Monday, November 24, 2008

Interoute Deploys 60 Gbps Capacity in 48 Hours with Infinera

Interoute, which operates a pan-European fiber network, worked around the clock to replace a 1,200 km section on one of its largest customer's network that was experiencing rapid degradation. It took just 48 hours from "order to delivery" for Interoute to provide 60 Gbps of connectivity. Interoute's service provider customer had acquired another telecom operator which already owned a large international optical network. After the acquisition, the unprecedented daily volume of data and IP traffic now utilizing the route necessitated an immediate and substantial upgrade.



Interoute operates an Infinera optical network across that same route. The companies said new Infinera modules required for the additional 60 Gbps capacity arrived at the sites in a matter of hours, and the Infinera system took just minutes to bring up the capacity, test it to confirm it was running error-free, and begin carrying customer traffic. Most of the time required to complete the job was consumed in providing the additional connectivity from the customer's network to Interoute's Infinera network.


"Managing to activate 60 Gbps of bandwidth in less than 48 hours has made us extremely proud and emphasized again the first-rate quality of our network, and especially our Infinera optical network, as well as the total dedication of our people," said Interoute CEO Gareth Williams.http://www.interoute.comhttp://www.infinera.com

BSNL Selects Dilithium for Mobile Video Services

BSNL, India's largest telecommunications company, has selected Dilithium for the deployment of new mobile video & streaming services over 2G and 3G networks beginning in 2009. Dilithium has partnered with HCL Infosystems Ltd. to provide end to end delivery solutions for BSNL's live mobile video services. The solution includes the Dilithium DTG 3021 multimedia gateways and the DCA video streaming solution, enabling 2-way video calling and other advanced video services. Financial terms were not disclosed.http://www.dilithiumnetworks.com

Axis Introduces 3 New Network Cameras

Axis Communications introduced a series of small and smart network cameras designed for securing locations such as small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, hotels and residences.


All three models provide superior video quality at 30 frames per second in VGA resolution. Two of the models add the option of connecting over an IEEE 802.11g wireless interface with the built-in antenna. One of these additionally features a passive infrared (PIR) sensor for detecting movement, even in the dark, and a white LED light for illuminating the scene automatically at an event or when requested by the user. Other features include two-way audio support with an integrated microphone and speaker, allowing remote listening in on an area as well as communication with individuals directly or using uploaded or recorded audio clips.


All cameras in the AXIS M10 Series provide multiple, individually configurable, high-resolution video streams in H.264, Motion JPEG as well as MPEG-4 Part 2 at full frame rate. Using progressive scan technology, the cameras provide VGA images of moving objects without motion blur.http://www.axis.com

Sezmi Raises $33 Million for its TV 2.0 Service and STB

Sezmi, a start-up based in Belmont, California, secured $33 million in new venture funding for its personal TV system.


Sezmi is developing an alternative to the legacy TV experience with a line-up of content from traditional broadcast networks, cable and specialty networks, Internet video, pay-per-view movies, etc. The company says its goal is not only to enhance the on-demand experience, but to stand out from traditional television offerings with a highly personalized, intuitive user experience at an affordable cost. Sezmi is now in trials and will be commercially available to U.S. consumers through broadband providers and national retailers in 2009.


The new funding includes new investments from Advanced Equities, Inc. and others, and follow-on investments from previous investors: Morgenthaler Ventures, Omni Capital Group, TD Fund, and Legend Ventures.


"The demand from consumers for an affordable and personalized television experience continues to increase," said Phil Wiser, Sezmi's co-founder and president. "In fact, we hear from consumers every day that they are looking for an alternative to meet these needs and that they are eagerly awaiting Sezmi. It is very gratifying that our vision is validated not just by consumers, but also by the investment community."http://www.sezmi.com
  • In May 2008, Sezmi unveiled a new TV service that combines terrestrial digital broadcast television with existing broadband services to deliver video content to a customized set-top box. The system utilizes available capacity in existing digital television broadcast networks and creates a private, secure broadcast transmission for content. The Sezmi interface aims to provide a seamless integration of live, stored, on-demand and Internet video from different sources.


    Sezmi has also developed a smart antenna indoor reception system that makes both its private broadcast and existing terrestrial TV broadcasts accessible. The company said its network-attached reception system can be placed in any location in the home.


    Sezmi is seeking partnerships with broadcasters, broadband providers and content companies. It plans to commence technical trials in preparation for commercial launch across several major U.S. markets later this year.


  • In April 2008, Sezmi (formerly known as Building B) announced plans to co-locate its network operations center (NOC) within Harris Corporation's world-class NOC facility in Melbourne, Fla. in order to leverage Harris' expertise in digital asset management, content aggregation and its nationwide distribution network.


  • Sezmi is headed by Dr. Buno Pati (co-founder and CEO), who previously founded Numerical Technologies (acquired by Synopsys). Before co-founding Numerical, Dr. Pati served as assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Harvard University and a post-doctoral research associate at Stanford University.

Qwest Trims Broadband Prices -- DSL Starting at $14.99 a Month

Qwest Communications is trimming its broadband prices.


For new customers, Qwest Connect Silver High-Speed Internet service with connection speeds up to 1.5 Mbps is now being offered for $14.99 a month for a year (regularly priced at $39.99 a month) and Qwest Connect Platinum High-Speed Internet service with connection speeds up to 7 Mbps is priced at $24.99 a month for a year (regularly priced at $49.99 a month) to new customers.


Existing Qwest High-Speed Internet customers can upgrade their high-speed Internet service to Qwest Connect Platinum, Titanium or Quantum High-Speed Internet service with a 2-year commitment will receive 2 months of free service.


In addition, Verizon Wireless service can be added a Qwest Bundle. Customers who bundle all of their services -- including Qwest High-Speed Internet, DIRECTV service, Verizon Wireless, a Qwest home phone package and unlimited nationwide long distance -- can save more than $25 a month, or more than $300 each year with Qwest.http://www.qwest.com

Blue Coat Achieves Record Net Revenue

Blue Coat Systems reported total net revenue for its second quarter of fiscal 2009 (ended October 31, 2008) of $119.0 million, an increase of 62% compared to net revenue of $73.4 million in the same quarter last year, and an increase of 16% compared to net revenue of $102.5 million in the immediately preceding quarter. Excluding net revenue associated with the acquisition of Packeteer on June 6, 2008, net revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 was $93.9 million, an increase of 28% compared to net revenue of $73.4 million in the same quarter last year, and an increase of 9% compared to net revenue of $86.4 million in the immediately preceding quarter.


On a GAAP basis, the company reported a net loss of $0.3 million, or ($0.01) per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to net income of $7.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, and a net loss of $5.8 million, or ($0.15) per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.


"Despite a difficult economic environment, Blue Coat continued to execute its strategy during the second quarter, enabling us to once again report record net revenue," said Brian NeSmith, president and chief executive officer, Blue Coat Systems. "We have largely completed the integration of Packeteer, Inc., which we acquired in June, and recognized $25 million in net revenue from the acquired business in the second quarter. In addition, we achieved integration between our ProxySG appliances and the PacketShaper appliances we acquired from Packeteer."


For the third fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2009, in consideration of the current economic environment the company is currently planning net revenue in the range of $106.0 to $112.0 million.http://www.bluecoat.com

Telenor Pakistan selects NSN for Real Time Traffic Monitoring

Telenor Pakistan, which serves 18 million mobile users, has deployed Nokia Siemens Networks' NetAct Traffica real time customer traffic monitoring and analysis software. Telenor Pakistan has acquired the GPRS module of the solution for further enhancing the data service experience for its customers. The customer traffic monitoring and analysis software provides a detailed, real-time view to user activity and service usage throughout the network enabling the service provider to react to problems immediately. It can also give valuable insight into users' behavior.


Nokia Siemens Networks said its service assurance software will provide diagnostic services like information on service usage by data subscribers, time and area of service usage, problem identification and troubleshooting. This information will then be utilized to determine areas of improvement to ensure flawless services to the customers.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

Vietnam Mobile Telecom Selects Alcatel-Lucent

Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Company has awarded a US$48 million contract to Alcatel-Lucent to expand and enhance the wireless communications services available through its Mobifone mobile network.


The contract calls for Alcatel-Lucent to deploy more than 1,400 multi-standard base stations GSM/EDGE latest technology to improve voice and data services over the Mobifone network and to extend coverage and capacity throughout northern Vietnam. This upgrade will enable Mobifone to offer an enriched mobile phone services portfolio that will include content services, air-provisioning and other advanced services by the end of 2009.


Alcatel-Lucent will provide full turn-key services for the implementation of this major network upgrade for Mobifone, scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2009. The services include project management, installation and deployment as well as radio network engineering services.http://www.alcatel-lucent.comhttp://www.mobifone.com.vn/