Metro Ethernet Forum Extends Certifications to Service Providers

The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) launched Phase 2 of its Carrier Ethernet Certification Program, which is aimed at accelerating the global uptake of Carrier Ethernet. Certifications will be issued to service providers complying with MEF specifications.


The initial certifications for E-Line and E-LAN Ethernet services will be announced during the first quarter of 2006. AT&T, Met-Net, Qwest, SBC Communications Inc. Time Warner Telecom, T-Systems and Verizon are among the first service providers to express their commitment to Ethernet service certification, with further tier 1 and tier 2 providers also showing keen initial interest.


Since Phase 1 of the program -- focusing on systems and equipment certification -- was launched in April 2005, 39 systems have been certified as complying with the MEF's Carrier Ethernet service specifications.
http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org

• During the MEF's Phase 1 certifications, all the products were tested by Iometrix in accordance with it's MEF-approved "Test Plan for Ethernet Services at the UNI" and the certificates state whether they deliver EPL (Ethernet Private Line), EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) and/or E-LAN (Ethernet multipoint-to-multipoint) services compliant with the MEF 9 technical specification for such services.

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Alcatel Debuts 7250 Ethernet Access Switch

Alcatel
introduced a carrier-class, customer-located Ethernet access
switch designed for enterprise services. The new Alcatel 7250
Service Access Switch is a customer-edge device that complements
the Alcatel 7450 Ethernet Services Switch (ESS) at the service
edge and the Alcatel 7750 Service Router at the metro core,
enabling Ethernet, Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) and MPLS
services to be extended to the customer premise from the network
core.  

Alcatel's end-to-end OAM (operations, administration, and
management) tools will extend from the 7750 Service Router
through the 7450 ESS and now to the customer premise 7250 SAS. 

Alcatel is also adding non-stop routing and non-stop service
capabilities to the 7450 Ethernet Services Switch (ESS), making
high availability SLAs possible for carrier Ethernet services
and bringing them up to par with Frame Relay and ATM services.

Key features of the new Alcatel 7250 SAS  include:

• available in a compact, modular chassis (1 RU)
  
• interface options include GigE, 100Base-FX, and 100Base-T
  
• hot-swappable uplink modules include GigE and SONET/SDH
  
• supports circuit emulation with a DS1/E1 access module,
  enabling Ethernet services to carry legacy voice as well as
  VOIP.
  
• uses an advanced scheduling mechanism to implement service
  hierarchies to provide maximum isolation and fairness
  between various services and applications.

http://www.alcatel.com

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DISH Network Introduces Portable Media Drive

EchoStar Communications' DISH Network satellite TV service rolled out its PocketDISH, a new line of portable media companions. The units can download or record content from a PC or Mac, digital cameras, mass storage devices, as well as other video or audio sources such as DVD players, camcorders and VCRs. DISH Network customers will enjoy a special feature of ultra-fast video transfer speeds when attaching PocketDISH to select DISH Network digital video recorders (DVRs) via a USB 2.0 connection. For instance, an hour of DISH Network programming can be transferred to the PocketDISH hard drive in about five minutes. Three models are available.
http://www.dishnetwork.com

• EchoStar currently serves more than 11.4 million satellite TV customers

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Covista Selects MetaSwitch for 200,000-Subscriber Network

Covista Communications, a facilities-based provider of telecommunications services, selected Metaswitch for its next generation network. With more than 200,000 subscribers and switching centers in Chattanooga, Dallas and Minneapolis, Covista operates an extensive local and long distance network.


Covista will deploy MetaSwitch's Class 4/5 distributed softswitch and UC9000 hosted IP applications platform to reduce network operating costs and facilitate new services, including IP Centrex and a Web portal for unified communications. It will also remove Covista's dependence on the RBOCs for the company's remaining subscribers still currently served by RBOC switching facilities.


In addition to technology, MetaSwitch has provided Covista with professional services to assist and advise with the management, planning, design and implementation of this major technology deployment. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.metaswitch.com
http://www.covista.com

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Ericsson and BenQ Target IMS services for Java-enabled Mobile Handsets

Ericsson and BenQ Mobile will lead the specification development in the Java Community Process (JCP) to define IMS services for Java-enabled mobile handsets. JCP's Java Micro-Edition has approved the specification request submitted by Ericsson and Siemens Mobile Handsets (today BenQ Mobile). The specification (JSR-281, IMS Services API) will define a high-level Java Application Programming Interface (API) that will offer service-level support to enable easy development of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) applications.


The companies said using Java for IMS services will allow operators and application developers to easily create and deploy new IMS-based services.


The JSR-281 will consist of at least three types of functionality: high-level IMS core functionality, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) services, and Group List Management services.


Jorgen Lantto, Vice President, Strategic Product Management, Ericsson Mobile Platforms, said "Making IMS capabilities available for Java developers will allow the wide community of Java application developers to rapidly bring interactive multimedia services to consumers. We expect that this will speed up the commercial launch of IMS by mobile operators and terminal vendors."http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.benq.com/

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Linksys and Skype Introduce VoIP Cordless Handset

Linksys and Skype will begin marketing a new cordless phone for the free Skype service. The handset also supports SkypeOut, SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail. Key features include:

• Supports call waiting


• Mute button


• 3 available ring tones


• Intercom support to between multiple handsets


• Built-in speakerphone


• Color LCD panel


• Up to 120 hour standby time and 10 hour talk time


• Hold Button


• Caller ID


• Address Book that supports up 120 contacts


• Ringer -Off/On switch


• Navigation button for screen


• Voice encryption


• Headset jack for connecting a headset


• Uses DECT wireless technology so won't interfere with 2.4GHz phones or devices


• Single base station supports up to four additional DECT based phones


• Handset locater button on USB base station

The estimated street price is $129.99.
http://www.skype.com
http://www.linksys.com

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BigBand Networks Names John Reister Chief Architect IPTV

BigBand Networks announced the appointment of John Reister to chief architect, IPTV. Reister most recently served as chief technology officer of Copper Mountain Networks, acquired by Tut Systems. http://www.bigbandnet.com/

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Marvell Introduces 300 Mbps Wi-Fi Chipset

Marvell introduced a chipset based on the Enhanced Wireless Consortium's (EWC) recently announced technology specification for next gen, 802.11n WLAN products. The Marvell 88W8360 chipset has a peak data rate of 300 Mbps. Supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, as well as 20 MHz and 40 MHz channelization, the Marvell 88W8360 has the advanced Quality of Service mechanisms required to support the emerging digital home market by enabling transmission of multiple high-definition video streams while simplifying the end-user experience.


Marvell said it is engaged with leading handset manufactures and carriers to deliver optimized products for mobile handsets, with integrated software and hardware support for IMS services in 3G networks.
http://www.marvell.com

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UK's ntl Selects Alcatel for Metro Ethernet

ntl, which is the UK's largest cable operator, selected Alcatel to build a Metro Ethernet Transport Network that will extend to more than 260 points of presence (POPs) across the country. Alcatel will provide the entire network infrastructure for locally based Ethernet services, and will aggregate other Ethernet-based products and services, such as video-on-demand, digital television, and cable and DSL modem traffic. The network will be based on the Alcatel 7450 Ethernet Service Switch and 5620 Service Aware Manager. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.alcatel.com

• Earlier this month, ntl confirmed plans to acquire Telewest for GBP 3.4 billion ($6 billion), creating the UK's second largest communications company with a cable footprint covering more than 50% of the nation's households. The combined company will have nearly 5 million customers, including 2.5 million residential broadband subscribers and the second largest fixed telephony supplier with 4.3 million subscribers.

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KPN Selects Alcatel's Ethernet Aggregation for Triple Play

KPN, the incumbent operator in The Netherlands, has selected the Alcatel 7450 Ethernet Service Switch (ESS) and the Alcatel 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM), to upgrade its broadband aggregation networking in order to deliver triple play services across the country. KPN will use the Alcatel solution to deliver triple play services from 28 main Points of Presence (POP) located in 14 different regions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.alcatel.com

• In March 2005, Alcatel announced a contract with KPN for the upgrade of its existing DSL infrastructure in The Netherlands to ADSL2+. This contract involves the upgrade of all current DSLAMs, which were installed and implemented by Alcatel in previous years.



• In June 2005. Siemens confirmed that it had been selected by KPN as its partner for IPTV integration. KPN plans to introduce digital television over its DSL network during the course of this year.

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Microsoft and Yahoo! to Connect IM Services

Yahoo! and Microsoft announced a landmark agreement to interconnect their instant messaging (IM) services on a global basis by Q2 2006. In addition to exchanging instant messages, consumers from both communities will be able to see their friends' online presence, share select emoticons, and easily add new contacts from either service to their friends' list, all as part of their free IM service.


The companies said their joint efforts would create "the largest consumer IM community in the world, estimated to be more than 275 million strong."


"This is truly a turning point for the IM industry, and we believe our agreement with Microsoft will help usher in a new era of IP communications," said Terry Semel, Yahoo! CEO.
http://www.yahoo.com/http://www.microsoft.com/

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QUALCOMM's Second-Generation HSDPA Runs at 7.2 Mbps

QUALCOMM has begun sampling its second generation Mobile Station Modem (MSM) chipset supporting HSDPA. The chipset integrates advanced receiver technologies such as Receive Diversity and Equalizer, enabling it to support data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps.


QUALCOMM's MSM6280 chipset is pin-, RF- and software API-compatible with QUALCOMM's first HSDPA chipset, allowing handset manufacturers to leverage existing hardware and software platforms for faster time to market and reduced development costs. Additionally, the MSM6280 interfaces with the company's RF CMOS single-chip transceiver and multi-band receiver devices, enabling more integrated and cost-effective solutions.


The MSM6280 single-chip baseband supports WCDMA (UMTS)/HSDPA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (EGPRS) standards and integrates a wide range of multimedia features, including advanced video, audio, imaging and 3D graphics capabilities.
http://www.qualcomm.com/

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Apple Enters Market for Online Video Sales

Apple's Steve Jobs unveiled the company's fifth generation iPod featuring the ability to play video.


The new iPod, which is available in a 30GB model for $299 and a 60GB model for $399, plays music, audiobooks, audio Podcasts, video Podcasts, home movies, music videos and VOD titles.


A new version of Apple's iTunes Music Store already features 2,000 music videos and select hit television shows for $1.99. The videos can be played on a Mac or PC, then downloaded to a video-enable iPod.


Content is encoded in MPEG-4 or H.264 format. An iPod AV cable enables viewing on a TV screen.


Apple is featuring select Disney and ABC television shows, promising to make the latest episodes of hit shows like "Lost," "Desperate Housewives" and "That's So Raven" available just one day after it airs. Full season archives of Disney and ABC content will also be offered online. Short films are Pixar are also in the VOD library.

Image Courtesy: Apple

http://www.apple.com<

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Nokia E-Series Targets Mobility Applications

Nokia unveiled three Eseries devices aimed at business mobility applications, such as mobile email and advanced voice calling functions. The new Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70, which will be available in Q1 2006, support corporate mobile email solutions like BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink from Good Technology, Inc., Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile.



The new Nokia Eseries devices are built on the latest edition of the Series 60 smartphone software platform. They include a variety of GSM frequencies and 3G (WCDMA) cellular network support for seamless roaming across different countries, as well as a range of local connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth and Infrared and are USB 2.0 compatible.


The devices support VoIP calls, Push to talk, and other SIP-based rich call services. Companies deploying an Avaya or Cisco IP PBX can connect the new Nokia devices directly to their corporate phone networks, enabling functions employees have come to expect from a corporate network like four-digit dialing and assisted call answering.


Nokia said its new business-optimized devices are the first in the industry to support remote device management based on OMA DM, which provides IT managers with tools to remotely control and protect corporate data on the device and configure devices via device wipe, device lock or task management, application management and customization, for example.
http://www.nokia.com

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Virtela Introduces Global Remote Monitoring & Management Services

Virtela, which provides global secure networking services, introduced a new Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) suite that provides a single point of contact for monitoring, managing and reporting on customer-owned IT infrastructure on a worldwide basis, including WANs, LANs, WLANs, servers, IP telephony, and security devices.


Virtela operates a global, multi-carrier MPLS network with dynamic best path routing and automatic failover capabilities. Network and Security Operations Centers in Denver and Mumbai, India monitor and manage outsourced customer networks. The new Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) suite lets customers maintain control of and visibility into their infrastructures via on-line ticketing, reporting, and administration using a Web portal. The services also provide certified, hands-on expertise for managing and troubleshooting platforms from major equipment vendors worldwide. http://www.virtela.net/

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Salira Names Former Corning Exec as CEO

Salira Systems, a provider of Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (GEPON) systems, named Dr. Yanming Liu as its new President and CEO. Dr. Liu was inventor and one of the principal developers of Corning's LEAF fiber. Subsequently, he led the international technical marketing of the LEAF fiber, which became a multi-billion dollar product line. Liu has held several management positions, including VP Business Development at Optovia and VP Marketing and Strategic Development at Walsin Management Company.
http://www.salira.com

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GlowPoint Hires Rothschild to Explore Possible Sale

Glowpoint, an IP-based video communications service provider, has engaged Rothschild as its financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives for the company, including investment opportunities, as well as a possible merger or sale of all or part of its business.


GlowPoint, which is based in New Jersey, offers video conferencing, bridging and IP broadcasting services to enterprises, SOHOs, broadcasters and consumers worldwide. The company said its network has carried over 23 million IP video minutes, with an average of more than 20,000 video calls per month worldwide.


GlowPoint has a strategic partnership with Sony Electronics for Sony to license and private label the company's "Instant Video Everywhere" or IVE solution under the brand Sony IVE powered by GlowPoint. IVE is currently being used as Sony's video service offering for its IPELA(R) line of IP-based videoconferencing and broadcast hardware products.
http://www.glowpoint.com

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ECI Supplies Optical Backbone in Costa Rica

ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad), a government owned utility company in Costa Rica, selected ECI to deploy a complete optical transmission network across the country. The project, which is valued at $59 million, is based on ECI's XDM Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP). ECI will provide all aspects of the fiber installation and design, supply the fiber optic cables, digging of the fiber canals and ducting the fiber installation works of over 1000 km across the urban and rural areas of Costa Rica. The network will provide ICE with the needed capacity to deliver voice and data services to fixed and mobile subscribers.


ECI's XDM converged SDH and DWDM optical platforms enable up to 40 channels of 10 Gbps. In addition, the XDM platform handles ATM, point-to-point IP and Gigabit Ethernet. ECI's multi-dimensional management system incorporates different technology layers to allow operators multiple technology-centered views of the network, including SDH/SONET, optics, and Ethernet.
http://www.ecitele.com

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ECI's ST200 Edge Router Selected by River City

River City Internet Group, a Missouri corporation that owns eight operating companies that deliver IP based services enabling residential, enterprise and carriers with front office, backend, connectivity and management technologies, has selected ECI's ST200 edge router platform to consolidate its switching, routing and subscriber management.


As part of this new deal, River City will deploy ECI's ST200 series including the 8-port OC-3 card, 12-port channelized DS-3 card and the 4-port gigabit Ethernet card, plus enhanced provisioning and customer support services.
http://www.ecitele.com
http://www.rcig.net

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Ericsson to Introduce GSM 450

Ericsson confirmed that it intends to expand its GSM portfolio into the 450 MHz frequency band. GSM 450 enables cost-efficient GSM mobile coverage in markets that have not already been covered. The GSM 450 solution supports full global GSM roaming. Ericsson said GSM 450 will particularly help to bring mobile services to remote areas previously considered not feasible to cover.


Ericsson, together with major handset vendors, is driving the 450 solutions to enable product launch during 2006, depending on market demand.
http://www.ericsson.com

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