Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Extreme Supplies 40G for Cyber Security Initiative

Extreme Networks has supplied its high-performance 40 Gigabit network solution for the Scalable Network Monitoring Program sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Program Agency (DARPA) and hosted by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) in Laurel, MD. Extreme Networks Summit X670 switch with 40GbE ports are able to transport traffic at up to 160 Gbps speeds, allowing the ability to vary testing sessions, without stopping, and alter variables such as malware and session size.


Extreme Networks noted that more than 700 education institutions are using its equipment in their campus networks, including UC Berkeley, Georgia State University, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, Jeju National University Korea, the University of Miami, the University of Sao Paulo Brazil, Texas A&M University, and Villanova University.
http://www.extremenetworks.com

BT Secures Telecom Contract with NATO

NATO’s Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A), which is responsible for delivering technology in support of NATO’s global operations, has awarded a contract to BT covering more than 70 locations, spread across the NATO nations and the Balkans. The five-year agreement is valued at €47 million.


The contract provides for the migration of NATO’s existing backbone to BT Ethernet Connect. Ethernet Connect is an intelligent network designed for large organisations that require exclusive control over their IP architecture. NATO will also benefit from Ethernet Connect E-LINE services, which provides protected bandwidth for mission-critical applications between sites.
http://www.btplc.com

ZTE Carries 8x 200 Gbps Wavelengths

ZTE completed a field demonstration of a 8x 216.4 Gbps WDM transmission through a 50GHz optical spectrum grid.


The demonstration utilized patented ZTE high-frequency technology to accomplish a 200 Gbps polarization multiplexing QPSK signal transmission at 50GHz through 1,750km of standard single model fiber optic cable.


ZTE said its trial established a 25% increase in spectrum efficiency and an increase in transmission efficiency, proving that a 200G system is possible.
http://www.zte.com.cn

Qatar's Qtel Picks ZTE for Wireless Upgrade

Qatar-based Qtel has selected ZTE as key supplier for its network operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Under a frame agreement, ZTE will supply its latest network solutions, including WCDMA and LTE technology, for Qtel properties, namely, Asiacell, Wataniya Kuwait, Nawras, Tunisiana, Nedjma and Qtel. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.zte.com.cn

ADTRAN Cuts Forecast Citing Delayed Carrier Spending

ADTRAN cuts its revenue and earnings estimates for the first quarter ending March 31, 2012 to a range from $130 million to $135 million. GAAP earnings per share for the quarter, assuming dilution, are expected to range from $0.17 to $0.20. The company had previously reported Q4 2011 revenue of $175,286,000 and said it expected that level to remain flat in the current quarter.


ADTRAN Chief Executive Officer Tom Stanton stated, "Two issues impacted us in the first quarter. The first was a slower than normal start to the seasonal buying pattern at some of our carrier customers. The second, which had a greater impact, was a delay in both the start and ramp of orders from a carrier customer due to new system implementations. Order rates for the month of March have substantially improved and we are encouraged that the prior slowdown that we experienced is behind us."http://www.adtran.com

Video: What is in Your Backhaul Toolbox?


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The high cost and lengthy implementation cycle of deploying fiber to every cell site means that operators must consider various types of wireless backhaul options. Newer microwave platforms can now deliver full-duplex gigabit speeds. Operators are also considering 60 & 80 GHz platforms for small cell deployments. Presented by Paul Obsitnik, BridgeWave Communications.
http://www.bridgewave.com

Avaya to Acquire RADVISION for $230 Million

Avaya agreed to acquire RADVISION for US$11.85 per share, valuing the transaction at approximately $230 million.


RADVISION (Nasdaq:RVSN) is known for its IP videoconferencing and telepresence technologies over IP and wireless networks. Its expertise includes advanced media processing technology, protocol stacks, frameworks and testing tools for developers of voice, video, data and wireless IP communications devices and network equipment. Its product set includes standards-based applications, open infrastructure and endpoints for ad-hoc and scheduled videoconferencing with room-based systems, desktop, and mobile consumer devices.


Avaya said the deal will advance its suite of high-definition video collaboration products, with the ability to plug and play multiple mobile devices including Apple iPad and Google Android. Specifically, RADVISION's enterprise video infrastructure and high value endpoints will be integrated with Avaya's Avaya Aura Unified Communications (UC) platform. In addition, RADVISION's SCOPIA Video product line and expertise integrated with the open architecture of Avaya Aura will bridge existing H.323 communications networks and SIP-based environments, delivering scalability and a user experience designed to be intuitive and easy to operate.


"The opportunity for personal workspace is now. Customers demand a rich, collaborative user experience that is interoperable and easy to use. In addition, we believe this transaction will leverage a highly-skilled, incredibly talented and experienced workforce ready to deliver video to enterprise customers. With this acquisition we will seek to extend videoconferencing to any device, anytime, anywhere, making it as easy as a phone call, seizing the opportunity to deliver a fully-integrated solution and architecture that we believe sets us apart from the competition," stated Kevin Kennedy, president and CEO, Avaya.
http://www.avaya.com
http://www.radvision.com
  • RADVISION was founded in 1992 and is part of the RAD Group of companies, which were created by the Zisapel brothers.


  • In October 2011, Avaya acquired Sipera Systems, a privately-held supplier of Unified Communications (UC) enablement and security solutions, for an undisclosed sum. Sipera supplies set of fit-for-purpose, enterprise-class SBC capabilities for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking that offers customers and channel partners flexibility, security and value. Sipera provides application-layer security. Security features include a patent-pending remote worker solution that helps deploy VPN-less solutions and advanced toll fraud protection.

Cisco Expands Videoscape Strategy with NDS Acquisition

Cisco announced a major expansion of its Videoscape initiative by agreeing to acquire NDS Group in a deal valued at approximately $5 billion.


NDS, which is owned by News Corp.(49%) and Permira private equity (51%), provides video software and content security for media companies, cable & satellite TV operators and IPTV service providers. Key products include its MediaHighway Set-top Box middleware software, its "XTV" Digital Video Recorder software, its "Snowflake" electronic program guide (EPG), and its "VideoGuard CA" and "VideoGuard Connect" digital rights management system.


NDS customers include some of the largest cable, satellite and broadband pay-TV operators, including Astro, Bharti, BSkyB, Canal Plus, China Central Television ("CCTV"), Cox, DIRECTV, Kabel Deutschland, Sky Deutschland, Sky Italia, TataSky, UPC and Vodafone. The company notes that a significant portion of its business is recurring, with long-term contracts, typically with an average duration of approximately five years. NDS, which is based in the U.K., has approximately 5,000 employees with facilities in Israel, France, India and China.


Cisco said the acquisition complements and accelerates "Videoscape" , its platform that enables service providers and media companies to deliver next-gen entertainment experiences.


Videoscape spans the cloud, the network and end-user clients. Cisco's goal is to make access to content more visual, mobile and social for consumers, while protecting and enhancing the value of content for service providers and media companies. NDS boosts this effort by adding end-user viewing client and content security solutions, combined with its systems integration expertise.


"Our strategy has always been driven by customer need and on capturing market transitions. Our acquisition of NDS fits squarely into this strategy, enabling content and service providers to deliver new video solutions that leverage the cloud and drive new monetization opportunities and service differentiation," stated John Chambers, Chairman and CEO, Cisco.
http://www.cisco.comhtt://www.nds.com
  • In January 2011, Cisco's John Chambers outlined a new "Videoscape" portfolio of five major product families aimed at "transforming the TV experience." The goal is to work with Service Providers to allow any device over any network to access any content to which they are entitled. Cisco Videoscape would enable service providers to monetize activities outside their own network or traditional device footprints.


    A key facet of Videoscape is about delivering a consistent interface across multiple devices, while providing a universal guide and search capabilities across all content sources. This requires building capabilities into the service provider's video back-office using APIs extending across content management systems and virtualized storage. The capabilities would be social network-aware and open to advertising opportunities.


    Telstra was named as a lead customer.