Redback Outsources Business Apps to IBM

Redback Networks has extended its existing relationship with IBM for the use of IBM's Applications On Demand services. Under the relationship, IBM will continue to manage Redback's core business applications and IT infrastructure.

http://www.ibm.comhttp://www.redback.com

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Belgacom Builds Reconfigurable Optical Backbone with Siemens

Belgacom International Carrier Services is working with Siemens Communications to build a flexible optical backbone linking 16 of its European telecommunications nodes and enable Belgacom ICS to offer its customers transmission capacity up to n x 40 Gbps wavelengths.



Belgacom's PEN4FUTURE project relies on Siemens' Surpass hiT 7500 platform, an optical transport platform for regional and long-haul haul applications. The network uses ROADM technology (Reconfigurable Optical Add & Drop Multiplexer), enabling the carrier to significantly lower operational and investment costs compared with the previous DWDM generation technology. Moreover, the plug & play and fully tunable ultra-long haul transponders dramatically reduce the time to deploy.



Belgacom ICS's new optical backbone will link 16 network nodes in 7 European countries: Belgium, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and at a later stage Italy. The deployment is phased from May to August 2006.

http://www.siemens.com

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Juniper and NTT Test GMPLS over 40 Gbps Trunks

Juniper Networks together with NTT Communications successfully demonstrated Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) signaling to dynamically establish a OC-768/STM-256 Layer 1 network path between NTT Communications' Makuhari and Othemachi Points of Presence (PoPs). The tests used Juniper's T640 core routers.



GMPLS extends the efficient label switching mechanism of MPLS to the physical network layer, providing a control plane that allows networks to take advantage of an advanced infrastructure, including high-speed links such as OC768c, which is fastest optical link available today. Using GMPLS, routers can intelligently signal the optical layer, enabling providers to establish, change or tear down optical links in real time.



Juniper said its T640 platform was the only router in the trial that could perform the high speed connection via a logical router exchanging the IPv4 and IPv6 traffic with a master physical router controlling a Layer 1 path with GMPLS signaling. http://www.juniper.net

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Amstrad Selects Conexant for HDTV Satellite Set-Top Boxes

Amstrad PLC, a leading international manufacturer of digital STBs, selected Conexant Systems' DVB-S2/MPEG-4 satellite set-top box silicon
for their new high-definition television (HDTV) satellite receiver. Amstrad is using six Conexant chips in the box.



Amstrad's DRX700i STB is based exclusively on Conexant's semiconductor solutions, and will be deployed by Italian satellite broadcast operator Sky Italia this summer.

http://www.conexant.com

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Akamai Targets New Services at Web 2.0 Technologies

Akamai Technologies introduced a new set of services aimed at business-to-consumer (B2C) Web sites that are integrating rich, collaborative Web 2.0-generated content and applications into their online architecture. Web 2.0 technologies include the use of dynamic software applications like AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) and Macromedia Flash, as well as Web Services.



Akamai's suite of Dynamic Site Solutions includes the following capabilities:

• Dynamic Content Processing - Akamai processes dynamic content and business logic on Akamai servers, leading to increased infrastructure offload and faster Web site delivery.



• Content Prefetching - Akamai requests and pre-loads dynamic content on Akamai servers before the user has started requesting the content, enabling B2C websites to more rapidly serve dynamically-generated pages.



• Internet Route and Connection Optimization - Akamai's Internet path optimization technology is designed to automatically select the fastest path across the Internet between the Akamai server and the central infrastructure. Once an optimal route is selected, Akamai further optimizes this connection using a combination of protocol optimization, persistent connections, and compression, leading to improved Web site performance and a faster and more reliable end user experience.



• Content Targeting -- Akamai identifies a visiting user's geographic location, connection speed, device type, or other specified information so that content can be targeted in real time based on the Web site owners' preference.

Akamai said its new Dynamic Site Solutions delivers performance that is nearly five times that of the original Web infrastructure, while avoiding the build-out of costly additional hardware that is often required to support the increased load brought on by richer, more dynamic content.



"As Website architectures have evolved from static Web pages to the use of dynamic software applications like AJAX, Macromedia Flash and Flex, traditional content delivery technologies cannot service their needs," said Tom Leighton, Akamai's Chief Scientist. "There are inherent challenges and limitations in the delivery of dynamic content that need to be overcome in order to optimize dynamic processing on a Web site. Working alongside our customers, we recognized this trend, and are offering a unique, geographically-distributed solution for accelerating Web 2.0-based transactional content."http://www.akamai.com

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WMS and LGC Wireless Deliver Cellular Service Aboard Cruise Ships

Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, is deploying LGC Wireless' InterReach Unison systems to enable high-quality cellular service for cruise ship passengers worldwide.



LGC Wireless systems are currently deployed aboard some two dozen ships operated by the world's leading cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.



A typical installation brings in wireless signals through a ship-mounted satellite antenna, and then distributes the signal via Unison Main and Expansion Hubs plus roughly 60 antennas. Through its roaming partnerships with 340 cellular carriers worldwide, WMS ensures CDMA and GSM-based cellular services.

http://www.lgcwireless.comhttp://www.cellularatsea.com

	3G Wireless Applications Need Better In-Building Coverage
In the race to deploy 3G mobile data coverage, carriers are primarily concerned with upgrading their existing outdoor network. While this will support applications in transportation, utilities, and construction industries, such coverage won't easily support indoor mobile 3G wireless users. There are two basic challenges.

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AOL Updates Open AIM Initiative with Location-Based Services

AOL extended its Open AIM initiative to include support for AIM Bots, location-based services and PC-to-PC voice calling. The update also includes support for developers working on the Mac OS X, Linux, and Pocket PC platforms or with the Java language.

• AIM Bots are dedicated, opt-in Screen Names that help developers, marketers and individuals create new connections and establish strong bonds with contacts in the AIM community. In addition, AIM Bots can support audio calls, file transfers and picture sharing. For example, an AIM Bot could be created to let users send pictures or podcasts to their blogs. AIM Bots respond automatically to instant messages (IMs) they receive and can maintain IM conversations with multiple users - reaching up to 10,000 people per day - before encountering limits. To prevent IM spam, AIM Bots cannot initiate IMs without permission.



• AIM Location services are now part of the Open AIM SDK. The new application program interfaces (APIs) - with sample code - have been added to the SDK to let developers build location services into clients, plugins*** and, in the coming weeks, Web sites.



• AOL is also giving developers the ability to add AIM Talk's PC-to-PC voice functionality and multi-party voice chat into their custom AIM clients. For the first time, developers can integrate audio features based on the open source sipXtapi SIP stack, from sipfoundry.org, into their applications with a single turnkey solution.

AOL said its Open AIM initiative, which was launched in March of this year, encourages companies, communities and independent developers to build customized plugins, communications clients and mash-ups that access AOL's global instant messaging network. The company noted that more than 45,000 developers have its AIM Software Development Kit (SDK).
http://developer.aim.com

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Global Crossing Awarded $16.43 Multimillion Dollar GSA Contract

Global Crossing is one of the multiple awardees of a contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in the Southeast Sunbelt region. Under the contract, Global Crossing will provide a variety of telecommunications services to federal agencies based in the region. Global Crossing's portion of the contract, valued at $16.43 million, was awarded by GSA's Federal Technology Service in Atlanta.

http://www.globalcrossing.com

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Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative Selects XO Dark Fiber

XO Communications landed a multi-year agreement worth up to $3 million to provide dark fiber to the Mid- Atlantic Broadband Cooperative (MBC). Specifically, XO is providing MBC with 800 miles of dark fiber between Atlanta, Richmond and Washington, DC. MBC will incorporate the dark fiber into its network that will provide high-capacity optical transport services on a wholesale basis to the region.

http://www.xo.comhttp://www.mbc-va.com

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Avaya Tracks 6 TB of Data in Opening Days on FIFA World Cup Network

Avaya's Network Operations Centers supporting the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany tracked more than six terabytes of traffic in the first week on the network connecting 70 locations including all 12 FIFA World Cup stadiums -- from Frankfurt to Munich -- the media centers in all stadiums, and the FIFA headquarters in Berlin. The Avaya-built network is used by journalists, stadium officials, volunteers, the Local Organizing Committee, referees and players to communicate with each other and with fans throughout the games over phone, Internet and video. Avaya said it has more than 250 Global Services personnel directly supporting the event.

http://www.avaya.com

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SEC Opens Inquiry into AMCC's Past Stock Option Grants

The Securities and Exchange Commission is conducting an informal inquiry relating to AMCC's past stock option grant practices.



Prior to being contacted by the SEC, AMCC had announced that its Audit Committee had begun a self-initiated review of the company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.

http://www.amcc.com

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Verizon Wireless Launches Chaperone GPS Tracking Service

Verizon Wireless launched "Chaperone", a GPS-tracking service that is being marketed for parents. Two options are available:



Chaperone Child Locator -- Once the child is equipped with a new or
updated LG "Migo" phone and the service is activated on the account, parents can locate their child's Migo phone from a PC via the Chaperone Web site . Optionally, parents can download the Chaperone application to their mobile phone.



Chaperone with Child Zone -- Using the Chaperone Web site, a parent can construct an area called a Child Zone around the vicinity of locations that their child frequents (such as school, playgrounds or daycare centers). Different locations can be "zoned" for one time, always on, or for up to 24 hours. When the child arrives or leaves the
predetermined area with their Migo phone, the parent is alerted via TXT
Message on their Verizon Wireless phone.



The Migo phone is designed for young children (between five and nine years old). It has four programmable call buttons and one pre- programmed emergency call button.

http://www.verizonwireless.com

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Texas Instruments and Tata Elxsi Deliver 802.16e System

Texas Instruments and Tata Elxsi announce their collaboration on an end-to-end base band demonstration system for IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX infrastructure products, enabling manufacturers to quickly roll out flexible base stations. The new design combines both the hardware and software required for system implementation, including a fully integrated Media Access Controller (MAC).
http://www.ti.com/wimaxwihttp://www.tataelxsi.com

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Lucent Adds Six New European Value Added Distributor

Lucent Technologies has signed contracts with six new European Value Added Distributors (VADs) to resell its Bell Labs-developed security portfolio as part of their larger IT offerings to resellers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom carriers, and enterprises. The new Value Added Distributors are: Exer Datacom (France), Micro BR (Spain), Redco Telematica S.p.A. (Italy), Veracomp S.A. (Poland), VUMS DataCom spol. s r.o. (Czech Republic), and Wick Hill (U.K.).



With this announcement, Lucent is introducing a two-tier channel model in Europe, providing leading national IT distributors with the technology, products, and support infrastructure to sell its solutions for delivering secure VoIP and data networking applications to local security resellers, systems integrators, ISPs and smaller carriers.



Lucent is currently recruiting more distributors for security in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and other regions throughout the world, and thus implement the two-tier channel model in all key markets.

http://www.lucent.com

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Nortel Expands SMB Portfolio

Nortel introduced a new portfolio of voice, data and wireless products for small and medium businesses (SMB). These include:

• Business Ethernet Switch 100 Family - Provides desktop connectivity and delivers power for devices such as IP phones and wireless access points.



• Business Secure Router 222 - Delivers low-cost connectivity to the
  Internet or IP networks



• Business Access Point 120 - Provides simple, secure wireless data and voice connectivity



• Business Element Manager - Provides a simple and consistent network
  management interface across the SMB portfolio to streamline repetitive
  tasks and simplify network operations.



• Business Communication Manager 4.0 - Software enhancements to the
  BCM 200 and BCM 400 deliver enhanced simplicity and ease of management, as well as ad-hoc conferencing for up to 40 participants, expanded IP set support, enhanced security and voice-enabled WAN support.

http://www.nortel.com

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Bezeq Selects Redback's SmartEdge Multi-Service Edge Router

Bezeq, the national incumbent telecom provider in Israel, selected Redback's SmartEdge Multi-Service Edge Router as the foundation for its next generation broadband IP network. Redback's local partner is Taldor Communications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.redback.com

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Samsung BCS Launches Converged Wireless-Wireline Platform

Samsung BCS released a larger version of its OfficeServ 7400 converged platform, featuring higher port capacity, a gigabit Ethernet backbone and 64-channel MGI cards that enable larger VoIP applications and support for up to 500 users.



Like the OfficeServ 7200, the new platform offers enterprises true flexibility and efficiency through an integrated wireless and wireline platform. It provides full support for Samsung's VoIP, Wireless LAN (WLAN), and traditional phones, IP phones, IP-based data and other business communications peripherals and allows for voice call Quality of Service (QoS) control. The OfficeServ 7400 platform handles voice calls and data using various modules, including LAN and WAN modules as well as a gigabit Ethernet backbone and data modules supporting Power over Ethernet.



http://www.samsung.com/bcs

	Small Business in a Big Business World
IP telephony can save the day for many small- and medium-sized businesses. Converged systems have many advantages, with the key being unlimited accessibility. But even with all of convergence's advantages, how does a business determine if it is the right time for convergence? And if it is, where do you start?

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QUALCOMM Files New Legal Case against Nokia

QUALCOMM filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that Nokia engaged in unfair trade practices by the importation and sale of certain mobile telephone handsets, wireless communication devices and components that infringe one or more claims of six QUALCOMM patents. QUALCOMM has requested that the ITC institute an investigation into Nokia's infringing imports and ultimately issue an Exclusion Order to bar importation of those Nokia handsets and other products.



QUALCOMM said it expects the ITC investigation will commence in July and that the case will be tried in the first half of next year.



For its part, Nokia said it believes he subject matter of the ITC complaint are be covered by QUALCOMM's prior agreements to license on fair and reasonable terms and are thus not properly subject to a request by Qualcomm to the ITC. Nokia also noted that its obligations to pay royalties to QUALCOMM's under the current license agreement will expire on April 9, 2007. Nokia and Qualcomm are in active negotiations to extend, or replace, the current agreements.



Nokia said it believes QUALCOMM's repetitive legal actions, over GSM technologies that have been in the market for many years, reflect QUALCOMM's concern over the current 3G UMTS patent negotiations. http://www.qualcomm.comhttp//www.nokia.com

• In November 2005, QUALCOMM filed suit against Nokia Corporation and Nokia Inc. in federal court in San Diego for infringement of 11 of QUALCOMM's patents and one patent owned by SnapTrack. QUALCOMM's lawsuit alleges infringement of patents that are essential for the manufacture or use of equipment that complies with the GSM, GPRS and EDGE cellular standards (the GSM family of standards).
• 
  
  
• QUALCOMM has also filed legal complaints against Nokia in the UK

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