Telefónica Tests Virtualized CPE with NEC in Brazil

Telefónica, in partnership with NEC, is kicking off the first field trial of virtualized customer premise equipment (CPE) in Brazil.

The trial, which gets underway this month, aims to simplify the home equipment installation process by virtualising and moving functions from the equipment installed in the customer's home to Telefónica's network. The solution, based on a prototype developed by Telefónica I+D, with contributions and integration by NEC, enables certain IP functions to be shifted away from the residential gateways (the equipment installed in the customer's home) towards the carrier's own network. As a result, end users will experience rapid service deployment and improved network operation and maintenance benefits.

Telefónica and NEC will be conducting a series of field trials in Brazil, where Telefónica provides broadband access services to millions of homes and businesses with the objective of having a solution ready for deployment by July of 2014.

"NEC is a leader in SDN and NFV solution development, having provided the world's first commercial SDN product," said Mr Kazuya Hashimoto, Executive Vice-president, Carrier Solutions EMEA, NEC Europe. "NEC's vCPE solution provides an open and flexible networking topology that simplifies network management, proactively addresses performance and contributes towards the high availability of Telefónica's services."

"Telefónica sees the implementation of SDN and NFV technologies as a factor of our network infrastructure development strategy," said Mr Enrique Algaba, Director of Network Innovation at Telefónica I+D ? Global CTO Unit. "We expect this pilot scheme will help us prove the viability of this technology and enable us to implement rollouts in a more flexible and reliable way coupled with low operating costs."

http://www.nec.com
http://www.telefonica.com

Read More

IBM Granted Patent for Dynamically Managing Network Bandwidth in a Cloud

IBM has been granted a key U.S. patent for dynamically managing network bandwidth within a cloud, which could lead to significant improvements in overall system performance, efficiency and economy.

The patent (U.S. #8,352,953: Dynamically Provisioning Virtual Machines) -- provides a method for automatically deciding the best way for users to access a cloud computing system based on availability of network bandwidth. IBM's innovation allows the system to automatically and dynamically reassign work from one system node to another based on networking bandwidth requirements and availability, ensuring that the system and VMs can run efficiently.

Specifically, the invention "calls for network resource management to be completed using software to obtain data from the management information database of the network switch to determine the amount of bandwidth being used by each IP address assigned to each VM within the compute node. As network bandwidth rises and becomes constrained in one node, the system will automatically reassign some of the VMs to another node with network bandwidth capacity available. "

IBM said dynamic provisioning of network bandwidth across a cloud computing system provides the foundation for Software Defined Networking, which is defined as requiring dynamic management of network resources through automated programs.

“This is the type of investment in invention and innovation that is needed to be a leader in the competitive cloud computing market,” said Dennis Quan, vice president of strategy, IBM cloud services. “IBM inventors are focused on researching and developing new cloud computing technologies and techniques that will pave the way to leadership for IBM and its clients.”

"Today's consumers using all kinds of devices expect their apps and Web experience to always work -- they have zero tolerance for network bandwidth bottlenecks,” said Ed Suffern, IBM systems engineer and the lead inventor on the patent. “IBM's patented dynamic provisioning invention will help cloud service providers increase network performance and improve customer satisfaction."

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/42147.wss

Read More

Amazon Web Services Targets Start-Ups with Credits, Training, Support

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now offering a package of resources for start-ups, including AWS credits, training, developer support, a special start-up community forum and special offers from third parties.

The company said the goal of its AWS Activate bundles is to enable start-ups to get started with AWS and successfully use the AWS platform to help grow their businesses.

AWS Activate is organized into two packages - a self-starter package, which any start-up can apply for, and a portfolio package, which can be applied for by start-ups in select accelerator, incubator, venture capital seed funds or entrepreneur organizations. Each package includes varied levels of resources to help fit customers' needs.

Start-ups receiving either package get access to the Start-up Forum, where AWS experts and other start-up customers can share best practices. The Start-up Forum gives start-ups a way to learn from and interact with a community of peers building world-changing apps on AWS. In addition, start-ups accepted into AWS Activate may have access to special offers, such as product discounts, from select third-party companies in the AWS ecosystem, providing start-ups with additional valuable technologies and tools.

http://www.aws.amazon.com/activate

Read More

NSN Advances its Customer Experience Management

Nokia Solutions and Networks continues to build it advanced Customer Experience Management (CEM) capabilities, which help mobile operators understand what is happening on their networks from the subscriber perspective and take proactive measures to build customer loyalty.

NSN is offering a step-by-step approach for mobile operators to prepare for, integrate and adopt the CEM capabilities:

• Prepare for CEM: Helps operators understand and prepare for specific applications of CEM to meet their needs. The services evaluate the best ways to use CEM, enable decision-making, assess required changes to existing processes, and model the targeted quality of experience.
  
• Integrate CEM: Helps operators customize and integrate CEM into their existing processes.
  
• Use CEM: Enables operators to act on customer insights and transform to experience-driven operations.

NSN is extending its portfolio with a CEM on Demand content pack to drill down into trends and identify business opportunities with over-the-top (OTT) services. NSN’s new Big Data CEM engine has a unique telco-specific data-processing architecture that helps provide rapid insight into the customer experience.

NSN is also extending CEM on Demand with a new content pack that focuses on fresh marketing opportunities by monitoring and analyzing how people are using OTT services in mobile networks. With detailed insight on the devices used, adoption rates, data volumes and other trends, mobile operators can identify business opportunities from partnering with an OTT provider or creating a competitive offer.

“CEM has developed rapidly in recent years and now offers a wide range of powerful capabilities to help operators improve customer satisfaction, build customer loyalty, win new revenue, reduce churn and raise profitability,“ said Santeri Jussila, head of Customer Insight and Experience at NSN.“Our new CEM Service Suite is an end-to-end approach to navigating the many options and technologies available and to identifying and implementing the right solution for the operator’s current needs. Operators can now choose CEM solutions that will grow with their strategy and evolving subscriber demands.”

http://www.nsn.com

http://nsn.com/portfolio/products/customer-experience-management

Read More

T-Mobile Launches Unlimited Data/Text Worldwide

T-Mobile US announced unlimited global data at no extra charge in 100+ countries, effectively ending its international roaming charges.

In effect, T-Mobile is expanding the home data coverage for most of its U.S. customers on the Simple Choice plan so as to include more than 100 countries, at no extra charge. The company said that, Starting Oct. 31, these Simple Choice individual and business customers automatically get unlimited data and texting in more than 100 Simple Global countries worldwide, and they will pay a global flat rate of 20 cents per minute for voice calls when roaming in the same countries.

"The cost of staying connected across borders is completely crazy," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US, Inc. "Today's phones are designed to work around the world, but we're forced to pay insanely inflated international connectivity fees to actually use them. You can't leave the country without coming home to bill shock. So we're making the world your network - at no extra cost."

The company announced tonight its new Stateside International Talk & Text feature for discounted calling and texting from the U.S. to all Simple Global countries. Customers never pay more than 20 cents a minute to any number in any Simple Global country, including mobile to mobile. Calls to landlines in more than 70 of these countries are unlimited and included at no extra cost. Unlimited texting is also included to all countries. Stateside International Talk & Text is available to most Simple Choice customers for $10 a month.

T-Mobile also announced that its 4G LTE network now reaches over 200 million people in 233 metros across the United States.

"We've not only delivered nationwide 4G LTE months ahead of schedule," said Neville Ray, chief technology officer for T-Mobile. "Our nationwide 4G LTE is right on top of our already nationwide 4G HSPA+ network - which translates to one wicked-fast combined 4G network experience."

http://www.t-mobile.com

Read More

T-Mobile Signs Shakira for Multi-Year Contract

T-Mobile has signed international singer, songwriter and Grammy Award-winning music icon, Shakira, for a multiyear contract.

Shakira and T-Mobile officially kicked off the partnership with an event in New York's Bryant Park, where Shakira performed to an estimated crowd of 7,500 people, celebrating T-Mobile's announcement that it is offering unlimited global data and texting in over 100 countries to qualifying Simple Choice customers at no extra charge.

T-Mobile said it will work with Shakira to promote and market her upcoming single and album releases, and to create and distribute unique content.

http://www.T-Mobile.com

Read More

Oclaro to Sell Amplifier & Micro-Optics Business, CFO Resigns

Oclaro agreed to sell its Amplifier and Micro-Optics business (the Business) to II-VI Incorporated for $88.6 million.

The deal includes intellectual property, inventory and equipment.  II-VI will also hire approximately 145 employees of Oclaro, primarily located in Horseheads, NY, San Jose, CA and Shanghai, China. Revenues for the Business were approximately $94 million for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2013.

"The sale of our amplifier business to II-VI is another important milestone in Oclaro's reinvention and return to financial stability," said Greg Dougherty, Oclaro CEO. "This transaction is another validation of the value of our technology, intellectual property and, most importantly, our people. The infusion of cash from our recent transactions with II-VI are critical catalysts to further our restructuring and turnaround plans."

Separately, Oclaro announced that its chief financial officer, Jerry Turin, plans to resign from Oclaro on November 8, 2013, to pursue other opportunities. The company expects to name Mr. Turin's successor on or before November 8.

http://www.oclaro.com

Read More

Trend Micro Acquires Taiwan's Broadweb for Threat Mitigation

Trend Micro has acquired Broadweb, a Taiwan-based provider of advanced network security solutions, for an undisclosed sum.

Broadweb offers a branded network security service in Asia that provides deep packet inspection and real-time blocking of malicious packets.

"As attacks evolve, conventional network security is no longer sufficient to keep digitized data, intellectual property and communications safe," said Kevin Simzer, senior vice president, marketing and business development, Trend Micro. "Our Custom Defense solution is unlike anything on the market. It enables organizations to detect, analyze, adapt and respond to targeted attacks and advanced threats. Integrating Broadweb's proven capabilities into our Custom Defense Solution enhances our ability to provide customers with the most comprehensive solution for targeted attacks available today."

http://www.TrendMicro.com

Read More

GreenWave Reality Raises $19 Million for Home2Cloud Platform

GreenWave Reality, a start-up based in Irvine, California, raised $19 million in Series B funding to accelerate the rollout of its Home2Cloud platform through its global partners and scale up the company's operations.

GreenWave's Home2Cloud platform allows consumers to connect and manage all of their "things" that are or will be connected to the Internet such as smartphones, TVs, routers and smart appliances enabling them to access rich cloud based applications and services.  GreenWave is working with service providers and utility companies to enable an optimized in-home consumer experience delivering personalized information and entertainment, enhanced comfort and savings with leading cloud-based services.

The new funding was led by The Westly Group including follow-on investment from Craton Equity Partners. The company has raised  $31 million to date.

"Today's consumers are overwhelmed with technology. Therefore, they want easy-to-use products that help them live smarter, healthier and more efficient lives," said Greg Memo, CEO of GreenWave Reality.  "Our Home2Cloud platform securely and intelligently connects these smart devices to the Internet, unlocking new applications that will greatly enhance consumers' lives so they will better benefit from all the technology around them.  Securing this new funding, and gaining the experience of Steve Westly on the GreenWave board, will allow us to accelerate our rollouts with service provider and utility partners who are deploying innovative products and services based on our Home2Cloud platform."

http://www.greenwavereality.com

Read More

WD Introduces Xeon-based Network Storage Servers for SMBs

WD introduced its new WD Sentinel DS5100 and WD Sentinel DS6100 (S-series) ultra-compact network storage plus servers based on high-performance Intel Xeon processors and pre-installed with Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. The 4-bay Sentinel servers feature WD enterprise-class hard drives for up to 16 TB of raw storage.

Additionally, unlike traditional NAS systems, the WD Sentinel S-series allows small businesses to run line-of-business applications on their network storage platform.

"WD is using enterprise-class components to build a new family of network appliances for small businesses," said Bill Evans, general manager of WD's business storage solutions group. "The WD Sentinel S-series network appliances are engineered with Intel Xeon processors, pre-populated with WD Se® datacenter 3.5-inch hard drives for rapid deployment, and feature dedicated 2.5-inch boot drives for maximum reliability. No other vendor offers a comparable network storage plus server in an equally small form factor. With a small footprint and quiet fan, an S-series appliance can be deployed anywhere."

Five models of WD Sentinel S-series appliances are available. MSRP starts at $2,560.00 USD for the WD Sentinel DS5100 4 TB network storage plus server.

http://www.wd.com

Read More