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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Netrake Enhances its Session Controllers

Netrake has added new multi-network capabilities session controllers that support complex interconnection between many types of IP carriers. For instance, in order for a cable VoIP video customer to call a wireless VoIP customer using a PDA and then conference in a wireline VoIP customer working from home -- when all parities are located in different service areas -- a network element must be present in order to provide secure peering, translation of the various protocols, enforce QoS and security parameters, and note the real-time calling statistics necessary to support both billing and service level agreements (SLAs). Netrake's nCite session controller provides compliance with cable standards, such as support for PacketCable 1.2 CMSS signaling specification, as well as support for the SIP-specific changes required to comply with 3GPP wireless networks. The platform also allows carriers to actually view call set-up and delivery in real-time as well as collect in-depth session detail records about each call to facilitate billing. http://www.netrake.com

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