Qualcomm is negotiating to acquire Atheros in a deal that could be valued at $3.5 billion, according to The New York Times. The companies did not comment on the story.http://www.nytimes.com
Monday, January 3, 2011
Atheros Introduces Two New 802.11n Router Solutions
Atheros Communications announced two new 802.11n solutions for Wi-Fi routers and residential gateways. 
The new Align AR933x and XSPAN AR934x system-on-chip (SoC) solutions include all of the major components required to build 1-stream or 2-stream 802.11n routers, respectively. The designs combine an 802.11n media access controller (MAC), baseband and radio, with a network processor, radio front-end, Ethernet switch, and other components onto a single silicon die. This integration reduces the number of external components required to build Wi-Fi products, enabling smaller and more cost-effective wireless platforms with robust 802.11n performance and advanced features.http://www.atheros.com
The new Align AR933x and XSPAN AR934x system-on-chip (SoC) solutions include all of the major components required to build 1-stream or 2-stream 802.11n routers, respectively. The designs combine an 802.11n media access controller (MAC), baseband and radio, with a network processor, radio front-end, Ethernet switch, and other components onto a single silicon die. This integration reduces the number of external components required to build Wi-Fi products, enabling smaller and more cost-effective wireless platforms with robust 802.11n performance and advanced features.http://www.atheros.comCavium's WiVu Target Wireless Video Display
Cavium Networks unveiled its "WiVu" wireless video display solution
that combines its "PureVu" high performance video processors with wireless capabilities. The solution is designed to enable multi-room and interactive content distribution and access via any network at home, both wired and wireless, on a wide range of CE devices.
Cavium's PureVu video processors, which are optimized for low latency compression and robust, high fidelity media transmission, can now leverage 802.11 Wi-Fi.
"Cavium's WiVu leverages the latest notebook technologies such as embedded DisplayPort and Display Mini-Card (DMC) to provide a compelling high performance Wi-Fi based wireless display solution for multi-room and interactive applications", said Bruce Montag, Chairman of the Video Electronics Standards Association and Distinguished Engineer at Dell, Inc.
Key components of WiVu include support for widely deployed technologies, such as H.264, Wi-Fi, HDCP 2.0 and IP transport, along with high-performance video 2D and 3D video processor technology. WiVu also features back-channel over Wi-Fi to provide support for IR bridging, keyboard & mouse, touch-panels, and gaming controllers.http://www.caviumnetworks.com
that combines its "PureVu" high performance video processors with wireless capabilities. The solution is designed to enable multi-room and interactive content distribution and access via any network at home, both wired and wireless, on a wide range of CE devices. Cavium's PureVu video processors, which are optimized for low latency compression and robust, high fidelity media transmission, can now leverage 802.11 Wi-Fi.
"Cavium's WiVu leverages the latest notebook technologies such as embedded DisplayPort and Display Mini-Card (DMC) to provide a compelling high performance Wi-Fi based wireless display solution for multi-room and interactive applications", said Bruce Montag, Chairman of the Video Electronics Standards Association and Distinguished Engineer at Dell, Inc.
Key components of WiVu include support for widely deployed technologies, such as H.264, Wi-Fi, HDCP 2.0 and IP transport, along with high-performance video 2D and 3D video processor technology. WiVu also features back-channel over Wi-Fi to provide support for IR bridging, keyboard & mouse, touch-panels, and gaming controllers.http://www.caviumnetworks.com
Atheros Debuts Combo Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 4.0 Chip
Atheros Communications introduced two new wireless chips 
that integrated energy-efficient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into a single device for notebooks, netbooks, desktops and tablets. The combo design cuts the power consumption of Atheros' previous standalone and combination solutions in half. These significant power savings are the result of Atheros' enhanced PHY architecture and efficient power amplifiers. Atheros' new products also use a unique Green Transmission mode, which dynamically adjusts the system's Wi-Fi transmit power depending on the distance between the router and the client device. Sampling is underway.http://www.atheros.com
that integrated energy-efficient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into a single device for notebooks, netbooks, desktops and tablets. The combo design cuts the power consumption of Atheros' previous standalone and combination solutions in half. These significant power savings are the result of Atheros' enhanced PHY architecture and efficient power amplifiers. Atheros' new products also use a unique Green Transmission mode, which dynamically adjusts the system's Wi-Fi transmit power depending on the distance between the router and the client device. Sampling is underway.http://www.atheros.comAvaya Acquires Konftel for Conference Room Audio
Avaya has acquired Konftel, a supplier of audio collaboration technology for conference rooms, for approximately US$15 million in cash.
Based in Sweden, Konftel provides high-definition audio collaboration devices that range from desktop conference units to conference room systems to large auditorium implementations. The portfolio offers OmniSound's crystal clear sound quality on multiple communications standards, complementing Avaya's leadership in Session Initiation Protocol-based endpoints.
"The acquisition of Konftel represents a logical step in Avaya's drive to lead in business collaboration," said Alan Baratz, senior vice president and president, Global Communications Solutions, Avaya. "Konftel's audio conferencing product portfolio and its OmniSound technology will be key elements of our continued innovation in audio and video solutions, including our recently announced Avaya Flare™ Experience."http://www.avaya.com http://www.konftel.com
Based in Sweden, Konftel provides high-definition audio collaboration devices that range from desktop conference units to conference room systems to large auditorium implementations. The portfolio offers OmniSound's crystal clear sound quality on multiple communications standards, complementing Avaya's leadership in Session Initiation Protocol-based endpoints.
"The acquisition of Konftel represents a logical step in Avaya's drive to lead in business collaboration," said Alan Baratz, senior vice president and president, Global Communications Solutions, Avaya. "Konftel's audio conferencing product portfolio and its OmniSound technology will be key elements of our continued innovation in audio and video solutions, including our recently announced Avaya Flare™ Experience."http://www.avaya.com http://www.konftel.com
GENBAND to Acquire Cedar Point for Cable VoIP
GENBAND agreed to acquire Cedar Point Communications, a privately-held supplier of VoIP switching solutions for cable operators, for an undisclosed sum.
Cedar Point's currently deployed SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System support 7.5 million lines in service globally, including with tier 1 cable operators. The VoIP switching platform enables PacketCable 1.x and SIP-based features, as well as an evolution to IMS and PacketCable 2.0 architectures. In addition to cable, Cedar Point serves CLECs, wireless operators and universities.
"This acquisition will not only increase our cable market-share, but it will also enhance our overall offering to meet the unique and demanding requirements of the high-growth cable market," said Charlie Vogt, Chief Executive Officer of GENBAND. "Our combined vision of bringing advanced SIP and multimedia services to the cable market is one of the key drivers for this transaction, particularly as cable operators transition to IP. We look forward to supporting Cedar Point's outstanding customer base with what will now be an even more comprehensive portfolio of solutions."http://www.genband.com http://www.cedarpointcom.com
Cedar Point's currently deployed SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System support 7.5 million lines in service globally, including with tier 1 cable operators. The VoIP switching platform enables PacketCable 1.x and SIP-based features, as well as an evolution to IMS and PacketCable 2.0 architectures. In addition to cable, Cedar Point serves CLECs, wireless operators and universities.
"This acquisition will not only increase our cable market-share, but it will also enhance our overall offering to meet the unique and demanding requirements of the high-growth cable market," said Charlie Vogt, Chief Executive Officer of GENBAND. "Our combined vision of bringing advanced SIP and multimedia services to the cable market is one of the key drivers for this transaction, particularly as cable operators transition to IP. We look forward to supporting Cedar Point's outstanding customer base with what will now be an even more comprehensive portfolio of solutions."http://www.genband.com http://www.cedarpointcom.com
- In 2010, GENBAND acquired substantially all assets of the Nortel Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions Business (CVAS). The deal combined GENBAND's next-generation media, session and security gateway technologies and Nortel's softswitch, media gateway and application technologies.
- Cedar Point was founded in September 2000 by Mark Galvin, who previously served as Vice President of the Local Exchange and Access Group of Excel Switching (acquired by Lucent), and George Kassas, who previously led the establishment of the global business operations and e-commerce groups of the Lucent InterNetworking (INS) division. The company took $70 million in financing from Ascent Venture Partners, Battery Ventures, Charles River Ventures, Comcast Interactive Cable, Focus Ventures, J.P. Morgan Partners, STAR Ventures and Motorola Ventures.
- Cedar Point is based in Derry, New Hampshire.
Sprint Intros 4G Devices from HTC, Novatel
Sprint announced two second generation 4G-capable devices: HTC EVO Shift 4G and MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless. Sprint now has introduced 17 4G-capable devices for consumers and business, including three phones, a 4G netbook and notebook from Dell, numerous USB modem options, and several mobile hotspots and routers.
The HTC EVO Shift features a sliding QWERTY keyboard, Android 2.2, a 5MP camera, 720p HD camcorder and a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom capability. It is priced at $149.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in rebate and activation on a new two-year service agreement.
Novatel Wireless' MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot offers battery life of up to four hours of usage and 60 hours of standby time. The devices is about the size of a credit card and is priced at $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate activation on a new two-year service agreement.http://www.sprint.com
The HTC EVO Shift features a sliding QWERTY keyboard, Android 2.2, a 5MP camera, 720p HD camcorder and a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom capability. It is priced at $149.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in rebate and activation on a new two-year service agreement.
Novatel Wireless' MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot offers battery life of up to four hours of usage and 60 hours of standby time. The devices is about the size of a credit card and is priced at $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate activation on a new two-year service agreement.http://www.sprint.com
Anritsu Adds Handheld Testing Support for TD-LTE
Anritsu introduced a handheld analyzer suite that measures the RF, modulation, and Over-the-Air (OTA) parameters of TD-LTE eNodeB radio transmitters. It is designed for use carriers, network equipment manufacturers, third-party contractors, and installers involved in the deployment of LTE networks.
With the TD-LTE RF Measurement option installed, the Anritsu MT822xB and MS272xC can measure channel spectrum, power vs. time, Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR), and Spectral Emission Mask (SEM). An RF summary can be displayed so users can view all results on the instrument's large display.
http://www.anritsu.com
With the TD-LTE RF Measurement option installed, the Anritsu MT822xB and MS272xC can measure channel spectrum, power vs. time, Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR), and Spectral Emission Mask (SEM). An RF summary can be displayed so users can view all results on the instrument's large display.
http://www.anritsu.com
AT&T Reaches Wireless Services Deal with BMW
AT&T announced an agreement with BMW to wirelessly deliver an enhanced suite of safety and infotainment services to future BMW models. Service specifics have not yet been unveiled and contractual details were not disclosed.
The companies said the wireless services would build on BMW's existing portfolio of connected services -- known as BMW Assist -- which includes, among others features, direct access to emergency and concierge call center services, traffic information and an online portal for weather forecasts, fuel prices, and news.
"This is an exciting opportunity," said Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "BMW has been an industry leader in the connected vehicle space for many years and we look forward to providing the wireless network that will keep drivers connected to the content and services they rely on."http://www.att.com
The companies said the wireless services would build on BMW's existing portfolio of connected services -- known as BMW Assist -- which includes, among others features, direct access to emergency and concierge call center services, traffic information and an online portal for weather forecasts, fuel prices, and news.
"This is an exciting opportunity," said Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "BMW has been an industry leader in the connected vehicle space for many years and we look forward to providing the wireless network that will keep drivers connected to the content and services they rely on."http://www.att.com
Stoke Hires Former Ericsson Exec as VP of Worldwide Sales
Stoke, which supplies mobile broadband gateway solutions,
named Magnus Almquist as Vice President, Worldwide Sales.
Magnus joins Stoke from Ericsson, where he was Head of Sales Development and Business Support for Product Area IP & Broadband. From early 2008 to end of 2009, Magnus was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Redback Networks, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2007, and held the role of Vice President, EMEA Sales, from 2005 to 2008.
Stoke noted that during 2010, it achieved triple digit revenue growth through customer engagements in North Asia, Europe and North America. The company also passed its 200th shipment milestone during the fourth quarter of the year.http://www.stoke.com
named Magnus Almquist as Vice President, Worldwide Sales. Magnus joins Stoke from Ericsson, where he was Head of Sales Development and Business Support for Product Area IP & Broadband. From early 2008 to end of 2009, Magnus was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Redback Networks, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2007, and held the role of Vice President, EMEA Sales, from 2005 to 2008.
Stoke noted that during 2010, it achieved triple digit revenue growth through customer engagements in North Asia, Europe and North America. The company also passed its 200th shipment milestone during the fourth quarter of the year.http://www.stoke.com
Sourcefire Acquires Immunet for Cloud-based Security
Sourcefire has acquired Immunet, a leading provider of advanced cloud-based anti-malware technologies, for $21 million in cash.
Immunet combines the collective intelligence of a growing user community, the speed of cloud computing, advanced data mining, and machine learning technologies. It has a subscription-based business model.
Sourcefire said the acquisition enables it to provide endpoint protection from client-side attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). The cloud-based platform also enables innovative approaches to reputation services, data loss prevention and forensics. The solution will be combined with Sourcefire's next generation network intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Sourcefire currently expects Immunet to be dilutive to 2011 adjusted net income per diluted share by approximately $0.10.http://www.sourcefire.com
Immunet combines the collective intelligence of a growing user community, the speed of cloud computing, advanced data mining, and machine learning technologies. It has a subscription-based business model.
Sourcefire said the acquisition enables it to provide endpoint protection from client-side attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). The cloud-based platform also enables innovative approaches to reputation services, data loss prevention and forensics. The solution will be combined with Sourcefire's next generation network intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Sourcefire currently expects Immunet to be dilutive to 2011 adjusted net income per diluted share by approximately $0.10.http://www.sourcefire.com
Dell to Acquire Secureworks for Managed Services
Dell agreed to acquire SecureWorks, a provider of information-security services based in Atlanta. Financial terms were not disclosed.
SecureWorks offers Managed-Security Services, Security and Risk Consulting Services and Threat Intelligence. The acquisition expands Dell's global IT-as-a-Service offerings and information security expertise. The company claims more than 1,500 banks and credit unions as managed security services clients. The company has approximately 700 employees and projects Fiscal Year 2010 revenue of more than $120 million.
"The frequency and sophistication of attacks on technology infrastructure and malicious attempts to access data, requires reliable, capable and innovative information security," said Peter Altabef, President, Dell Services. "SecureWorks is a recognized industry leader in information security services and its offerings and expertise will immediately enhance our solutions portfolio. We look forward to welcoming SecureWorks team members -- who bring their passion and dedication to serving clients with best-in-class security services -- to Dell and our clients."http://www.dell.com http://www.secureworks.com
SecureWorks offers Managed-Security Services, Security and Risk Consulting Services and Threat Intelligence. The acquisition expands Dell's global IT-as-a-Service offerings and information security expertise. The company claims more than 1,500 banks and credit unions as managed security services clients. The company has approximately 700 employees and projects Fiscal Year 2010 revenue of more than $120 million.
"The frequency and sophistication of attacks on technology infrastructure and malicious attempts to access data, requires reliable, capable and innovative information security," said Peter Altabef, President, Dell Services. "SecureWorks is a recognized industry leader in information security services and its offerings and expertise will immediately enhance our solutions portfolio. We look forward to welcoming SecureWorks team members -- who bring their passion and dedication to serving clients with best-in-class security services -- to Dell and our clients."http://www.dell.com http://www.secureworks.com
Level 3 Builds Two New Ultra-Low-Latency European Routes
Level 3 Communications 
commissioned two new ultra-low-latency fiber-optic network routes from London to Madrid and from Frankfurt to Madrid. Level 3 is now offering circuit speeds of up to 10 Gbps.http://www.level3.com
commissioned two new ultra-low-latency fiber-optic network routes from London to Madrid and from Frankfurt to Madrid. Level 3 is now offering circuit speeds of up to 10 Gbps.http://www.level3.comAlcatel-Lucent Hires Former BT Exec
Alcatel-Lucent announced the appointment of George Nazi to its Quality Assurance and Customer Care leadership team. Previously, George was with BT, where he was responsible for all aspects of the 21st Century Network transformation program (21CN), as well as the business' global networks and IT infrastructure platforms. In this position, George oversaw a team of more than 3,000 professionals and managed the interaction between that program and BT's operational and customer-facing market units. Before leading BT's 21CN program, George was responsible for the design and build of BT's Global IP/MPLS network across 170 countries.http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
