OpVista Extends ROADM Capability

OpVista announced a new the ROADM Interface Card (RIC) for its OpVista2000 DWDM platform, which scales to 800 Gbps. The RIC extends OpVista's single wavelength reconfigurability to existing DWDM systems.



The OpVista2000 delivers an any-to-any architecture by making all wavelengths available at all sites. Coupled with OpVista's scalable, reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing (S-ROADM) capability, operators can provision any wavelength anywhere, down to single wavelength granularity.



The company said its approach provides full flexibility with a low total cost of ownership.

http://www.opvista.com

• OpVista's investors include Sevin Rosen, Incubic, US Trust's Excelsior Venture Partners, and WTI

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Avaya Reaches National Agreement With Unions

Avaya reached a tentative national agreement on a 3-year contract with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The tentative agreement, which covers about 3,000 employees, will be submitted to the CWA and IBEW membership for ratification votes that usually conclude in four to six weeks.

http://www.avaya.com

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Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Selects Cisco Optical for Int. Expansion

Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), the incumbent telco in Taiwan, has selected Cisco Systems' ONS 15454 Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP), for its expansion into overseas markets in Asia, Europe and the U.S.



CHT has extended its coverage from six to 12 cities overseas. The current project is part of CHT's initiative to embrace a Cisco IP Next-Generation Network (NGN) infrastructure. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.cisco.com

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FCC Concludes Air-to-Ground Auction, Two Winning Bidders

The FCC concluded its auction of two nationwide Air-Ground spectrum licenses in the 800 MHz band. The winning bidders for the two licenses were AC BidCo and LiveTV (a unit of JetBlue).



The spectrum that was auctioned is currently used by Verizon Airfone to provide seat-back telephone service. However, Airfone's non-renewable license expires in May 2010 and, within two years of the grant of the new Air-Ground licenses, the company must cease operations in the three MHz of the band corresponding to License C, thereby allowing the new licensee to begin providing service to the public. Airfone may continue to operate in the remaining one MHz of the band (corresponding to License D) until its license expires in 2010.



The three MHz C block license was won by AC BidCo LLC with a bid of $31.3 million, and the one MHz D block license was won by LiveTV LLC with a bid of $7 million.



The four MHz of Air-Ground spectrum in the 800 MHz band can be used to provide a range of communications services to passengers on commercial and other aircraft, including broadband Internet access.

http://www.fcc.gov

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SJ Mercury News: Intel to Sell Certain Communications Units

Intel is preparing to sell certain money-losing communications business units, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Intel has spent $10 billion for its entire collection of communications businesses over ten years. The newspaper speculates that Intel will likely keep communications businesses that support its core computing business, such as its storage processors, WiFi and WiMAX silicon, while selling off technologies such as network processors and chips for mobile phones.

http://www.mercurynews.com

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Ericsson Plans High-speed Mobile Broadband for U.S. Border Security

Ericsson is leading a consortium of companies to provide high-speed mobile broadband technology and IP applications to address the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Secure Border Initiative (SBInet).



Ericsson said its solution integrates both new and legacy technologies, Commercial Off-the-Shelf Technology (COTS) and Government Off-the-Shelf Technology (GOTS) software systems, a comprehensive Concept of Operations and rapid response capabilities to address Customs and Border Protection operational needs.



Ericsson's Border and Area Security (EBAS) system is already operational in the European Union (EU) as part of the EU's Schengen secure border surveillance project.



The ABSG team led by Ericsson includes Computer Sciences Corporation; Fluor Corporation; SYColeman Corporation, a division of L3 Communications; MTC Technologies; CAMBER Corporation; AEP Networks ; Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin.

http://www.ericsson.com

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Acme Packet Files for IPO

Acme Packet, a provider of session border controllers, filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering (IPO) of its common shares. Goldman, Sachs & Co. will act as sole book-runner, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC will act as joint lead manager and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. will act as co-manager in the offering.

http://www.acmepacket.com

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Vonage and D-link Offer Co-Branded Telephone Adaptor

Vonage and D-Link announced the availability of the Voice Terminal Adaptor (VTA), a two-line Internet Phone Adaptor configured with the Vonage service.



The D-Link VTA, which leverages Texas Instruments' TNETV1015 VoIP gateway chipset, powers up to two lines of Internet telephone service and supports popular features such as call waiting, call forwarding and caller ID with name.



The device is now available for free to new subscribers at Vonage direct, www.vonage.com, after a $49.99 instant rebate, exclusive of a $9.99 shipping and handling fee. It will also be available at retail with a MSRP of $49.99 with a $40 rebate after 60 days in service.

http://www.dlink.comhttp://www.vonage.com

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Motorola to Acquire TTP Communications for Mobile Technologies

Motorola agreed to acquire TTP Communications plc. for approximately $192 million in cash (0.45 pounds per share).



TTPCom, based in Cambridge, England, is focused on the three core areas of mobile phone technology -- applications, protocols, and silicon. The TTPCom business was founded in 1988 and has approximately 575 employees.



TTPCom's GPRS, EDGE and 3G protocol stack software offers rapid customization of handsets through its AJAR applications framework, and develops both radio and baseband cellular software engines through its Macro products. More than 150 million devices using TTPCom technology have been shipped worldwide.



TTPCom also offers radio and baseband chipset designs.



"TTPCom is a leader in wireless software platforms, protocol stacks and semiconductor solutions and is a highly complementary addition to Motorola's technology portfolio," said Ron Garriques, President, Motorola's Mobile Devices business. "We already have a strong relationship with TTPCom and look forward to continuing momentum TTPCom has built with its customers and partners across the mobile industry. We welcome the employees of TTPCom to Motorola and look forward to a quick and seamless integration upon closing."http://www.motorola.comhttp://www.ttpcom.com

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Overture Raises $7.5 Million for Converged Packet Access

Overture Networks, a start-up based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, raised $7.5 million in third round funding for its converged packet access platforms. Overture Networks provides high-speed networking platforms that allow carriers to economically reshape their networks and revenue streams by deploying uniform managed Ethernet and TDM services to every customer location.



Overture's platform is designed to deliver any mix of Ethernet and TDM service combinations. The ISG converged packet access platform supports a variety of interfaces ranging from NxT1/E1 to Gigabit Ethernet.



The new financing was led by new investor Telecommunications Development Fund (TDF) in Washington, D.C.. Current investors, including Morgenthaler Ventures, Intersouth Partners, Armada Ventures and Gray Ventures, and another new investor, Legend Ventures, also participated in the round. The new funds will be used as growth capital to expand product development and customer support functions.



The company claims over 60 customers. Recently announced customers include THUS, plc; Cypress Communications and Memphis Networx. http://www.overturenetworks.com

• ADC has an OEM agreement with Overture Networks to supply its new LoopStar 700 Ethernet access and transport system. The LoopStar 700 portfolio of Ethernet multi-service access solutions can be used to aggregate, deploy and manage Ethernet and TDM services. Available network interfaces include NxT1/E1, DS3, NxDS3, OC3c/STM1, OC12c/STM4, 100FX, and GigE, as well as drop side (tributary) interfaces of DS1, 10/100 BT, 100FX and GigE. The LoopStar 700 family also provides a solution for Pseudo Wire (PWE3) T1/E1/J1 circuit emulation transport, making it economical for business applications or cell site backhaul which require both Ethernet and TDM over a single network service or private network facility.

Equipping Metro Optical Networks to Deliver Ethernet Services

Ethernet services represent a significant growth opportunity for service providers and a potentially significant productivity gain for customers. Both parties are looking to Ethernet to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth, lower operational expenses and better management and control. To understand Ethernet services and revenues, you need to know the current positioning and where the market is headed. Like any new service offering Ethernet services are subject to a "life cycle" of technology and implementation.

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Global Crossing Offers VoIP On-Net Plus Service

Global Crossing announced global availability of its VoIP On-Net Plus Service -- a fully integrated, network-based voice Virtual Private Network (VPN) that enables enterprises to migrate to a fully converged IP network.



Global Crossing VoIP On-Net Plus Service is network-based and fully independent of premises-based equipment. It allows enterprises to complete calls to their office locations over Global Crossing's worldwide VoIP network, reaching more than 600 cities in 60 countries.



A distinctive feature of VoIP On-Net Plus is cross protocol routing - the ability to connect to the VoIP network either through an IP protocol or a traditional Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) protocol. With cross protocol routing, Global Crossing's network accepts an IP or TDM call and makes any necessary translations to complete it through a customer's Virtual Private Network (VPN). Calls can be completed IP to IP, IP to TDM, TDM to IP, or TDM to TDM.



VoIP On-Net Plus provides customers full call detail records for on-net completions, and the service is fully integrated with Global Crossing VoIP Outbound, Global Crossing VoIP Local and Global Crossing VoIP Toll Free services. http://www.globalcrossing.com

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CinemaNow to Add Warner Bros. Content

CinemaNow signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group to offer select movies and television shows on a download-to-own basis through its Web site. Movies will be available for purchase via electronic-sell-through, and future releases will be available on the site concurrent with the traditional "home video window." This also marks the first availability of Warner Bros. television content on a download-to-own basis in the U.S.



All content will be copy protected by Microsoft's Windows Digital Rights Management (DRM) software.

http://www.cinemanow.com

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SeaChange Cites Rise in VOD Systems Revenue

SeaChange reported quarterly revenue of $33.2 million, a 5.5% increase from revenues of $31.5 million for the same quarter a year ago. The net loss for the first quarter was $4.4 million, or $0.15 per share, compared with a net loss of $0.6 million, or $0.02 per share, for the first period last year.



Total revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from the Company's Broadband segment, which includes Video on Demand (VOD) and Advertising Insertion hardware and software was $16.3 million, which was $2.0 million higher than comparable revenue in the preceding quarter.



Sequential revenue growth in the Broadband segment in the first quarter was driven by a 71 percent increase in VOD systems revenue to $10.8 million from $6.3 million in the preceding quarter.



"We've seen a definite uptick in our North American VOD business evidenced by an increase in our VOD order rate. In fact, shipments and unfilled orders this quarter have already exceeded total VOD system revenue recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006," said Bill Styslinger, president and CEO of SeaChange International.

http://www.schange.com

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Amino Announces Single-Chip HD AVC/H.264 STB for Hospitality IPTV

Amino introduced a single-chip HD AVC/H.264 IPTV STB specifically designed for the global hospitality industry. The new HD STB, which is modeled on the company's existing AmiNET110H design, features a TV interface, which enables a completely invisible installation where the whole system can be controlled via the television using one remote control. It will begin shipping in volume in Q3 2006.

http://www.aminocom.com

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Ciena Reports Q2 Revenue of $131.2 million, up 9% Sequentially

Ciena reported Q2 revenue of $131.2 million, representing a 8.9% sequential increase from fiscal first quarter revenue of $120.4 million, and an increase of 26.3% over the same period a year ago. Ciena's net loss (GAAP) for the fiscal second quarter 2006 was $1.9 million, or a net loss of $0.00 per share. This compares with a reported GAAP net loss of $74.8 million, or a net loss of $0.13 per share, for the same period a year ago.



"We continue to see indications that underlying demand drivers like high-speed broadband access, wireless, and video are fueling the need for capacity growth and a transition to next-generation networks," said Smith. "We believe our role as the network specialist and our practical vision for network migration, whether from TDM to Ethernet, 2G to 3G, or Internet broadband to Triple Play, positions Ciena to benefit from these market dynamics," said Gary Smith, Ciena CEO and president.

http://www.ciena.com

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JDSU Introduces Metro Ethernet Quality of Service Test Solution

JDSU introduced a test solution to ensure Metro Ethernet quality of service (QoS) across core and access networks. The solution integrates a set of interoperable field test instruments, network probes and management software to address the three primary concerns associated with installing and maintaining Metro Ethernet networks: the ability to rapidly install new connections, the need to dispatch technicians to fix rather than find problems, and the need for a reliable method to maintain networks while simultaneously reducing truck rolls.



Products in JDSU's Metro Ethernet test solution include portable testers like the MTS/T-BERD 8000 and FST-2802 Ethernet tester, as well as the NetComplete Metro Ethernet Service Assurance Solution (consisting of the rack-mountable QT-600 Ethernet IP testhead and centralized NetAnalyst Test OSS).



NetComplete for Metro Ethernet provides continuous QoS and service availability testing, monitoring and analysis; on-demand and scheduled testing; service turn-up verification; rapid fault isolation and troubleshooting; data filtering using extensive triggers and filter criteria; and multi-interface support (10/100/1000 Mbps via the QT-600).



The MTS/T-BERD 8000 and FST-2802 are portable Ethernet test sets that offer a range of capabilities, ranging from Layer 1 BERT up to Layer 3 installation and maintenance, including loopback capabilities that complement NetComplete for Metro Ethernet. Tests performed during the installation and commissioning include connectivity, throughput, frame loss, and round trip delay (latency). Verifying Ethernet services in this way ensures SLA requirements and, of equal importance, creates a baseline of performance against which the network can be subsequently measured.

http://www.jdsu.com

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UTStarcom Reaches One Million IP DSLAM Ports in Europe

UTStarcom announced a milestone for its access network solution -- the deployment of over one million IP DSLAM ports in Europe - one of the largest and fastest growing DSL markets in the world.



The company, which introduced the first IP DSLAM to the market place in the spring of 2001, has deployed its award-winning equipment in France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Austria, as well as having installed, in Japan, the world's largest IP DSLAM network.

http://www.utstar.com

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Yipes Secures $17.5 Million in Funding to Accelerate Growth

Yipes Enterprise Services raised $17.5 million in fourth round funding, including a $9 million line of credit from SVB Silicon Valley Bank and additional Series D funding of $8.5 million from existing Yipes investors, Crosslink Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, JPMorgan Partners, LLC and Sprout Group, a venture capital affiliate of Credit Suisse. In total, Yipes has raised $106 million in equity since July 2002.



Yipes said the funding will be used to accelerate the rollout of its enterprise Ethernet services, expansion into new markets, as well as for the development of new products. The company said it has crossed the 700 customer milestone.



The Yipes network has more than 14,000 fiber route miles and reaches most major cities in the U.S. Yipes' global presence includes an expanding commitment to the U.K., Europe and the Pacific Rim, including current locations in London, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

http://www.yipes.com

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California Assembly Approves Video Franchise Bill

The California Assembly voted to approve Bill 2987, which would overhaul the state's cable franchising process and pave the way for new competitors, including AT&T and Verizon. The bill, authored by Speaker Fabian Núñez and Assembly member Lloyd Levine, had earlier been passed by the Assembly's Utilities and Commerce Committee and Appropriations Committee.



Verizon West Region President Tim McCallion said "Verizon has stepped up to the plate in California, spending hundreds of millions of dollars to deploy a unique fiber-optic technology that gives consumers the most advanced technology available all the way to their homes. More than 1,000 new employees are working today to build this new system, so not only are we creating exciting new options for consumers, but also important new jobs."http://www.verizon.com

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Verizon Launches FiOS TV Widgets

Verizon introduced an interactive weather and traffic widget to complement its fiber-optic FiOS TV service.



FiOS TV Widgets are available at no additional cost to customers with a set-top box. The widget provides one-touch, on-demand access to real-time local weather and traffic information. Subscribers use their remote control to display text-based weather and traffic on their TV screens without interrupting the program they are watching.



Future Widgets may include personalized news, sports scores and fantasy-league sports results or community information.



Verizon said the widgets are the first of several product enhancements that will let subscribers control and share entertainment and information throughout the home. Later this year, Verizon will add a multi-room digital video recorder and a feature that lets customers access PC-based photos and music on their televisions. Additional new services are planned for 2007.

http://www.verizon.com

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