Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Cisco to Acquire Jahi for Net Management

Cisco Systems will acquire Jahi Systems, a start-up based in San Jose, California and Hyderabad, India, for its network management appliances designed to simplify device deployment, configuration and management. Jahi has not yet announced any products. Cisco will pay approximately $16 million in cash and assumed options for the company, which has 20 employees.



The companies said Jahi's technology will provide the foundation for a consistent external network device interface and simplifies network deployment and management by creating a virtual device view of the network, thus reducing the complexity and cutting the overall cost. For Cisco, the Jahi solution will augment its existing network management applications by providing an enhanced interface for Cisco devices. It will also offer customers who are writing their own scripts and network management applications a common way of interacting with different Cisco devices running in the network. http://www.cisco.comhttp://www.jahinetworks.com/Cisco's 2004 acquisitions have included:

  • Perfigo, a privately-held developer of packaged network access control solutions, approximately $74 million in cash


  • dynamicsoft, a start-up offering SIP-based carrier solutions, for $55 million in cash


  • NetSolv, a provider of remote network and IT infrastructure management services for businesses


  • P-Cube, a developer of IP service control platforms, for approximately $200 million in cash and options.


  • Procket, a developer of concurrent services routers with expertise in silicon and software development, for approximately $89 million in cash.


  • Parc Technologies, a spin off from a renowned center for research into search algorithms based at Imperial College, University of London, for $9 million. Parc's Route Server algorithms address network routing problems involving complex Quality of Service constraints.


  • Actona Technologies, a start-up developing software that facilitates data management across geographically distributed offices, for approximately $82 million in cash.


  • Riverhead Networks, a start-up offering security technology that protects against Distributed Denial of Service ("DDoS") attacks and other security threats in enterprise and service provider networks, for approximately $39 million in cash.


  • Twingo Systems, a start-up developing desktop security solutions for Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), for approximately $5 million in cash.

UTStarcom Selected for Telco Triple Play in Southern U.S.

DSSI and SmartTel selected UTStarcom as the key technology vendor for its rollout of triple play services to subscribers in Alabama and Florida. DSSI is deploying UTStarcom's complete mVision TVoIP solution, including a low-bit-rate encoding platform; IP TV streaming platform; TVoIP set-top boxes; and an Operations Support System (OSS). UTStarcom's IP-based mSwitch softswitch and carrier-class software suite are designed to provide OSS capabilities by handling media asset management, channel management and scheduling, billing, security and conditional access, system management, and other management functions. UTStarcom is also providing DSSI with its 8250 Personal Communications Management System (PCMS), which integrates enhanced voice services and unified messaging in one platform.



DSSI envisions a rollout to 100,000 homes and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) of IP-based voice, high-speed data, on-demand video and video gaming, and 100-channel TVoIP service to subscribers via Fiber to the Home (FTTH) over the operator's fiber network. DSSI will deploy an initial phase of 12,000 platforms to residential subscribers from Panama City, Fla. to Mobile, Ala, with additional deployments to follow. SmartTel, which is DSSI's integration division, intends to rollout its new converged services on January 1, 2005. http://www.utstar.com

mPhase Adds Integrated Security to its IP TV

mPhase Technologies has enhanced its IPTV system through the integration of Ranch Networks' security products into its video soft switch. The new feature uses Ranch Networks Single Pass Packet Scan technology to integrate multiple security and management capabilities into a single piece of hardware. According to the company, the Security+ Feature lets network operators cost-effectively segment the IP network into multiple individually-secured zones - each with its own security policies in both directions. Additional security layers such as per-user authentication, virtual zones, and policy-based security-on-demand are included. http://www.mPhaseTech.comhttp://www.ranchnetworks.com

NENA Launches Next-Gen E9-1-1 Program

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) launched a Next Generation E9-1-1 (NG E9-1-1) Program aimed at encouraging service providers to upgrade the nation's 9-1-1 systems by implementing "next generation" technologies, procedures and best practices .



The NG E9-1-1 Program is organized into three topic Roundtable groups around NENA disciplines and areas of concerns - 1) Technical, 2) Policy, and 3) Operational/Educational. The work of the Roundtables is to identify appropriate supplementary activities that are needed to further the NG E9-1-1 goals, work and principals.



The program is an open consultative process to improve the nation's planning, leadership and innovation in the delivery of a fully functional 9-1-1 system that responds anytime, anywhere, from any device," said Stephen Seitz, NENA's Governmental Affairs Director. http://www.nena.org

Latest Amino IPTV Set-Top Box Offers Windows Media 9 and HDTV

Amino Communications introduced an IPTV set-top box offering compatibility with HDTV and Microsoft's Windows Media 9 (WMV9) low bit-rate codec. Telcos could use the STB to offer TV services via DSL. HDTV displays to the 720p or 1080i standards. Amino plans to launch an MPEG-4 AVC compatible set-top box early next year.



Amino also announced the availability of two major middleware applications for its AmiNET500 IPTV set-top box with integral PVR (personal video recorder). The new Minerva iTVManager 2 and Myrio Interactive 3.5 client software have now been ported to the AmiNET500, enabling telcos to upgrade subscriber offerings to include PVR functions on live television broadcasts. These include scheduled record from EPG, viewing one channel whilst recording another, pause, fast-forward and reverse, and slow motion frame-by-frame. The AmiNET500 IPTV set-top box contains an 80GB hard disk drive which is capable of storing around 40 hours of video content. http://www.aminocom.com

Second Ku/Ka-band Satellite for Echostar Ready for Launch

SES AMERICOM's AMC-16 satellite has been delivered to Cape Canaveral to prepare it for its scheduled ATLAS V launch on December 16, 2004. The hybrid Ku-band/Ka-band satellite will support advanced video and broadband services for EchoStar Communications Corp.



The spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin and is being launched by International Launch Services (ILS). AMC-16 will feature the second operating Ka-band payload in the SES AMERICOM fleet. It carries twelve 125 MHz Ka-band spot beams, along with twenty-four 36 MHz, 140 watt Ku-band transponders. AMC-15, was launched by ILS in October on a Proton launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and is currently undergoing in-orbit testing. The satellites have been optimized to provide Direct-to-Home video and broadband services into a single dish. http://www.ses-americom.com

Agere Unveils Multimedia Framework for Mobile Handsets

Agere Systems announced a new technology framework that enables mobile handset vendors to rapidly develop wireless phones supporting the latest advancements in multimedia for such applications as audio and video streaming and playback, video recording, digital photo imaging and downloadable ring tones.



Agere said its multimedia framework simplifies the process of combining and incorporating additional video and audio components, which helps phone makers to customize their solutions for specific segments of the market. Its modular structure also provides a stable software and hardware continuum as standards for new or enhanced multimedia applications emerge. The framework can be used for handsets based on 2.5G/GPRS, EDGE and 3G/UMTS network technologies. In addition, Agere's solution supports MPEG-4 and H.263 video, JPEG images, MP3 music, AAC and aacPlus audio, as well as MIDI ring tone synthesizers.



Agere recently began offering the multimedia framework as part of its baseband silicon and software solutions for GPRS and EDGE mobile phones. Presently, the company is sampling the solution to select customers.http;//www.agere.com

net.com Enhances SCREAM Platform with Multicast and VPNs

net.com released a new version of its SCREAM subscriber management platform featuring the addition of IP multicast functionality, advanced IP-VPN support and upgraded platform security.
SCREAM can now support the simultaneous multicasting of individual video streams to residential IPTV customers. TSCREAM is the only subscriber management platform in the broadband video space to offer both ATM and IP multicast support, thereby fulfilling a number of key roles in network based content distribution.



SCREAM 3.1 also delivers MPLS IP-VPN (RFC 2547) functionality to service providers looking to migrate their DSL access infrastructures from ATM to IP. Using virtual route forwarding (VRF) for Layer 3 VPN support presents a simplified alternative to tunneled hand-off mechanisms (L2TP), and also enables Internet and applications service providers to offer tiered IP QoS guarantees to their subscribers. When deployed in these subscriber management applications, SCREAM can also be used to provide network based IP-VPN solutions for enterprise customers. These IP-VPNs can use a full range of routing protocols, including BGP, OSPF, RIP and EIGRP (widely deployed in private enterprise networks). This allows seamless migration from an enterprise-owned to a network-based, VPN model.



SCREAM 3.1 also includes the introduction of high speed OC48/STM16 interfaces to provide both ATM and packet over SONET (POS) uplinks. This reinforces SCREAM's position as a key edge component in the evolution of ATM to IP transport networks.



net.com said it has also upgraded the platform's security in response to requests from enterprise, carrier and government customers. Broad enhancements were made to meet the most stringent U.S. government and defense security requirements while allowing operators to flexibly deploy any security policy to their own organizations. http://www.net.com

SBC Selects Microsoft for IPTV

SBC Communications selected the new Microsoft IPTV Edition software platform for its Project Lightspeed initiative. The deal, which is valued at $400 million over 10 years, is the first of its kind for any U.S.-based telecommunications provider.



src="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/11402824/CND/v11n222-
msiptv.jpg" align="left">SBC Labs has been testing an IP-based television service built on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition platform since June 2004. SBC companies and Microsoft will begin field trials in mid 2005 and plan commercial availability of the IP-based television platform in late 2005.



Microsoft said its platform will provide strong security features and efficiency in delivering standard and high-definition TV programming to multiple TV sets in the home. The IP-based TV service is planned to include instant channel changing, customizable channel lineups, video on demand, digital video recording, multimedia interactive program guides, event notifications, content protection features, etc. The IP services may be accessed and shared via any number of IP-enabled household devices, such as TVs, set-top boxes, PCs, PDAs or phones. It will include end-to-end digital rights management technology to protect the content across multiple devices.




"Project Lightspeed and the Microsoft and SBC relationship underscore what the future holds for consumers: a virtually unlimited opportunity for innovative, cross-device services and entertainment experiences enabled by the marriage of powerful broadband networks with the magic of software," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. http://www.sbc.comhttp://www.microsoft.com/tv
  • Earlier this month, SBC Communications outlined operational and financial details on Project Lightspeed, its plan to deploy IPTV and other advanced residential services over an upgraded fiber access infrastructure. In a conference call to investors and the media, SBC executives said Project Lightspeed would not be "a me-too undertaking" but would radically transform the market by delivering an integrated "Digital Lifestyle." The company believes its can achieve a true competitive advantage by tightly integrating IP voice, data, video and its Cingular wireless services. SBC is setting an aggressive rollout schedule. Project Lightspeed will include both FTTN and FTTP deployments. Lab and field trials are currently underway and network construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2005. Commercial launch of IPTV services is slated for Q4 2005. SBC is aiming to reach some 90% of its "high-value" residential customers by 2007 -- about 18 million households.


  • SBC's video network architecture will include 2 national "Super Head Ends" where national content will be aggregated and VOD encoding will occur. SBC will build 40 Regional Video Hub Offices, which will provide video content storage, time-shifted TV and interactive applications. Local content aggregation will also occur in the Regional Video Hub Offices. The SBC video network architecture will also have a large number (about 140) Video Serving Offices for local distribution.

ITU Hosts Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is hosting a Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) next month to bring together heads of national regulatory authorities from both developed and developing countries to achieve consensus on the best ways to address the challenges of convergence and to achieve the shared goal of affordable access. To this end, the regulators are expected to issue a statement of "Best Practice Guidelines for the Promotion of Low Cost Broadband and Internet Connectivity". The event will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. http://www.itu.int/

Taipei Selects Nortel for Huge 802.11 Mesh Network

The city of Taipei, Taiwan selected Nortel Networks for huge wireless mesh network that is expected to encompass 10,000 wireless access points in service by year-end 2005 and serve an area of 272 square kilometers, where 90% of Taipei's 2.65 million people live.



The Taipei City Government has signed a contract with Qware, which plans to operate a wireless broadband network based on Nortel's Wireless Mesh Network solution. For this project, Nortel will provide its Wireless Mesh Network solution, including the Nortel Wireless Access Point 7220, Wireless Gateway 7250, Nortel Optivity Network Management System, and other related network management elements. Nortel's Wireless Mesh Network solution uses 802.11 standards, allowing users with Wi-Fi enabled laptop computers or handheld computing devices to access the network without new hardware or software. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.nortel.com/news

China Airlines to Add Connexion by Boeing Service

China Airlines, the Taiwan-based airline, will begin offering the Connexion by Boeing satellite Internet service on its North America flights. Installation will begin in the second quarter of 2005 on Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The airline plans to extend the service to other aircraft and routes at a future date.



China Airlines is the sixth carrier in the world to sign a definitive agreement with Connexion by Boeing. http://www.connexionbyboeing.com/

MASERGY Deploys Alcatel's Service Router for Global Ethernet WAN Service

MASERGY is using Alcatel's 7750 Service Router to provide enterprise customers around the world with Ethernet services to all their company locations. The Ethernet WANs offers five levels of QoS tailored to an enterprise's needs.



Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Boeing, is using MASERGY's international VPLS service to manage mission critical applications such as corporate communications between the U.S. and European offices while supporting the management of all flight plans across North America. http://www.alcatel.com/
  • MASERGY is a privately-held Dallas-based global provider of customer-controlled network services for enhanced application performance. The company connects medium to large businesses across the country and multi-national companies around the globe to its MPLS network.

Broadband Industry Leaders Create Broadband Services Forum

The Broadband Content Delivery Forum (BCDF) and the Service Creation Community (SCC) will merge to form the Broadband Services Forum. Its mission will be to foster dialogue across the broadband value chain, including content, service and technology providers. The efforts of the Forum will be focused on enabling:

  • Innovative high value services

  • Reduced time to deployment

  • Unified services and applications experience

  • Network and device agnostic service delivery

  • Simplified multi-service architecture

  • Business tools and rationales



Derek Kuhn (from Alcatel) will serve as chairman and Craig Forbes (from net.com) will be vice-chairman of the interim board of directors of the new organization. The membership roster includes over 45 leaders in the broadband industry. http://www.broadbandservicesforum.org/http://www.net.com/