After several years of focusing on ways to cut costs and maximize return on infrastructure, carriers are finally considering upgrades that will allow them to offer next-generation IP services. And the vendors are ready.
IBM is among those mapping product development to the shift to IP, according to officials at the IBM Communications Sector, in White Plains, N.Y. This week at the Supercomm show in Atlanta, the group will unveil an Integrated Platform for Telecommunications that contains Linux and IP standard component options. The platform is part of IBMs carrier-grade open framework initiative to help carriers move away from proprietary technologies and lower the cost of new services.
IBM will also roll out an eServer for carriers, called BladeCenter T, which is compatible with enterprise eServers. The BladeCenter T incorporates the new integrated platform with hardened operating systems including carrier-grade Linux.
Further demonstrating traditional computing technologys inroads into the telecom infrastructure, Avici Systems Inc., in Billerica, Mass., which is working closely with Intel Corp., will introduce the Multi-Service Connect Platform. With Intels latest processors, the series of line cards lets carriers deliver legacy frame relay, voice and asynchronous transfer mode services over an IP infrastructure.
To help large enterprises and service providers better manage the growing volume of data flowing over networks, Allot Communications Inc. will unveil its fastest, most powerful QOS NetEnforcer appliance yet. The AC1000 is capable of gigabit throughput, provides more connections for more users and boasts intelligent trouble alert notification by pager or cell phone.
Another IP challenge is finding ways to ensure real-time application performance. Viola Networks Inc., in Somerset, N.J., will introduce software that enhances existing IT infrastructures to handle real-time applications and supports monitoring and trouble-shooting.
In light of the planned infrastructure upgrades, equipment makers and carriers may want to consider consolidating their network and testing gear.
The Agilent N4180A Network Tester, from Agilent Technologies Inc., enables Internet-scale testing of network security devices such as firewalls and content-networking devices, officials in Palo Alto, Calif., said. The Agilent RouterTester 900 VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) test product measures how well VPLS-enabled routers forward traffic.