U.S. Army Upgrades DNS Infrastructure with Lucent

Lucent Technologies has upgraded the global IP management and Domain Name Service (DNS) infrastructure of the U.S. Army's Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) based in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. NETCOM provides network operations for the Army supporting more than 1.25-million civilian and military users worldwide and provides the underpinning for all of the Army's data, voice and video services.


The Lucent-designed infrastructure is being used to manage more than 1.75 million internet protocol (IP) records and is distributed to more than 300 global servers. The Lucent solution includes software that enables the efficient administration of IP services and is specifically designed for large-scale enterprise customers.


The contract was a part of the DNS-2 project that replaces the entire internal name services solution throughout the Army's infrastructure. Lucent's software has been used to protect their external namespace since the U.S. Army's C2 Protected (C2P) DNS-1 Program in 1998.
http://www.lucent.com

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MetaSolv Provides Mediation Solution for Bell Canada

Bell Canada has selected MetaSolv as their preferred billing mediation solution for VoIP business services after a rigorous lab trial. The MetaSolv mediation product is a next-generation, convergent mediation solution that collects, aggregates, enhances and distributes data for multiple purposes, including billing, discovery and performance applications. The solution enables operators to quickly implement flexible service pricing plans based on duration, usage, content, events, and services accessed. MetaSolv said its mediation solution supports a carrier's evolution from a circuit to packet-based network, including sheltering the billing system as networks move from legacy per-call CDRs to event-based IPDRs.
http://www.metasolv.com/

• In March 2004, MetaSolv announced that Bell Canada deployed MetaSolv's multi-service activation solution for next-generation voice and data services.

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Terayon Introduces New Wi-Fi-Enabled TJ 855 Cable Modem Gateway

Terayon Communication Systems introduced a cable modem gateway with integrated 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless networking. The device integrates a DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem, 4-port Ethernet router and integrated 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless router. The gateway and its security features can be configured and managed remotely via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), configuration file or web interface.
http://www.terayon.com

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WebEx Opens MediaTone Platform to Third Party Developers

WebEx Communications, a provider of on-demand web meeting applications, launched the MediaTone developer program aimed at accelerating the integration of real-time collaboration capabilities into third party applications. The program provides the tools, resources and support developers need to integrate web meeting capabilities into enterprise applications, VoIP platforms and telephony offerings or develop new, customized applications to meet specific industry needs. MediaTone is an open, on-demand web communications platform designed to support collaboration across multiple platforms, devices and computing architectures.


The MediaTone developer program leverages the enhancements made in the third generation of the WebEx MediaTone platform, the patented web communications technology that powers WebEx meeting applications. These enhancements include standards-based platform APIs to connect WebEx applications to enterprise solutions including CRM, business process automation, supply chain management, learning management and audio conferencing.
http://www.webex.com/

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New Global Telecom, Intrado and Broadsoft Collaborate on Mobile VoIP 911

New Global Telecom (NGT) is working with Intrado and Broadsoft on an end-to-end mobile VoIP 9-1-1 solution that enables end-user managed location updates in near real-time. As part of this agreement, NGT, Intrado and BroadSoft, are collaborating to integrate Intrado's V9-1-1 Mobility Service into BroadSoft's BroadWorks platform. This architecture will enable NGT's customers' end-users to easily self-manage updates to E9-1-1 information in near real-time. The companies said this would enable the correct routing of VoIP 9-1-1 calls from mobile workers to the appropriate public safety answering point on dedicated 9-1-1 trunks.
http://www.ngt.com/911http://www.intrado.com

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Verizon Acquires AT&T's Old Headquarters in New Jersey

Verizon Communications will locate operations of its major business units and subsidiaries in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The operations center will house some 2,800 employees from New Jersey and around the country when fully occupied in about 18 months.


The facility, to be called Verizon Center, is a 1.3 million-square-foot complex of seven interconnected buildings on a 135-acre campus originally built and occupied by AT&T. The facility, which is being acquired from current owner Pfizer, will be home to the leadership teams of Verizon's Domestic Telecom and International units and selected corporate staff and support personnel.

Verizon Wireless, a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, will also be located at the center.


Separately, in a decision announced on Jan. 25, 2005, Verizon will move its corporate headquarters from 1095 Avenue of the Americas to 140 West St. in lower Manhattan. This location will also house the leadership team of Verizon-New York, which serves New York state customers.
http://www.verizon.com

• In July 2002, AT&T sold its headquarters in Basking Ridge, New Jersey to Pharmacia for $200 million.


• In January 2005, SBC Communications agreed to acquire AT&T in an historic deal valued at approximately $16 billion

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Cisco Addresses Federal Continuity of Operations (COOP) Requirements

Cisco Systems introduced an integrated network architecture designed to help U.S. federal-government agencies comply with federal mandates for Continuity of Operations (COOP), which requires agencies to operate fully during and following natural or intentional disasters.


Cisco's VirtualCOOP Solution and MeetingPlace Crisis Management Application uses VPN tunnels across broadband networks to enable offsite agency personnel to remain connected to data centers and their key business applications. These key personnel, thus, are assisted in retaining access to voice, e-mail and video communications and business applications, while management retains secure, centralized control. Cisco's Crisis Management Application allows dispersed disaster-response teams to plan through emergencies and threats. A "dial blast" goes out (up to three numbers each are dialed for predetermined individuals), immediately engaging response teams in an integrated voice, data and video conference with participation limited to invitees.

Cisco said it began development of its COOP architecture specifically in response to the government mandate detailed in Federal Preparedness Circular 65 (FPC 65). Cisco's COOP architecture provides resilience at four interdependent layers:

• Network -- through component-, device-, solution- and system-level redundancy, as well as high-availability networking technologies and best practices in network design and operations;



• Application -- through business-ready data center solutions, application- and content-delivery services, storage networking and data replication;



• Communications -- through distributed, central office-based gateways and distributed call centers for IP Communications with integrated messaging, Intermediate Session Routing (ISR) services and crisis management; and



• Workforce -- through wired and wireless integration, "office-in-a-box" capabilities and telework solutions.

http://www.cisco.com

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Brix Networks Secures $5 Million in Latest Round of Funding

Brix Networks raised $5 million in fifth round of venture capital funding for its VoIP performance management and service assurance solutions. The latest series of financing was led by new Brix investor Castile Ventures, and also included long-time company backers Charles River Ventures, ComVentures, Fidelity Ventures, Partech International, and STAR Ventures. Brix has now raised approximately $60 million since its inception in July 1999.
http://www.brixnet.com

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China Unicom Deploys Acme Packet Session Border Controllers

China Unicom, one of the largest service providers in China, is deploying Acme Packet's Net-Net session border controllers in its national, multiservice converged network that connects residential and business customers. Deployment of Acme Packet's session border controllers is underway, with a target of nearly 50 cities to be installed over the next couple of months. Security features like access control and network topology hiding help protect China Unicom's own network from attack while ensuring the highest quality services to the end user. Hosted NAT traversal and multiprotocol support with interworking functionality will be key features in the second phase of the project. These features will allow China Unicom to maximize its service reach and deliver hosted IP services to both business and residential subscribers without the need for additional equipment on the customer premise.


Acme Packet's Net-Net products are being integrated with China Unicom's existing IP network and the next generation softswitch platform from Alcatel Shanghai Bell to offer more enhanced services. Alcatel Shanghai Bell is a strategic partner of Acme Packet.
http://www.acmepacket.com

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NTT Com Deploys Sycamore Networks' Universal Service Card

NTT Communications (NTT Com) has deployed Sycamore Networks' Universal Service Card (USC) in its nationwide optically switched network in support of Ethernet services.


NTT Com's intelligent optically switched network is built on Sycamore's SN 3000 and SN 16000 optical switches. The USC is a modular service interface card for the SN 16000 intelligent optical switch that enables a variety of interface types, port speeds, and transport options in a single line card. The USC's modular architecture can support SONET/SDH, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
http://www.sycamorenet.com
http://www.nttcom.com

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Nortel Supplies Voice Security to U.S. Military

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has chosen a Nortel solution to enhance its Defense Switched Network (DSN). Nortel and DoD's Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) -- with help from systems integrators General Dynamics and CSC -- will leverage existing communications equipment, upgrade hardware and add new software to transform the entire DoD managed voice network into a private network under complete DoD control. The new hardware and software will create a multifunction switch with full tandem and end office capability. It will support a full range of military-specific requirements including Multi-level Precedence and Preemption (MLPP) service, which ensures that calls are put through in order of priority in times of crisis. In addition to enhancing security, the network is expected to reduce operational costs. This has been achieved through a collaborative effort between DISA and the U.S. Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA). Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.nortel.com

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Cedar Point and LongBoard Demonstrate Cable Voice Interoperability

LongBoard, a supplier of open mobile convergence software for wireline carriers, and Cedar Point Communications, which offers packet-based voice switching technologies for the cable industry, demonstrated VoIP interoperability over Hybrid-Fiber Coax (HFC) networks. The companies said their joint solution will allow cable operators to provide truly converged voice offerings -- including a unified set of call features.


By integrating Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) with cable telephony solutions, cable operators could offer customers a wireless service that seamlessly hands off calls across both local WiFi and public cellular networks, using one dual-mode phone and one phone number, as part of a quadruple play of mobile voice, fixed voice, data, and video. Cedar Point's SAFARI C(Cubed)-LMAP solution enables cable operators offering mobility services to maintain control of their customers' calls. LMAP is a SIP-based server-to-handset software solution that delivers a seamless set of voice services over all networks. In addition, the solution capitalizes on SAFARI C(Cubed)'s existing integration with cable system operators' back office systems, accelerating time to market for converged services.
http://www.longboard.com

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Ericsson SuppliesEthernet/ ADSL2+ in Colombia

Ericsson will deliver its ADSL2+ Public Ethernet Broadband Access solution to Telebucaramanga, a regional operator in Colombia. Ericsson will assist Telebucaramanga to build an advanced broadband access network for triple play services. The contract includes an end-to-end broadband access solution, comprising HomeGateways, IP-DSLAMs, Metro Network and associated management systems and services. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.ericsson.com

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MCI Accepts Sweeten Bid from Verizon

MCI's Board of Directors accepted a revised $7.6 billion acquisition offer from Verizon. The new bid from Verizon was nearly $1 billion greater than its previous offer but still under the $8.45 billion offer from Qwest Communications.


Under the revised proposal, MCI may be required to pay Verizon a termination fee in the event the agreement is terminated. Under specified circumstances, this termination fee has been increased to $240 million from $200 million and reimbursement to Verizon for its expenses up to $10 million.


In making its determination, MCI said its Board considered the following factors, among others: the changing competitive nature of the telecommunications industry; increasing need for scale and comprehensive wireless capabilities; access economics; the level and achievability of synergies; strength of capital structure; the ongoing ability to sustain network service quality and invest in new capabilities; and ensuring ongoing customer confidence among MCI's large enterprise and government customers.


In a statement, Qwest said "We respect the right of Verizon to change the composition and value of their bid, but we still believe our proposal creates superior value for shareowners. We are going to assess the situation and determine what is in the best interests of shareowners, customers and employees."http://www.verizon.com
http://www.mci.com

• MCI traces its lineage to Microwave Communications of America Inc., which was founded by Jack Goeken in 1963. In 1968, the company was joined by Bill McGowan, who led the regulatory fight to challenge AT&T in long distance communications.

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Juniper to Acquire Kagoor Networks for Session Controllers

Juniper Networks agreed to acquire Kagoor Networks, a supplier of session border controllers (SBCs), for $67.5 million in cash, plus options and certain other incentives and equity compensation.


Kagoor, which is based in San Mateo, California, with R&D in Herzelia, Israel, has supplied its VoiceFlow SBC products to over 100 carriers worldwide. The company has strategic partnerships with Lucent, Siemens and NEC.


Juniper said the acquisition extends its strategy to bring secure and assured networking to customers worldwide through rich traffic processing. In particular, the session border controllers are being used by network operators to deploy quality VoIP and other rich media services by solving NAT traversal problems and providing interoperability between various protocols. Kagoor's VoiceFlow supports all major VoIP protocols (SIP, H.323, MGCP). Juniper sees SBCs as one of the key building blocks required for infranets. Also, Juniper will leverage the acquisition to establish an Israeli R&D center.

by Jim Greenway Kagoor Networks

The Evolution of Session Border Controllers Session border controllers have matured to play an essential role in delivering secure and seamless VoIP service. Most VoIP has been deployed in "islands", either within enterprises deploying VoIP on a LAN or by a carrier using it for its internal network transport. In both cases, the VoIP traffic terminates at a gateway and is converted to PSTN as it leaves the enterprise or the carrier's network. Session border controllers (SBCs) were designed to connect these islands and create an end-to-end VoIP network

http://www.juniper.nethttp://www.kagoor.com

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