaz to Integrate Parama's "ADM-on-a-Chip"

Movaz Networks plans to use Parama Networks' "ADM-on-a-Chip" on a number of designs for its Movaz RAY family of wavelength services products, including its new reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer. The companies said the next-generation of transport equipment would drive the convergence of SONET/SDH and DWDM. This is expected to result in lower capital and operating costs, more flexible systems, simpler "per wavelength" service reconfiguration, a unified control plane, more efficient use of wavelengths via grooming, and a unified network management system. http://www.movaz.comhttp://www.paramanet.com

• In January 2004, Parama Networks introduced its "ADM-on-a-Chip," an integrated device for SONET/SDH transport equipment. Parama said ADM-on-a-Chip, which is designed for next generation network equipment, leverages advances in silicon VLSI technology over the last few years to enable an entire ADM implementations on a single piece of silicon. Its solution includes a companion SONET/SDH overhead processor, a data transport processor, a hardware reference design, and software development kit. The ADM-on-a-Chip is manufactured in 0.13 micron CMOS process.

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Furukawa Employs Cavium Processors for Fastest VPN Appliance

The Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. is using Cavium Networks' NITROX II Security Macro Processor to deliver what the companies claim is the world's fastest performing VPN system to date. The FITELnet-F8000 IPsec Router has realized the highest IPsec performance of 2 Gbps for minimum sized packets while supporting 3,000 tunnels. Furukawa's FITELnet-F8000 offers advanced and flexible features for the communication carrier including IPv6 and virtual-router functions. The platform currently is available to customers in the Japanese market only.



Cavium's NITROX II Security Macro Processor supports inline and look-aside processing with SPI 3, SPI 4.2 and PCI-X interfaces for performance ranging from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps. Both IPv4 and IPv6 are supported. http://www.cavium.com

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ADC Launches SONET Access Box from Huawei

ADC introduced a new "LoopStar" 800 next-generation SONET access system designed to help carriers deploy and manage TDM and Ethernet services to end-user customers from a single platform. The LoopStar 800 was developed under an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Huawei Technologies. The platform uses an integrated universal back-plane architecture that supports multiple interchangeable network and tributary interface cards for DS1, DS3 and Ethernet service deliveryhttp://www.adc.com

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Hitachi and NEC to Establish Company for Backbone Routers/Switches

Hitachi and NEC Corporation are joining forces to establish a new company specializing in core backbone routers and switches for telecommunications carriers, government and public sectors and large corporations. The new company will be located in Tokyo and have about 350 employees drawn from both Hitachi and NEC. It will have about 5.5 billion yen in capital when it commences in October 2004. Hitachi will own 60% of the new company while NEC will own 40%.



The joint venture, which aims to become a leading vendor of high-end backbone routers/switches, will supply products to Hitachi and NEC respectively, and the two companies will market them to their individual clients. Hitachi and NEC said they will strongly promote system integration offerings using the new company's products. The new company will also market its products through its business partners under the new company's own brand name. A name for the new venture has not yet been chosen. http://www.hitachi.comhttp://www.nec.com

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Thomson Expands its Focus in North America

Thomson announced an expanded commitment to expand its telecommunications activities for North America. In 2003, Thomson combined its DSL (digital subscriber line), IP Video set top boxes and telecom and residential telephones into a new Thomson Telecom Group. The renewed effort will include a range of DSL, IP Video, VoIP products and telephony products aimed at telco triple play deployments.



During Supercomm, Thomson displayed its SpeedTouch 585 residential wireless gateway, which integrates 802.1 g/a home networking and is compatible with ADSL2 and ADSL2+ standards.



Thomson is the market leader in DSL customer premise equipment in Europe, with nearly 40% share according to the company. http://www.thomson.net

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SupporSoft Secures Patent for Customer Service Connectivity Technique

SupporSoft was awarded a U.S. patent for a "secure computer support system" that enables the delivery of customer service and technology support through a network gateway to overcome problems with connectivity whether for home or business computing use. SupportSoft's Nexus software is principally used to facilitate secure connections between customer service representatives or technical support analysts and the computing end-users they support. The patented technique helps to overcome obstacles that may include un-routable network calls (due to network address translation or other IP masking), while providing a secure communication link without requiring inbound holes through firewalls. http://www.supportsoft.com /

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Xilinx Shows 10Gbps Serial Signaling over ATCA

Xilinx demonstrated a 10Gbps AdvancedTCA ("ATCA") backplane powered by its flagship Virtex-II Pro X FPGAs. This represents a four-fold performance boost for the existing ATCA serial backplane architecture based on the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) 3.0 specification.



Xilinx said network equipment designers will be able to rapidly build fully scalable systems to 10Gbps on a low cost ATCA-standard platform.



In a related announcement, Xilinx bolstered its 10Gbps solutions for serial backplanes by extending its Aurora lightweight link-layer protocol to enable custom data transport up to 10Gbps. Additionally, Xilinx introduced a new Fibre Channel (FC) media access controller (MAC) solution. http://www.xilinx.com

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NTIA Works on New Spectrum Policy

The Commerce Department's National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) released two reports on its Spectrum Policy for the 21st Century, which includes the establishment of an innovation test-bed for increased sharing between federal and non-federal spectrum users. One of the 24 recommendations included in the reports is the establishment of a spectrum test-bed for innovative new technologies that will enable increased sharing between federal and non-federal users. The report recommends that the FCC and the NTIA should each identify approximately 10 MHz of spectrum to be made available for this program. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/

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Marconi Selected for Telstra's NGN Transport

Telstra named Marconi as sole supplier for its next generation transport network. Under the contract, Marconi will supply SDH, WDM, CWDM, Radio and next-generation SDH requirements (Multi Service Provisioning Platform - MSPP). The enhancements to the Telstra network will cover its access layer, core transport layer, its metropolitan and regional networks, and associated network management systems. Financial terms were not disclosed.



This contract follows on from Telstra's decision to award Marconi a contract for the supply of 10GB transmission equipment in February 2003. http://www.marconi.com

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AudioCodes Announces AdvancedTCA Line

AudioCodes announced the evolution of its VoIPerfect architecture to comply with AdvancedTCA (ATCA) specifications. This new product line leverages AudioCodes 2000 LBR-channel TPM-6300 Voice over Packet Media gateway module. The ATCA board, which will offer a high channel density of up to 2016 LBR VoIP channels, is planned for availability by the end of Q3 2004. http://www.audiocodes.com/

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Convedia Enhances its Media Servers

Convedia is adding a number of new video and audio features to its IP Media Servers. The enhancements provide specialized, DSP-intensive media processing required for desktop video conferencing, mobile video messaging, video branding and multi-user online gaming. These include:

• Voice activated video switching - a multi-party conferencing technique which is ideally suited for use with small display 3G mobile phones and in cost sensitive residential video phone applications. Unlike traditional multiparty video conferencing, only one participant is seen on the screen at any time and the video image switches based on who is currently speaking.



• VoiceXML based video recording and playback - required in both video mail and multimedia conferencing applications, this feature allows video content to be recorded to 3rd party off-the-shelf NFS and HTTP servers providing a seamlessly integrated, cost effective and highly scalable video archiving and playback system.



• Quad split and advanced continuous presence displays - commonly used in traditional video conferencing services, this feature allows Convedia's Media Servers to act as an MCU in H.323 and SIP based video conferencing systems. Multiple conference sites are displayed concurrently on one screen in a variety of flexible layouts.



• Video transcoding and rate matching - enables mobile video phones and fixed line video terminals to communicate with one another independent of the capabilities (video codec, video frame size and bitrate) supported by each terminal.



• Fully programmable audio conference mixers

The new functionality, which is being delivered through a series of software-only upgrades to Convedia's CMS-6000 and CMS-1000 IP Media Server platforms, will begin to rollout next month with additional functionality being added throughout the remainder of 2004. http://www.convedia.com

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Ethernet in the First Mile Standard Approved

The IEEE 802.3ah specification for Ethernet in the First Mile was unanimously approved as an IEEE standard by the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Standards Board. The process included specifying new interface types for Ethernet over fiber optic and copper media along with new OAM mechanisms for managing Ethernet subscriber networks.



The Ethernet in the First Mile project had perhaps the largest scope of any IEEE 802 standard ever undertaken, according to the Ethernet in the First Mile Alliance (EFMA), which promotes the technology.



The ratification of the IEEE 802.3ah standard came in conjunction with the first ever interoperability demonstration of EFM technologies by EFMA member companies at SUPERCOMM 2004 in Chicago. The EFMA demo showcased technologies from the four EFM sub-task areas, including:

• Point-to-point copper


• Point-to-point fiber


• Point-to-multipoint fiber (EPON)


• Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM)

http://www.ieee802.org/3/efm/index.htmlhttp://www.efmalliance.org

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Narad Networks Announces New CEO

Narad Networks named James D. Norrod as its new CEO. Norrod previously worked for Telebit Corporation, a public company that manufactured and distributed high-end data communication equipment to enterprise markets. Narad's technology utilizes the previously unusable frequency spectrum above 860MHz to overlay switched Ethernet capabilities onto existing HFC networks. http://www.naradnetworks.com

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Vonage Releases Xten's SoftPhone for Mac OS X

Vonage and Xten have completed interoperability testing of SIP SoftPhone for Mac-based Vonage subscribers. http://www.xten.com/http://www.vonage.com/

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Kerry Outlines Broadband Ideas

Speaking in San Jose, California, Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry outlined plans to spur the adoption of broadband and encourage innovation. Citing the same statistic that America has slipped from 4th to 10th in adoption of broadband, Kerry called for greater investments in research and development. Kerry said his plan would "eliminate capital gains taxes for long-term investments in small businesses, and reform or eliminate regulations that impede America's high-tech competitiveness." He would ensure universal broadband for first responders by the end of 2006 and would provide broad-based increases in government-funded research at universities. Kerry said he would pay for these programs by accelerating the transition to digital television and thereby raising $30 billion at public auction to fund science and technology innovation. He would also expand the spectrum that is available for unlicensed wireless broadband.

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Bush Renews Call for Broadband

In his second such public address in the past few weeks, President George Bush renewed his call to make broadband available to all Americans by 2007. At an event hosted by the Department of Commerce, Bush noted that the U.S. now has some 28 million broadband subscribers, ranking 10th in per capita terms in the industrialized world. Bush said an important policy goal should be to make sure that broadband access is affordable and, therefore, it should not be taxed. He said government should remove burdensome regulations that would otherwise slow the spread of Internet technologies. Bush has signed orders to reduce the regulatory red tape for laying fiber optic cables and putting up transmission towers on federal lands.



Bush expressed support for broadband over powerline technology -- the Commerce Department is developing technical standards that will make sure that broadband can go across power lines without unnecessary interference.



Bush also said that a better wireless spectrum policy could help the economy grow and that Congress needs to make the spectrum available. Specifically, he voiced support for the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act, which would take spectrum that is currently allocated to the government and auction it off to the private sector.

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Court Overturns FCC Media Ownership Rules

In a blow to FCC Chairman Michael Powell and large broadcasters, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia overturned the loosened media ownership rules adopted by the FCC in June 2003.



In a statement, Powell said the ruling has "created a clouded and confused state of media law."



However, FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps, welcomed the ruling, saying "the rush to media consolidation approved by the FCC last June was wrong as a matter of law and policy. The Commission has a second chance to do the right thing. We must immediately move forward and redesign our media policy.

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IBM And Motorola Collaborate on Telecom Platforms

IBM and Motorola Computer Group will collaborate to promote highly integrated, standards-based telecom platforms based on IBM's eServer BladeCenter system and Motorola's Application-Enabling Platform. IBM plans to incorporate Motorola's Service Availability Forum (SAF) Application Interface Specification (AIS) compliant high availability software in a future version of the recently announced IBM eServer Integrated Platform for Telecommunications (IP-T).



The partnership seeks to provide the first "from enterprise to the network edge" computing solutions. Both companies are committed to the new Open Communications Architecture Forum (OCAF), Carrier Grade Operating Environment (CGOE) and Linux operating system. http://www.motorola.com/computerhttp://www.ibm.com

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Motorola Unveils AdvancedTCA Application-Enabling Platform

Motorola's Computer Group introduced an Application-Enabling Platform built on the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA) and designed to speed time-to-market and lower both manufacturing and life cycle costs for telecom equipment manufacturers.



Motorola's AXP Basic Integrated Platform is a pre-integrated and validated solution with an operating environment. The NEBS- and ETSI-compliant platform integrates Open Source Distribution Labs (OSDL)-compliant Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) with software components that enable Service Availability Forum (SAF)-compliant OpenHPI, blade management, blade hardware functions, base and data fabric management, and interfaces to network management systems. It also features several AdvancedTCA payload blade options, including a new combined switching and control blade, and payload blades with a choice of processors (Intel Architecture processors and PowerPC architecture processors).



Availability is expected in Q1. Later this year, Motorola expects to detail a complete SAF-compliant operating environment for telecom equipment, including protocol support and integrated protocol services. http://www.motorola.com/computer

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Nortel to Integrate Global IP Sound into VoIP Solutions

Under a newly expanded licensing agreement Nortel Networks will integrate Global IP Sound's (GIPS') VoiceEngine and SoundWare suite of voice processing software into various Nortel Networks IP-centric communications systems, including the Multimedia Communication Server (MCS) 5100 and 5200 platforms.



GIPS SoundWare provides better than PSTN voice quality and fidelity in end-to-end IP communications with robustness against packet loss.



Global IP Sound, which is based in Stockholm, also supplies its voice quality software to Skype, Ericsson and others. http://www.globalipsound.com

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Alcatel and Shanghai Media Group to integrate Video/3G/DSL

Alcatel and Shanghai Media Group signed an agreement to integrate SMG's TV and video content with Alcatel's 3G networking solutions. The deal is described as the first of its kind in China between a media group and an end-to-end 3G solutions provider. 3G users would be able to access SMG's live TV, video streaming, and video-on-demand programs at up to 384 kbps. In addition, the companies agreed to integrate TV programs into Alcatel's DSL solution so as to drive broadband video streaming applications in China. This content deal also complements Alcatel's Open Media Suite portfolio, a middleware solution for triple play service (voice, data, video). http://www.alcatel.com

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VocalData Upgrades its VoIP Application Server, Partners with Mitel

VocalData released Version 5 of its hosted IP telephony platform, which is used to deliver business and consumer VoIP services. Key enhancements for VocalData include:

• increased SIP support and interoperability with a long list of IADs, softphones and IP phones, as well as proxy servers, softswitches and session border controllers. VocalData customer NTT COMWARE currently has 40,000 SIP endpoints.



• Legacy enterprise connectivity -- VocalData has extended its PBX trunking capabilities, enabling hosted VoIP services for companies with older PBXs. Those enterprise customers can use VocalData's web portal to access enhanced VoIP features



• new residential features -- call block, call return, privacy/CallerID blocking and enhanced 911 support.



• updated Web portal -- allowing service providers to customize and personalize the web portal



• International features -- including versions in English, Japanese, French, Spanish and Dutch.

Separately, Mitel has agreed to market and promote VocalData's application server. The two companies will engage in joint sales, marketing and interoperability testing. In particular, they will integrate Mitel's IP and SIP phones with VocalData's application server. Already, Mitel's MiNET protocol is integrated with VocalData's session border controller.



VocalData said its application server is now installed in over 50 live VoIP networks supporting a total of over 225,000 business and residential users. http://www.vocaldata.com

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EVE Secures $7.2M for ASIC Emulation System

Emulation and Verification Engineering (EVE), a start-up based in San Jose, California and Palaiseau, France, secured $7.2 million in a second round of funding for its silicon emulations and verification tools. The company recently unveiled a high-end prototyping platform for large System-on-Chip (SoC) designs that boasts up to 48 million application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) gates. The new funding round was led by Auriga Partners, a venture capital firm headquartered in France. Other participants include Rothschild, as well as EVE's Series A investors 3i, a leading international venture capital firm, Credit Lyonnais Private Equity and Siparex, who have actively supported EVE in its business and Series B fund raising. http://www.eve-team.com

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Passavé and CopperGate Extend FTTH Through In-home Wiring

Passavé and CopperGate Communications introduced a joint solution to enable the delivery and in-home distribution of voice, high-speed data, and high-definition video services from FTTH networks to in-home networks that using existing wiring. The implementation delivers 128 Mbps with guaranteed QoS over coaxial cables and phone lines.



Passavé recently announced sales of over 500,000 ports of its EPON chip-set.



CopperGate's CopperStream silicon can carry 128 Mbps over both coaxial cables and phone lines with up to 90% user data throughput via a synchronous mode of operation that ensures delivery of data streams with predefined bandwidth, latency and jitter. These products comply with the HomePNA 3.0 specification, an extension of HomePNA 2, an ITU Standard. http://www.passave.comhttp://www.copper-gate.com

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D-Link Offers Low-Cost Gigabit Stackable Switch with 10G Support

D-Link introduced a new xStack Series of managed Layer 2/3/4 stackable switches featuring integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink support. Introductory pricing starts at $138 per port. The switches are designed to meet the networking requirements from small, high performance workgroups up to large departmental data centers and enterprise networks. D-Link provides advanced management features, including SNMP, RMON, VLAN, multiple QoS policies, and advanced Access Control security features. Five different configurations are being offered. http://www.dlink.com

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TelMex to Deploy Cramer's Inventory-Driven Back Office Software

Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) is deploying Cramer's inventory-powered, back office automation software. The installation will enable automated provisioning and service assurance capabilities on TelMex's Frame Relay and MPLS network. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.cramer.com

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ECI Introduces Outdoor Mini-DSLAM with ADSL2+

ECI Telecom introduced an outdoor mini-DSLAM with ADSL2+ and Gigabit Ethernet backhaul capability. The new Hi-FOCuS MiniRAM Outdoor Unit (ODU) is designed for telco triple play services in urban and suburban areas. In addition to integrated POTS splitters, the weather-proof unit is equipped with ECI's remote line power system and primary protection. It can be equipped with various network facing interfaces, including T1 IMA, OC-3, and Gigabit Ethernet. It supports 32 or 48 ADSL/2/2+ or 24 VDSL lines. http://www.ecitele.com

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Telkom Indonesia Selects Tekelec's Softswitch

PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) is deploying Tekelec's SanterOne Class 4 softswitch to begin replacing its circuit-based switching infrastructure. The trunk-level switching solution is being deployed in geographically dispersed locations in Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya to handle the increase in long-distance and interconnection traffic. Initially, the solution will include 50,000 circuit trunks, expanding to more than 500,000 ports. Terms of the multimillion dollar contract were not disclosed. http://www.tekelec.com

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Arcor (Germany) Selects Alcatel DSLAMs

Arcor, the second-largest fixed communications network operator in Germany, selected Alcatel to supply DSL solutions over the next three years. Under the contract, Alcatel will be responsible for the turnkey project, including the delivery and installation of Alcatel 7300 ASAM in more than 100 locations across Germany. Alcatel will also provide integration services for Arcor's provisioning platform. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.alcatel.com

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AT&T Signs $180 Million in Contracts with 3 Enterprise Customers

AT&T announced multiyear contacts valued at over $180 million with three enterprise customers. These include:

• a $54 million agreement to design, implement and manage an advanced network for the Internal Revenue Service that will integrate and standardize communications technology at IRS sites across the United States.



• a $60 million networking contract to standardize the data and voice communications platform that supports Deutsche Bank locations in the United States locations and links with the bank's U.S.-based commercial communications architecture.



• a $67.5 million networking agreement with Hilton Hotels Corp. to expand a secure, high-speed wide area network (WAN) solution that integrates an array of voice, data and Internet service supporting Hilton's guest services infrastructure.

http://www.att.com

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Capgemini Joins Consortium for Galileo GPS System

Capgemini has joined the Eurely consortium, which is bidding to become the concessionaire for the European Galileo satellite positioning system. The Eurely consortium was formed by Alcatel, Finmeccanica and Vinci Networks.



The Galileo positioning system, which is funded by the European Commission and the European Space Agency, will based on a constellation of thirty satellites providing global coverage as a civilian radio-navigation system. This system will be compatible with the American GPS system.. http://www.alcatel.com

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SBC Reaches Deal with Union Covering 11,000 Workers

SBC Communications and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers agreed to a new five-year contract covering almost 11,000 SBC employees in Illinois and northwest Indiana. The union said the new agreement addresses its major objectives of job security, protecting health benefits for both active union members and retirees, and providing improvements in wages and pensions. The contract requires approval from union members. http://www.sbc.comhttp://www.ibew.org

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Agilent Shows OC-768c Routing Test Solutions

Agilent Technologies is demonstrating an OC-768c POS XS test card using the new Cisco Carrier Routing System at this week's SUPERCOMM. The Agilent N2X E7320B 40G card allows network equipment manufacturers and service providers to verify the scalability and resiliency of the highest rate line cards in terabit routers. http://www.agilent.com/comms/N2X

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Telica Upgrades its VoIP Media Gateway to 37,600 Ports

Telica announced a major upgrade for its Plexus 9000 VoIP Media Gateway, raising the density of the platform from 1,500 voice channels to more than 37,600 fully protected channels. The Voice Server Module is offered as a plug upgrade to the existing Plexus 9000 chassis. The Plexus 9000 Media Gateway is a key component of Telica's PLUS second-generation softswitch family.



Telica said its switches are currently carrying an estimated 4.5 billion minutes per month for its customers. http://www.telica.com

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Z-Tel Deploys Netrake Session Controllers

Z-Tel Communications has deployed Netrake's session controllers to support its nationwide rollout of VoIP services for its residential and business users. Z-Tel is migrating from the Unbundled Network Element-Platform (UNE-P) to more of a facilities-based model that utilizes VoIP as its backbone. Netrake's nCite session controllers include the ability to support VoIP Peering, as well as, new residential and enterprise VoIP customers on the same platform. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.netrake.com

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Level 3 Announces Wholesale Voice Agreement With Moviefone

Moviefone, a property of America Online, has purchased Level 3's (3)VoIP Local Inbound solution to enable its members in 35 U.S. markets to dial a local number to get access to movie listings, information, and ticketing anywhere in the country. Moviefone serves more than 10 million* unique users through Moviefone.com and more than 5 million moviegoers through the Moviefone phone service each month.



The (3)VoIP Local Inbound service rides Level 3's softswitch platform and local networks. http://www.level3.com

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Sprint to Accelerate EV-DO Deployments

Sprint confirmed plans to accelerate the deployment of EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) technology across its PCS network. Sprint expects to design and deploy EV-DO with initial service available in select markets in the second half of 2004 and launch in the majority of top metropolitan markets in the United States in 2005.



Consistent with prior guidance, Sprint plans to invest approximately $1 billion to complete its wireless data upgrades. This will include the deployment of EV-DO as well as the option for a subsequent, more advanced release of CDMA technology that is expected to be available from equipment vendors beginning in 2006. The capital investment is expected to be concentrated in 2005 which represents an acceleration from Sprint's earlier plan to balance spending evenly between 2005 and 2006.



EV-DO promises average user speeds of 300-500 kbps and peak rates of up to 2.4 Mbps on EV-DO-capable handsets and laptops equipped with EV-DO-enabled Sprint PCS Connection Cards. Existing Sprint PCS Connection Cards and handsets will continue to work at current speeds within EV-DO service areas. http://www.sprint.com

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Qwest Launches Nationwide Business VoIP

Qwest Communications is launching a national VoIP solution for business customers. Qwest "OneFlex" is a network hosted VoIP offering comprising local and long-distance voice service as well as high-speed Internet access. The service will be initially available in Boise, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix in mid-July. It will be expanded to 24 cities by the end of the year.



IBM is supporting the design and implementation of essential back-office functions for Qwest OneFlex.


Sonus Networks is supplying its softswitches and Sylantro Systems is providing its application feature server. http://www.qwest.com

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AT&T to Exit Residential Local/LD in 7 States

AT&T will stop competing for local and long-distance residential customers in Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Hampshire. The announcement does not affect AT&T's enterprise, government and other small- and medium-sized business customers. It will also not affect customers with DSL and cable modem offerings who subscribe to the company's VoIP service.



AT&T said its action follows the Bush administration and the FCC's decision not to appeal a recent Federal court decision that overturned FCC UNE-p rules. The company expects the Bell companies to raise wholesale rates as early as November, at which point AT&T believes it would not be unable to economically serve customers with the competitive bundles currently available.



"We foresee a future with less choice for consumers," said David Dorman, chairman and CEO of AT&T. http://www.att.com

• In response, SBC issued a statement saying "Local phone competition without AT&T is like a fish without a bicycle. Consumers can rest assured that competition will continue…."

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Vonage Chooses UTStarcom for Unified Messaging Services

UTStarcom is supplying its 8250 Personal Communications Management System to Vonage for its VoIP service. Vonage will deploy UTStarcom's PCMS voice mail application, which enables customers to access voice messages either by phone, online, or via email. The company will initially offer the service to its customers in the United States and Canada and plans to expand the service globally in 2004. UTStarcom's PCMS platform also provides Vonage with a framework for deploying additional revenue-generating IP services in the future. Financial terms were not disclosed.



An end-to- end VoIP solution, PCMS can support various applications, such as voice/fax messaging, Pre-Paid Calling Card, Any-Where Access, Call Monitor, and Call Handling. The enhanced PCMS voice mail offers subscribers additional features beyond the basic store and forward functions of traditional voice mail systems, including enhanced call handling, multiple mailbox options, multiple greetings, and message retrieval via phone, PC, or Internet. http://www.vonage.com

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Motia Secures $12 Million for Smart Antennas

Motia, a fabless semiconductor start-up, secured $12 million in third round funding for its smart antenna technology. Motia's standards-compliant Javelin semiconductor works with any existing baseband and RF chipset, enabling up to four times the range for Wi-Fi products, according to the company. Motorola and Hawking Technologies have selected the Motia chip for integration into their existing and pending Wi-Fi products. Motia has also applied its smart antenna technologies to the mobile in-vehicle satellite television market through its Cross Country reference design. Delphi has used Motia's smart antenna technology to demonstrate a compact antenna system that tracks a satellite signal from a moving automobile or truck.



The funding round was led by Prism Venture Partners and also includes an investment from the Intel Communications Fund. All previous investors, including Axiom Venture Partners, Carrot Capital and Kodiak Venture Partners also participated in this round. http://www.motia.com

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AT&T Updates 2004 Financial Outlook

AT&T trimmed its financial outlook for 2004, citing ongoing pricing pressure, recent changes in FCC policy and new product initiatives. Key points of the market update include:

• a recent escalation in competitive pricing pressure is expected to negatively impact AT&T's Business division in the near-term. As a result, the company now expects a sequential increase in the year-over-year rate of revenue decline for AT&T Business in the second quarter of 2004, and a full-year revenue decline exceeding the company's previous forecast.



• due to the new regulatory environment, AT&T Consumer is scaling back its customer acquisition efforts, resulting in an expected decline in the high-teens percentage for 2004 revenue versus 2003 levels.



• the company is reaffirming an aggressive roll out plan for its AT&T CallVantage VoIP service. AT&T now offers CallVantage in 46 major markets across 12 U.S. states and anticipates offering the service in over 100 domestic markets by the end of the third quarter, ahead of its prev
y announced year-end target. As a result, AT&T will incur higher than expected marketing expenses.


• the previously mentioned market conditions affecting both AT&T Business and AT&T Consumer are expected to result in full-year 2004 consolidated operating income between $1.0 billion and $1.4 billion, excluding restructuring charges.



• the company is ahead of its previously announced 8% headcount reduction for 2004. This will result in a charge of approximately $70 million in the second quarter primarily related to employee separation costs.



• AT&T now expects to spend approximately $1.8 billion in capital for 2004.

http://www.att.com

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Nortel Pursues Open Client Strategy for SIP

Nortel Networks launched a global initiative to enable third-party development and testing of SIP-based clients and terminals interoperable with Nortel Networks Multimedia Communication Server (MCS) 5100 and 5200 products.



Texas Instruments plans to adapt its VoIP reference designs for SIP-based customer premises equipment (CPE) such as terminal adapters, VoIP gateways and IP phones to achieve Nortel Networks MCS interoperability. In addition, third-party vendors Uniden America Corporation, i3 micro, and Polycom are developing or plan to develop MCS interoperable SIP clients and terminals in their consumer and enterprise products.



Nortel Networks also plans to provide vendors with a Theme Designer Kit (TDK) that will allow vendor participants to modify the look and feel of the MCS multimedia PC soft client. http://www.nortelnetworks.com

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UTStarcom Unveils Gigabit Ethernet PON Solution

UTStarcom introduced a Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) product family that includes Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing functionality. The platform is based on the forthcoming IEEE 802.3ah specification, which is expected to be ratified in July 2004.



UTStarcom's BBS 1000 family includes an Optical Line Termination System (OLT) for deployment at the Central Office (CO) as well as an Optical Network Unit (ONU) for deployment in a customer premises. The OLT 100 provides a direct optical interface to the Ethernet/IP network core, while the ONU 100 terminates the PON at the customer premise. The platform supports up to eight PON links, each capable of delivering one Gbps of shared bandwidth to 32 residential and business subscribers. It can service a maximum of 256 subscribers from a compact 1U chassis.



UTStarcom's BBS 1000 is in currently in customer trials. The company said carriers in Asia are currently initiating RFPs for PON-based FTTP solutions. Volume shipments are expected by the end of the year.



Separately, UTStarcom announced a partnership with Passave to develop EPON equipment for fiber-based access networks worldwide. http://www.utstarcom.comhttp://www.passave.com

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DSL Forum Announces Trio of DSLHome Specifications

The DSL Forum issued three Technical Reports (TRs) that define interfaces interface to a variety of devices inside the home. These include:

• TR-064 "LAN-Side DSL Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Configuration Specification," which institutes DSLHome CPE management capabilities that facilitate easier consumer self-installation and a new level of service management from their own location.



• TR-068 "Base Requirements for an ADSL Modem with Routing," which establishes a common set of capabilities that thrive across various service providers' networks. This DSLHome TR sets requirements for high-quality DSL modems and moves these modems towards the retail market, allowing consumers to choose from a larger body of products that can be readily supported by service providers.



• TR-069 "CPE WAN Management Protocol," which introduces secure CPE auto-configuration practices and incorporates other CPE management functions into a common framework. This enables a variety of service offerings including image management, firewall, virus protection, anti-spam, and parental control associated with home network security.

http://www.dslforum.org/

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Verizon Launches National Transparent LAN Service

Verizon is launching a National Transparent LAN Service (TLS) that provides point-to-point connectivity between customer sites over a shared backbone infrastructure. Verizon National TLS, which is aimed at enterprises that currently purchase metro Ethernet connectivity from Verizon, is available in 18 bandwidth options ranging from 10 Mbps to 600 Mbps. Traffic is carried over Verizon's Enterprise Advance national network using MPLS.



The new service is available now in select Northeast and mid-Atlantic areas and will expand through the summer to Verizon markets in the South and West, ultimately reaching 35 major markets across the United States.



The local version of the switched Ethernet service, Transparent LAN Service, is currently available in 56 major markets throughout Verizon's traditional service territory. http://www.verizon.com

• In May, Verizon launched a long-haul IP VPN service aimed at large business, education and government customers. The launch is part of Verizon's Enterprise Advance initiative.



• In April, Verizon announced the completion of its national IP MPLS backbone, which provides the basis for its "Enterprise Advance" growth initiative. Since announcing the Enterprise Advance growth initiative in November 2002, Verizon has completed construction on nine regional rings connecting the company's local networks and launched national services. The MPLS network consists of some 200 routers deployed in 56 markets. The core network has routers in 13 cities across the country. Verizon operates a Cisco Powered Network.



• Verizon is using Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 7600 regional WDM system, FLASHWAVE 7200 transponders, and FLASHWAVE 4500 core transport MSPP system for the nine regional rings in the national network serving its Enterprise Advance initiative. Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 4500 MSPP platform was also used extensively throughout the network as a Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP) to provide advanced services, like Ethernet over SONET, and aggregate traffic generated from Enterprise Advance business. Verizon is also using Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 4500 core transport system, the FLASHWAVE 4300 aggregation system and the FLASHWAVE 4100 access system in their regulated network.

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