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Note: For OSS/BSS news after 10/01/06, please go to OSS & Security

OSS/BSS News (Before 10/01/06)

China Telecom picks PacificNet Epro for CRM Telemarketing Services
PacificNet Inc., a leading provider of CRM and telemarketing services, ecommerce, gaming and Value-Added Services (VAS) in China, announced that its PacificNet Epro subsidiary has been selected by China Telecom's Ningbo Branch to provide CRM consulting and call center training services.
Under the project service agreement, PacificNet Epro is engaged to enhance the CRM service level and telemarketing management capability of China Telecom's customer service center called the "10000 Information Hotline."
This comprehensive consulting project consists of the following deliverables: Development of Outsourcing Telemarketing Program, Call Center Workflow Design, Business Management, Project Return On Investment (ROI), Critical Success Factors on Customer Affinity, Five Steps of Customer Service and Telemarketing, How to Design Effective Telemarketing Script, and Customer Service Agent Role Playing Sessions.
This comprehensive consulting project consists of the following deliverables: Development of Outsourcing Telemarketing Program, Call Center Workflow Design, Business Management, Project Return On Investment (ROI), Critical Success Factors on Customer Affinity, Five Steps of Customer Service and Telemarketing, How to Design Effective Telemarketing Script, and Customer Service Agent Role Playing Sessions.
Related Channels: China, OSS/BSS

Wave7 Optics intros management suite for EPON and GPON FTTP
Wave7 Optics Inc., a leading supplier of standards-based fiber-to-the-home or -premises (FTTH/FTTP) equipment for residential and business services, announced the release of the W7 Management Suite, a full-featured, standards-based element management system supporting its Trident7™ Optical Access Platform EPON / GPON product line. The W7 Management Suite gives Wave7 customers complete “OAM&P” support for evolving EPON and GPON-based services, including POTS and VOIP telephony, various data services and RF or IP video.
In the area of service connection, Wave7 Optics has created a provisioning mediation system for flow through service provisioning of Wave7 Optics equipment, as well as video head-end controllers and voice switches. The W7 Management Suite also offers an optional triple-play order entry and accounts receivable package. This flow-through provisioning interface has been extended to allow subscriber account number and address information to automatically flow from the billing system to the customer premises devices. This design supports open-billing system interfaces and currently interoperates with numerous third party billing systems.
Related Channels: FTTP, OSS/BSS

Huawei's CPE devices successfully pass interoperability testing with the DSL Forum CPE WAN Management protocol
China's Huawei Technologies, a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, serving 28 of the world's top 50 operators, as well as over one billion users worldwide, and SupportSoft, Inc., a leading provider of technical support automation software, announced that Huawei's customer premises equipment (CPE) devices have successfully passed interoperability testing with the DSL Forum CPE WAN Management protocol. Known as TR-069, this specification ensures that Huawei CPE devices can be easily configured, activated and managed from a console in the network, helping service providers to effectively control the costs of deployment and support of a CPE device, as well as tightly manage delivery of multiple services.
The TR-069 specification provides the necessary framework for efficient and scalable deployment of new services using DSL broadband infrastructure, including combined delivery of VoIP, IPTV and high-speed data services. SupportSoft lab testing has validated Huawei's CPE devices and SupportSoft ServiceGateway(TM) software interoperate in accordance with the DSL Forum's specification.
"It is important to our customers that our devices interoperate with industry specifications, and they have specifically told us that they regard SupportSoft's Digital 360 Interoperability Lab as important to verify interoperability with TR-069," said Ren Xuebin, VP of Fixed Network Termination Product Line at Huawei Technologies. "SupportSoft's Lab helps to assure our customers that we are TR-069 compliant."
"Digital service providers don't want to take on the burden of integration, and rely upon their CPE vendors to provide interoperability out of the box," said Peter Szalay, vice president of business development and alliances at SupportSoft. "As an extremely fast growing and important CPE manufacturer, Huawei can get ahead of the competition by proactively ensuring their devices interoperate in accordance to the TR-069 specification."
The DSL Forum is recognized as the leading industry consortium dedicated to developing the full potential of DSL broadband. Its membership includes 200 leading service providers, equipment manufacturers and other interested parties worldwide -- all committed to developing common standards and embracing new applications to meet the needs of the next generation of multi- media services for DSL customers.
Related Channels: xDSL, VoIP, Video, Test, OSS/BSS, China

Smith Micro intros StuffIt Deluxe 11.0
California-based Smith Micro Software, Inc. released StuffIt Deluxe® 11.0, the latest version of its innovative data compression, access, and management solution for Mac OS X. The newly redesigned Universal Binary version of StuffIt Deluxe introduces StuffIt Archive Manager™, providing native support for Intel based Macs, and featuring a number of improvements to its core compression engine. These improvements deliver faster compression and decompression speeds, especially evident on dual-processor or dual-core Macs.
With the addition of StuffIt Archive Manager, StuffIt Deluxe places an increased emphasis on file management. StuffIt Archive Manager works by grouping related files together into "Collections." These Collections allow the user to work with a set of files in a single list view regardless of their location on the hard drive. The default set of Collections included with StuffIt Archive Manager are designed to help the user work with their archived data. For example, clicking the "StuffIt Collection" button creates a list of all the StuffIt archives found on the user's computer.
StuffIt Archive Manager allows users to create their own fully-customizable Collections. By using simple search criteria, a custom Collection allows the user to be more specific in determining what items are returned as part of a list. Users will find it easy to create a custom Collection that only includes archives that were created or downloaded within the last week. Also, custom Collections are not limited to archive files; they can include any file type. StuffIt Archive Manager can be used to group together all the files associated with a particular project so that they can be quickly archived.
"StuffIt Deluxe can serve as a 'Rosetta Stone' for Mac users," said Matthew Covington, Director of StuffIt Product Management. "StuffIt is able to seamlessly expand, decode and open data in virtually any format, including several increasingly-popular Zip encryption methods that the Finder doesn't support."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

CommVault IPO pricing at $14.50 per share
Oceanport, N.J.-based CommVault Systems, Inc., a leading provider of data management software applications and related services, announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 11,111,111 shares of its common stock at $14.50 per share (before underwriting discounts and commissions). Of those shares, CommVault is selling 6,148,148 shares and selling shareholders are selling 4,962,963 shares.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are serving as the joint bookrunners of this offering, with Merrill Lynch & Co. as the Lead Manager, and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, RBC Capital Markets and C.E. Unterberg, Towbin LLC serving as co-managers.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Storage

Riverbed announces IPO
Riverbed Technology, Inc. announced an initial public offering of 8.7 million shares of its common stock at a price of $9.75 per share. Riverbed has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to approximately 1.3 million additional shares. Riverbed's common stock will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "RVBD" and will begin trading Thursday, September 21, 2006.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as sole book-running manager, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank Securities acted as joint lead managers, and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC acted as co-manager for the offering. When available, a copy of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting Goldman, Sachs & Co., Attn: Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, via fax at 212-902-9316 or via e-mail at prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com.
A registration statement relating to the offering was filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering is being made solely by means of a prospectus. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Storage

Cable & Wireless picks MetaSolv OSS
MetaSolv Software, Inc., a global leader in comprehensive operations support system (OSS) solutions for next-generation communications service providers, announced that Cable & Wireless, one of the world’s leading international communications companies, has selected MetaSolv for its IP and next-generation OSS transformation. The multi-million dollar agreement provides Cable & Wireless with an integrated next-generation platform for activation, provisioning and configuration management across all service domains.
Cable & Wireless has already successfully deployed the first phase of the project. This phase standardizes two large and disparate MPLS-based IP networks on MetaSolv’s next-generation activation platform. This enterprise-wide deployment has enabled Cable & Wireless to quickly derive significant synergies from their recent acquisition of a large European IP VPN service provider and provides the operator with a market-leading and common platform for the future growth of next-generation services.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Competition Alert for Yahoo, Google and Baidu: China Telecom, Microsoft to jointly launch search service next month
China Telecom, together with Microsoft China, will launch its "114" Internet search engine service next month from its partnering Website (www.vnet.cn), a Guangzhou-based newspaper reported.
The company has informed its branches to stop cooperating with other search engine service providers and to help test the "114" site, which is now in trial operation, Nanfang Daily said. Users can now go to (www.114.vnet.cn) to conduct searches. On the result page, Microsoft clearly states that it provides the technology.
For Yahoo China, Google and other major search engines in China, this new Website poses as a huge competitor, since the Internet service operator has tens of millions of users in the country.
China Telecom, the largest fixed-line operator in China, has upgraded its "114" service from merely a nationwide telephone enquiry service on traffic and telephone number indexes to a comprehensive voice-based search engine.
Its Internet edition will soon be officially launched, the newspaper said.
Vnet.cn has soared from out of nowhere to 78th position in global standings from April, according to today‘s Alexa.com, a popular statistics Website.
The "114" search engine will also be available through ChinaNetClient‘s Website, the updated Internet access software of the company.
Microsoft China and China Telecom‘s 2-year cooperation, from June to the end of 2008, may be publicized tomorrow in Beijing, the report said.
Besides Microsoft‘s pledge of US$21 million, China Telecom will also get 70% of the online searching service income during 2007, and 50% in 2008.
Baidu.com, another major search engine service provider in China, has failed to reach an agreement with China Telecom, said the report.
Related Channels: China, OSS/BSS

Rocket acquires software products from Telcordia
Rocket Software, a Boston-based developer of Enterprise Infrastructure products, has acquired three software products from Telcordia Technologies, the leading provider of software and services for IP, wireline, mobility and cable networks. The products acquired by Rocket are currently sold under the names Information Management System (IMS) Workload Router, Information Management System DRC Facility, and Information Management System Y2K Exit Point Routine. The purchase closed at the end of last quarter, and Chris McKinzie of Austin-based Fluid Innovation Group advised on the transaction. This acquisition bolsters Rocket's already significant offerings in the database management market. Customers of the three products sold in the transaction will continue to receive support and product upgrades from Rocket.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

IBM partners with Telenor
IBM and Telenor have developed new mobile communications technology for global business users that will allow mobile devices and networks to automatically learn about their users' whereabouts and preferences as they commute, work and travel.
Code-named PASTA for "Presence Advanced Services for Telco Applications" and developed by the two companies as part of a joint research initiative, the technology provides infrastructure for deploying next-generation mobile presence services. "Presence" technology -- used in applications such as instant messaging -- makes it possible to locate and identify a computing or communications device wherever it might be, as soon as the user connects to the network. Privacy issues are addressed by allowing users to control when they are available.
The pilot test for the PASTA project will use an application that was designed to streamline the routing of wireless phone traffic on the Telenor network.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS

Cable & Wireless picks Sonus for VoIP
Sonus Networks, Inc., a leading supplier of service provider Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, and Cable & Wireless International, the world's pre-eminent full service telecommunications provider in small to medium sized markets, announced that Cable & Wireless International has selected Sonus Networks as the supplier of its next-generation IP-voice network. Cable & Wireless International plans to deploy one of the world's largest IP-voice networks delivering primary line local, long-distance and international telephony service. Operating in 34 countries around the world, including 14 islands in the Caribbean, Cable and Wireless will initially deploy its Sonus-based network to support the Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. In select markets, Cable and Wireless plans ultimately to replace its infrastructure with Sonus' award-winning IMS-ready access solution.
Cable & Wireless is deploying a complete suite of Sonus' IMS-ready solutions including both the GSX9000(TM) and GSX4000(TM) Open Services Switch, the PSX(TM) Call Routing Server, the ASX(TM) Access Server, the Network Border Switch(TM) for IP-to-IP peering and security, and the Sonus Insight(TM) Management System for advanced OSS and billing support.
Related Channels: VoIP, Switching & Routing, OSS/BSS

OpSource secures $20M
Santa Clara-based OpSource Inc. said Monday it received $20 million in investment capital, venture leasing, and credit lines.
The company said funding was led by Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of Santa Clara-based Intel Corp.
OpSource said existing venture partners, including Palo Alto-based ComVentures and Artiman Ventures, and Waltham, Mass.-based Key Venture Partners, also contributed.
Roland Van der Meer, a ComVentures co-founder, joined the company's board of directors.
San Jose-based Western Technology Investment, a debt financing provider to start-up and emerging growth companies, provided an undisclosed amount for equipment costs. Silicon Valley Bank, which is owned by Santa Clara-based SVB Financial Group, extended an undisclosed additional line of credit to the company.
OpSource focuses on providing operational infrastructure and ongoing services that enable software companies to maintain Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Funding

MRO Software shareholders approve acquisition by IBM
MRO Software's shareholders have approved the company's acquisition by International Business Machines Corp. On August 3, IBM agreed to buy Bedford, Mass.-based MRO for $25.80, or roughly $740 million. MRO expects the deal to close in the first half of October.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

Pay88 completes acquisition of China-Based QianBao Technology
Pay88 has finalized an acquisition agreement with the shareholders of Chongqing Qianbao Technology Ltd, an online payment services company based in Chongqing.
"We believe that the acquisition of QianBao Technology will add value to Pay88 by adding complimentary product lines, improved technology and strengthening our online marketing ability that will allow us to quickly broaden our online market penetration'' said Guo Fan, Pay88's CEO. ''This acquisition allows us to gain swift and respectable access to the huge and ever growing Chinese market. We are extremely excited by the positive implications this acquisition has to our future.''
Pay88 acquired Qianbao by purchasing 100% of Qianbao's registered capital stock in exchange for 5,000,000 shares of Pay88's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
Related Channels: China, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

DivX, CommVault and Riverbed to go public next week
With IPTV hotter than ever, the timing apparently couldn't be better for the market debut of San Diego-based digital media company DivX.
DivX, which has built its business around delivering digital video, plans to raise as much as $104 million when it lists on the Nasdaq next week. It plans to trade under the ticker "DIVX."
About 27% of DivX's total shares will be offered, with shares expected to price between $12 and $14 a share. That would value the total company at about $468 million. In comparison, RealNetworks, which offers a competing video format, has a market capitalization of about $1.6 billion.
The offering comes amid a voracious demand for user-generated and professional online video content. Video sharing sites like YouTube have experienced viral growth. Amazon and Apple have unveiled movie download services, and Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer and seller of movie DVDs, is eyeing its own service.
DivX develops technology that compresses digital video to a size that makes it easy to transport across the Internet while maintaining high visual quality. The company's video software has been downloaded more than 200 million times, according to its own estimates. It also has also been expanding into content production and recently launched Stage6, its own online video sharing site.
The bulk of its revenue, however, comes from licensing its technology to consumer electronics manufacturers. About 82% of the company's total sales last year were generated by licenses to hardware device makers like Philips Electronics and Samsung and software vendors.
Big competitors like Apple, Google and News Corp. are all making a concentrated push into the digital media space and have
Elsewhere in the IPO market, two other technology companies are seeking to make their debut next week. Data management software provider CommVault expects to raise about $75 million, while Riverbed Technology is set to go public in an offering expected to generate $57 million for the company.
Related Channels: Video, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

Smith Micro Software enhances connectivity functions for enterprise customer
Smith Micro Software, Inc., a developer of a wide range of software products and services for the wireless market, announced the addition of its new web-based Enterprise Account Management System (EAMS) application. The EAMS support will help IT Departments manage product configurations for deployment and operation of QuickLink Mobile Enterprise - a wireless connection manager for local and remote access.
EAMS can be centrally hosted on an enterprise server that provides a web portal front end to efficiently manage product deployments without manual intervention. This portal will enable IT Managers to self-manage the deployment and distribution of their products with careful planning and policy decisions while still maintaining control on groups of users and particular configurations.
Other enhancements in QuickLink Mobile Enterprise include advanced monitoring of network types, roaming status and carrier types for IT departments to better plan for their carrier usage and subscriptions; highly secure Cisco Compatible Extensions to support EAP-FAST based 802.1x authentication using EAP-TLS, EAP-GTC and EAP-MSCHAPv2 as the inner methods as well as PEAP/GTC; Addition of support for multiple international WWAN providers and hardware devices; and significant security enhancements for IT administrators to control Wi-Fi configurations and lock connections and usage of credentials for 802.1x authentication in enterprise WLANs.
QuickLink Mobile Enterprise supports today's multiple broadband wireless networks to connect via 1xRTT/EV-DO or GPRS/EDGE/UMTS or HSDPA to a carrier's wireless network. In addition, the application can be set to connect to a company's virtual private network (VPN). QuickLink Mobile Enterprise supports a wide variety of the leading VPNs from Microsoft, Cisco, Lucent, Checkpoint, AT&T and Nortel.
In addition, QuickLink Mobile Enterprise supports advanced industry-standard security protocols including 802.1x wireless LAN authentication compliant EAP methods: EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, PEAP, LEAP and now EAP-FAST under the WPA/WPA2 framework with support for multiple inner security types such as MS-CHAPv2, EAP-TLS, EAP-GTC, EAP-MD5, CHAP and PAP. This release provides IT managers with a single-point access to control the company-wide secure wireless LAN.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Wireless

Smith Micro Software's "QuickLink Music" dramatically improves mobile music management
Smith Micro Software, Inc. announces QuickLink Music, an intuitive, PC-based multimedia manager for mobile phones. QuickLink Music has been designed around the needs of both wireless carriers and their customers. The application provides end-users with the ability to easily download music files from a carrier's music store(s), to organize their music library, and to upload songs to a broad range of mobile devices. QuickLink Music also offers the carrier the opportunity to custom-brand the entire multimedia experience.
QuickLink Music is a highly-intuitive application making it quick and easy for end-users to install the application and drivers needed to synchronize music between their PC and mobile devices. QuickLink Music also facilitates managing the mobile phone's available memory - the "at a glance" feature tells the user how many songs can fit in the mobile device at any time.
"We are very excited to be offering wireless carriers such an innovative solution that takes the guess work out of mobile music and promotes the carrier's brand throughout the entire multimedia management experience. This is a testament to our ability to develop unique solutions that benefit our wireless customers' service offerings," said William W. Smith, Jr., President and CEO of SMSI. "Just as camera phones gained consumer acceptance over traditional cellular phones, we believe that market indicators now show that music-capable mobile phones are fast becoming the "must have" device for music lovers on the go."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Wireless

China's Jilin Unicom picks Amdocs OSS
China's Jilin Unicom has signed a contract to have Amdocs consolidate and upgrade the company's current rating and billing systems to create an integrated platform that allows its 4 million customers to personalize product bundles and choose flexible pricing plans. Jilin Unicom is the main service provider of the Jilin province, and is the only integrated telecommunications business there. Jilin Unicom is among Amdocs' recent wins in China, a large and rapidly growing market.
An upgraded Amdocs rating and billing system will allow Jilin Unicom customers to design their own unique service packages based on personal preferences and usage needs, giving customers the ability to better manage their relationship with the service provider. In addition, Amdocs software provides the flexibility to support the launch of a number of voice and data services, including long-distance, SMS and future value-added services.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, China

Sun Microsystems and Accenture team on SOA
Accenture and Sun Microsystems, Inc. has agreed to jointly develop Identity-enabled Service-Oriented Architecture and composite applications to meet growing client demands. The expanded relationship involves a series of initiatives, which initially, includes the creation of the Accenture Innovation Center for Sun Solutions.
In the identity management area, Sun and Accenture have agreed to pursue opportunities in both technology enablement and market-specific solutions. For the SOA, application integration, and composite application market, Sun and Accenture will pursue technology solutions which further enhance ease-of-use and speed to market for the creation of secure, composite applications built on the Sun platform. In addition, the companies have established an executive team that will identify and assess additional market and technology opportunities as they emerge.
"Enterprises across the world are looking to open source and open standards as they architect for Web 2.0 and the next evolution of Service-Oriented Architectures," said Jonathan Schwartz, CEO and president of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Sun's leadership products and developer momentum combined with Accenture's business process expertise and world-class implementation resources make this an ideal relationship."
The Accenture Innovation Center for Sun Solutions will initially include engineers from Sun and Accenture -- dedicated to the development of Identity-enabled SOA-based solutions utilizing Sun's software suite and high-performance Solaris(TM) Operating System. Capabilities created in the Center will be complemented by additional Sun-platform-based solutions developed through Accenture's Global Delivery Network and client sites already performing Sun-related work.
"By harnessing all of our Sun-related work throughout our global network and complementing it with this additional commitment, we should be able to rapidly accelerate the delivery of new solutions for our clients' needs," said Don Rippert, chief technology officer at Accenture.
Joint development teams will be dedicated to the creation of custom solutions for specific client requests as well as the development of industrialized, repeatable and secure Identity-enabled and SOA-based solutions for clients globally.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

McDATA launches unified platform for Heterogeneous SAN management
McDATA Corporation, a leading provider of data access solutions, announced the release of Enterprise Fabric Connectivity Manager (EFCM) 9.0. This new software release marks a giant step forward, bundling and building upon three previously separate McDATA management applications to create one powerful, yet easy to use, storage network management platform. EFCM 9.0 provides advanced multi-vendor fabric management, performance monitoring, and security features to optimize and protect resources, while reducing administration time and costs.
EFCM 9.0 offers sophisticated management capabilities and unmatched scalability for today's heterogeneous, fast growing, multi-site SANs with end-to-end topology visualization from HBA to the storage array, including switches, routers and extension devices. Its support for a tiered 'manager of managers' deployment model allows centralized management of multiple remote networks through a single pane of glass, driving efficiencies and reducing costs. With integrated support for management of routed, extended and iSCSI networks, EFCM 9.0 simplifies and automates configuration and zoning of multi-protocol, multi-site fabrics. And its modularity and scalability allow businesses to add scale and advanced functionality as their SAN grows and evolves, requiring fewer licenses and lower costs.
"As networks get larger and more complex, management of those networks becomes more difficult and time consuming," said Raj Das, vice president of product marketing, McDATA. "EFCM 9.0 simplifies the task by offering centralized management, multi-vendor support and better scalability which will consolidate infrastructure management."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Storage

Verizon touts Managed Communications Solution (MCS) service for SMBs
Verizon's innovative Managed Communications System does what customers want an integrated voice and data system to do, according to Verizon, which reported today that its Managed Communications Solution (MCS) service powered by Alcatel technology is its fastest growing portfolio item.
Specifically, the MCS service, which has been available nationally for more than a year, provides Verizon's small and medium business (SMB) customers with an innovative and cost-effective solution that meets their complete voice and data needs in a single integrated service package. Verizon said the product, first announced by Alcatel and Verizon at VON two years ago, has emerged as Verizon's fastest growing SMB business communications solution.
Based on Alcatel OmniPCX Office and supported by Alcatel Professional Services, Verizon's MCS provides its small/medium business customers with state-of-the-art technology from two industry leaders. Additionally, Verizon's MCS customers are signing up for longer contract terms and buying more network and management services, thus raising overall contract values and revenue significantly. MCS customer surveys confirm increased customer satisfaction, as well.
According to Steve Thomson, director of product management for Verizon's Business Solutions Group, the service offers Verizon's customers the latest telecommunications technology, which is easy to use and comes at an affordable price. In fact, studies show that this service has the lowest total cost of ownership when compared to similar services from Verizon's competitors. "Our small and medium business customers have the same technology needs as much larger businesses and now we can offer those capabilities with an integrated service from Verizon that meets their budget requirements," Thomson said.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Lucent to acquire Mobilitec in cash
Lucent Technologies has entered into an agreement to acquire Mobilitec, a leading provider of content management software for wireless service providers. The acquisition strengthens Lucent's next-generation platforms that support voice, video, data and multimedia applications, enabling more services for mobile and broadband users.
Lucent will acquire Mobilitec, a privately held company in San Mateo, Calif., in a cash transaction. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by Dec. 31, 2006. Financial terms are not being disclosed at this time. The transaction is not material to Lucent.
Lucent intends to integrate the Mobilitec solution, which enhances Lucent's IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Mobility (3G) portfolios, with Lucent's application products to enable intelligent, personalized context-aware content delivery and targeted advertising. This will make it possible for service providers to offer special promotions on their Web storefronts that are personalized based on content, profiles, preferences, location and availability. In addition, these promotions can be targeted by device or user segment, and sent to friends through buddy lists to support viral marketing. Lucent's integrated solution will accelerate the service provider's ability to respond to the growing market opportunity.
According to Pyramid Research, the global market for mobile content services is expected to reach $73 billion by 2010. This market estimate includes services and applications such as ring tones, games, information, music, video and graphics but excludes messaging and remote access.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

AT&T to acquire USinternetworking for approximately $300 million
AT&T Inc. announced that its subsidiary, AT&T Corp., has agreed to acquire privately held USinternetworking, Inc. ("USi"), a leading independent Applications Service Provider (ASP) — for approximately $300 million in cash and assumed debt.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, is designed to enhance AT&T's enterprise service offerings.
It strategically aligns USi's software and eBusiness management services and consulting expertise with AT&T's existing portfolio of enterprise hosting and managed services. These value-added growth services and capabilities are in high demand by companies that are increasingly using enterprisewide software applications to reduce costs, while looking for the expertise of a hosting and applications management provider that can help them deliver consistent solutions at scale and globally.
USi is a leading global independent ASP specializing in managed enterprise software solutions and on-demand services. USi provides software management and outsourcing services for widely used popular business software from companies like Oracle, PeopleSoft, Siebel, Microsoft, IBM WebSphere and Ariba. The company also develops, hosts and manages customized eCommerce solutions.
Following the acquisition, the company will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and business unit within AT&T's existing enterprise services organization, which is led by Group President Forrest Miller. AT&T expects to retain USi's team and its domestic and international operations.
"The addition of USi's technology and expertise in applications management to AT&T's global reach, networking expertise and extensive hosting capabilities will broaden the range of solutions for our customers," said Miller.
"Our enhanced capabilities will enable businesses around the globe to more efficiently and effectively manage their core operations, enhance their productivity and derive further business value from their relationship with AT&T," Miller said.
"The USi team is excited to be joining forces with AT&T," said Andrew A. Stern, USi's chairman and chief executive officer. "Over the past eight years, USi has developed an unmatched ability to deliver enterprise-scale applications as fully integrated, on-demand services. Combining our capabilities with AT&T's global footprint creates an unparalleled opportunity for growth and the basis for continued market leadership for years to come."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

Brix, TI team to deliver pervasive IP endpoint service assurance management
Boston-based Brix Networks, the leading provider of converged service assurance solutions, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) announced a collaboration and development initiative designed to deliver pervasive IP endpoint service assurance management.
The companies’ collaboration will give service providers the ability to collect valuable performance information on an unprecedented scale, and provide crucial, last-mile visibility into the quality of experience of providers’ revenue-generating offerings, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), IP television (IPTV), and advanced data services.
“TI has shipped more than 350 million ports across IP phones, residential modems and gateways, set top boxes, and carrier-class equipment,” said Debbie Greenstreet, director of service provider strategy, Texas Instruments.
TI technology provides functional elements that form the foundation of the company’s PIQUA (TM) real-time, IP quality management system. Based on TI’s digital signal processor (DSP) technology and embedded software solutions, TI’s PIQUA system utilizes sophisticated, real-time calculations to instantly assess quality parameters related to the user’s experience.
In addition to a comprehensive set of active tests and live service monitoring, Brix Networks’ BrixWorx (TM) central-site correlation and reporting engine collects key performance indicator (KPI) information - such as availability, bandwidth, packet loss, latency, jitter, and call quality - using various standards-based communication protocols, including RTCP-XR and TR-069, via the new BrixWorx Connector for TI’s PIQUA software. This information can be gathered from a wide range of endpoint devices, including residential gateways, IP set top boxes, IP phones, digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable gateways, and others.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Chipsets, VoIP, Video

Brocade intros 20+ new SAN and FAN products
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. demonstrated its ongoing commitment to help enterprises meet their growing data management challenges by introducing more than 20 new and enhanced products and services that allow customers to more efficiently access corporate information, consolidate resources, and manage their data center infrastructure. The new offerings will be highlighted and showcased at the upcoming Brocade Analyst Day on September 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New York City.
The announcements include eight new and enhanced products that extend Brocade's position in the Storage Area Network (SAN) market, new enhancements to three products in the company's Tapestry(TM) family of data management software solutions that address the emerging File Area Network (FAN) market, and ten new Professional Services offerings to streamline the implementation of both SAN and FAN solutions.
Related Channels: Storage, OSS/BSS

Huawei, Beep Science partner on DRM Industry standard from Open Mobile Alliance (OMA)
Oslo, Norway-based Beep Science AS, a leading provider of mobile Digital Rights Management (DRM) software announced its partnership with China's Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, on the DRM Industry standard from Open Mobile Alliance (OMA).
Huawei is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators, and is committed to open industry standard Digital Rights Management from OMA (Open Mobile Alliance). By choosing OMA DRM products from Beep Science, Huawei will assure interoperability and future proof DRM solutions for its operator customers.
The OMA DRM industry standard is by far superior in adoption compared to any proprietary mobile DRM scheme in the market place; it is already implemented in more than 400 different mobile handset models and shipped in + 300 million terminal units globally, which paves the way for a fully interoperable mobile content ecosystem for its adopters.
"We are pleased to offer OMA DRM products from Beep Science," said Zhang Guoxin, Huawei Digital Media Product Line President. “With a multitude of OMA DRM enabled handsets in the market, operators and service providers may offer DRM protected content to consumers, assuring interoperability and ease-of-use for branded content like music, video and games”.
Related Channels: Wireless, Video, OSS/BSS, China

Top Story: China to grab 5% of world's software market by 2010
China's Ministry of Information Industry (MII) has laid out a road map for China's software industry during the 11th Five-Year Period, aiming to have the country's self-developed software account for 5% of the world's total by the year 2010.
At a recent conference on technology innovation, three Chinese ministries, including MII, State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) and Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), listed the information industry as a breakthrough point for Chinese innovation in order to win the country an advantageous position in the global software industry.
Wang Xudong, minister of MII, said that innovation should not be created behind closed doors, but rather in an open environment. He suggested that China actively carry out technological exchanges and cooperation with international organizations.
Related Channels: China, OSS/BSS

Carrius appoints Chris Todd as CEO
Richardson, Texas-based Carrius Technologies Inc., a leading developer of Network Layer Service Delivery Platform software for the growing telecom application marketplace, announced the appointment of Chris Todd as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Todd brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience from prior executive positions at Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks and Kodiak Networks.
As CEO of Carrius, Mr. Todd will expand the company’s leadership position as the preferred Network Layer Service Delivery Platform for application developers and network operators. He will accomplish this through a customer-focused business model utilizing a strong channel program and presence.
“Our decision to bring Chris on board is a great investment in the Company’s success going forward," said Jon Bayless, a member of Carrius Technologies board of directors. "His talent and personal qualities, as well as his industry experience and knowledge set the stage for a strong future."
Mr. Todd has a 21-year track record of providing critical executive leadership to innovative technology companies that grow to become powerhouses in the service provider and enterprise equipment market. “Carrius Technologies has a solid history of delivering industry leading software solutions to application developers,” said Mr. Todd. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of a company focused on solving the growing application deployment time-to-market challenges faced by the telecom industry.”
Previously, Mr. Todd served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Field Operations at Kodiak Networks, a successful wireless applications start-up. Prior to Kodiak, Mr. Todd held the position of Senior Vice President at Extreme Networks with responsibility for Worldwide Sales, Field Operations, and Customer Advocacy. While at Cisco Systems he was Group Vice President of Carrier Operation responsible for the top 20 service provider accounts within the US market.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Appointments

NDS launches software enabling consumers to view PC content on TV
London-based NDS Group, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, announced the launch of XTend, a new solution that enables content stored on the subscriber's PC to be transferred seamlessly to the STB over the home network and viewed on the TV. The product is an important extension to NDS's offering and is a further illustration of how NDS is paving the way by securing and enabling content anytime, anywhere, on any device.
XTend will be integrated into STBs that are capable of providing IP connectivity. Its plug-and-play functionality enables the STB to automatically detect PCs and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. XTend handles all format conversions so that content can be seamlessly transferred and viewed through the STB. XTend also provides a content filtering option, giving consumers a way to manage access to their PC content, while viewed on TV.
Yossi Deutsch, Vice President, Product Marketing of NDS, said: "XTend is a natural extension to NDS's offering to TV operators. It allows broadband media users to migrate their viewing from the PC over to the most intuitive and comfortable environment - the TV in the living room. At the same time, XTend increases consumer loyalty to the STB as the main consumption point for all digital media within the home network."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Video

J:COM extends contract with Amdocs through 2009
Amdocs, the leading provider of software and services to enable integrated customer management and the intentional customer experience, announced that Jupiter Telecommunications Co. (J:COM), the largest cable provider in Japan, has signed an agreement to extend its existing contract with Amdocs through 2009. Amdocs will continue to enable J:COM's ongoing evolution into a multi-play provider to a growing customer base, becoming a "one-stop-shop" for innovative bundles of services, including cable TV and broadband Internet, as well as wireline, wireless and IP-based voice.
Since it was founded in 1995, J:COM has been expanding its customer base across Japan via acquisitions, becoming the largest MSO (multiple systems operator) in the country. Amdocs' customer care and billing platform was initially deployed at J:COM in 1995.
"For service providers to move towards multi-play and realize a more profitable future, they need to put the customer at the center of their business," said Michael Matthews, chief marketing officer at Amdocs. "J:COM is striving to do just that, as it continues to work with Amdocs to provide a personalized experience to its customers across all touch-points."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Cable MSO

Competition Alert for IPTV OSS Vendors: HP and Intel launch IPTV test centers
Juniper Networks, Inc. has teamed with HP to simplify the management of advanced IPTV and multiplay service networks. Using Juniper Networks E-, M- and T-series routing platforms and security solutions with HP OpenView OSS software, the two companies have created a joint solution that provides customers with end-to-end management of IPTV networks, including fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS). The combined solution delivers advanced real-time capabilities that enable the network to dynamically adjust to accommodate changing service types, network capacity and customer demands.
In addition to the joint solution, the two companies have collaborated on two separate IPTV customer solution centers, one in HP's Telecom Solution Center in Richardson, Texas and the other in Juniper's facility in Westford, Mass. Both facilities include Juniper routing and security platforms and HP OpenView OSS network and service management software as part of a complete IPTV test environment. The customer solution centers are linked using Juniper Networks security appliances to allow customers access to a wider range of equipment and larger scale network for testing and demonstration.
Juniper Networks and HP will provide consulting and integration services to help customers deploy a comprehensive, well-managed IPTV solution.
Related Story: HP and Intel launch IPTV test centers (See Video, Test, OSS/BSS)
Related Channels: Video, OSS/BSS, Test

Competition Alert for Yahoo and Microsoft: Google brings AdWords to mobile phones and seeks patent for its click-through system
Encouraged by successful Japanese testing of AdWords on mobile phones, Google has quietly debuted the service in the US.
Google has now brought AdWords to handsets, a move that increases the number of potential outlets for their advertising inventory.
The Internet search giant quietly launched the offering that allows AdWords customers to place marketing messages-including clickable links-in listings retrieved through Google's mobile search service.
AdWords customers can develop their own mobile advertisements and marketing campaigns, and can set daily budgets, establish scheduled marketing messages and pay only when consumers click the ad or call the business.
Google is trying to patent a system for click-through ad placements that determines the type of device being used and automatically takes a user to a mobile Web site or places a voice call, depending on the phone's capabilities.
Google and its competitors have been actively engaged in a battle for dominance in the search arena, first on PCs, now on mobile phones.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS

Tollgrade wins deals in Romania and South Africa
Tollgrade Communications, Inc., a leading supplier of network service assurance products for the global cable and telecom industries, announced that the previously disclosed pilot deployment of Tollgrade's recently acquired test system technology has been successfully completed at Romtelecom, the only fixed line carrier in Romania. The Line Test System Controller (LTSC) Operation Support System (OSS) and NxTest hardware, technology included in Tollgrade's acquisition of the Emerson Line Test System business unit in February 2006, were deployed and accepted by Romtelecom. This acceptance completes the initial part of a multi-phase, network-wide contract with Romtelecom. At the completion of the contract, it is expected that Tollgrade's LTSC and NxTest products will be deployed to test voice services and to pre- qualify loops for DSL service for approximately 3.5 million Romtelecom customers. This project, valued at nearly $4.5 million, is expected to be fully implemented during the next six months.
Separately, Telkom South Africa has expanded its broadband footprint, and through its in-country supplier TeleSciences (Pty) Ltd, will further deploy Tollgrade's LoopCare(TM) Test Operations Support System (OSS) and the DigiTest® EDGE® broadband test platform. This follow-on project represents continuing implementation of a previously announced project that began in September 2005 to provide subscribers in South Africa with comprehensive testing for DSL services.
Related Channels: Test, OSS/BSS, xDSL

Average revenue leakage across global telecoms operators has increased to 12.1% of turnover ($176 billion)
London-based Subex Azure Ltd, the world's largest vendor of revenue maximization solutions for telecom operators, revealed that average revenue leakage across global telecoms operators has increased to 12.1 per cent of turnover ($176 billion), compared to 11.6 per cent in 2005. This is one of the main findings of the fourth consecutive annual 'Operator Attitudes to Revenue Assurance 2006' report, which Subex Azure conducted with telecoms analysts, Analysys.
The report is based on the responses of over 100 operators around the world, to investigate levels of revenue loss globally. Fraud was again the single largest area of revenue leakage having increased to 2.9 per cent of turnover. There were also increases in revenue leakage due to credit management, incorrect service usage data and interconnect/partner payment errors.
There continues to be significant regional differences with losses across Europe and the Americas reducing, however losses have increased in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. When looking at losses by operator type the larger operators (those with in excess of 5 million subscribers) are typically suffering a lower percentage of revenue loss than their counterparts.
On a positive note, the report revealed that more operators are now trying to reduce revenue leakage at the product planning stage in an effort to fully recoup future revenues. Additionally, revenue assurance is continuing to move up the corporate agenda at many operators, with ultimate responsibility increasingly being at CEO or CFO level - interestingly, these operators have shown lower levels of revenue leakage.
Danny Dicks, Principal Analyst at Analysys, said: "From this year's research it is clear that operators are more concerned about all sources of revenue leakage. It is apparent that revenue assurance has become much more of a board-level issue."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Sybase to acquire Mobile 365
Sybase, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Mobile 365, the global leader in mobile messaging and content delivery, in an all cash transaction. The purchase price set forth in the definitive agreement is $425 million, which is subject to adjustment based on Mobile 365's working capital as of the closing date. Net of acquired cash, the transaction is valued at approximately $400 million. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to regulatory approvals and other specified closing conditions. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Mobile 365 is privately held and backed by leading venture capital firms including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Draper Atlantic Venture, 3i Technology Partners, Institutional Venture Partners, and Mayfield.
For its fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, Mobile 365 generated approximately $90 million in revenue. Sybase expects the acquisition to be accretive to pro forma earnings within 12 months following the close of the transaction. Mobile 365 delivers mobile data and messaging, premium content, and value- added services for the leading mobile operators, content providers, global brands, media companies, and financial institutions worldwide. The company's core products and services include interoperability services, interactive services, and distribution services. Mobile 365 is the global leader in mobile interoperability messaging, including SMS, WAP, MMS, and Instant Messaging. At the core of its offering is an operator-grade network that is the most extensive, private network for mobile messaging available. Mobile 365 delivers more than 3 billion messages per month and has approximately 700 connections into mobile operators around the world, including Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Cingular, Telefonica, and China Mobile.
"This acquisition extends our Unwired Enterprise vision with the addition of two new enterprise channels -- wireless carriers and content providers -- making Sybase the leading mobile enterprise software and services provider in the world," said John Chen, Sybase chairman, CEO and president. "The mobile messaging market in the U.S. alone is expected to grow to $7.5 billion by 2008. Getting closer to this exploding mobile market through carriers is a key extension of our Unwired Enterprise strategy. Mobile 365 brings unparalleled breadth and depth of carrier relationships and the largest mobile messaging and content delivery platform, solidly positioning Sybase between carriers, global brands and mobile content."
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

SmartPay, China Merchants Bank partner on mobile payment services
Chinese consumer payment systems SmartPay is now working with China Merchants Bank (CMB) to jointly develop the mobile payment market.
According to the partnership agreement, CMB customers will be able to enjoy convenient mobile payment services using SmartPay's mobile and telephone payment platform. Services include purchasing airline e-tickets, digital goods, lottery tickets, payment of utility bills including pre- and postpaid mobile usage and to participate SmartPay promotional activities. A number of new initiatives are planned to broaden and diversify offerings toward consumers.
CMB and SmartPay believe that their increased cooperation in nationwide payment services will demonstrate continued leadership in making mobile and telephone payments more attractive for consumers, as well as increasing transaction volume and revenue.
Related Channels: China, Wireless, OSS/BSS

Microsoft completes test version of its Windows Vista operating system
Microsoft Corp, the world's largest software maker, completed the test version of its Windows Vista operating system as it works to deliver Vista to consumers by January.
The test version was made available to about 15,000 Microsoft customers and partners on Friday, said Kevin Kutz, a director in Microsoft's Windows group. More than 500,000 others will get access tomorrow, Jim Allchin, co-president of platform products and services, wrote in a letter posted on Microsoft's TechBeta Website.
Microsoft is working to finish on time and may offer discounts on upgrades so customers won't postpone holiday PC purchases because the machines don't contain Vista.
Amazon.com Inc is already taking orders for Vista on its Website. The online retailer lists the price for Vista Ultimate, the most expensive retail product, at US$399 for a full version and US$259 for an upgrade. An upgrade to the most basic home version costs US$100.
Microsoft declined to confirm the prices.
"The operating system is in great shape," Allchin said. "There's still a lot of testing to do." He asked technical customers getting the release to "put the pedal to the metal and send us feedback."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Huawei opens new facility in Bangalore
China's Huawei has opened a new facility in Bangalore to develop optical network products and WLAN solutions.
The new center will work on Huawei's new generation Optix series of intelligent optical network products based on cutting edge optical technologies. Huawei's optical solutions are widely deployed by major service providers for providing IPTV services, Triple Play (high speed Internet, TV and voice) services, mobile services and leased line services to their customers.
"Huawei Technologies India has been involved in key technology development, and this expansion will broaden our portfolio with the addition of new domains such as optical solutions and wireless LAN," said Virendra Gupta, Vice President and Head of Embedded Solutions at Huawei Technologies India.
The new facility to accommodate 180 software engineers will also house team working on WLAN domain related software development catering to the Wireless Switch and Wireless Access Points products.
Related Channels: Wireless, Video, OSS/BSS, China

Verizon Business to provide a managed private IP MPLS network for Helly Hansen's global operation
Verizon Business Thursday announced its selection by Helly Hansen, the global manufacturer of high-performance clothing and survival products, to provide a Managed Private IP network connecting its major offices around the world. The MPLS network will provide secure and reliable connections between Helly Hansen's mission-critical headquarters in Oslo, Norway, and seven other major sites in Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Helly Hansen employs more than 700 employees in 17 countries around the world, all of whom rely on applications and communications tools hosted at its headquarters in Norway to run daily business operations. The company selected Verizon Business not only to manage the data network connecting its global sites, but also to provide a secure gateway to ensure that vital business applications from headquarters are always available. Verizon Business has installed two routers and dual access lines, dramatically increasing Helly Hansen's network capacity to support current and projected voice and data needs. "We run a whole host of services and business tools out of our Norwegian office, which all of our other offices around the world depend on day and night," said Einar Lonnum, chief information officer, Helly Hansen. "The managed IP network provided by Verizon Business gives us peace of mind in terms of both service level agreements and a help-desk service that actively monitors the wide area network lines 24/7, helping us to keep our business operational round-the-clock."
Making the offering even more attractive was Verizon Business' complete portfolio of communications tools, which enable efficient and real-time interaction, Lonnum added.
Using the Verizon Business IP network, all of Helly Hansen's offices can access vital business applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning and videoconferencing. Helly Hansen also is trialing a Verizon Business Voice-over-IP service at its headquarters and intends to eventually deploy VoIP globally.
John Irvine, vice president of international marketing for Verizon Business, said: "Helly Hansen demands a lot from its network and needs a secure and robust service to run its critical applications and programs across all of its sites around the world. Verizon Business was able to meet its rigorous demands today, and also provide the extra flexibility and scalability Helly Hansen needs to continue developing its global business in the future."
Related Channels: VoIP, Video, OSS/BSS, VPN

Nokia to acquire gate5
Nokia and gate5 AG announced that an agreement has been signed for Nokia to acquire gate5. gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. By acquiring gate5, Nokia will offer consumers maps, routing, navigation and other location based applications on its mobile devices.
"Maps and navigation are natural elements to be offered in mobile devices but this area hasn't developed as fast as expected by the market. Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such as maps, routing and navigation at an accelerated speed." said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Multimedia, Nokia. "The Personal Navigation Device market is in a rapid growth phase with the global market size expected to reach 15 million units in 2006 compared with 8 million units in 2005. By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities into our devices, Nokia will participate in this growth. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers offer people new ways to explore their world - navigation and maps enhance this journey and add to the overall experience."
gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. gate5 was founded in 1999, is privately owned, has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany and has approximately 70 employees.
"Our combined expertise means that mobile device owners will enjoy a wide range of location based services," said Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO, gate5. "Based on maps and routing functionality, there are countless useful features for mobile users; e.g. travel guides, search what is around you including restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. anything you need in your surroundings. We are excited to become part of Nokia and to be able to take the gate5 technologies and products to even wider audiences."
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

Ericsson to acquire Distocraft's assets for wireless OSS
Ericsson has reached an agreement with Finnish company Distocraft Oy to acquire the assets of Distocraft's business. The company, with 42 employees, specializes in software development for mobile network performance management.
In today's highly competitive environment, increasingly more focus is being placed on network and service management to reduce costs without compromising quality of service. Performance management systems give operators information about their networks performance, allowing them to improve efficiency and reduce time-to-market.
With this acquisition, Ericsson will expand the capabilities of its market-leading OSS portfolio, addressing both new technologies, such as HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access), IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and 3G LTE (3G Long-Term Evolution), and multivendor environments.
Kurt Jofs, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Business Unit Access, Ericsson, says: "I am pleased to announce this acquisition. It will further strengthen our ability to support our customers with best-in-class network management, allowing them to focus on the introduction of attractive end-user services."
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Mergers & Acquisitions

Verizon and Microsoft expand alliance
Verizon Communications Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced an expanded alliance in which Verizon will offer its consumer DSL and FiOS Internet customers a co-branded suite of Microsoft® Windows LiveTM services to help them enjoy more personalized Internet experiences with enhanced online security.
"We're delighted to move forward with Microsoft in offering our broadband customers an enhanced, more-personalized Internet experience through a combination of Windows Live services and innovative features from Verizon," said John Wimsatt, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions Marketing for Verizon. "By expanding our relationship with Microsoft, a leader in Internet solutions, we continue our commitment to creating the best value in broadband, offering more and better choices than cable and creating a superior online experience."
As part of the new agreement, which is an expansion of the two companies' broadband relationship that began in April 2002, Verizon customers will have access to co-branded information and communications services, including a co-branded Live.com home page with easy access to Verizon and Windows Live services, a Windows Live Toolbar, a co-branded Windows Live Search page, Verizon e-mail powered by Windows Live Mail, a co-branded version of Windows Live Messenger and safety protection via Windows Live OneCareTM safety scanner.
"Verizon continues to be a highly valuable partner for us in delivering Windows Live services that unite consumers' interests, information and relationships in a way that's most meaningful to them," said Steve Berkowitz, Senior Vice President, Online Services Group at Microsoft. "This expanded alliance further solidifies the growth and success of the Windows Live platform."
Related Channels: Video, xDSL, OSS/BSS

Smith Micro joins Open Mobile Alliance (OMA)
California-based Smith Micro Software, Inc., a leading diversified developer and marketer of wireless communications announced its membership with Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). The OMA is a global, non-profit organization formed in 2002 by major mobile industry companies to create mobile service enablers that support interoperability across devices, networks and operators.
Smith Micro's QuickLink® branded solutions currently supports the broadest possible range of wireless air interfaces, including nearly 200 carriers worldwide, and offers highly competitive Wireless Wide-Area Network (WWAN), Wi-Fi security capabilities and intuitive media content managers for managing music, images and video.
Smith Micro Software products are consistent with the mission of Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) to facilitate global user adoption of mobile data services. With over 5 million licenses of Smith Micro's QuickLink Mobile technology shipped in just the last several years, QuickLink Mobile has become the preferred choice of carriers, device manufacturers and end-users alike. QuickLink® Music has been designed to facilitate interoperability and ease-of-use to improve global adoption of new music data services, while the revolutionary breakthrough compression technology - Stuffit Wireless is establishing a new industry standard by maximizing memory capacity and minimizing cost by storing more or higher quality images on your handset.
"Smith Micro aims to provide our new advance music and media products to communicate and exchange information across any and all services throughout the world, regardless of the type of device, network air interfaces, carrier or geographical location," commented Robert Elliott, Smith Micro's Vice President of Marketing.
"We are excited to be a part of this growing movement and view our membership in the OMA as an important step in strengthening both our relationship with the wireless community and our involvement in defining the next generation of wireless solutions," said William W. Smith, Jr., President and CEO for Smith Micro Software.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS

Sun integrates StorageTek
Continuing to combine its storage assets into a single offering, Sun Microsystems has integrated the StorageTek(TM) TekCare support program into the SunSpectrum(SM) support portfolio, resulting in the availability of Sun StorageTek(TM) Service Plans. With the new Sun StorageTek Service Plans, Sun is providing an enriched set of capabilities that address customer needs for continuous data availability and reliable, responsive customer care. The new Sun StorageTek Service Plans are a component of the SunSpectrum Support portfolio which also includes Service Plan options for Sun systems and software, including the Solaris(TM) Operating System (OS).
The Sun StorageTek Service Plans combine the best of both the TekCare and SunSpectrum programs, including integrated hardware and firmware telephone support and hardware on-site maintenance service as well as providing one-stop interoperability support for multi-vendor environments, remote diagnostic and resolution services, firmware updates, and 24/7 access to Sun's eLearning Library and customer resource centers. Designed to address heterogeneous storage environments, the new plans support Sun storage products in DAS, NAS or SAN storage architectures.
“With the merger of the TekCare program into SunSpectrum, Sun has reached another milestone in the integration between Sun and StorageTek. The new Sun StorageTek Service Plans deliver a rich set of resources designed to ensure customers will continue to get the world-class service and support they've come to expect and rely on,” said Nigel Dessau, vice president of Storage Marketing and Business Operations, Sun Microsystems. “Sun is committed to helping customers focus on running their business knowing that the information they need to make better decisions will be available when and where they need it.”
Related Channels: Storage, OSS/BSS

Taiwan's 3G mobile operator VIBO Telecom picks Convergys BSS
Convergys Corporation, a global leader in customer care, human resources, and billing services, announced today it has signed a 5-year professional services outsourcing contract with VIBO Telecom, Taiwan's leading 3G mobile operator, to manage VIBO's back office operations.
Under this new contract, Convergys will continue to manage all aspects of VIBO's customer care and billing systems, extending a contract first signed in 2005. As part of the 2005 agreement, Convergys implemented and integrated its Infinys(TM) rating and billing and mediation software with VIBO's third party CRM, activation, provisioning, and partner management platforms. Infinys is the leading convergent BSS (Business Support System) software for enabling fast rollout of convergent bundles and new IP-based and Convergent Pre-/Post-pay services.
"We selected Convergys because of its operational expertise in managing and operating complex customer care and billing environments to achieve optimal performance," said David Wang, VIBO's CEO.
"By taking advantage of our expertise in developing and operating BSS and CRM systems, VIBO is able to focus its resources and energy on introducing new services quickly and cost effectively to expedite its growth and retain customers in a very competitive market," said Jean-Herve Jenn, Convergys President, International.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Competition Alert for Microsoft and all the web-hosting vendors: Google launches Google Apps for Your Domain
Google Inc. Tuesday announced the launch of Google Apps for Your Domain (http://www.google.com/a), a set of hosted applications for organizations that want to provide high quality communications tools to their users without the hassle of installing and maintaining software or hardware.
In addition to customizing the user interface with their own branding and color scheme, organizations can tailor the service to their needs by mixing and matching the email, messaging, calendaring and other tools offered through Google Apps for Your Domain. Over time, Google will offer versions of Google Apps for Your Domain that are oriented toward the needs of a variety of organizations, from family websites and community groups to non-profits and small businesses, as well as universities, large enterprises, and ISPs.
Google Apps for Your Domain, an expansion of the Gmail for Your Domain service that launched in February 2006, currently includes Gmail web email, the Google Talk instant messaging and voice calling service, collaborative calendaring through Google Calendar, and web page design, publishing and hosting via Google Page Creator. Domain administrators use a simple web-based control panel to manage their user account list, set up aliases and distribution lists, and enable the services they want for their domain. End users with accounts that have been set up by their administrator simply browse to customized login pages on any web-connected computer. The service scales easily to accommodate growing user bases and storage needs while drastically reducing maintenance costs.
Google will provide organizations with two choices of service.
A standard edition of Google Apps for Your Domain is available today as a beta product without cost to domain administrators or end users. Key features include 2 gigabytes of email storage for each user, easy to use customization tools, and help for administrators via email or an online help center. Furthermore, organizations that sign up during the beta period will not ever have to pay for users accepted during that period (provided Google continues to offer the service). A premium version of the product is being developed for organizations with more advanced needs. More information, including details on pricing, will be available soon.
"Organizations of all sizes face a common challenge of helping their users communicate and share information more effectively," said Dave Girouard, vice president and general manager, enterprise, at Google. "A hosted service like Google Apps for Your Domain eliminates many of the expenses and hassles of maintaining a communications infrastructure, which is welcome relief for many small business owners and IT staffers. Organizations can let Google be the experts in delivering high quality email, messaging, and other web-based services while they focus on the needs of their users and their day-to-day business."
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Allot detects and manages encrypted BitTorrent traffic
WHAT: Previously, companies have been able to detect and manage applications based on the BitTorrent peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfer protocol. However, detecting encrypted BitTorrent has been nearly impossible.
Today, US-based Allot Communications is announcing that its NetEnforcer is the first broadband traffic management device to identify and help manage applications based on the encrypted BitTorrent P2P file transfer protocol.
WHY: Already, BitTorrent applications are consuming an average of 40 - 50 percent of available ISP bandwidth. An increasing percentage of BitTorrent traffic is now encrypted, preventing ISPs from detecting and managing traffic based on this protocol.
Being able to inspect, identify and analyze the encrypted BitTorrent protocol is a significant capability. It helps service providers and enterprises categorize traffic as encrypted BitTorrent traffic for prioritization and traffic shaping rules. It also allows companies to block traffic based on this protocol or limit the amount of bandwidth allotted to encrypted BitTorrent traffic. This management of the protocol supports a company’s ability to guarantee network performance to its subscribers, based on its ability to effectively manage traffic.
HOW: Using deep packet inspection (DPI), Allot NetEnforcer allows service providers and enterprises to have greater visibility into their networks to inspect identify and analyze hundreds of applications and protocols, track subscriber behavior, prioritize traffic and shape traffic flows. The information provided by DPI is critical for providers looking to optimize network speed, content delivery and performance of subscriber services on the network. Advanced reporting also helps providers categorize “unidentified” traffic for increased security from unidentified P2P traffic.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS

Psytechnics appoints Benjamin Ellis as Global Marketing VP
Psytechnics, the global leader in voice, video and multimedia Quality of Experience (QoE) assessment for mobile, fixed and converged network service providers, announced that it has closed its latest round of financing from existing investors and appointed a new Vice President of Marketing.
This round of funding brings total capital raised for Psytechnics to over $20M, from partners including 3i, GIMV, NIF, NVP and BT. The funding will be used to enhance global sales and marketing efforts aimed at meeting the growing demand for Quality of Experience software for VoIP, IPTV and 3G services.
In addition to the further resources made available through funding, as part of its larger growth initiative, Psytechnics has named Benjamin Ellis as its Vice President of Global Marketing. Ellis will report to CEO Anthony Finbow, driving strategy and campaigns to further grow revenue and the reach of the product portfolio. Prior to joining Psytechnics, Ellis was at Juniper Networks, where he was Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, and previously head of Product and Solutions marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. His track record includes tenures at a number of successful blue-chip Silicon Valley companies, including Cisco Systems.
The additional investment and new appointment follow Psytechnics’ continued market success in EMEA and the US.
“This initiative will help us significantly speed up our product development and sales capability to meet growing customer demand,” commented Anthony Finbow, Chief Executive Officer of Psytechnics. “With the addition of Benjamin’s expertise and passion to our strong management team, we look forward to a very exciting year and future.”
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, VoIP, Video, Wireless, Funding, Appointments

CVidya appoints Ronen Tanami as COO
London-based cVidya Networks, a global leader of Telecom Data Integrity and Revenue Assurance Systems, announced that Ronen Tanami is joining the company as COO. As part of cVidya's management team, Ronen will consolidate the product definition, development and delivery processes into a synergetic integrated framework. Drawing on his vast experience in working with tier-1 operators, Ronen will ensure that cVidya maintains a high level of efficiency both in the growing number of deployment projects at customer sites as well as in developing the product, MoneyMap®. Ronen will be responsible for ensuring cVidya customers are achieving the highest level of satisfaction with cVidya both through ongoing project deployment and support services.
Ronen Tanami has over 18 years of solid managerial, business and technological experience. Prior to joining cVidya, Ronen served in several senior positions at Amdocs, including regional executive, tier-1 customer site manager, business development director for the UK and management of software development and implementation projects. Prior to Amdocs, Ronen served as a VP of a leading software house developing solutions for the forwarding industry. Mr. Tanami holds a M.Sc. in Physics, a B.Sc. in Physics and Computer Science, as well as an M.B.A. in Technological Management.
"Ronen Tanami's insight and experience in this market is certainly an asset for cVidya," remarked Alon Aginsky, cVidya Networks' CEO. "I look forward to working with Ronen towards enhancing cVidya's market position and the overall level of efficiency in supporting our customers."
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MTS Allstream picks Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices
Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG, announced MTS Allstream Inc. out of Manitoba, Canada, is deploying tango ™ Subscriber Manager software to centralize and automate the deployment, installation, management and support of its broadband service. Automation simplifies the broadband service lifecycle leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as cost savings for MTS Allstream.
As competition for broadband subscribers grows increasingly intense, automation becomes a vital necessity. Without it, procedures necessary for provisioning services and applying policy changes must be undertaken manually, which leads to an increase in cost. As deployments and customer bases increase in size, the process of establishing value-added services for expanding numbers of subscribers becomes more cumbersome and time consuming.
Siemens’ tango Subscriber Manager speeds up the broadband deployment process by automating the delivery of services such
as VPN networks and advanced firewall controls, as well as automating repetitive administrative tasks through its powerful scripting and policy-based operations.
“The comprehensive control offered by tango Subscriber Manager enables customers such as MTS Allstream to take control of their broadband service infrastructure,” said Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices. “Maintaining control of the services offered in today’s digital home is important to stay ahead of the competition.”
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Security, VPN

Microsoft's Zune, iPod Rival, to be made by Toshiba
Microsoft Corp. has picked Toshiba to manufacture its Zune digital music player, a device that will compete with Apple Computer Inc.'s market-dominating iPod. Tokyo-based Toshiba Corp. is Japan's largest chipmaker.
Microsoft company plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars over the next several years in a bid to dent Apple's 77% share of the $4 billion U.S. market for digital music players.
Microsoft's Zune will allow users to share music with other device owners located within range of a wireless hotspot. Customers will also be able to use the wireless connection to send and receive photos, as well as promotional copies of songs, albums and play lists from other users. The device will enable a user to stream music to four other devices at one time so friends can listen together.
Zune marks the first time Microsoft will control the hardware design, software and service for such devices after six years of combining its software with outside music services and machines designed by partners failed to create a product compelling enough to tackle the iPod.
Apple has sold more than 58.9 million players since CEO Steve Jobs introduced the gadget in October 2001, including 8.11 million units in the quarter ended July 1.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Chipsets

Cisco may partner with Microsoft on IPTV
Cisco is expected to form a partnership with Microsoft on IPTV in the next few months. On 8/22, Cisco announced a definitive agreement to acquire Arroyo Video Solutions, a video-on-demand (VOD) company for $92 million.
"The entertainment industry is going through a major shift," said Michelangelo Volpi, a senior vice president and general manager at Cisco. "The industry is quickly evolving from a pure video-on-demand to anything on-demand with any content delivered to any end device."
Related Channels: Video, OSS/BSS

IBM leads in web access management software
IBM Friday announced that analyst firm Gartner, Inc. has ranked IBM as the worldwide market share leader in the Web access management marketplace based on total software revenue for 2005. This is the first Gartner report on this market since 2002.
According to the independent report, IBM was the leading market share vendor in total Web access management software revenue worldwide with 41.4 percent market share in 2005. According to Gartner, total worldwide revenue for Web access management grew nearly 10 percent to $513 million in 2005.
As defined by Gartner, Web access management offers integrated identity and access management for Web-based applications, such as email and online databases. The analyst firm observed that while initial software implementations by customers were focused on managing external user access, the growing use of company portals for employee access is also driving demand for Web access management solutions to manage internal user access.
"We have seen an increased interest in identity and access management software from customers seeking to boost security around valuable company data," said Al Zollar, general manager, IBM Tivoli software. "IBM security software helps to defend against many of the top internal and external security threats facing enterprises today such as insider attacks and identity theft."
IBM's Tivoli security software helps prevent unauthorized access to valuable customer, employee and business data and facilitates compliance with corporate security policy and regulatory requirements. It is part of IBM's portfolio of IT service management (ITSM) software, which automates some of the most challenging processes associated with managing a complex IT environment. These include managing storage devices, addressing IT failures and deploying new software releases and patches. The software helps customers fight rising IT costs, manage constant change and meet the demand to stay competitive in the marketplace. IBM is combining its ITSM software with business consulting and IT services to develop repeatable tools that help customers optimize their business operations.
Related Channels: OSS/BSS, Security

Competition Alert for Microsoft, HP, Sun Microsystems, EMC, Oracle, SAP, CA, Wipro, BMC, Novell, BEA, McAfee, Citrix and other OSS, security software and storage vendors: IBM to speed up its China expansion after moving its Asia Pacific Headquarters to Shanghai from Tokyo this year
IBM will open four offices annually in second-tier Chinese cities in coming years to take advantage of robust growth and a deep talent pool.
“We set up four new offices last year,” Michael Cannon-Brookes, vice-president for business development in China and India, said on Wednesday. “And that pace is sustainable in the near term.”
IBM had 22 offices in China at the end of last year.
Any expansion would come after IBM's Asia-Pacific office completed its move to Shanghai from Tokyo this year, attracted by vibrant growth and deep talent pools in China.
“That’s why I’m in Shanghai,” said Cannon-Brookes.
Related Story: Top Story: IBM moves its Asia-Pacific HQ to Shanghai from Tokyo -- Shanghai, the most favorable city for multinationals (A reprint of our 05/12/2006 Top Story)
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(A reprint of our 05/12/2006 Top Story) Top Story: IBM moves its Asia-Pacific HQ to Shanghai from Tokyo -- Shanghai, the most favorable city for multinationals
IBM has moved its Asia-Pacific headquarters from Tokyo to Shanghai, China's business hub. Since 2005, IBM has been relocating its relevant technical and R&D departments for Asia-Pacific headquarters to Shanghai.
Last month, IBM joined hands with Shanghai Jiaotong University in establishing an innovative academe, in an effort to establish IBM's R&D center as well as a procurement center in Shanghai.
The explosive growth of China market is a reason for IBM's relocation of Asia-Pacific headquarters. In 1993, IBM purchased USD 30 million worth of products in the country, while the procurement in 2000 exceeded USD 2 billion.
Related Top Story: China to surpass the United States to become the world's No.1 chip market this year (China)
Shanghai is the most favorable city for multinationals.
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- Top Story: Shanghai Information Park built by China Telecom with CNY 10 billion investment attracts telecom and IT companies -- China Telecom in transformation beyond traditional telecom business (China)
- Shanghai to host Virgin Mobile's MVNO service base (China)
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- Unisys to open office in Shanghai and invest more than $200M over the next five years (China)
- Siemens to establish its Eastern China HQ in Shanghai (China)
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RADVISION intros 3G video software toolkit
RADVISION, leading provider of video network infrastructure and developer tools for unified visual communications over IP, 3G and emerging next-generation networks, announced the immediate availability of fast call set-up support in the new release of its 3G-324M toolkit. This release aligns the industry-leading 3G video software toolkit with the recent improvements to the 3G standard established by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T) Study Group 16. These improvements are designed to enhance the experience of 3G video subscribers by significantly reducing the amount of time required in setting up a video call. The ITU has included RADVISION's intellectual property related to fast call setup as an integral and mandated part of a revision to the H.324M standard for 3G video, known as H.324 Annex K MONA (Media Oriented Negotiation Acceleration). The newly released 3G-324M Toolkit fully supports H.324 Annex K MONA.
The H.324M standard is used in cellular 3G networks to exchange real-time and bi-directional video traffic that is used in popular services. The improvements to the standard ratified by the ITU and implemented in RADVISION's toolkit significantly shorten the call set-up time required when requesting such innovative video services as video fun tones, video conferencing and video community chat groups.
RADVISION implements the H.324M standard (also known as 3G-324M by the 3GPP) in its 3G-324M toolkit, which is licensed by developers of 3G equipment such as video-enabled mobile handsets or infrastructure equipment such as multi-media messaging products or videoconferencing systems.
Related Channels: Wireless, Video, OSS/BSS

IPass granted continuation patent on network quality monitoring
California-based iPass Inc. has been granted a continuation patent (US Patent 6,985,945) on the network quality monitoring functionality of the iPass service. The continuation extends the protections previously granted to iPass in 2003 for the company's Service Quality Management (SQM) technology.
With more than 3,000 enterprise customers and the world's largest broadband roaming network, iPass is the global leader in providing software and network solutions that unify the management of remote and mobile connectivity, devices and security. iPass services allow organizations to keep users connected to the Internet and corporate networks and manage endpoint devices by distributing and updating software, removing out-of-date and rogue applications, and working to ensure that remote and mobile computers have the latest protection against viruses and other malicious threats.
Using SQM technology, the company manages more than 60,000 wireless (Wi-Fi and 3G) broadband and 40,000 dial up access points in 160 countries.
"Any Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business must continually collect information on the quality of the user experience and adjust the network parameters accordingly to ensure high quality. iPass recognized this long ago and took the steps to protect it's unique approach," said Ken Denman, CEO of iPass.
Related Channels: Wireless, OSS/BSS, Security

KVH, Microsoft and Verizon Wireless enable mobile high-speed Internet access
For consumers around the U.S. who have sought high-speed Internet service while on the go, the wait is now over! The new TracNet(TM) 100 mobile Internet system with MSN® TV service from KVH Industries and Microsoft Corp.'s MSN TV division is now available through retailers nationwide. TracNet 100 is the solution consumers and businesspeople have been asking for - an integrated product offering convenient mobile, high-speed access to the same Internet services they depend on in their home or office as they travel throughout the United States by car, boat, or RV.
Using high-speed Verizon Wireless EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) cellular service, the TracNet 100 provides access to MSN TV Internet services, including MSN Mail, MSN Messenger, web browsing, Internet radio, online games, and more. Conveniently displayed on the video screens and TVs in cars, boats, and RVs, MSN TV is well suited for the mobile environment and offers a convenient access point to the Internet. In addition, KVH's custom web portals for mobile users are directly accessible from the MSN TV home page, providing easy access to information that makes travel more entertaining and convenient. For those users who depend on applications on laptops or PDAs, the TracNet 100 also turns a vehicle or vessel into a mobile hotspot thanks to integrated WiFi that supports multiple users and devices. This exciting new mobile Internet system arrives at dealers around the country at the same time 57% of consumers say that they want to stay "wired" while traveling on vacation (InsightExpress, July 2006).
"There is a growing demand for mobile access to Internet services, and we are committed to connecting consumers to an array of entertainment, information and communications services," said Sam Klepper, general manager in the Online Services Group at Microsoft. "KVH provides an excellent platform to bring these services and a wide variety of content to mobile users via the integrated Internet solutions offered by the TracNet 100 and MSN TV services."
Commenting on the TracNet 100, Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's president and chief executive officer said, "Microsoft's MSN TV division and KVH are leaders in their respective fields and bring unique benefits to supporting consumer expectations for fast, easy Internet access. By blending those strengths, our TracNet 100 meets the demand for broadband Internet on the go by taking the experience beyond cell phones and PDAs and making powerful web applications accessible on video and TV screens as well as on WiFi-based mobile devices."
TracNet 100 offers travelers the on-the-move communications and high-speed they require to work efficiently outside their home or office while they're on the road or the water. Where available, the system uses the Verizon Wireless EVDO service, which provides data rates ranging from 400-700 Kbps and is capable of reaching up to 2 Mbps - similar to the broadband connections in the home or office. Verizon Wireless offers EVDO coverage in and surrounding more than 180 cities throughout the continental U.S. with new cities being added regularly. In areas where EVDO service is not currently available, TracNet 100 reverts to the more widely fielded 1xRTT service, which delivers speeds of 60-80 Kbps and bursts of up to 144 Kbps.
The TracNet 100 includes the mobile Internet receiver with a 3-port Ethernet router, infrared (IR) wireless remote, wireless keyboard, 12V DC power adapter, and Verizon Wireless EVDO data card. In addition, TracNet 100 also comes with a bundled 3W booster and a platform-specific external cellular antenna to ensure the best performance possible in marginal/low signal areas.
Related Channels: Wireless, Video, OSS/BSS, Ethernet

Microsoft and Citrix to expand partnership
Microsoft Corp. and Citrix Systems, Inc. plan to expand their existing partnership in access and end-to-end application delivery to make computing faster, more secure and more cost-effective for employees in branch office locations. The two companies will collaborate on developing and marketing a new multifunction Citrix branch office appliance based on the Microsoft(R) Windows Server(R) operating system and Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server and utilizing the recently announced Citrix(R) WANScaler(TM) solution.
The planned joint solution represents a new type of branch office appliance that combines advanced wide area network (WAN) optimization technologies with consolidated branch office services in a single, multifunction appliance that is easy to administer remotely. This combination helps solve a major problem for customers that cannot be solved today with traditional networking solutions or individual point products and that Microsoft and Citrix are uniquely able to address with their technologies, channel partners and customer reach.
"This is another major step in delivering on our overall access strategy and in meeting the needs of our customers in the branch office," said Ted Kummert, corporate vice president of the Security, Access and Solutions Division at Microsoft. "Citrix is a strong, trusted partner, and its technology and market success in application networking complements our expertise and leadership in server technologies and core networking services."
"As a market leader in end-to-end delivery infrastructure, Citrix is serious about pursuing strategic opportunities that help customers deliver any type of application to any user with the highest level of performance and security and the lowest possible cost," said Mark Templeton, president and CEO of Citrix. "By expanding our already close relationship with Microsoft, we have a unique opportunity to address the needs of enterprise branch offices in a way few other companies can."
Related Channels: Security, OSS/BSS

Intel partners with universities on multicore software
Intel is working with universities to create a public suite of applications for multicore processors. The chip giant’s CTO Justin Rattner made the disclosure during his keynote address at the HotChips conference at Stanford University. Such applications could be used as a benchmark for multicore chips.
To help with its own research on multicore, Intel has pieced together a suite of applications that demonstrate the breadth of computing functionality and performance that can be enabled by multicore processors. The so-called RMS suite – recognition, mining and synthesis – encompasses many applications within those functional areas.
The suite was created through some internal development at Intel, but also by using the code of some of Intel’s partners. To rectify the problem “we’ve gone around informally asking folks about contributing to an RMS suite,” said Rattner. Intel is contributing its body tracking and ray tracking applications. And some universities have already pledged support. The University of Pittsburgh, for example, has contributed a cancer cell detection application.
Intel is working with Princeton University which will serve as a repository for the code contributions from the academic community. Professor Kai Li is spearheading the efforts there.
Rattner appealed to the HotChips audience at Stanford for contributions, too.
“We are here to ask you to contribute some code to this RMS suite,” he said.
The so-called RMS applications are expected to make up much of the computing workloads of the future. Rattner broke them down, providing demonstrations for the cr