Amazon Web Services Cuts Prices Again

Amazon Web Services announced its 42nd price reduction since launching in 2008.

The lower prices, which go into effective on April 1, apply to Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, the Amazon Relational Database Service, and Elastic MapReduce.  For storage, AWS is reducing prices for Standard and Reduced Redundancy options by an average of 51%. Pricing for Amazon RDS DB Instances are being cut by an average of 28%, while pricing for Amazon ElasticCache cache nodes is being cut by an average of 34%.

http://aws.typepad.com/

Read More

AWS Launches Virtual Private Cloud Peering

Amazon Web Services introduced a peering capability for its Virtual Provide Cloud (VPC) service, which lets users create a logically-isolated section of the AWS Cloud.

The enhancement provides the ability to create a VPC peering connection between VPCs in the same AWS Region. For instance, Amazon EC2 instances could already be connected to a Virtual Private Cloud.  Now, EC2 instances in the peered VPCs can communicate with each other across the peering connection using their private IP addresses, as if they were within the same network.  Up to 50 VPCs in the same region can be peered with each other, and they do not have to be registered to the same AWS account.

More details are online.

http://aws.typepad.com/aws/2014/03/new-vpc-peering-for-the-amazon-virtual-private-cloud.html

Read More

Arista Prices 100GbE CF2 Port (40km) at $6,600

Arista Networks announced two new 100GbE modules for its 7500 Series switches:

• 7500E Series 6 port 100GbE card with support for CFP2 optics up to 40km over single mode fiber is orderable in Q2 2014 with pricing starting at $6600 per 100GbE port. 
• 7500E Series 12 port 100GbE card is planned for availability in 2H 2014 along with a full range of QSFP-100 optics and cables.

Arista said that with 100GbE in the spine layer, customers can now achieve network virtualization using VXLAN support in the modular platforms to deploy their cloud multi-tenant networks at large scale with high bandwidth. Additionally, those deploying the Arista DANZ features within Arista EOS can now get intelligent traffic visibility on 100GbE networks by leveraging Tap Aggregation on Arista 7500E modular platforms. Arista’s Data Analysis DANZ solution is now expanded to modular chassis platforms and enables customers to connect to 100GbE spline or spine networks and to deliver tap aggregated 10GbE connections into a single 100GbE uplink to network monitoring, management and analytic tools.

“We selected the Arista 7500E platform for our data center to provide customers with true 100 Gigabit Ethernet services,” said Ihab Tarazi, Chief Technology Officer at Equinix. “Because of the open architecture and cloud interconnect protocols, including VXLAN, the programmability of Arista EOS and multi-speed mode, we are able to allocate data center resources at 10/40 or 100 gigabits in a reliable and cost-effective manner.”

Arista also noted that its 7300X Series with 10GBASE-T modules are gaining adoption among customers deploying cost-effective single tier and two tier networks.

http://www.aristanetworks.com

Read More

Apache CloudStack 4.3 Adds Support for Microsoft Hyper-V & Juniper Contrail

The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) released Apache CloudStack v4.3, its integrated Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) software platform for public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. CloudStack, which is a top-level project at the all-volunteer ASF, includes an intuitive user interface and rich APIs for managing the compute, networking, software, and storage infrastructure resources.

New features in CloudStack V4.3 include:

• Support for Microsoft Hyper-V - Apache CloudStack can now manage Hyper-V hypervisors in addition to KVM, XenServer, VMware, LXC, and Bare Metal
• Juniper OpenContrail integration - OpenContrail is a software defined networking controller from Juniper that CloudStack now integrates with to provide SDN services
• SSL Termination support for guest VMs - Apache CloudStack can configure and manage SSL termination in certain load balancer devices
• Palo Alto Firewall integration - Apache CloudStack can now manage and configure Palo Alto firewalls
• Remote access VPN for VPC networks - CloudStack's remote access VPN is now available for Virtual Private Cloud networks
• Site to Site VPN between VRs - CloudStack now allows site-to-site VPN connectivity to it's virtual routing devices. This permits your cloud computing environment to appear as a natural extension of your local network, or for you to easily interconnect multiple environments
• VXLAN support expansion to include KVM - CloudStack's support for integrating VXLAN, the network virtualization technology that attempts to ameliorate scalability problems with traditional networking
• SolidFire plugin extension to support KVM and hypervisor snapshots for XenServer and ESX - SolidFire provides guaranteed Storage Quality of Service at the Virtual Machine level
• Dynamic Compute offering - CloudStack now has the ability to dynamically scale the resources assigned to a running virtual machine instance for those hypervisors which support it.

Apache CloudStack V4.3 is now available for download.

http://cloudstack.apache.org/

Read More

Secure Domain Foundation Tracks Registrants Security Reputation

A new Secure Domain Foundation (SDF) devoted to the identification and prevention of Internet cyber crime was launched at ICANN's 49th Public Meeting in Singapore this week.

The SDF plans to provide no-cost tools, technology, research, and security intelligence to an initial market segment of Internet domain name registrars, registries, ccTLD operators, and gTLD operators.  In the coming months, the SDF plans to expand services to hosting providers, DNS operators, CERTs, law enforcement and other Internet infrastructure operators.

The first step is a free API service that domain name registrars and registries can use to obtain an instant domain or registrant "credit score" based on security reputation and contact data validation. The API could be used during domain name transactions such as new account creation, domain registration, and record updates.

The SDF is backed by some of the industry's leading Internet and Domain Name infrastructure companies and organizations including: Facebook, Verizon, Verisign, Enom, Name.com, CIRA(.ca), CO Internet(.co), CrowdStrike, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), Emerging Threats, ESET Anti-Virus, DomainTools, Internet Identity, CoCCA, Mailshell, Blacknight Solutions, Foreground Security, and the SecDev Group.

"ICANN has recently mandated that domain registrars must validate postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses that are provided as contact information during the domain registration process," said Norm Ritchie, Chairman of the SDF. "And many new gTLD registries have already pledged to take a more proactive role in combating domain abuse within their TLDs. The SDF provides an entirely free service that not only validates the contact registration data provided but also lets the registrar and registry know if we have seen that data used previously in relation to cyber crime."

http://www.securedomain.org

Read More

CenturyLink Provides EMP Shielded Fiber to USAF

CenturyLink will provide a fiber optic system to the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) that is buried in steel pipe encased in concrete conduit to protect it from the effects of high altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP).

The system operates continuously among Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, thus delivering uninterrupted fiber connectivity among the three air bases in the Colorado Springs, Colo., area.

This contract, which includes telecommunications services, network systems, equipment and maintenance, follows a previous procurement for these services that was also awarded to CenturyLink. It could be worth a total of $1.7 million over the next five years.

http://news.centurylink.com/news/centurylink-wins-defense-information-systems-agency-contract

Read More

Verizon Selects Palo Alto for Data Analytics Lab

Verizon has selected Palo Alto, California as the primary site for a newly created data analytics team and lab that will provide strategic direction for data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine-learning activities.

"With the large base of big data and analytics talent in Silicon Valley, we are looking for the best and the brightest individuals who want the challenge of working on cutting-edge technologies," said Verizon Chief Data Scientist Ashok N. Srivastava. "We are working in a startup environment, but inside a large corporation, and there are very few such opportunities like this today. We have the opportunity to build intelligent systems based on recent advances in large-scale machine learning, analytics and the powerful computing technologies available today."

http://www.verizon.com

Read More

BT Selects GENBAND's Diameter Signaling Controller for LTE Roaming

BT has selected GENBAND's QUANTiX Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) to expand its existing Global IP Exchange (GIPX), which serves as an LTE signaling and data roaming exchange for its mobile network operator (MNO) customers.

The integrated QUANTiX DSC delivers a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), a Diameter Edge Agent (DEA), a Diameter gateway interworking function (IWF), and a Diameter load balancer – all on a common platform with centralized management. The Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) function supports interworking between the wide variety of vendor equipment that is being deployed across its customers’ LTE networks. The software provides context-aware intelligent routing, scalable handling of SIP and Diameter traffic, and secure, seamless connectivity to any IMS/LTE network resulting in a simple, cost-effective deployment of rich LTE voice and data services.

“Our strong relationship with GENBAND has helped to accelerate the growth of our wholesale network, supporting rapid expansion of our global footprint and enhancements to our GIPX services that meet customer demand for international roaming and increasingly data hungry applications,” said Steve Sherry, Head of (G)IPX Signalling, Messaging and Numbering for BT Wholesale. “The DSC solves complex Diameter signaling interworking, enabling network roaming across otherwise incompatible mobile networks. It also provides the security and routing scalability required to handle the explosion of mobile data traffic exchange for enhanced services, such as RCS, photo sharing, video and Over-the-Top (OTT) applications. GENBAND’s professional services organization has supported our ambitious plans in the marketplace – building and operating these critical solutions that drive revenue generation and customer satisfaction.”

“Although there are over 260 LTE networks in service worldwide, there are few interconnect roaming agreements in place between different mobile networks and this deployment marks a significant milestone for international mobile network operators,” said David Hiscock, Senior Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for GENBAND. “In the past, mobile service providers had to negotiate bi-lateral roaming agreements with network operators, implement point-to-point Diameter interconnects, and handle interoperability challenges between LTE and legacy 2.5G/3G networks. The enhanced BT GIPX solution addresses these challenges for BT’s international wholesale network, providing a seamless experience for roaming subscribers across 170-plus countries and varying vender equipment and host network scenarios.”

http://www.genband.com

• In 2012, BT deployed GENBAND’s enhanced Global IP Interconnect solution to deliver SIP-based interconnect capabilities to its UK and global wholesale customers. Last year, BT leveraged the GENBAND solution to expand its GIPX services to wholesale customers across Asia and the Americas.

Read More

Cumulus Linux Selected by IXLeeds Internet Exchange Point

IXLeeds, a not-for-profit Internet Exchange Point (IXP) based in Leeds, UK, has selected the Cumulus Linux operating system.  The company said its selection followed a three-way bid over Extreme Networks and Juniper Networks. Cumulus Networks’ solution includes 1G Quanta and 10G Edge-Core Ethernet switches both of which are provided by R-Com and Hammer plc.

IXLeeds was launched in September 2010 in order to allow public peering in the north of the United Kingdom. The Cumulus upgrade replaces an existing Brocade BigIron RX-8 system, which was first installed when the project began and could no longer meet their requirements.

http://ixleeds.net/
http://cumulusnetworks.com/

Read More

ZTE's Profits Recovered in 2013 on Declining Revenue (-10.6%)

ZTE reported a net profit of RMB 1.36 billion in 2013, or RMB 0.39 per share, compared with a loss a year earlier. The company declared a cash dividend of RMB 0.3 (including taxation) for every 10 shares held, representing 75.8% of total net profit of the year available for distribution. Revenue fell 10.6% to RMB75.2 billion (US$12.1 billion).

Some highlights:

• Operating revenue from the mainland China market reached RMB35.63 billion, accounting for 47.4% of the company’s overall operating revenue. 
• Operating revenue from international operations reached RMB39.60 billion, accounting for 52.6% of overall operating revenue.
• The company reported relatively fast growth in operating revenue from wireline switch and access products.
• Operating revenue from terminal products decreased as a result of lower demand for feature phones and data cards. 
• Smartphones and other smart terminal products now contribute a bigger percentage of total revenue, driven by the rapid development of the Mobile Internet. 

http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/201403/t20140326_421907.html

Read More

Cyan Replaces CFO

Cyan announced the appointment of Jeff Ross as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective immediately, following the resignation of Mike Zellner for personal reasons.

Ross most recently served as chief financial officer of Velti, a provider of mobile marketing and advertising technology and solutions. Previously Ross served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Sybase from 2007 to 2012, which was acquired by SAP in July 2010 when global revenue was above $1.1 billion. Prior to this, he was the chief accounting officer and corporate controller at Sybase.

Cyan also announced that it currently expects its first quarter 2014 revenue to be at or above the high end of its previously stated guidance. First quarter 2014 revenue guidance was provided on February 11, 2014, and included expectations that revenue would be between the range of $16 million and $18 million.

http://www.cyaninc.com

Read More

Ericsson Cites LTE Momentum with Regional Operators

Ericsson named a list of regional mobile operators that have recently selected its solutions:

Cellcom (Wisconsin) - LTE Enhanced Packet Core and RAN network covering central and northern Wisconsin

Chariton Valley (Missouri) - LTE network covering northeast Missouri

Dickey Rural Networks (North Dakota) - LTE network providing wireless broadband services to south central North Dakota

Flat Wireless, LLC. d/b/a ClearTalk (Texas) - LTE network for mobile wireless broadband covering west Texas,Yuma, AZ, and El Centro, CA as a member of the NetAmerica Alliance

Glenwood Telecommunications Inc. (Nebraska) - LTE network providing wireless broadband services to south central Nebraska

GTA Teleguam (Guam) - Packet Core upgrade and LTE network overlay on the island of Guam

Infrastructure Networks, Inc. – (North Dakota) - LTE network designed to meet the needs of the Energy Industry in the Bakken Oil Formation for its M2M requirements

Ketchikan Public Utilities (Alaska) - LTE network covering southwest Alaska

Panhandle Telecommunication Systems, Inc., dba PTCI (Oklahoma) - UMTS and LTE network for mobility to cover the Oklahoma panhandle

Rainbow Communications (Kansas) - LTE network connected to NewCore Wireless serving northeast Kansas

Sully Telephone (Iowa) - LTE network providing wireless broadband services to south central Iowa

Ericsson also noted that 50% of the LTE connections currently in operation are in North America.

http://www.ericsson.com

Read More