SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Cryptography Research Inc. (CRI), a division of Rambus Inc., has signed a license agreement with a major smartphone and tablet manufacturer for the use of CRI’s Differential Power Analysis (DPA) countermeasures patents. Under the agreement, ongoing royalties will be paid for the use of CRI’s patented innovations. Specific terms of the agreement and disclosure of the manufacturer are confidential.
“Consumers increasingly rely on their smartphones and tablets to perform financial transactions, store personal data and access premium content,” said Paul Kocher, president and chief scientist of Cryptography Research. “Our DPA countermeasures technology is a key part of securing mobile devices to safeguard the data of consumers and content providers worldwide.”
Differential Power Analysis (DPA) is a form of attack that involves monitoring variations in electrical power consumption of a target device and then uses advanced statistical methods to derive cryptographic keys or other secrets. Strong countermeasures to DPA are important for securing mobile devices, bank cards, pay television systems, secure identity products, secure storage media, and other electronic systems and components. Many of the world’s leading security standards include requirements that devices be protected against DPA and related attacks.
Cryptography Research has developed a portfolio of more than 55 patents covering countermeasures to DPA attacks, with additional patent applications pending worldwide.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wireless Innovation Forum approves five documents
MONTREAL, CANADA & WASHINGTON, USA: The Wireless Innovation Forum announced the approval of five documents by its membership at the 70th Working Meeting held in Montreal September 12-15. The approved documents include:
Approved Issues and Resolutions concerning the November 2010 draft of the SCA Next Specification (Working Document WINNF-11-R-0004): recommended solutions to 41 issues (and references one whose resolution is in a separate document) raised against the 30 Nov 2011 draft of the SCA Next specification, including its appendixes.
Change proposal to Draft SCA Next AEP (Appendix B) for harmonization with ESSOR Architecture (WINNF-10-R-0005): prepared in an attempt to maximize the harmonization between ESSOR and JTRS achievements, using as an input the document WINNF-11-I-0007 submitted by ESSOR Industries to WINNF SCA Next WG.
Change Proposal to Draft SCA Next CORBA Profiles for Harmonization with ESSOR Architecture (WINNF-11-R-0006): prepared in an attempt to maximize the harmonization between ESSOR and JTRS achievements, using as an input an ESSOR contribution submitted to WInnF SCA-Next WG.
International Tactical Radio Security Services API Specification (Working Document WINNF-09-S-0011): standardizes a software security interface for use by the international tactical radio community. In particular, this API is targeted for deployment in tactical radio systems based on the Software Communication Architecture (SCA), though that is not necessarily a prerequisite for its use.
White paper on SDR Technologies for the International Tactical Radio Market (Working Document WINNF-09-P-0006): highlights some key issues to be further addressed to increase the adoption of SDR technology by the market: improving the WF portability: issues associated with Application Programming Interface (API) development; SDR standards compliance certification; safety certification; and security aspects.
“The Forum’s Co-ordinating Committee on International SCA Standards is proud to have worked with the US JTRS on their upcoming next release of the SCA as their international and public liaison,” said Terry Anderson, of ITT and Chair of the SCA Next Work Group. “Our three documents approved at this meeting along with five previous RFIs are the output of over 50 working sessions over two years and will help to make the next release of the SCA fit the needs of a much wider and international community.”
Approved Issues and Resolutions concerning the November 2010 draft of the SCA Next Specification (Working Document WINNF-11-R-0004): recommended solutions to 41 issues (and references one whose resolution is in a separate document) raised against the 30 Nov 2011 draft of the SCA Next specification, including its appendixes.
Change proposal to Draft SCA Next AEP (Appendix B) for harmonization with ESSOR Architecture (WINNF-10-R-0005): prepared in an attempt to maximize the harmonization between ESSOR and JTRS achievements, using as an input the document WINNF-11-I-0007 submitted by ESSOR Industries to WINNF SCA Next WG.
Change Proposal to Draft SCA Next CORBA Profiles for Harmonization with ESSOR Architecture (WINNF-11-R-0006): prepared in an attempt to maximize the harmonization between ESSOR and JTRS achievements, using as an input an ESSOR contribution submitted to WInnF SCA-Next WG.
International Tactical Radio Security Services API Specification (Working Document WINNF-09-S-0011): standardizes a software security interface for use by the international tactical radio community. In particular, this API is targeted for deployment in tactical radio systems based on the Software Communication Architecture (SCA), though that is not necessarily a prerequisite for its use.
White paper on SDR Technologies for the International Tactical Radio Market (Working Document WINNF-09-P-0006): highlights some key issues to be further addressed to increase the adoption of SDR technology by the market: improving the WF portability: issues associated with Application Programming Interface (API) development; SDR standards compliance certification; safety certification; and security aspects.
“The Forum’s Co-ordinating Committee on International SCA Standards is proud to have worked with the US JTRS on their upcoming next release of the SCA as their international and public liaison,” said Terry Anderson, of ITT and Chair of the SCA Next Work Group. “Our three documents approved at this meeting along with five previous RFIs are the output of over 50 working sessions over two years and will help to make the next release of the SCA fit the needs of a much wider and international community.”
Alcatel-Lucent’s commercial launch of VDSL2 vectoring solution
Kamalini Ganguly, Analyst, Ovum
AUSTRALIA: Recently, there were a number of VDSL2-vectoring-related announcements by equipment and software vendors. But Alcatel-Lucent's commercial launch of their VDSL2 vectoring solution is a first. Alcatel-Lucent has said the solution has the capability to support 100Mbps at 400 meters.
VDSL2 shipments in particular, while still a small proportion of shipments, have been growing steadily and in 2Q11, crossed the 5 million port mark. This result is due to a number of ongoing FTTN and FTTC/Cabinet type of deployments where part of the loop between the central office and the home is replaced by fiber and then ADSL is upgraded to VDSL2 in order to take advantage of the higher potential throughput on shorter loops. But cross-talk between one copper pair and another, as well as other sources of noise, reduce that theoretical throughput considerably.
Standardized by ITU in April 2010, vectoring is a type of noise-cancellation technology which boosts the throughput of VDSL2 lines back up considerably. DSL line bonding, vectoring and 'Phantom DSL' are the three ways that can potentially boost copper network speeds, of which bonding is already being implemented. AT&T is bonding its VDSL2 lines in the US for extended reach. We don't expect Phantom DSL to be commercially available before the end of 2012-2013 timeframe. These options will help service providers to utilize existing copper access infrastructure, with partial fiber deployment, but before taking fiber all the way to the home.
Almost every major broadband hardware equipment vendor has some type of vectoring product in the works. Back in 2009, Ericsson was the first to publicize and announce a live lab demonstration of vectoring over six bonded copper pairs and achieving 500 Mbps, or approximately 83 Mbps per pair at 500 meters.
Subsequently, Nokia Siemens Networks, Huawei, ZTE and Alcatel-Lucent all made similar types of announcements. ECI Telecom has been working on its own solution for years and is in discussion with potential customers. But Alcatel-Lucent is the first to announce commercial availability of some products for its ANSI DSL portfolio, with the rest, including products for its ETSI portfolio to be available in December and over 1Q12.
Alcatel-Lucent has said it has been field trialing vectoring with several service providers from 2010 - Belgacom, Telekom Austria, Swisscom, Orange among others. According to Alcatel-Lucent, many varieties of DSL CPE are upgradeable via software, negating the need for large-scale CPE replacements.
In October 2010, ZTE had announced an SLV or system-level-vectoring prototype, the ZXDSL 9836 compact DSLAM supporting up to 192 VDSL2 lines. In mid-August 2011, Huawei announced its own NLV or node-level-vectoring prototype that would achieve 100Mbps over 300 meters. Alcatel-Lucent has covered its bases by launching BLV (board level vectoring or within a line card), SLV (system level vectoring or across multiple line cards in a system) and what it calls multi-system vectoring which would support vectoring for up to 384 lines across 8 line cards in 2012 with support for 4 line cards in 2011.
But Huawei claims that node-level-vectoring, equivalent to multi-system vectoring, would be most effective. In such a scenario, vectoring is applied to all cables connected to a specific site, not just one system alone.
But node-level or even system-level-vectoring may not be useful in Western Europe where we expect the most demand for vectoring. The European Union regulators' open access requirements still remain a hurdle. A cable binder shared between multiple service providers, and a mix of vectored and un-vectored lines negates the vectoring benefits.
It is possible that such requirements may eventually not be implemented due to practical reasons or that unbundling at the bitstream access level is recommended as it was in Australia. Otherwise, service providers may need to content themselves with active management of non-vectored lines in order to maintain the gains of vectoring.
AUSTRALIA: Recently, there were a number of VDSL2-vectoring-related announcements by equipment and software vendors. But Alcatel-Lucent's commercial launch of their VDSL2 vectoring solution is a first. Alcatel-Lucent has said the solution has the capability to support 100Mbps at 400 meters.
VDSL2 shipments in particular, while still a small proportion of shipments, have been growing steadily and in 2Q11, crossed the 5 million port mark. This result is due to a number of ongoing FTTN and FTTC/Cabinet type of deployments where part of the loop between the central office and the home is replaced by fiber and then ADSL is upgraded to VDSL2 in order to take advantage of the higher potential throughput on shorter loops. But cross-talk between one copper pair and another, as well as other sources of noise, reduce that theoretical throughput considerably.
Standardized by ITU in April 2010, vectoring is a type of noise-cancellation technology which boosts the throughput of VDSL2 lines back up considerably. DSL line bonding, vectoring and 'Phantom DSL' are the three ways that can potentially boost copper network speeds, of which bonding is already being implemented. AT&T is bonding its VDSL2 lines in the US for extended reach. We don't expect Phantom DSL to be commercially available before the end of 2012-2013 timeframe. These options will help service providers to utilize existing copper access infrastructure, with partial fiber deployment, but before taking fiber all the way to the home.
Almost every major broadband hardware equipment vendor has some type of vectoring product in the works. Back in 2009, Ericsson was the first to publicize and announce a live lab demonstration of vectoring over six bonded copper pairs and achieving 500 Mbps, or approximately 83 Mbps per pair at 500 meters.
Subsequently, Nokia Siemens Networks, Huawei, ZTE and Alcatel-Lucent all made similar types of announcements. ECI Telecom has been working on its own solution for years and is in discussion with potential customers. But Alcatel-Lucent is the first to announce commercial availability of some products for its ANSI DSL portfolio, with the rest, including products for its ETSI portfolio to be available in December and over 1Q12.
Alcatel-Lucent has said it has been field trialing vectoring with several service providers from 2010 - Belgacom, Telekom Austria, Swisscom, Orange among others. According to Alcatel-Lucent, many varieties of DSL CPE are upgradeable via software, negating the need for large-scale CPE replacements.
In October 2010, ZTE had announced an SLV or system-level-vectoring prototype, the ZXDSL 9836 compact DSLAM supporting up to 192 VDSL2 lines. In mid-August 2011, Huawei announced its own NLV or node-level-vectoring prototype that would achieve 100Mbps over 300 meters. Alcatel-Lucent has covered its bases by launching BLV (board level vectoring or within a line card), SLV (system level vectoring or across multiple line cards in a system) and what it calls multi-system vectoring which would support vectoring for up to 384 lines across 8 line cards in 2012 with support for 4 line cards in 2011.
But Huawei claims that node-level-vectoring, equivalent to multi-system vectoring, would be most effective. In such a scenario, vectoring is applied to all cables connected to a specific site, not just one system alone.
But node-level or even system-level-vectoring may not be useful in Western Europe where we expect the most demand for vectoring. The European Union regulators' open access requirements still remain a hurdle. A cable binder shared between multiple service providers, and a mix of vectored and un-vectored lines negates the vectoring benefits.
It is possible that such requirements may eventually not be implemented due to practical reasons or that unbundling at the bitstream access level is recommended as it was in Australia. Otherwise, service providers may need to content themselves with active management of non-vectored lines in order to maintain the gains of vectoring.
IBM X-Force report reveals mobile security exploits to double in 2011
ARMONK, USA: IBM released the results of its X-Force 2011 Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report, which demonstrates the rapidly changing security landscape characterized by high-profile attacks, growing mobile vulnerabilities and more sophisticated threats such as "whaling." To help clients combat these and other security issues, IBM is opening the Institute for Advanced Security for Asia Pacific, which joins the IBM Institutes in North America and Europe.
Poised at the frontline of security, the IBM X-Force team serves as the eyes and ears for thousands of IBM clients – studying security attack techniques and creating defenses before many vulnerabilities are even announced. The X-Force Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report is based on intelligence gathered through IBM's research of public vulnerability disclosures as well as the monitoring and analysis of an average of 12 billion security events daily since the beginning of 2011.
Mobile exploits on track to double
Adoption of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets in the enterprise, including the "Bring Your Own Device" approach, which allows personal devices to access the corporate network, is raising new security concerns. IBM X-Force has documented a steady rise in the disclosure of security vulnerabilities affecting these devices. X-Force research recommends that IT teams consistently employ anti-malware and patch management software for phones in enterprise environments. Key findings include:
* X-Force is projecting that the year 2011 will see twice the number of mobile exploit releases that occurred in 2010. X-Force has observed that many mobile phone vendors do not rapidly push out security updates for their devices;
* Malicious software targeting mobile phones is often distributed through third-party app markets. Mobile phones are an increasingly attractive platform for malware developers as the sheer size of the user base is growing rapidly, and there is an easy way to monetize mobile phone infections. Malware distributors can set up premium texting (SMS messaging) services that charge users that text to a specific number.
* Malware then sends text messages to those premium numbers from infected phones; and
* Some mobile malware is designed to collect end user's personal information. This data could then be used in phishing attacks or for identity theft. Mobile malware is often capable of spying on victim's personal communications as well as monitoring and tracking their physical movements via the GPS capabilities common in these phones.
"For years, observers have been wondering when malware would become a real problem for the latest generation of mobile devices," said Tom Cross, manager of Threat Intelligence and Strategy for IBM X-Force. "It appears that the wait is over."
Critical vulnerabilities triple in 2011
The X-Force team reports that the percentage of critical vulnerabilities has tripled thus far in 2011. X-Force is declaring 2011 the "Year of the Security Breach" due to the large number of high-profile attacks and network compromises that have occurred this year. There is a cadre of notable emerging threats from this year's breaches:
* Teams of professional attackers motivated by a desire to collect strategic intelligence have been able to gain and maintain access to critical computer networks through a combination of stealth, sophisticated technical capabilities and careful planning. These attackers are often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs);
* The success of APTs has raised the profile of "whaling," a type of spear phishing which targets "big fish," or those positioned in high levels of an organization with access to critical data. These targeted attacks are often launched after careful study of a person's online profiles has armed an attacker with the information needed to create a compelling phishing email that the victim will be fooled into clicking on;
* Attacks from 'hacktivist' groups, who targeted web sites and computer networks for political ends rather than just financial gain. Hacktivist groups have been successful in using well known, off-the-shelf attack techniques such as SQL Injection, which is one of the most common attack techniques seen in the Internet; and
* Anonymous proxies have more than quadrupled in number compared to three years earlier. Anonymous proxies are a critical type of website to track, because they allow people to hide potentially malicious intent.
"The rash of high-profile breaches this year highlights the challenges organizations often face in executing their security strategy," said Cross. "Although we understand how to defend against many of these attacks on a technical level, organizations don't always have the cross-company operational practices in place to protect themselves."
Advances in security highlighted
Although the X-Force team declared 2011 as a watershed in high-profile security breaches, the report also uncovered some improvements in areas of computer security that show headway in the fight against crime on the Internet.
* The first half of 2011 saw an unexpected decrease in web application vulnerabilities, from 49 percent of all vulnerability disclosures down to 37 percent. This is the first time in five years X-Force has seen a decrease;
* High and critical vulnerabilities in web browsers were also at their lowest point since 2007, despite an increasingly complex browser market. These improvements in web browser and application security are important as many attacks are targeted against those categories of software;
* As major botnet operators are taken down and off-line by law enforcement officials, the report shows a trend in the decline of spam and more traditional phishing tactics;
* After years of consistent spam growth until the middle of 2010, there has been a significant decline in spam volumes in the first half of this year; and
* In the first half of 2011, the percentage of spam that is phishing on a weekly basis was less than 0.01 percent. Traditional phishing has greatly declined from the levels X-Force was seeing prior to the middle of 2010.
Also of note, the SQL Slammer Worm has been one of the most common sources of malicious packets on the Internet since its appearance and naming by the IBM X-Force team in 2003, but it has fallen down the list after a dramatic disappearance observed in March 2011. The most recent analysis strongly suggested that the SQL Slammer Worm's disappearance is due to an unknown source or actor. The analysis showed that a time-based trigger using a Slammer's server clock was used to shut it down, proving that it was disabled by a single cause.
Traditional vulnerabilities still a problem
The X-Force report uncovered numerous attacks that target traditional security vulnerabilities. According to the report, attacks on weak passwords are commonplace on the Internet, as are attacks that leverage SQL Injection vulnerabilities in web applications to compromise backend databases.
Databases have become an important target for attackers. Critical data used to run organizations -- including financial/ERP, customer, employee, and intellectual property information such as new product designs -- is stored in relational databases. IBM researchers tested almost 700 web sites -- from the Fortune 500 and other most popular sites -- to uncover that 40 percent of these contain a class of security issues referred to as client-side JavaScript vulnerabilities. The existence of vulnerabilities like these in so many corporate web sites is indicative of the security blindspots in many organizations.
IBM launches Institute for Advanced Security in Asia Pacific
To help combat security risks and to foster collaboration amongst security industry leaders, IBM is launching the IBM Institute for Advanced Security in Asia Pacific in order to combat growing security threats in the region.
The IBM Mid-Year X-Force report states that top countries originating spam have shifted to Asia Pacific, with India sending out roughly 10 percent of all spam registered today, and South Korea and Indonesia also making the top five list. This Institute joins its predecessors in Brussels, Belgium and Washington, D.C., focused on European and US clients, respectively.
Poised at the frontline of security, the IBM X-Force team serves as the eyes and ears for thousands of IBM clients – studying security attack techniques and creating defenses before many vulnerabilities are even announced. The X-Force Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report is based on intelligence gathered through IBM's research of public vulnerability disclosures as well as the monitoring and analysis of an average of 12 billion security events daily since the beginning of 2011.
Mobile exploits on track to double
Adoption of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets in the enterprise, including the "Bring Your Own Device" approach, which allows personal devices to access the corporate network, is raising new security concerns. IBM X-Force has documented a steady rise in the disclosure of security vulnerabilities affecting these devices. X-Force research recommends that IT teams consistently employ anti-malware and patch management software for phones in enterprise environments. Key findings include:
* X-Force is projecting that the year 2011 will see twice the number of mobile exploit releases that occurred in 2010. X-Force has observed that many mobile phone vendors do not rapidly push out security updates for their devices;
* Malicious software targeting mobile phones is often distributed through third-party app markets. Mobile phones are an increasingly attractive platform for malware developers as the sheer size of the user base is growing rapidly, and there is an easy way to monetize mobile phone infections. Malware distributors can set up premium texting (SMS messaging) services that charge users that text to a specific number.
* Malware then sends text messages to those premium numbers from infected phones; and
* Some mobile malware is designed to collect end user's personal information. This data could then be used in phishing attacks or for identity theft. Mobile malware is often capable of spying on victim's personal communications as well as monitoring and tracking their physical movements via the GPS capabilities common in these phones.
"For years, observers have been wondering when malware would become a real problem for the latest generation of mobile devices," said Tom Cross, manager of Threat Intelligence and Strategy for IBM X-Force. "It appears that the wait is over."
Critical vulnerabilities triple in 2011
The X-Force team reports that the percentage of critical vulnerabilities has tripled thus far in 2011. X-Force is declaring 2011 the "Year of the Security Breach" due to the large number of high-profile attacks and network compromises that have occurred this year. There is a cadre of notable emerging threats from this year's breaches:
* Teams of professional attackers motivated by a desire to collect strategic intelligence have been able to gain and maintain access to critical computer networks through a combination of stealth, sophisticated technical capabilities and careful planning. These attackers are often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs);
* The success of APTs has raised the profile of "whaling," a type of spear phishing which targets "big fish," or those positioned in high levels of an organization with access to critical data. These targeted attacks are often launched after careful study of a person's online profiles has armed an attacker with the information needed to create a compelling phishing email that the victim will be fooled into clicking on;
* Attacks from 'hacktivist' groups, who targeted web sites and computer networks for political ends rather than just financial gain. Hacktivist groups have been successful in using well known, off-the-shelf attack techniques such as SQL Injection, which is one of the most common attack techniques seen in the Internet; and
* Anonymous proxies have more than quadrupled in number compared to three years earlier. Anonymous proxies are a critical type of website to track, because they allow people to hide potentially malicious intent.
"The rash of high-profile breaches this year highlights the challenges organizations often face in executing their security strategy," said Cross. "Although we understand how to defend against many of these attacks on a technical level, organizations don't always have the cross-company operational practices in place to protect themselves."
Advances in security highlighted
Although the X-Force team declared 2011 as a watershed in high-profile security breaches, the report also uncovered some improvements in areas of computer security that show headway in the fight against crime on the Internet.
* The first half of 2011 saw an unexpected decrease in web application vulnerabilities, from 49 percent of all vulnerability disclosures down to 37 percent. This is the first time in five years X-Force has seen a decrease;
* High and critical vulnerabilities in web browsers were also at their lowest point since 2007, despite an increasingly complex browser market. These improvements in web browser and application security are important as many attacks are targeted against those categories of software;
* As major botnet operators are taken down and off-line by law enforcement officials, the report shows a trend in the decline of spam and more traditional phishing tactics;
* After years of consistent spam growth until the middle of 2010, there has been a significant decline in spam volumes in the first half of this year; and
* In the first half of 2011, the percentage of spam that is phishing on a weekly basis was less than 0.01 percent. Traditional phishing has greatly declined from the levels X-Force was seeing prior to the middle of 2010.
Also of note, the SQL Slammer Worm has been one of the most common sources of malicious packets on the Internet since its appearance and naming by the IBM X-Force team in 2003, but it has fallen down the list after a dramatic disappearance observed in March 2011. The most recent analysis strongly suggested that the SQL Slammer Worm's disappearance is due to an unknown source or actor. The analysis showed that a time-based trigger using a Slammer's server clock was used to shut it down, proving that it was disabled by a single cause.
Traditional vulnerabilities still a problem
The X-Force report uncovered numerous attacks that target traditional security vulnerabilities. According to the report, attacks on weak passwords are commonplace on the Internet, as are attacks that leverage SQL Injection vulnerabilities in web applications to compromise backend databases.
Databases have become an important target for attackers. Critical data used to run organizations -- including financial/ERP, customer, employee, and intellectual property information such as new product designs -- is stored in relational databases. IBM researchers tested almost 700 web sites -- from the Fortune 500 and other most popular sites -- to uncover that 40 percent of these contain a class of security issues referred to as client-side JavaScript vulnerabilities. The existence of vulnerabilities like these in so many corporate web sites is indicative of the security blindspots in many organizations.
IBM launches Institute for Advanced Security in Asia Pacific
To help combat security risks and to foster collaboration amongst security industry leaders, IBM is launching the IBM Institute for Advanced Security in Asia Pacific in order to combat growing security threats in the region.
The IBM Mid-Year X-Force report states that top countries originating spam have shifted to Asia Pacific, with India sending out roughly 10 percent of all spam registered today, and South Korea and Indonesia also making the top five list. This Institute joins its predecessors in Brussels, Belgium and Washington, D.C., focused on European and US clients, respectively.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Digital Cities’11 to take place at ITU Telecom World 2011
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: In a world where spiralling population growth is stretching urban infrastructures to near-breaking point, can technology solve the growing challenges facing city planners and improve the lives of urban dwellers?
The Digital Cities’11 Conference at ITU Telecom World 2011 (Geneva, Switzerland, 24-27 October) will focus on the trends shaping global city development, and ask city mayors, leading urban developers and experts in the provision of essential public services for their views on the opportunities and solutions offered by information and communications technologies (ICTs).
The conference, supported by Alcatel-Lucent, will focus on how the public and private sectors can come together to design and develop the next generation of urban living. Participants will also address connected urban development and how next-generation networks can enhance socio-economic development, increase the health and well-being of urban citizens and enable environmental sustainability.
Panel discussions and workshops will include mayors from the world’s major cities, together with digital innovators, utility experts, industry CEOs and city planning and transport specialists.
Top-level speakers and participants include: Gabrielle Gauthey, EVP, Public Affairs, Alcatel-Lucent; Kim Seang-tae, President, National Information Society Agency, Advisor to the President of Korea; Wim Elfrink, Chief Globalization Officer, Cisco; Suvi Linden, former Minister of Communications, Finland and Special Envoy to the Broadband Commission for Digital Development; Peter Pitsch, Director Communications Policy, Intel Corporation; and Juan Sabines Guerrero, Governor of Chiapas.
The Digital Cities’11 Conference at ITU Telecom World 2011 (Geneva, Switzerland, 24-27 October) will focus on the trends shaping global city development, and ask city mayors, leading urban developers and experts in the provision of essential public services for their views on the opportunities and solutions offered by information and communications technologies (ICTs).
The conference, supported by Alcatel-Lucent, will focus on how the public and private sectors can come together to design and develop the next generation of urban living. Participants will also address connected urban development and how next-generation networks can enhance socio-economic development, increase the health and well-being of urban citizens and enable environmental sustainability.
Panel discussions and workshops will include mayors from the world’s major cities, together with digital innovators, utility experts, industry CEOs and city planning and transport specialists.
Top-level speakers and participants include: Gabrielle Gauthey, EVP, Public Affairs, Alcatel-Lucent; Kim Seang-tae, President, National Information Society Agency, Advisor to the President of Korea; Wim Elfrink, Chief Globalization Officer, Cisco; Suvi Linden, former Minister of Communications, Finland and Special Envoy to the Broadband Commission for Digital Development; Peter Pitsch, Director Communications Policy, Intel Corporation; and Juan Sabines Guerrero, Governor of Chiapas.
Motorola XOOM 4G LTE upgrade available
BASKING RIDGE, USA: Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility Inc. announced that the Motorola XOOM 4G LTE upgrade will be available for existing Motorola XOOM customers. The Motorola XOOM 4G LTE will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 13 for $499.99 with a new two-year contract.
Starting today, Motorola XOOM customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/Xoom4GLTEupgrade for complete instructions and to begin the 4G LTE upgrade process. Customers who signed up for email alerts will receive an email notification with instructions tomorrow. Customers should expect to get their updated Motorola XOOM with 4G LTE back in approximately six business days.
The 4G LTE upgrade is free of charge and customers do not have to change their current data plan when upgrading to 4G LTE. Customers are encouraged to back up any personal information prior to shipping.
Faster speeds and connections enhance the Motorola XOOM experience, allowing customers to download songs in seconds and movies in minutes. Customers should expect average download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, the Motorola XOOM automatically connects to the Verizon Wireless 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.
Starting today, Motorola XOOM customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/Xoom4GLTEupgrade for complete instructions and to begin the 4G LTE upgrade process. Customers who signed up for email alerts will receive an email notification with instructions tomorrow. Customers should expect to get their updated Motorola XOOM with 4G LTE back in approximately six business days.
The 4G LTE upgrade is free of charge and customers do not have to change their current data plan when upgrading to 4G LTE. Customers are encouraged to back up any personal information prior to shipping.
Faster speeds and connections enhance the Motorola XOOM experience, allowing customers to download songs in seconds and movies in minutes. Customers should expect average download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, the Motorola XOOM automatically connects to the Verizon Wireless 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Skyworks captures leadership position in wireless networking market
WOBURN, USA: Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, has captured the market leader position in wireless networking with the acquisition of SiGe Semiconductor. Skyworks’ connectivity solutions can be found powering a variety of Internet access devices including smart phones, set-top boxes, gateways, BluRay players, gaming consoles, tablets and personal computers, high-power access points and routers.
“Following the SiGe acquisition, we believe Skyworks’ modules are enabling more than one-third of the world’s wireless radios, significantly more than any other single company,” said Allen Nogee, principle analyst at In-Stat. “And, with wireless networking providing bandwidth for smart phones and expanding connectivity in tablets and other consumer devices, Skyworks is well positioned to capture additional market share in this fast growing market.”
“With the addition of SiGe’s product portfolio and intellectual property, Skyworks is delighted to be enabling mobile connectivity across a broader spectrum of wireless networking markets and applications,” said Liam K. Griffin, executive VP and GM of high performance analog at Skyworks. “Our combined product portfolio allows us to offer customers a breadth of best-in-class solutions and capitalize on our position in tablets and smart phones, where wireless networking attachment rates are approaching 100 percent, as well as home automation and energy management.”
“Following the SiGe acquisition, we believe Skyworks’ modules are enabling more than one-third of the world’s wireless radios, significantly more than any other single company,” said Allen Nogee, principle analyst at In-Stat. “And, with wireless networking providing bandwidth for smart phones and expanding connectivity in tablets and other consumer devices, Skyworks is well positioned to capture additional market share in this fast growing market.”
“With the addition of SiGe’s product portfolio and intellectual property, Skyworks is delighted to be enabling mobile connectivity across a broader spectrum of wireless networking markets and applications,” said Liam K. Griffin, executive VP and GM of high performance analog at Skyworks. “Our combined product portfolio allows us to offer customers a breadth of best-in-class solutions and capitalize on our position in tablets and smart phones, where wireless networking attachment rates are approaching 100 percent, as well as home automation and energy management.”
LEA and Celeno to bring video-grade Wi-Fi to European service providers
Broadband World Forum 2011, PARIS, FRANCE: Celeno Communications, a leading provider of semiconductors and software for multimedia Wi-Fi home networking applications, and LEA, a leading provider of broadband access and home networking equipment, announced a partnership to fulfill the need for wireless distribution of HD IPTV video services and high-speed data within and throughout subscribers’ homes with wire-like quality. Celeno’s CL1830 3x3 450Mbps beam-forming MIMO Wi-Fi technology will power LEA’s new Wi-Fi video bridge product line, which will be available this December.
“Service providers face significant challenges in delivering IPTV and high-speed data streams from the customer’s broadband connection to a multitude of display devices throughout the home,” said Gilad Rozen, CEO and president of Celeno. “LEA’s 5GHz video bridges are designed to address this need. By leveraging Celeno’s technology and the less-interfered 5GHz spectrum, the solution will deliver whole-home robust home networks with the expected quality of service.”
“We have partnered with Celeno to deliver our service provider customers best-in-class Wi-Fi technology,” said Patrice Fryson, CEO of LEA. “This new range of products will perfectly complement our large existing PLC offer, proposing today to operators and retail, a complete broadband Home Networking solutions. These devices will help to expand service reach in the home - from installed gateways to multiple set-top boxes and devices at any location in the home.”
Celeno’s Wi-Fi technology, powered by its OptimizAIR technology suite, has been designed from the ground up to meet the stringent requirements of carrier-grade video streaming. High throughput, long range, bounded jitter, low packet drops, interference resiliency, and remote management are just some of the properties built into the solution to satisfy service providers’ needs. The CL1830 is a 3x3 450Mbps beam-forming MIMO high-speed dual-band Wi-Fi solution. It combines scheduled MAC, traffic shaping, and admission control to achieve the video QoS expected by consumers.
The LEA video bridge includes 4 Ethernet LAN connectors, 450Mbps video-grade Wi-Fi performance, WPS secured association, interference detection and avoidance, fast-channel change and TR-069 remote management.
“Service providers face significant challenges in delivering IPTV and high-speed data streams from the customer’s broadband connection to a multitude of display devices throughout the home,” said Gilad Rozen, CEO and president of Celeno. “LEA’s 5GHz video bridges are designed to address this need. By leveraging Celeno’s technology and the less-interfered 5GHz spectrum, the solution will deliver whole-home robust home networks with the expected quality of service.”
“We have partnered with Celeno to deliver our service provider customers best-in-class Wi-Fi technology,” said Patrice Fryson, CEO of LEA. “This new range of products will perfectly complement our large existing PLC offer, proposing today to operators and retail, a complete broadband Home Networking solutions. These devices will help to expand service reach in the home - from installed gateways to multiple set-top boxes and devices at any location in the home.”
Celeno’s Wi-Fi technology, powered by its OptimizAIR technology suite, has been designed from the ground up to meet the stringent requirements of carrier-grade video streaming. High throughput, long range, bounded jitter, low packet drops, interference resiliency, and remote management are just some of the properties built into the solution to satisfy service providers’ needs. The CL1830 is a 3x3 450Mbps beam-forming MIMO high-speed dual-band Wi-Fi solution. It combines scheduled MAC, traffic shaping, and admission control to achieve the video QoS expected by consumers.
The LEA video bridge includes 4 Ethernet LAN connectors, 450Mbps video-grade Wi-Fi performance, WPS secured association, interference detection and avoidance, fast-channel change and TR-069 remote management.
First global network for M2M goes online
NEW DELHI, INDIA: m2mapps.com GmbH launched its global network for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication: www.m2mapps.com, where companies can register free of charge, easily create company profiles and upload product and service information.
As the first platform of its type, m2mapps serves as the central point of contact for companies around the world wishing to professionally market products and services from the M2M field. At the same time, users of M2M technology can quickly find the right offers for their projects thanks to systematic categorizations and advanced search functions.
The platform also provides comprehensive insights into the M2M market thanks to exclusive interviews with top international experts. Additional market intelligence is provided in a blog from Beecham Research CEO and analyst Robin Duke-Woolley.
The M2M market has seen continuous growth for a number of years, as the current report from analyst firm Beecham Research shows.[1] New applications are emerging on an almost daily basis across many different market sectors such as energy, automotive and healthcare. This vertical growth makes it more difficult for vendors of M2M products and services to market their portfolio effectively and to reach all potential customers.
m2m apps now enables corporations to present themselves and their products free of charge in a dedicated and professional environment on a global scale. Any companies in the M2M field can register for free and benefit from the added visibility as m2m apps continues to actively promote the platform.
“The M2M market has grown increasingly complex in the last few years. The aim of m2m apps is to provide a single platform on which to host the complete value chain of M2M of products and services, all of which will be easily and quickly accessed by potential users. We think m2m apps fills a real need, of helping to bring together expertise across the industry with users who want to gain real advantage from using M2M solutions and we fully support its objectives,” said Robin Duke-Woolley.
As the first platform of its type, m2mapps serves as the central point of contact for companies around the world wishing to professionally market products and services from the M2M field. At the same time, users of M2M technology can quickly find the right offers for their projects thanks to systematic categorizations and advanced search functions.
The platform also provides comprehensive insights into the M2M market thanks to exclusive interviews with top international experts. Additional market intelligence is provided in a blog from Beecham Research CEO and analyst Robin Duke-Woolley.
The M2M market has seen continuous growth for a number of years, as the current report from analyst firm Beecham Research shows.[1] New applications are emerging on an almost daily basis across many different market sectors such as energy, automotive and healthcare. This vertical growth makes it more difficult for vendors of M2M products and services to market their portfolio effectively and to reach all potential customers.
m2m apps now enables corporations to present themselves and their products free of charge in a dedicated and professional environment on a global scale. Any companies in the M2M field can register for free and benefit from the added visibility as m2m apps continues to actively promote the platform.
“The M2M market has grown increasingly complex in the last few years. The aim of m2m apps is to provide a single platform on which to host the complete value chain of M2M of products and services, all of which will be easily and quickly accessed by potential users. We think m2m apps fills a real need, of helping to bring together expertise across the industry with users who want to gain real advantage from using M2M solutions and we fully support its objectives,” said Robin Duke-Woolley.
IPTV will reach 60 million subscriptions in the EU by 2020
UK: As broadband subscriptions continue to grow in the EU27, Point Topic has today announced analysis on how many subscribers there will be and how many will take an IPTV service as well. According to the leading global broadband analyst firm, IPTV is set to treble by 2020.
“We’re projecting just over 160 million broadband subscribers in the EU27 by 2020 and just over one in three will take an IPTV subscription,” says Oliver Johnson, CEO at Point Topic.
Johnson also adds that IPTV take-up in Europe has been very different in different countries. He says: “The success of IPTV depends primarily on two factors. Firstly is it available, not only the physical network but at a price the consumer can afford? Where the cost and the link are suitable there is demand for IPTV as we’ve seen in France. However in many markets not only are cost and availability significant barriers but the incumbent TV services are well entrenched.”
Many of the European markets, particularly in the East, have developed their own TV delivery systems over cable networks. Often, small, local and sometimes non-profit organisations serve a particular community and while they do not have the same reach as the larger players they are proving to have a loyal subscriber base.
“Operators and ISPs are trying to tackle these barriers. Sometimes a broadband subscription will actually be priced higher than a service bundled with IPTV, a classic tactic to try and gain market share. They are all looking at consolidation too and we’d expect to see increasing buy-outs to try and gain audience share,” says Johnson.
He adds: “The success of IPTV in France compared to other countries in Europe and worldwide can’t be attributed to a single reason. A number of conditions exist which has made the diffusion of IPTV through the market much easier and quicker than in others, perhaps the main driver has been competition.
“France, with Free Internet as a good example, has much clearer and more transparent tariffs for IPTV and that has not only earned the consumers trust but allowed them to align the value they derive from the services with the amount they pay. It’s a simple equation but not the natural approach we’ve become used to from operators. Often the price isn’t obvious for each bundle constituent, and there are a number of reasons for this, but the end result is that the consumer resists purchase far more than they might if they felt they had better information.”
Point Topic has analysed over 2,000 standalone and bundled tariffs from around the world in 2011 and estimated how much extra ISPs generally charge to add IPTV to a subscription.
“We estimate that a consumer will pay $66 per month on average today for a broadband plus IPTV service. If we split out the broadband charge we get revenues today of just over $5.3 billion a year for IPTV services rising to 14.8 billion in 2020 in the EU27,” says Johnson.
Then there’s the matter of the over the top (OTT) suppliers.
“The entrance of Google and Apple in particular into the internet TV market could be a game changer. Along with services like Netflix, Hulu and offerings from other OTT suppliers, we could see a significant increase in competition and, hopefully for consumers, more clarity and lower prices,” concludes Johnson.
“We’re projecting just over 160 million broadband subscribers in the EU27 by 2020 and just over one in three will take an IPTV subscription,” says Oliver Johnson, CEO at Point Topic.
Johnson also adds that IPTV take-up in Europe has been very different in different countries. He says: “The success of IPTV depends primarily on two factors. Firstly is it available, not only the physical network but at a price the consumer can afford? Where the cost and the link are suitable there is demand for IPTV as we’ve seen in France. However in many markets not only are cost and availability significant barriers but the incumbent TV services are well entrenched.”
Many of the European markets, particularly in the East, have developed their own TV delivery systems over cable networks. Often, small, local and sometimes non-profit organisations serve a particular community and while they do not have the same reach as the larger players they are proving to have a loyal subscriber base.
“Operators and ISPs are trying to tackle these barriers. Sometimes a broadband subscription will actually be priced higher than a service bundled with IPTV, a classic tactic to try and gain market share. They are all looking at consolidation too and we’d expect to see increasing buy-outs to try and gain audience share,” says Johnson.
He adds: “The success of IPTV in France compared to other countries in Europe and worldwide can’t be attributed to a single reason. A number of conditions exist which has made the diffusion of IPTV through the market much easier and quicker than in others, perhaps the main driver has been competition.
“France, with Free Internet as a good example, has much clearer and more transparent tariffs for IPTV and that has not only earned the consumers trust but allowed them to align the value they derive from the services with the amount they pay. It’s a simple equation but not the natural approach we’ve become used to from operators. Often the price isn’t obvious for each bundle constituent, and there are a number of reasons for this, but the end result is that the consumer resists purchase far more than they might if they felt they had better information.”
Point Topic has analysed over 2,000 standalone and bundled tariffs from around the world in 2011 and estimated how much extra ISPs generally charge to add IPTV to a subscription.
“We estimate that a consumer will pay $66 per month on average today for a broadband plus IPTV service. If we split out the broadband charge we get revenues today of just over $5.3 billion a year for IPTV services rising to 14.8 billion in 2020 in the EU27,” says Johnson.
Then there’s the matter of the over the top (OTT) suppliers.
“The entrance of Google and Apple in particular into the internet TV market could be a game changer. Along with services like Netflix, Hulu and offerings from other OTT suppliers, we could see a significant increase in competition and, hopefully for consumers, more clarity and lower prices,” concludes Johnson.
Qualcomm Atheros and EDIMAX intro high-performance video-over-wireless bridge
PARIS, FRANCE & SAN JOSE, USA: Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., and EDIMAX Technology, a leading provider of networking solutions, announced the availability of a new carrier-grade video-over-wireless (VoW) bridge based on the Qualcomm Atheros AR9580 chip at the Broadband World Forum conference in Paris, France. The EDIMAX WV-A900APN enables seamless, carrier-grade multi-HD video streaming throughout the home and is ideal for glitch-free in-home video services distribution.
Qualcomm Atheros' three-stream 802.11n solutions are optimized for high-performance VoW applications. The AR9580 integrates Qualcomm Atheros' signal-sustain technology to virtually eliminate packet loss, thereby minimizing latency and providing error-free transmissions. The resulting bridge provides a better experience for end users due to a number of quality-of-service enhancements, including transmit buffering, video stream optimization and range improvement.
The new EDIMAX WV-A900APN VoW bridge offers a superior combination of range, performance and energy efficiency at a very competitive cost point, helping customers to accelerate time-to-market of their video streaming products by using this highly integrated solution.
"The new EDIMAX VoW bridge highlights the remarkable power and performance capabilities of the Qualcomm Atheros AR9580 solution," said Patrick Ribardiere, director of product management, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "Integrating Qualcomm Atheros' VoW technology with EDIMAX's networking capabilities provides new opportunities for carriers looking to strengthen and expand their abilities to wirelessly deliver next-generation video content."
"EDIMAX is excited about this great opportunity to work with Qualcomm Atheros to increase the availability of wireless HD video in the home," said Leon Lin, VP of EDIMAX. "We believe the new VoW bridge will help to make wireless HD video a reality for a broader group of users, as our carrier customers can now more quickly deliver services with exponentially better streaming performance."
The EDIMAX WV-A900APN VoW bridge is available now. Qualcomm Atheros will be demonstrating its VoW technology at the Broadband World Forum, September 27-29 in Paris, France.
Qualcomm Atheros' three-stream 802.11n solutions are optimized for high-performance VoW applications. The AR9580 integrates Qualcomm Atheros' signal-sustain technology to virtually eliminate packet loss, thereby minimizing latency and providing error-free transmissions. The resulting bridge provides a better experience for end users due to a number of quality-of-service enhancements, including transmit buffering, video stream optimization and range improvement.
The new EDIMAX WV-A900APN VoW bridge offers a superior combination of range, performance and energy efficiency at a very competitive cost point, helping customers to accelerate time-to-market of their video streaming products by using this highly integrated solution.
"The new EDIMAX VoW bridge highlights the remarkable power and performance capabilities of the Qualcomm Atheros AR9580 solution," said Patrick Ribardiere, director of product management, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "Integrating Qualcomm Atheros' VoW technology with EDIMAX's networking capabilities provides new opportunities for carriers looking to strengthen and expand their abilities to wirelessly deliver next-generation video content."
"EDIMAX is excited about this great opportunity to work with Qualcomm Atheros to increase the availability of wireless HD video in the home," said Leon Lin, VP of EDIMAX. "We believe the new VoW bridge will help to make wireless HD video a reality for a broader group of users, as our carrier customers can now more quickly deliver services with exponentially better streaming performance."
The EDIMAX WV-A900APN VoW bridge is available now. Qualcomm Atheros will be demonstrating its VoW technology at the Broadband World Forum, September 27-29 in Paris, France.
Thirtyseven4 releases new mobile security suite for Android
MEDINA, USA: Thirtyseven4, LLC, a leading provider of antivirus and security solutions, announced the immediate availability of Thirtyseven4 Mobile Security for Android (TS4Android).
TS4Android is a complete security solution developed to protect users of Android smartphones and tablets against the growing threats of malware and exploits. In addition to malware detection, prevention and removal, TS4Android offers a host of advanced security settings, including Call Blocking, Text Messaging Blocking, an Anti-theft module and Data Protection features, making TS4Android the most comprehensive security solution on the market.
"Technologies surrounding smartphones are evolving at a rapid rate, as is the overall interest and market share of Android devices- a combination setting up a dangerous, perfect storm for unsuspecting users lacking security awareness," said Steven Sundermeier, Owner of Thirtyseven4.
"Malware authors and other cyber criminals are fully aware of the critical roles smartphones now play in the lives of many [banking, sharing photos, browsing] and they are hard at work to exploit and capitalize on the popularity of the Android. Our research team consistently intercepts new threats against Android devices, and it is becoming vitally important to secure these devices with our new Thirtyseven4 Mobile Security product line as we have succeeded in providing our users the best security suite available," concluded Sundermeier.
TS4Android is a complete security solution developed to protect users of Android smartphones and tablets against the growing threats of malware and exploits. In addition to malware detection, prevention and removal, TS4Android offers a host of advanced security settings, including Call Blocking, Text Messaging Blocking, an Anti-theft module and Data Protection features, making TS4Android the most comprehensive security solution on the market.
"Technologies surrounding smartphones are evolving at a rapid rate, as is the overall interest and market share of Android devices- a combination setting up a dangerous, perfect storm for unsuspecting users lacking security awareness," said Steven Sundermeier, Owner of Thirtyseven4.
"Malware authors and other cyber criminals are fully aware of the critical roles smartphones now play in the lives of many [banking, sharing photos, browsing] and they are hard at work to exploit and capitalize on the popularity of the Android. Our research team consistently intercepts new threats against Android devices, and it is becoming vitally important to secure these devices with our new Thirtyseven4 Mobile Security product line as we have succeeded in providing our users the best security suite available," concluded Sundermeier.
Telecom service provider revenues, capex both grow robustly in 2Q11
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The telecoms industry put in a reassuring performance in the second quarter of this year, with service provider revenues and capex growing robustly compared to the same period in 2010, according to Ovum.
In a new report, the independent telecoms analyst found that global revenues climbed 11 per cent in 2Q11, and capex increased by 17 per cent on a year-over-year (YoY) basis. Meanwhile, annualised revenues globally reached $1.86 trillion for the four quarters that ended Q2, up 5 per cent on last year’s figure.
“The revenue growth is a promising sign that the telecom recovery is on track”, noted report author and Ovum principal analyst Matt Walker.
Walker also commented: “These results should also please vendors, as the recovery in capex was strong in most regions. Some of the growth is due to a weak baseline in 2010, and some also due to exchange rate fluctuations, but we also see signs that carriers are gaining confidence to go ahead with network initiatives that had been delayed by the financial crisis.”
Regarding currency swings, Walker noted that between the second quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011, the US dollar depreciated 17 per cent versus the Australian dollar, and 11 percent versus the Yen. These swings should not be ignored, said Walker, but he emphasized that even the North American market – where exchange rate fluctuations are not an issue, and the macroeconomy has been under pressure in throughout 2011 – carrier revenues grew four per cent YoY in 2Q11, slightly faster than the 1Q11 growth rate.
According to the report, YoY capex growth was positive in all key regions, with only China and North America posting growth rates under 10 per cent.
Walker commented: “The picture is not completely rosy and there were some disappointments. These included North American capex growth slowing compared to the first quarter and political turmoil in the Middle East affecting capex growth in this region. However, overall, the picture is not nearly as bad as stock market jitters might imply.”
In a new report, the independent telecoms analyst found that global revenues climbed 11 per cent in 2Q11, and capex increased by 17 per cent on a year-over-year (YoY) basis. Meanwhile, annualised revenues globally reached $1.86 trillion for the four quarters that ended Q2, up 5 per cent on last year’s figure.
“The revenue growth is a promising sign that the telecom recovery is on track”, noted report author and Ovum principal analyst Matt Walker.
Walker also commented: “These results should also please vendors, as the recovery in capex was strong in most regions. Some of the growth is due to a weak baseline in 2010, and some also due to exchange rate fluctuations, but we also see signs that carriers are gaining confidence to go ahead with network initiatives that had been delayed by the financial crisis.”
Regarding currency swings, Walker noted that between the second quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011, the US dollar depreciated 17 per cent versus the Australian dollar, and 11 percent versus the Yen. These swings should not be ignored, said Walker, but he emphasized that even the North American market – where exchange rate fluctuations are not an issue, and the macroeconomy has been under pressure in throughout 2011 – carrier revenues grew four per cent YoY in 2Q11, slightly faster than the 1Q11 growth rate.
According to the report, YoY capex growth was positive in all key regions, with only China and North America posting growth rates under 10 per cent.
Walker commented: “The picture is not completely rosy and there were some disappointments. These included North American capex growth slowing compared to the first quarter and political turmoil in the Middle East affecting capex growth in this region. However, overall, the picture is not nearly as bad as stock market jitters might imply.”
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Valencell to showcase breakthrough continuous heart rate monitoring technology
CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2011, RALEIGH, USA: Valencell, an innovator in mobile health and fitness technology, will unveil new prototypes with extended capabilities at CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2011. Valencell’s V-LINC solution integrates next generation heart rate monitoring technology directly into music earbuds and headsets that millions of people already wear, helping consumers achieve their fitness goals while exercising or just going about everyday activities.
At CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS, Valencell will showcase live demos on multiple platforms including Android and a new headset design for the iPhone in booth #1027 of the Wireless Health Pavilion. Presenters will be wearing units and showing mobile applications to demonstrate how Valencell’s licensable technology measures body metrics such as continuous heart rate, calories burned, distance and speed during use on a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other exercise scenarios.
“The mobile health industry is quickly emerging, creating a need to bridge the gap between consumer devices, fitness and health,” said Steven LeBoeuf, CEO and co-founder of Valencell. “We’re excited to showcase ways in which companies can easily integrate our technology into their products to connect consumers with their personalized health and fitness goals.”
Valencell CEO and co-founder Dr. Steven LeBoeuf and Dr. Chris Eschbach, director at Human Performance Laboratory, LLC, are available for briefings at the show. The Valencell booth is located in the Wireless Health Pavilion, presenting the latest offerings from companies providing products and applications to empower healthcare providers and patients.
“CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2011 is about bringing together innovators in the wireless industry to show the impact mobility and smart technology decisions have on other businesses,” said Robert Mesirow, VP and show director, CTIA. “Our exhibitors represent the biggest market movers in the future of mobile technology in the US and around the world. We are proud to have companies, such as Valencell showcasing their innovations at CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS.”
The conference reflects the evolution and growing use of mobile technology in business, and the expanding market for wireless applications and content in the enterprise. CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, October 11-13, 2011 in California.
At CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS, Valencell will showcase live demos on multiple platforms including Android and a new headset design for the iPhone in booth #1027 of the Wireless Health Pavilion. Presenters will be wearing units and showing mobile applications to demonstrate how Valencell’s licensable technology measures body metrics such as continuous heart rate, calories burned, distance and speed during use on a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other exercise scenarios.
“The mobile health industry is quickly emerging, creating a need to bridge the gap between consumer devices, fitness and health,” said Steven LeBoeuf, CEO and co-founder of Valencell. “We’re excited to showcase ways in which companies can easily integrate our technology into their products to connect consumers with their personalized health and fitness goals.”
Valencell CEO and co-founder Dr. Steven LeBoeuf and Dr. Chris Eschbach, director at Human Performance Laboratory, LLC, are available for briefings at the show. The Valencell booth is located in the Wireless Health Pavilion, presenting the latest offerings from companies providing products and applications to empower healthcare providers and patients.
“CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2011 is about bringing together innovators in the wireless industry to show the impact mobility and smart technology decisions have on other businesses,” said Robert Mesirow, VP and show director, CTIA. “Our exhibitors represent the biggest market movers in the future of mobile technology in the US and around the world. We are proud to have companies, such as Valencell showcasing their innovations at CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS.”
The conference reflects the evolution and growing use of mobile technology in business, and the expanding market for wireless applications and content in the enterprise. CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, October 11-13, 2011 in California.
Sensor fusion powers next generation of smartphones and tablets
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Motion sensing capabilities in products like the iPhone and iPad now are set to move to the next level with the advent of sensor “fusion,” a more sophisticated approach that will spur a fundamental shift in the way tablets and smartphones are designed and used, according to a new IHS iSuppli MEMS & Sensors Special Report.
“Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors—mainly gyroscopes, accelerometers and compasses—are becoming ubiquitous in smartphones and tablets,” said Jérémie Bouchaud, director and principal analyst for MEMS and sensors at IHS. “While these sensors already provide user interface, gaming and navigation features that are essential to the appeal of today’s mobile electronics devices, taken individually they have limitations in areas including accuracy and responsiveness. To attain the next level of functionality, handsets and tablets must provide to developers a ‘fused signal’ that combines the outputs of these three types of motion sensors to greatly enhance the motion-based interface.”
Sensor fusion potentially could enhance interfaces of any tablet or smartphone that uses a combination of a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass and 3-axis gyroscope to provide “9-axis sensor fusion,” IHS predicts. IHS estimates there is a total available market for motion sensors that need 9-axis fusion amounting $850 million in 2012, and rising to $1.3 billion in 2015.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Better sensors for better products
Gyroscopes, accelerometers and compasses each provide a different form of motion sensing. However, each sensor type has its own limitations. For example, the gyroscope suffers a strong drift over time, the compass is sensitive to electromagnetic interference and the accelerometer works better for slow movement than for fast motions.
When the signals of the three sensors are fused together, each sensor function can compensate for the others’ inherent limitations. This will yield a truly enhanced motion sensing experience that is much faster, smoother and more accurate than is possible with each sensor used individually.
However, the true benefit of combining the three devices will only be evident when a 9-axis sensor fusion is included in the applications programming interface (API) for apps developers.
“With the integration of 9-axis sensor support in the API, apps developers will be able to produce software with compelling smartphone and tablet functionality, such as immersive games and very responsive and accurate augmented reality applications for outdoor use,” Bouchaud said. “The use of 9-axis sensor fusion will also enable full indoor navigation,”
Such a development will represent a major improvement for both the Apple iOS and Android operating systems, which at present don’t support full 9-axis integration from either a hardware or software perspective.
On iOS, the output signal of the gyroscope is combined with that of the accelerometer to provide 6-axis fusion. While this enhances the motion-based use of an iPhone compared to the iPhone 3GS for augmented reality applications, the function falls short of the full 9-axis fusion.
On Android handsets and tablets that already have a gyroscope, only the raw data of the gyroscope is made available, with no combination with the accelerometer signal. Because of this, there is not a single noteworthy application on the Android Store that uses the gyroscope function.
More sensible sensor fusion architectures
The software algorithms will be embedded in the sensors or may run on the application processors of tablets and smartphones. New concepts also are emerging to support a more power-efficient implementation.
IHS anticipates some handsets in 2012 will include a dedicated microcontroller to run the sensor fusion algorithms for simple processing tasks, while the application processor will be woken up only to conduct more complex applications such as indoor navigation. Eventually, sensor fusion also could run on a dedicated core in the application processor.
Sensor suppliers offer 9-axis sensor fusion solutions
The two leading gyroscopes suppliers for handsets and tablets—STMicroelectronics and InvenSense—have developed 9-axis sensor fusion engines that will enable original equipment manufacturers to implement unprecedented experiences with motion-based interfaces in handset and tablets very soon.
InvenSense in September announced that its combo sensor with embedded 9-axis sensor fusion now is in mass production for handsets and tablets.
For its part, STMicroelectronics revealed its iNEMO 9-axis sensor fusion engine in March and announced that first handsets leveraging software algorithms should appear on the market before the end of 2011.
Microsoft Corp. also announced at the Microsoft Build Conference in September 2011 that it uses STMicroelectronics’s sensor fusion solution in Windows 8. Motion sensor fusion will be embedded by Microsoft in the upcoming Windows 8 mobile operating system, IHS believes.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
“Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors—mainly gyroscopes, accelerometers and compasses—are becoming ubiquitous in smartphones and tablets,” said Jérémie Bouchaud, director and principal analyst for MEMS and sensors at IHS. “While these sensors already provide user interface, gaming and navigation features that are essential to the appeal of today’s mobile electronics devices, taken individually they have limitations in areas including accuracy and responsiveness. To attain the next level of functionality, handsets and tablets must provide to developers a ‘fused signal’ that combines the outputs of these three types of motion sensors to greatly enhance the motion-based interface.”
Sensor fusion potentially could enhance interfaces of any tablet or smartphone that uses a combination of a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass and 3-axis gyroscope to provide “9-axis sensor fusion,” IHS predicts. IHS estimates there is a total available market for motion sensors that need 9-axis fusion amounting $850 million in 2012, and rising to $1.3 billion in 2015.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.Better sensors for better products
Gyroscopes, accelerometers and compasses each provide a different form of motion sensing. However, each sensor type has its own limitations. For example, the gyroscope suffers a strong drift over time, the compass is sensitive to electromagnetic interference and the accelerometer works better for slow movement than for fast motions.
When the signals of the three sensors are fused together, each sensor function can compensate for the others’ inherent limitations. This will yield a truly enhanced motion sensing experience that is much faster, smoother and more accurate than is possible with each sensor used individually.
However, the true benefit of combining the three devices will only be evident when a 9-axis sensor fusion is included in the applications programming interface (API) for apps developers.
“With the integration of 9-axis sensor support in the API, apps developers will be able to produce software with compelling smartphone and tablet functionality, such as immersive games and very responsive and accurate augmented reality applications for outdoor use,” Bouchaud said. “The use of 9-axis sensor fusion will also enable full indoor navigation,”
Such a development will represent a major improvement for both the Apple iOS and Android operating systems, which at present don’t support full 9-axis integration from either a hardware or software perspective.
On iOS, the output signal of the gyroscope is combined with that of the accelerometer to provide 6-axis fusion. While this enhances the motion-based use of an iPhone compared to the iPhone 3GS for augmented reality applications, the function falls short of the full 9-axis fusion.
On Android handsets and tablets that already have a gyroscope, only the raw data of the gyroscope is made available, with no combination with the accelerometer signal. Because of this, there is not a single noteworthy application on the Android Store that uses the gyroscope function.
More sensible sensor fusion architectures
The software algorithms will be embedded in the sensors or may run on the application processors of tablets and smartphones. New concepts also are emerging to support a more power-efficient implementation.
IHS anticipates some handsets in 2012 will include a dedicated microcontroller to run the sensor fusion algorithms for simple processing tasks, while the application processor will be woken up only to conduct more complex applications such as indoor navigation. Eventually, sensor fusion also could run on a dedicated core in the application processor.
Sensor suppliers offer 9-axis sensor fusion solutions
The two leading gyroscopes suppliers for handsets and tablets—STMicroelectronics and InvenSense—have developed 9-axis sensor fusion engines that will enable original equipment manufacturers to implement unprecedented experiences with motion-based interfaces in handset and tablets very soon.
InvenSense in September announced that its combo sensor with embedded 9-axis sensor fusion now is in mass production for handsets and tablets.
For its part, STMicroelectronics revealed its iNEMO 9-axis sensor fusion engine in March and announced that first handsets leveraging software algorithms should appear on the market before the end of 2011.
Microsoft Corp. also announced at the Microsoft Build Conference in September 2011 that it uses STMicroelectronics’s sensor fusion solution in Windows 8. Motion sensor fusion will be embedded by Microsoft in the upcoming Windows 8 mobile operating system, IHS believes.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
NRFLAb and Cycleo join expertise on RF test and wireless IP
GRENOBLE & SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, FRANCE: NRFLAb and Cycleo announced their partnership to ensure wireless IP testability and manufacturability. NRFLab provides test services to support RF integration at board level and all the way up to production testing.
Cycleo is a leading provider of long range low power semi-conductor IP for wireless applications. With this partnership, customers have access to a unique combination of wireless IP and RF test expertise to secure and speed up their RF chip bring up and characterization. This close cooperation addresses the IDMs currently adopting Cycleo’s IP and willing to put innovative chip on wireless market rapidly and cost-effectively.
“Ensuring wireless IP testability, characterization and manufacturability is a key aspect in today’s time to market challenge,” says François Hede, CEO of Cycleo. “Most of the test related challenges coming from an extremely innovative IP are overcome in days instead of months when they are addressed by a team of experts with deep knowledge of our IP.”
“With this new partnership, our objective is to deliver confidential, quick, reliable and reusable measurements that can instantly show a complete status of a product,” says Myriam Massei, NRFLab president, “But we do not stop there, alone or with our partners we provide optimized solutions in multiple area such as PCB board, SW, system or design aimed to improve product performances, decrease validation time, reduce production tester time and ultimately increase yield.”
Cycleo is a leading provider of long range low power semi-conductor IP for wireless applications. With this partnership, customers have access to a unique combination of wireless IP and RF test expertise to secure and speed up their RF chip bring up and characterization. This close cooperation addresses the IDMs currently adopting Cycleo’s IP and willing to put innovative chip on wireless market rapidly and cost-effectively.
“Ensuring wireless IP testability, characterization and manufacturability is a key aspect in today’s time to market challenge,” says François Hede, CEO of Cycleo. “Most of the test related challenges coming from an extremely innovative IP are overcome in days instead of months when they are addressed by a team of experts with deep knowledge of our IP.”
“With this new partnership, our objective is to deliver confidential, quick, reliable and reusable measurements that can instantly show a complete status of a product,” says Myriam Massei, NRFLab president, “But we do not stop there, alone or with our partners we provide optimized solutions in multiple area such as PCB board, SW, system or design aimed to improve product performances, decrease validation time, reduce production tester time and ultimately increase yield.”
Intermec showcases portfolio of intelligent solutions that increase operational and business efficiency
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY: Intermec, one of the world’s leading provider of rugged mobile business solutions presents its transformational business solution portfolio enabling high velocity, accurate, and cost saving distributed decision capability at the point of customer interaction.
Intermec’s total business solutions approach of world class hardware, software and services, and its unique address extraction and verification technology (VERDEX), is increasing the operational efficiency and return on investment for companies operating in the postal, courier express & parcel (CEP) industry.
“Our customers need to deliver the best Total Customer Experience for their customers to drive loyalty and retention. Intermec delivers a complete suite of integrated solutions including ground breaking software and services to enable our customers to create new revenues, improve employee effectiveness, customer retention and revenue assurance for services delivered.” states Ian Snadden, VP EMEA Sales at Intermec. Intermec offers its complete solution through a global network of best-in-class systems integration experts.
Intermec’s total business solutions approach of world class hardware, software and services, and its unique address extraction and verification technology (VERDEX), is increasing the operational efficiency and return on investment for companies operating in the postal, courier express & parcel (CEP) industry.
“Our customers need to deliver the best Total Customer Experience for their customers to drive loyalty and retention. Intermec delivers a complete suite of integrated solutions including ground breaking software and services to enable our customers to create new revenues, improve employee effectiveness, customer retention and revenue assurance for services delivered.” states Ian Snadden, VP EMEA Sales at Intermec. Intermec offers its complete solution through a global network of best-in-class systems integration experts.
Google to turn mobile phones into wallets
UK: The latest launch from the search giant aims to use a mobile phone to pay for everyday purchases, and heralds a new age for telecommunications, say Just Call.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Google had launched Google Wallet, its very own mobile payment system that enables the user to pay for goods and services using their mobile phone. Currently being advertised as a new payment method to rival credit and debit cards, Google Wallet has been successfully trialled in New York and San Francisco since May this year, and could open up a whole new world to mobile phone users, say cheap call provider Just Call.
A spokesperson for Just Call comments: “Google Wallet is obviously a huge step forward for mobile phones, as until recently they could obviously only be used for the purposes of communication, such as by making phone calls and sending text and emails. However, the advent of Google Wallet means that users will soon be able to pay using their mobile phones, thanks to Near Field Communications (NFC) which means that when a special chip inside the phone is tapped against a reader at a till it will pay the amount, which is just extraordinary.”
While Google Wallet is to be marketed in the US only, the pre-paid Google Wallet card will be able to work internationally from the launch, and it can also be used at any of the 300,000 retailers in the US and elsewhere that accept MasterCard PayPass. But while the launch of this product has been limited to the US, Just Call are confident that this new technology will catch on and become a new method of payment around the world.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Google had launched Google Wallet, its very own mobile payment system that enables the user to pay for goods and services using their mobile phone. Currently being advertised as a new payment method to rival credit and debit cards, Google Wallet has been successfully trialled in New York and San Francisco since May this year, and could open up a whole new world to mobile phone users, say cheap call provider Just Call.
A spokesperson for Just Call comments: “Google Wallet is obviously a huge step forward for mobile phones, as until recently they could obviously only be used for the purposes of communication, such as by making phone calls and sending text and emails. However, the advent of Google Wallet means that users will soon be able to pay using their mobile phones, thanks to Near Field Communications (NFC) which means that when a special chip inside the phone is tapped against a reader at a till it will pay the amount, which is just extraordinary.”
While Google Wallet is to be marketed in the US only, the pre-paid Google Wallet card will be able to work internationally from the launch, and it can also be used at any of the 300,000 retailers in the US and elsewhere that accept MasterCard PayPass. But while the launch of this product has been limited to the US, Just Call are confident that this new technology will catch on and become a new method of payment around the world.
Infinera unveils DTN-X -- first multi-terabit packet-optical transport network platform
BANGALORE, INDIA: Infinera has unveiled the DTN-X, the first multi-terabit packet-optical transport (P-OTN) network platform based on groundbreaking 500 Gb/s Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), and designed for global service providers facing increasing demands for bandwidth driven by video, mobile and cloud-based services.
The DTN-X is purpose-built to integrate switching with DWDM without trade-offs in capacity. The architecture of the DTN-X extends the ease of use and reliability of Infinera’s successful DTN in a new multi-terabit platform that scales for the future, is simple to operate and efficiently reduces the number of elements in the network.
Unabated growth in Internet traffic is driving operators to upgrade their networks to 100 Gb/s and higher speed optical transmission. Infinera is introducing third-generation 500 Gb/s PICs that integrate more than 600 optical functions and deliver the world’s first 500 Gb/s superchannels, providing a foundation for the DTN-X’s superior scale, simplicity and efficiency.
Infinera recently tested the fully functioning 500 Gb/s PICs on the production network of SEACOM, a leading pan-African telecommunications provider, demonstrating 500 Gb/s of coherent transmission over a distance of 1,732 km (Infinera and SEACOM Achieve First Ever 500 Gb/s Optical Network Trial in Africa Over a Distance of 1732 km) and earlier this year the company presented test results for a 1 Tb/s PIC (Infinera Presents on First-Ever Terabit PIC at OFC).
Since most end-user services today are 10 Gb/s or less, global operators require integrated ITU G.709 Optical Transport Network (OTN) switching to groom traffic onto larger 100 Gb/s and 500 Gb/s pipes to maximize network utilization. The DTN-X will deliver 5 Tb/s of non-blocking OTN switching in a single bay, and in subsequent releases will be upgradeable to resilient multi-bay configurations providing 100 Tb/s of non-blocking OTN and MPLS switching.
Unlike competitive offerings where integrating DWDM with switching was an afterthought, the DTN-X is designed from the ground up to combine three unique technology building blocks – PICs, custom switching ASICs and intelligent GMPLS software – enabling the DTN-X platform to be flexibly configured with up to 5 Tb/s of DWDM or service interfaces in each bay, or any combination of the two, without any loss of capacity.
While the Infinera Digital Optical Network has always been scalable, simple and efficient, the combination of the 500 Gb/s PICs and integrated switching will allow the DTN-X to deliver the following benefits to global service providers:
Scale For The Future – The DTN-X is designed to help global operators confidently face future bandwidth demands by delivering 500 Gb/s super-channels, upgradeable to 1 Tb/s super-channels yielding up to 24 Tb/s per fiber in the future. Initially the DTN-X will offer 5 Tb/s of OTN switching capacity, upgradeable in the future to 100 Tb/s. For example, a fully-equipped DTN-X is planned to have enough capacity to stream a movie to each of Netflix’s 23.6 million members simultaneously.
Simple To Operate For Rapid Service Deployment – The DTN-X is designed to converge layers of the network and support DWDM transmission, OTN switching and in the future MPLS switching in a single platform. The all-digital architecture, point-and click automation and intelligent GMPLS software are designed to enable global service providers to rapidly deploy network capacity while lowering operational costs.
Efficiency for the Bottom Line – The disruptive nature of Infinera’s 500 Gb/s PIC will enable the DTN-X to consume 33 percent less space and 50 percent less power than alternatives in a typical configuration. In a recent white paper that modeled a large pan-North American optical network it was found that the DTN-X solution required 69 percent fewer modules and 67 percent fewer chassis than competitive approaches (The Evolving Economics of Optical Network Design, S. Ramasubramanian, University of Arizona, S. Subramaniam, George Washington University).
Stu Elby, VP of technology at Verizon, said: “Our growth is continually driving the need for greater integration and efficiency within the network. Innovations such as Photonic Integrated Circuits that enable terabit scale while adding efficiency with integrated transport and switching will be essential to extracting long term economic value as the network scales to hundreds of terabits.”
“We have used DTN as a competitive advantage to simplify our network, deploy services faster and increase bandwidth efficiency,” said Randy Nicklas, CTO of XO Communications. “We are looking forward to the new DTN-X platform that will help scale these qualities while delivering the same ease of use that XO Communications has grown accustomed to from Infinera.”
Interoute, whose pan-European network was the first in Europe to deploy Infinera’s 100 Gb/s PICs more than four years ago, is planning to use Infinera’s DTN-X to continue to invest in the scale and reach of its European network. In March, Interoute completed the first successful subsea field trial of a 500 Gb/s PIC (Interoute Completes First European PIC-based 100G Transmission on Subsea Network).
“We remain committed to our customers and will continue to drive innovation that helps them win in their markets,” said Tom Fallon, Infinera’s president and CEO. “The DTN-X is a multiterabit class platform that enables service providers to build scalable, simple and efficient optical transport networks, ultimately making them more profitable.”
DTN-X availability
Infinera is introducing a full-rack, multi-bay-ready chassis and a half-rack chassis, both of which are planned for availability in the first half of 2012. The DTN-X is interoperable with the DTN platform and is planned to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE), 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40 GbE), 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE), 10 Gb/s SONET/SDH/OTN, 40 Gb/s SONET/SDH/OTN, 100 Gb/s OTN, 8/10 Gb/s Fibre Channel, and multiple bit rate clear-channel interfaces.
Expansion of DTN platform
Infinera also announced the availability of new capabilities on the DTN platform to support new services and further increase fiber capacity. These include new 40 GbE and 100 GbE service interfaces to support high-bandwidth data services. In addition, the new DWDM line-cards are now available supporting 40 Gb/s per wavelength coherent optical transmission, enabling the DTN platform to scale up to 6.4 Tb/s of transmission capacity per fiber.
The DTN and DTNX platforms are designed to provide a seamless transition from 10 Gb/s to 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s wavelengths, enabling global network operators to migrate their networks according to their bandwidth needs.
The DTN-X is purpose-built to integrate switching with DWDM without trade-offs in capacity. The architecture of the DTN-X extends the ease of use and reliability of Infinera’s successful DTN in a new multi-terabit platform that scales for the future, is simple to operate and efficiently reduces the number of elements in the network.
Unabated growth in Internet traffic is driving operators to upgrade their networks to 100 Gb/s and higher speed optical transmission. Infinera is introducing third-generation 500 Gb/s PICs that integrate more than 600 optical functions and deliver the world’s first 500 Gb/s superchannels, providing a foundation for the DTN-X’s superior scale, simplicity and efficiency.
Infinera recently tested the fully functioning 500 Gb/s PICs on the production network of SEACOM, a leading pan-African telecommunications provider, demonstrating 500 Gb/s of coherent transmission over a distance of 1,732 km (Infinera and SEACOM Achieve First Ever 500 Gb/s Optical Network Trial in Africa Over a Distance of 1732 km) and earlier this year the company presented test results for a 1 Tb/s PIC (Infinera Presents on First-Ever Terabit PIC at OFC).
Since most end-user services today are 10 Gb/s or less, global operators require integrated ITU G.709 Optical Transport Network (OTN) switching to groom traffic onto larger 100 Gb/s and 500 Gb/s pipes to maximize network utilization. The DTN-X will deliver 5 Tb/s of non-blocking OTN switching in a single bay, and in subsequent releases will be upgradeable to resilient multi-bay configurations providing 100 Tb/s of non-blocking OTN and MPLS switching.
Unlike competitive offerings where integrating DWDM with switching was an afterthought, the DTN-X is designed from the ground up to combine three unique technology building blocks – PICs, custom switching ASICs and intelligent GMPLS software – enabling the DTN-X platform to be flexibly configured with up to 5 Tb/s of DWDM or service interfaces in each bay, or any combination of the two, without any loss of capacity.
While the Infinera Digital Optical Network has always been scalable, simple and efficient, the combination of the 500 Gb/s PICs and integrated switching will allow the DTN-X to deliver the following benefits to global service providers:
Scale For The Future – The DTN-X is designed to help global operators confidently face future bandwidth demands by delivering 500 Gb/s super-channels, upgradeable to 1 Tb/s super-channels yielding up to 24 Tb/s per fiber in the future. Initially the DTN-X will offer 5 Tb/s of OTN switching capacity, upgradeable in the future to 100 Tb/s. For example, a fully-equipped DTN-X is planned to have enough capacity to stream a movie to each of Netflix’s 23.6 million members simultaneously.
Simple To Operate For Rapid Service Deployment – The DTN-X is designed to converge layers of the network and support DWDM transmission, OTN switching and in the future MPLS switching in a single platform. The all-digital architecture, point-and click automation and intelligent GMPLS software are designed to enable global service providers to rapidly deploy network capacity while lowering operational costs.
Efficiency for the Bottom Line – The disruptive nature of Infinera’s 500 Gb/s PIC will enable the DTN-X to consume 33 percent less space and 50 percent less power than alternatives in a typical configuration. In a recent white paper that modeled a large pan-North American optical network it was found that the DTN-X solution required 69 percent fewer modules and 67 percent fewer chassis than competitive approaches (The Evolving Economics of Optical Network Design, S. Ramasubramanian, University of Arizona, S. Subramaniam, George Washington University).
Stu Elby, VP of technology at Verizon, said: “Our growth is continually driving the need for greater integration and efficiency within the network. Innovations such as Photonic Integrated Circuits that enable terabit scale while adding efficiency with integrated transport and switching will be essential to extracting long term economic value as the network scales to hundreds of terabits.”
“We have used DTN as a competitive advantage to simplify our network, deploy services faster and increase bandwidth efficiency,” said Randy Nicklas, CTO of XO Communications. “We are looking forward to the new DTN-X platform that will help scale these qualities while delivering the same ease of use that XO Communications has grown accustomed to from Infinera.”
Interoute, whose pan-European network was the first in Europe to deploy Infinera’s 100 Gb/s PICs more than four years ago, is planning to use Infinera’s DTN-X to continue to invest in the scale and reach of its European network. In March, Interoute completed the first successful subsea field trial of a 500 Gb/s PIC (Interoute Completes First European PIC-based 100G Transmission on Subsea Network).
“We remain committed to our customers and will continue to drive innovation that helps them win in their markets,” said Tom Fallon, Infinera’s president and CEO. “The DTN-X is a multiterabit class platform that enables service providers to build scalable, simple and efficient optical transport networks, ultimately making them more profitable.”
DTN-X availability
Infinera is introducing a full-rack, multi-bay-ready chassis and a half-rack chassis, both of which are planned for availability in the first half of 2012. The DTN-X is interoperable with the DTN platform and is planned to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE), 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40 GbE), 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE), 10 Gb/s SONET/SDH/OTN, 40 Gb/s SONET/SDH/OTN, 100 Gb/s OTN, 8/10 Gb/s Fibre Channel, and multiple bit rate clear-channel interfaces.
Expansion of DTN platform
Infinera also announced the availability of new capabilities on the DTN platform to support new services and further increase fiber capacity. These include new 40 GbE and 100 GbE service interfaces to support high-bandwidth data services. In addition, the new DWDM line-cards are now available supporting 40 Gb/s per wavelength coherent optical transmission, enabling the DTN platform to scale up to 6.4 Tb/s of transmission capacity per fiber.
The DTN and DTNX platforms are designed to provide a seamless transition from 10 Gb/s to 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s wavelengths, enabling global network operators to migrate their networks according to their bandwidth needs.
Are smartphones endangering security?
Ian Kilpatrick, chairman Wick Hill Group, specialists in IP security
UK: Smartphones are spreading throughout the business world. Their use is growing across organisations and at all levels. According to Gartner, sales of mobile devices in the second quarter of 2011 grew 16.5 percent year-on-year. Smartphone sales grew 74 percent year-on-year and accounted for 25 percent of overall sales in the second quarter of 2011, up from 17 percent in the second quarter of 2010.
Not only are the numbers of smartphones growing, their versatility is increasing. Where staff used to carry laptops when they went out of the office, to retrieve email and use other applications on the move, they can now carry just a smartphone.
This potentially allows them to send and receive emails, use a variety of applications, link to the company network to access data and use network-based applications, access social networking sites, and carry out online e-commerce and banking transactions.
A smartphone raises key security issues, which many organisations have not fully realised yet or, if they have, they may not have taken appropriate measures to ensure network safety.
The dangers
The biggest danger, of course, is that smartphones go missing. Many of us will have lost a mobile phone in the past or know someone who has. Research by getsafeonline shows that about one in five owners of smartphone devices can expect to lose or have them stolen at some point. Surveys show the level of phone loss in London taxis is at a world-leading, and fairly consistent, 10,000 per month. Yes, that’s right, 10,000 per month!
Smartphones are often used for both business and personal reasons and if they are lost, both sensitive company data and personal data stored on the phone may be exposed. Email exchanges could be seen. Personal data relating to online purchasing or banking might be viewed.
If the phone is connected via a VPN, company networks are exposed to malware or could be hacked. Philippe Winthrop, an analyst at consultancy Strategy Analytics Inc., commented: "If I take your device and muck around with it, what if the VPN is set up on it? It's a huge risk not being dealt with enough today."
Getsafeonline’s Tony Neate says: "Users must remember that they are essentially carrying around a tiny laptop with a wealth of personal information that is very attractive to fraudsters."
Smartphones are now at the stage that PCs were at around 1999. Many people didn’t think security was necessary then, hardly anyone had firewalls, but security concerns were beginning to be a focus. It’s a similar situation now with smartphones.
For example, last year the MMS Bomber virus affected millions of mobile users in China, costing them significant sums dialling out on their phones.
It doesn't take long for criminals to think of ways of stealing and using information fraudulently. Some security experts have pointed out that targeting smartphones could potentially be more profitable for criminals than aiming at computers.
UK: Smartphones are spreading throughout the business world. Their use is growing across organisations and at all levels. According to Gartner, sales of mobile devices in the second quarter of 2011 grew 16.5 percent year-on-year. Smartphone sales grew 74 percent year-on-year and accounted for 25 percent of overall sales in the second quarter of 2011, up from 17 percent in the second quarter of 2010.
Not only are the numbers of smartphones growing, their versatility is increasing. Where staff used to carry laptops when they went out of the office, to retrieve email and use other applications on the move, they can now carry just a smartphone.
This potentially allows them to send and receive emails, use a variety of applications, link to the company network to access data and use network-based applications, access social networking sites, and carry out online e-commerce and banking transactions.
A smartphone raises key security issues, which many organisations have not fully realised yet or, if they have, they may not have taken appropriate measures to ensure network safety.
The dangers
The biggest danger, of course, is that smartphones go missing. Many of us will have lost a mobile phone in the past or know someone who has. Research by getsafeonline shows that about one in five owners of smartphone devices can expect to lose or have them stolen at some point. Surveys show the level of phone loss in London taxis is at a world-leading, and fairly consistent, 10,000 per month. Yes, that’s right, 10,000 per month!
Smartphones are often used for both business and personal reasons and if they are lost, both sensitive company data and personal data stored on the phone may be exposed. Email exchanges could be seen. Personal data relating to online purchasing or banking might be viewed.
If the phone is connected via a VPN, company networks are exposed to malware or could be hacked. Philippe Winthrop, an analyst at consultancy Strategy Analytics Inc., commented: "If I take your device and muck around with it, what if the VPN is set up on it? It's a huge risk not being dealt with enough today."
Getsafeonline’s Tony Neate says: "Users must remember that they are essentially carrying around a tiny laptop with a wealth of personal information that is very attractive to fraudsters."
Smartphones are now at the stage that PCs were at around 1999. Many people didn’t think security was necessary then, hardly anyone had firewalls, but security concerns were beginning to be a focus. It’s a similar situation now with smartphones.
For example, last year the MMS Bomber virus affected millions of mobile users in China, costing them significant sums dialling out on their phones.
It doesn't take long for criminals to think of ways of stealing and using information fraudulently. Some security experts have pointed out that targeting smartphones could potentially be more profitable for criminals than aiming at computers.
Telstra LTE service – available now!
David Kennedy, Research Director, Ovum
AUSTRALIA: Telstra is determined to entrench itself as the carrier with the fastest and biggest network. It plans to roll out its LTE network fast, and it will maintain this speed in 2012. Over time more and more traffic will be carried on LTE, especially after 2013 when the digital dividend 700MHz spectrum is made available.
Telstra also wants a smooth transition. Instead of marketing LTE as a separate service, it will issue everyone with the same 3G/4G dongles so that the 3G and 4G networks work seamlessly. Most users won’t be aware which network they are using. It has also made a $10 a month adjustment to price, but only for its top plan, keeping the price impact small.
AUSTRALIA: Telstra is determined to entrench itself as the carrier with the fastest and biggest network. It plans to roll out its LTE network fast, and it will maintain this speed in 2012. Over time more and more traffic will be carried on LTE, especially after 2013 when the digital dividend 700MHz spectrum is made available.
Telstra also wants a smooth transition. Instead of marketing LTE as a separate service, it will issue everyone with the same 3G/4G dongles so that the 3G and 4G networks work seamlessly. Most users won’t be aware which network they are using. It has also made a $10 a month adjustment to price, but only for its top plan, keeping the price impact small.
Sequans working with Huawei on TD-LTE large scale trial in Shenzhen for China Mobile
BEIJING, CHINA: Sequans Communications S.A. and Huawei jointly announced that they would begin a large scale trial in Shenzhen. This trial will be conducted on China Mobile’s TD-LTE network deployed by Huawei, using devices based on Sequans’ TD-LTE chipset. This is a significant milestone in the commercialization progress of TD-LTE.
China Mobile has selected leading equipment vendors to deploy TD-LTE trial networks in six major cities in China and Huawei has been selected for the city of Shenzhen. Huawei is responsible for building and deploying Shenzhen’s TD-LTE network. Sequans recently became eligible to participate in the China Mobile trials when its LTE chip technology won official approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) after passing a battery of tests.
“We are very pleased to continue our long and successful cooperation with Huawei,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “Working side by side with Huawei on interoperability over the last two years, we now have UE chipset technology that is fully ready to support the important large scale trials of China Mobile as well as future commercial deployments.”
Sequans and Huawei have already conducted several successful demonstrations of their TD-LTE solutions in collaboration with China Mobile, most notably at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai and at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. For the trial in Shenzhen, Huawei will use TD-LTE USB dongles based on Sequans’ SQN3010 TD-LTE chip.
China Mobile has selected leading equipment vendors to deploy TD-LTE trial networks in six major cities in China and Huawei has been selected for the city of Shenzhen. Huawei is responsible for building and deploying Shenzhen’s TD-LTE network. Sequans recently became eligible to participate in the China Mobile trials when its LTE chip technology won official approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) after passing a battery of tests.
“We are very pleased to continue our long and successful cooperation with Huawei,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “Working side by side with Huawei on interoperability over the last two years, we now have UE chipset technology that is fully ready to support the important large scale trials of China Mobile as well as future commercial deployments.”
Sequans and Huawei have already conducted several successful demonstrations of their TD-LTE solutions in collaboration with China Mobile, most notably at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai and at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. For the trial in Shenzhen, Huawei will use TD-LTE USB dongles based on Sequans’ SQN3010 TD-LTE chip.
AP leads the world, with consumer fixed broadband revenues doubling fixed voice revenues in 2012
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: In a new report, the independent telecoms analyst firm Ovum states that 2012 will be a watershed year for the global fixed telecommunications market. Global household broadband revenues ($181 billion) will overtake household voice revenues ($159 billion) for the first time, according to Ovum.
The Asia-Pacific region achieved this several years ago, but it will reach a new milestone in 2012 as home broadband revenues (US$68 billion) will be more than twice as large as home voice revenues ($31 billion). This is a reflection of the popularity of mobile voice and fixed broadband in the Asian market.
In addition, Ovum forecasts that the total number of Asia-Pacific consumer fixed telephone lines will decline by 23 percent between 2011 and 2016, falling from 299 million in 2011 to just 230 million in 2016. In contrast, the total number of Asia-Pacific consumer fixed broadband lines will grow 45 percent over the same period, from 250 million in 2011 to 362 million in 2016.
Ovum analyst Charlie Davies commented, “Our research reveals the extent to which the fixed voice telecoms market is shrinking and just how important broadband has become to the telecoms industry.”
Global FTTH/B broadband connections will total 226 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 22 percent over the forecast period. In 2016, Asia-Pacific will have the lion’s share of these connections, with approximately 180 million FTTH/B subscribers. China will account for 63 percent of the Asian total. FTTH/B broadband connections will be the main driver of fixed broadband growth in the Asia-Pacific region in coming years.
“Next year, telcos will generate more consumer revenues from fixed broadband than from telephone lines for the first time. This will be driven by consumers continuing to shun their landline in favor of the mobile phone and the greater need for fixed broadband in the home to meet the demands of increasing video traffic, more applications and content in the cloud and more connected devices. The rise of Internet-based voice services such as Skype will also play a significant role.
“However, broadband revenue growth alone will not be sufficient to offset the decline in fixed voice revenues due to the investment needed for next-generation access networks and software. This underlines the need for telcos to find a role and further revenues from new service lines.”
According to the report, entertainment (TV, gaming and music) represents a significant opportunity for telcos to drive revenue growth, particularly in the form of on-demand content. Davies added: “The way that telcos approach this vertical will evolve rapidly as they learn to exploit partnerships with popular brands more effectively.”
The Asia-Pacific region achieved this several years ago, but it will reach a new milestone in 2012 as home broadband revenues (US$68 billion) will be more than twice as large as home voice revenues ($31 billion). This is a reflection of the popularity of mobile voice and fixed broadband in the Asian market.
In addition, Ovum forecasts that the total number of Asia-Pacific consumer fixed telephone lines will decline by 23 percent between 2011 and 2016, falling from 299 million in 2011 to just 230 million in 2016. In contrast, the total number of Asia-Pacific consumer fixed broadband lines will grow 45 percent over the same period, from 250 million in 2011 to 362 million in 2016.
Ovum analyst Charlie Davies commented, “Our research reveals the extent to which the fixed voice telecoms market is shrinking and just how important broadband has become to the telecoms industry.”
Global FTTH/B broadband connections will total 226 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 22 percent over the forecast period. In 2016, Asia-Pacific will have the lion’s share of these connections, with approximately 180 million FTTH/B subscribers. China will account for 63 percent of the Asian total. FTTH/B broadband connections will be the main driver of fixed broadband growth in the Asia-Pacific region in coming years.
“Next year, telcos will generate more consumer revenues from fixed broadband than from telephone lines for the first time. This will be driven by consumers continuing to shun their landline in favor of the mobile phone and the greater need for fixed broadband in the home to meet the demands of increasing video traffic, more applications and content in the cloud and more connected devices. The rise of Internet-based voice services such as Skype will also play a significant role.
“However, broadband revenue growth alone will not be sufficient to offset the decline in fixed voice revenues due to the investment needed for next-generation access networks and software. This underlines the need for telcos to find a role and further revenues from new service lines.”
According to the report, entertainment (TV, gaming and music) represents a significant opportunity for telcos to drive revenue growth, particularly in the form of on-demand content. Davies added: “The way that telcos approach this vertical will evolve rapidly as they learn to exploit partnerships with popular brands more effectively.”
Monday, September 26, 2011
Quantance raises $11 million series C to expand ultrafast power supply line
SAN MATEO, USA: Quantance Inc., manufacturer of the industry's fastest power supply for 4G mobile devices, has raised $11 million in Series C funding. Investors include TD Fund, Granite Ventures, InterWest Partners and DoCoMo Capital.
This funding will be used to expand the Quantance family of power management products, including ultrafast power supplies for 4G devices. Quantance's patented and field-tested technology makes faster uplink speeds, improved performance and better network coverage a reality for consumers of smartphones, tablets and data cards. Additionally, the funding will support extension of the company's intellectual property into next-generation products serving broader markets, and enable Quantance to grow its employee base by at least 50 percent this year.
"We are all looking for longer battery life and better data performance from our mobile devices. To achieve this, a power supply must constantly adapt to deliver power only when it is needed, maximizing both performance and economy," said Vikas Vinayak, Quantance's CEO and co-founder. "Yet, batteries and power supplies have not kept up with the consumer's voracious appetite for accessing mobile content and applications when and where they want them. Some generate voltage efficiently, others generate it quickly – but none can do both simultaneously. Quantance's ultrafast power supply bridges that divide to deliver the full promise of 4G wireless and enable the next generation of computer-intensive mobile and server processing."
Quantance's patented technology is based on an innovation that combines highly efficient analog computation with digital switching technology to respond 100 times faster than other current solutions on the market. Conventional power supplies for 4G devices switch at 4MHz. Quantance's technology works at the equivalent of 400MHz without materially reducing efficiency, which commonly happens when speed is increased in conventional power supplies. This extraordinary performance enables 4G devices such as smartphones and tablets to drastically increase upload speeds, improving the user experience and enhancing network capacity.
This funding will be used to expand the Quantance family of power management products, including ultrafast power supplies for 4G devices. Quantance's patented and field-tested technology makes faster uplink speeds, improved performance and better network coverage a reality for consumers of smartphones, tablets and data cards. Additionally, the funding will support extension of the company's intellectual property into next-generation products serving broader markets, and enable Quantance to grow its employee base by at least 50 percent this year.
"We are all looking for longer battery life and better data performance from our mobile devices. To achieve this, a power supply must constantly adapt to deliver power only when it is needed, maximizing both performance and economy," said Vikas Vinayak, Quantance's CEO and co-founder. "Yet, batteries and power supplies have not kept up with the consumer's voracious appetite for accessing mobile content and applications when and where they want them. Some generate voltage efficiently, others generate it quickly – but none can do both simultaneously. Quantance's ultrafast power supply bridges that divide to deliver the full promise of 4G wireless and enable the next generation of computer-intensive mobile and server processing."
Quantance's patented technology is based on an innovation that combines highly efficient analog computation with digital switching technology to respond 100 times faster than other current solutions on the market. Conventional power supplies for 4G devices switch at 4MHz. Quantance's technology works at the equivalent of 400MHz without materially reducing efficiency, which commonly happens when speed is increased in conventional power supplies. This extraordinary performance enables 4G devices such as smartphones and tablets to drastically increase upload speeds, improving the user experience and enhancing network capacity.
Ember IP stack demo features iPad app to control multiple smart energy devices
BOSTON, USA: Ember, a leading provider of low-power, wireless mesh networking technology, will demonstrate the latest advancements of its IP-based networking stack at the Autovation 2011 show which begins today in Washington, DC and next week at the Smart Homes 2011/Metering Europe event in Amsterdam.
Ember's IP Stack is targeted at Smart Grid applications, especially smart meters and Home Area Network (HAN) devices. Development of an IP stack to be used in IP-based mains and battery powered HAN devices is an important step in support of the future of the Smart Grid and managing future applications such as micro generation and charging of electric vehicles. It will be Ember's first public demo since it unveiled its IP Stack roadmap earlier this year at Connectivity in Santa Clara.
Ember's demo will showcase a Smart Energy app running on an iPad to get consumption information from an electric meter and to control multiple thermostats and load shed devices. The meter and HAN devices are based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and IP protocols including 6LoWPAN, RPL, CoAP and EXI, while the iPad uses the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol to communicate with the devices via a wireless router.
The rapid progress of Ember's IP Stack is the result of significant investments and engineering efforts by Ember, as well as collaboration with the low-power wireless mesh networking community. The goal is to deliver a protocol that blends the ability to easily monitor and control HAN devices enabling energy savings and load shifting by providing a technology that is reliable, secure and designed to scale through the long life span and evolving needs of Smart Grid systems.
"Ember is committed to pull its weight along with its customers and partners in standards bodies to develop and standardize low-power IP protocols," said Bob LeFort, Ember's CEO. "Visitors to several upcoming events will get to see Ember's IP stack in action and the benefits this technology will bring in allowing Smart Energy devices to communicate."
Ember's demo can be seen at Booth number 216 at the Autovation 2011 show on September 26 and 27 in Washington, DC. The demo will also be shown at booth SH61 during the Smart Homes Conference and Exposition, part of Metering Europe 2011 in Amsterdam, on October 4-6.
Ember's IP Stack is targeted at Smart Grid applications, especially smart meters and Home Area Network (HAN) devices. Development of an IP stack to be used in IP-based mains and battery powered HAN devices is an important step in support of the future of the Smart Grid and managing future applications such as micro generation and charging of electric vehicles. It will be Ember's first public demo since it unveiled its IP Stack roadmap earlier this year at Connectivity in Santa Clara.
Ember's demo will showcase a Smart Energy app running on an iPad to get consumption information from an electric meter and to control multiple thermostats and load shed devices. The meter and HAN devices are based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and IP protocols including 6LoWPAN, RPL, CoAP and EXI, while the iPad uses the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol to communicate with the devices via a wireless router.
The rapid progress of Ember's IP Stack is the result of significant investments and engineering efforts by Ember, as well as collaboration with the low-power wireless mesh networking community. The goal is to deliver a protocol that blends the ability to easily monitor and control HAN devices enabling energy savings and load shifting by providing a technology that is reliable, secure and designed to scale through the long life span and evolving needs of Smart Grid systems.
"Ember is committed to pull its weight along with its customers and partners in standards bodies to develop and standardize low-power IP protocols," said Bob LeFort, Ember's CEO. "Visitors to several upcoming events will get to see Ember's IP stack in action and the benefits this technology will bring in allowing Smart Energy devices to communicate."
Ember's demo can be seen at Booth number 216 at the Autovation 2011 show on September 26 and 27 in Washington, DC. The demo will also be shown at booth SH61 during the Smart Homes Conference and Exposition, part of Metering Europe 2011 in Amsterdam, on October 4-6.
Barcoding Inc. streamlines technical resources and strengthens capabilities
BALTIMORE, USA: Barcoding Inc., a leader in enterprise-wide mobility solutions, has enhanced its technical resources and strengthened its capabilities with the promotion of Martin Jack to CTO.
Going forward, all technical resources will be consolidated under Jack’s management, creating a streamlined, integrated approach to Barcoding’s service offerings and business endeavors. In addition, as part of the company’s continued effort to promote and accommodate business growth, Barcoding has also hired Jeff Bateman as Controller, and added Kyle Gold and Christopher Goodman as Executive Account Managers.
“Promoting Martin Jack to CTO was a strategic move to ensure that our technical team is equipped with the necessary resources to best-serve our customers,” said Jeff Gillis, COO, Barcoding. “As Barcoding continues to experience significant company growth, it is vital that our staff works efficiently and collaboratively to maintain client relationships and offer the most cutting-edge mobile solutions. We are eager to have Martin lead our tech platform, and welcome Jeff, Kyle and Chris to Barcoding.”
In his new role as CTO, Jack will be the external face of Barcoding’s Technology Platform, where he will identify, develop and integrate new technologies. He will oversee all professional services, and ensure that Barcoding’s technology strategy complements its business strategy. With almost 20 years of experience in mobile and wireless software engineering, Jack came to Barcoding in 2007 as the director of software services. Previously, Jack served as president and chief software engineer at Point of Activity, Inc., which he founded in 1999 as JackCreations, LLC. He began his career as a software engineer for mobile computers in 1991. Jack earned a master’s degree in software engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
As Barcoding’s Controller, Bateman is responsible for managing the company’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting policies and procedures, and compliance. Prior to coming to Barcoding, Bateman spent five years as Controller for Protech Associates Inc., and held several additional financial positions for companies in a wide variety of industries Bateman holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting/finance and business administration from the University of Baltimore.
Going forward, all technical resources will be consolidated under Jack’s management, creating a streamlined, integrated approach to Barcoding’s service offerings and business endeavors. In addition, as part of the company’s continued effort to promote and accommodate business growth, Barcoding has also hired Jeff Bateman as Controller, and added Kyle Gold and Christopher Goodman as Executive Account Managers.
“Promoting Martin Jack to CTO was a strategic move to ensure that our technical team is equipped with the necessary resources to best-serve our customers,” said Jeff Gillis, COO, Barcoding. “As Barcoding continues to experience significant company growth, it is vital that our staff works efficiently and collaboratively to maintain client relationships and offer the most cutting-edge mobile solutions. We are eager to have Martin lead our tech platform, and welcome Jeff, Kyle and Chris to Barcoding.”
In his new role as CTO, Jack will be the external face of Barcoding’s Technology Platform, where he will identify, develop and integrate new technologies. He will oversee all professional services, and ensure that Barcoding’s technology strategy complements its business strategy. With almost 20 years of experience in mobile and wireless software engineering, Jack came to Barcoding in 2007 as the director of software services. Previously, Jack served as president and chief software engineer at Point of Activity, Inc., which he founded in 1999 as JackCreations, LLC. He began his career as a software engineer for mobile computers in 1991. Jack earned a master’s degree in software engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
As Barcoding’s Controller, Bateman is responsible for managing the company’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting policies and procedures, and compliance. Prior to coming to Barcoding, Bateman spent five years as Controller for Protech Associates Inc., and held several additional financial positions for companies in a wide variety of industries Bateman holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting/finance and business administration from the University of Baltimore.
Mu Dynamics teams with Heroku, AppHarbor, Acquia and CloudFlare
SUNNYVALE, USA: Mu Dynamics Inc., the leader in validating and testing applications and application-aware networks, announced the integration of Blitz into multiple platforms - making it easily accessible to virtually all developers in the tools they are already using.
This integration seamlessly incorporates Blitz, Mu's unique, cloud-based load and performance testing solution, with major Platform as a Service (PaaS), Content Management System (CMS) and web security and performance offerings in use by app developers and website managers today. This integration enables developers to quickly, easily and affordably test the performance of cloud applications without leaving the workflow of their PaaS, CMS or web management applications. With this announcement, Blitz has now been integrated into the platforms of industry leaders such as Heroku, AppHarbor, Acquia and CloudFlare. For more information on Blitz and how it can be integrated into your platform, click here.
Mu Dynamics created Blitz specifically for the fast-paced application development market. Blitz is now fully integrated into the PaaS providers most commonly used by application developers.
"Blitz integrates seamlessly into our offering, enabling our developer community to quickly and easily test the performance of their apps before going live. They can do this from within our platform and without the need for any prior testing expertise," said Rune Sørensen, CEO, AppHarbor. "This ensures the apps will be able to withstand heavy usage and also ensure the highest levels of performance. Even as they make changes, developers can easily quantify the impact on performance."
"Website owners choose CloudFlare because we make their sites faster, safer, and smarter: they care about web performance," said John Roberts, Platform lead at CloudFlare. "With Blitz's load and performance testing service integrated as a CloudFlare App, our developer customers can measure the baseline performance of their web applications with quantifiable metrics."
"As our customers build complex and high performance web applications with Drupal, they need to be able to integrate performance testing into the development and deployment workflow to ensure that any code changes do not impact end user performance," said Peter Guagenti, VP of services at Acquia. "With Blitz, our customers can affordably run load tests in a matter of minutes, ensuring their sites can handle traffic spikes before they ever occur."
This integration seamlessly incorporates Blitz, Mu's unique, cloud-based load and performance testing solution, with major Platform as a Service (PaaS), Content Management System (CMS) and web security and performance offerings in use by app developers and website managers today. This integration enables developers to quickly, easily and affordably test the performance of cloud applications without leaving the workflow of their PaaS, CMS or web management applications. With this announcement, Blitz has now been integrated into the platforms of industry leaders such as Heroku, AppHarbor, Acquia and CloudFlare. For more information on Blitz and how it can be integrated into your platform, click here.
Mu Dynamics created Blitz specifically for the fast-paced application development market. Blitz is now fully integrated into the PaaS providers most commonly used by application developers.
"Blitz integrates seamlessly into our offering, enabling our developer community to quickly and easily test the performance of their apps before going live. They can do this from within our platform and without the need for any prior testing expertise," said Rune Sørensen, CEO, AppHarbor. "This ensures the apps will be able to withstand heavy usage and also ensure the highest levels of performance. Even as they make changes, developers can easily quantify the impact on performance."
"Website owners choose CloudFlare because we make their sites faster, safer, and smarter: they care about web performance," said John Roberts, Platform lead at CloudFlare. "With Blitz's load and performance testing service integrated as a CloudFlare App, our developer customers can measure the baseline performance of their web applications with quantifiable metrics."
"As our customers build complex and high performance web applications with Drupal, they need to be able to integrate performance testing into the development and deployment workflow to ensure that any code changes do not impact end user performance," said Peter Guagenti, VP of services at Acquia. "With Blitz, our customers can affordably run load tests in a matter of minutes, ensuring their sites can handle traffic spikes before they ever occur."
IEEE advances delivery of 100 Gb/s Ethernet with launch of IEEE P802.3bj task force
PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE has approved work on a new amendment to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. Led by the IEEE P802.3bj Task Force, this latest work will enhance the 100 Gb/s Ethernet physical layer (PHY) capabilities defined in IEEE Std 802.3baTM-2010. The IEEE P802.3bj project aims to specify 100Gb/s operation over backplanes and short-reach copper cable assemblies to enable the development and delivery of lower-cost, higher-density 100Gb/s solutions.
“From the challenges of ever-increasing front-panel capacities to continuing advances in processors, high-performance computing, and server virtualization technologies, the ability of systems to meet spiraling bandwidth demands remains challenging,” said John D’Ambrosia, chair, IEEE P802.3bj Task Force and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO Office, Dell. “By expanding on the solid foundational standards work already completed, IEEE P802.3bj will provide better options for system designers to minimize or eliminate the bandwidth bottlenecks facing end-users.”
With the launch of the Task Force, members are ready to begin collaboratively defining four-lane, 25Gb/s electrical signaling architectures that will support 100 Gb/s Ethernet operation across backplanes up to one meter in length and copper cable operations up to at least five meters in length. Furthermore, IEEE P802.3bj will specify maximum compliance and compatibility with other IEEE 802.3 installations.
As the application of Ethernet increasingly becomes the preferred backplane interconnect technology for applications, such as modular servers and telecom networks, and over twinaxial copper cables for both intra- and inter-rack connections, IEEE P802.3bj will enable users to stay apace of rapidly increasing bandwidth demand. By facilitating higher speeds and greater densities, it holds broad relevance for multiple applications, such as blade servers and data centers. The task force is already supported by a diverse array of stakeholders, including semi-conductor, server, and network storage device manufacturers, component vendors, and telecommunications carriers.
“The industry and users alike are looking for creative, forward-looking solutions that will allow them to leverage today’s technology innovations, such as 100Gb/s Ethernet,” said David Law, chair, IEEE 802.3 Working Group and distinguished engineer, HP Networking. “As the capabilities of 100 Gb/s Ethernet are enhanced with IEEE P802.3bj, the resources, expertise and leadership that are the hallmarks of IEEE will support the continuing evolution of Ethernet to higher speeds and capabilities.”
“From the challenges of ever-increasing front-panel capacities to continuing advances in processors, high-performance computing, and server virtualization technologies, the ability of systems to meet spiraling bandwidth demands remains challenging,” said John D’Ambrosia, chair, IEEE P802.3bj Task Force and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO Office, Dell. “By expanding on the solid foundational standards work already completed, IEEE P802.3bj will provide better options for system designers to minimize or eliminate the bandwidth bottlenecks facing end-users.”
With the launch of the Task Force, members are ready to begin collaboratively defining four-lane, 25Gb/s electrical signaling architectures that will support 100 Gb/s Ethernet operation across backplanes up to one meter in length and copper cable operations up to at least five meters in length. Furthermore, IEEE P802.3bj will specify maximum compliance and compatibility with other IEEE 802.3 installations.
As the application of Ethernet increasingly becomes the preferred backplane interconnect technology for applications, such as modular servers and telecom networks, and over twinaxial copper cables for both intra- and inter-rack connections, IEEE P802.3bj will enable users to stay apace of rapidly increasing bandwidth demand. By facilitating higher speeds and greater densities, it holds broad relevance for multiple applications, such as blade servers and data centers. The task force is already supported by a diverse array of stakeholders, including semi-conductor, server, and network storage device manufacturers, component vendors, and telecommunications carriers.
“The industry and users alike are looking for creative, forward-looking solutions that will allow them to leverage today’s technology innovations, such as 100Gb/s Ethernet,” said David Law, chair, IEEE 802.3 Working Group and distinguished engineer, HP Networking. “As the capabilities of 100 Gb/s Ethernet are enhanced with IEEE P802.3bj, the resources, expertise and leadership that are the hallmarks of IEEE will support the continuing evolution of Ethernet to higher speeds and capabilities.”
Marvell showcases 16 China Mobile TD-SCDMA smartphones
SANTA CLARA, USA & BEIJING, CHINA: Marvell announced it will showcase a full suite of China's 3G TD-SCDMA solutions at PT/EXPO Comm China 2011 in booth 1B005. The lineup includes smartphones, tablets and mobile hotspots powered by Marvell's PXA920 single-chip product line and the PXA1202, the industry's first Downlink Dual Carrier (DLDC) TD-HSPA+ modem.
Considered the most influential exhibition for China's burgeoning communications industry, PT/EXPO Comm China 2011 takes place September 26 to 30 in Beijing. Marvell will demonstrate a total of 16 TD smart devices that feature its single-chip solutions from leading global OEMs: ASUS, Hisense, Huawei, Guangdong Mobile, Motorola, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, Yulong and ZTE.
"We're very pleased to see the great progress we've made with our vision of the connected lifestyle for everyone in the world. I believe the breakthrough in our China's 3G TD-SCDMA technology with the largest mobile carrier, China Mobile, in the largest mobile market, is a major milestone and testimony to our vision. When China Mobile began its mission to build an advanced and affordable smartphone more than four years ago, Marvell was the major silicon partner who committed to the program because we believed in China Mobile's vision and bright future of this great opportunity," said Weili Dai, Marvell's co-founder.
"I believe Marvell has enabled a quantum leap in the development and adoption of the TD-SCDMA standard. For example, Marvell is leading the way to a new era of seamless global connectivity for the masses with the industry's first single chip 3G/4G modem with support for FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE, HSPA+, TD-SDMA, and EDGE. Now through our work with other industry leaders, billions of end users can experience high-performance web browsing, live video, 3D gaming and other popular features on affordable, advanced devices including smartphones, tablets and mobile hot spots. I am very proud and thankful for Marvell's global team of engineers for their hard work, innovation and dedication to move the industry forward. The products we are showcasing exemplify what can be accomplished with cutting-edge technology – and this is only the beginning of what's to come with our continued commitment to TD-SCDMA."
Marvell has partnered with the TD Industry Alliance (TDIA) at the show to demonstrate the rapid adoption and product implementation of TD-SCDMA. With its technological achievements and commitment to innovation, Marvell has been a strong supporter and contributor to the evolution of the TD-SCDMA industry in China. Other government, telecom operators and Marvell partners such as MIIT and China Mobile will also be in attendance, making the event the de facto meeting place for decision-makers in the TD ecosystem.
All of the products to be displayed – ranging from entry-level smart devices to mid-level devices with rich multimedia functions and 3D graphics – feature Marvell's PXA 920 family of silicon, including:
* The PXA920 – The industry's first single-chip TD solution designed for multimedia-centric handsets featuring support for both TD-SCDMA and GSM/EDGE and now shipping in more than 10 devices.
* The PXA918 – Tailor-made for entry-level smart devices, featuring 55 nm technology, 624 Mhz processors and rich multimedia functions.
* The PXA920H - Designed for mid- and high-end smart devices featuring 55 nm technology, a 1Ghz processor and support for 720p video and 250mpps 3D graphics.
Marvell will also showcase the industry's first DLDC TD-HSPA+ Modem PXA1202, a pivotal milestone in advancing China's TD-SCDMA standard, which can help to achieve 4X data rate increase on TD-SCDMA networks. Featuring 40 nm technology and backwards compatible with previous generations of TD-SCDMA network equipment, the PXA1202 supports DLDC, 64QAM and TS0 enhancement technologies. It is also designed to enable seamless performance with bandwidth-hungry mobile applications and multimedia devices.
Considered the most influential exhibition for China's burgeoning communications industry, PT/EXPO Comm China 2011 takes place September 26 to 30 in Beijing. Marvell will demonstrate a total of 16 TD smart devices that feature its single-chip solutions from leading global OEMs: ASUS, Hisense, Huawei, Guangdong Mobile, Motorola, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, Yulong and ZTE.
"We're very pleased to see the great progress we've made with our vision of the connected lifestyle for everyone in the world. I believe the breakthrough in our China's 3G TD-SCDMA technology with the largest mobile carrier, China Mobile, in the largest mobile market, is a major milestone and testimony to our vision. When China Mobile began its mission to build an advanced and affordable smartphone more than four years ago, Marvell was the major silicon partner who committed to the program because we believed in China Mobile's vision and bright future of this great opportunity," said Weili Dai, Marvell's co-founder.
"I believe Marvell has enabled a quantum leap in the development and adoption of the TD-SCDMA standard. For example, Marvell is leading the way to a new era of seamless global connectivity for the masses with the industry's first single chip 3G/4G modem with support for FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE, HSPA+, TD-SDMA, and EDGE. Now through our work with other industry leaders, billions of end users can experience high-performance web browsing, live video, 3D gaming and other popular features on affordable, advanced devices including smartphones, tablets and mobile hot spots. I am very proud and thankful for Marvell's global team of engineers for their hard work, innovation and dedication to move the industry forward. The products we are showcasing exemplify what can be accomplished with cutting-edge technology – and this is only the beginning of what's to come with our continued commitment to TD-SCDMA."
Marvell has partnered with the TD Industry Alliance (TDIA) at the show to demonstrate the rapid adoption and product implementation of TD-SCDMA. With its technological achievements and commitment to innovation, Marvell has been a strong supporter and contributor to the evolution of the TD-SCDMA industry in China. Other government, telecom operators and Marvell partners such as MIIT and China Mobile will also be in attendance, making the event the de facto meeting place for decision-makers in the TD ecosystem.
All of the products to be displayed – ranging from entry-level smart devices to mid-level devices with rich multimedia functions and 3D graphics – feature Marvell's PXA 920 family of silicon, including:
* The PXA920 – The industry's first single-chip TD solution designed for multimedia-centric handsets featuring support for both TD-SCDMA and GSM/EDGE and now shipping in more than 10 devices.
* The PXA918 – Tailor-made for entry-level smart devices, featuring 55 nm technology, 624 Mhz processors and rich multimedia functions.
* The PXA920H - Designed for mid- and high-end smart devices featuring 55 nm technology, a 1Ghz processor and support for 720p video and 250mpps 3D graphics.
Marvell will also showcase the industry's first DLDC TD-HSPA+ Modem PXA1202, a pivotal milestone in advancing China's TD-SCDMA standard, which can help to achieve 4X data rate increase on TD-SCDMA networks. Featuring 40 nm technology and backwards compatible with previous generations of TD-SCDMA network equipment, the PXA1202 supports DLDC, 64QAM and TS0 enhancement technologies. It is also designed to enable seamless performance with bandwidth-hungry mobile applications and multimedia devices.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Small cell backhaul to shift away from copper and fiber toward wireless backhaul
LONDON, UK: While outdoor small cells have received a lot of attention lately, small cell backhaul has yet to see the spotlight. The reason has been twofold – first, there hasn’t been any significant outdoor small cell deployment yet, and second, operators are still in the process of trialing and testing small cell backhaul technologies, especially the newer contenders.
Due to its unique characteristics, there are numerous considerations that need to be taken into account for a small cell backhaul solution. These include product footprint, range, cost, Ethernet/IP support, and capacity. By 2016, an estimated 58 percent of outdoor small cells will be backhauled using wireless techniques.
While fiber, copper, and traditional microwave are currently being used to backhaul rooftop micro base stations, the emergence of wireless technologies like NLOS OFDM (sub 6 GHz), MMW (60-80 GHz) and also Wi-Fi backhaul solutions are likely to find preference due to their flexibility, low cost and ability to use point-to-multipoint (PMP) and point-to-point (PTP) techniques to backhaul clusters or rows of small cells.
“Small cell backhaul space is still in its early days, with a number of small vendors positioning their solutions, especially on the wireless backhaul side,” says Aditya Kaul, practice director, mobile networks. “While the majority of small cell backhaul activity is concentrated in OFDM NLOS sub 6 GHz and to some extent in the MMW 60-80 GHz space, the cost of these solutions will need to come down to allow operators to make a favorable small cell business case.”
Due to its unique characteristics, there are numerous considerations that need to be taken into account for a small cell backhaul solution. These include product footprint, range, cost, Ethernet/IP support, and capacity. By 2016, an estimated 58 percent of outdoor small cells will be backhauled using wireless techniques.
While fiber, copper, and traditional microwave are currently being used to backhaul rooftop micro base stations, the emergence of wireless technologies like NLOS OFDM (sub 6 GHz), MMW (60-80 GHz) and also Wi-Fi backhaul solutions are likely to find preference due to their flexibility, low cost and ability to use point-to-multipoint (PMP) and point-to-point (PTP) techniques to backhaul clusters or rows of small cells.
“Small cell backhaul space is still in its early days, with a number of small vendors positioning their solutions, especially on the wireless backhaul side,” says Aditya Kaul, practice director, mobile networks. “While the majority of small cell backhaul activity is concentrated in OFDM NLOS sub 6 GHz and to some extent in the MMW 60-80 GHz space, the cost of these solutions will need to come down to allow operators to make a favorable small cell business case.”
Toshiba's Strata CIX IP telephone systems and Integra's SIP trunking services achieve interoperability
PORTLAND & IRVINE, USA: Integra Telecom Inc., a provider of fiber-based, business-grade networking, communications and cloud solutions, and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division announced interoperability between Integra's Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunking services and Toshiba's family of Strata CIX IP business telephone systems. Integra's SIP Trunking services are now available at Authorized Toshiba Dealers.
This certification signifies the compatibility of Toshiba's voice products with Integra's SIP Trunking. Integra's interoperability certification spans the full family of Toshiba's Strata CIX IP telephone systems, which includes CIX40, CIX100, CIX200, CIX670 and CIX1200 models.
"This certification represents another milestone for Integra as we continue building our portfolio of SIP Trunking services," said Brian Gregory, director of product management for Integra Telecom. "By working closely with Toshiba dealers and organizations utilizing these phone systems, Integra is well-positioned to continue to deliver enhanced features to our business customers."
Integra's interoperability certification with Toshiba is the latest in a line of achievements by Integra to expand the number of IP business telephone systems certified to operate with its SIP Trunking service. In addition, the certification enables Integra to deliver a number of benefits to business customers, including:
* Efficient use of bandwidth by combining voice and data networks onto a single service;
* Dynamic bandwidth allocation; and
* Maximizing capacity through multiple compression options that place more calls over the same bandwidth.
"This new interoperability certification benefits users of Toshiba's Strata CIX IP business telephone systems by allowing them to use Integra Telecom's robust products and services, including SIP Trunking," said Eric Abing, senior product manager, Toshiba America Information Systems, Telecommunication Systems Division. "This certification reinforces the seamless nature of Toshiba's products with Integra's services, providing reassurance to enterprise-level customers about the quality and reliability of their selected telephone equipment and service."
This certification signifies the compatibility of Toshiba's voice products with Integra's SIP Trunking. Integra's interoperability certification spans the full family of Toshiba's Strata CIX IP telephone systems, which includes CIX40, CIX100, CIX200, CIX670 and CIX1200 models.
"This certification represents another milestone for Integra as we continue building our portfolio of SIP Trunking services," said Brian Gregory, director of product management for Integra Telecom. "By working closely with Toshiba dealers and organizations utilizing these phone systems, Integra is well-positioned to continue to deliver enhanced features to our business customers."
Integra's interoperability certification with Toshiba is the latest in a line of achievements by Integra to expand the number of IP business telephone systems certified to operate with its SIP Trunking service. In addition, the certification enables Integra to deliver a number of benefits to business customers, including:
* Efficient use of bandwidth by combining voice and data networks onto a single service;
* Dynamic bandwidth allocation; and
* Maximizing capacity through multiple compression options that place more calls over the same bandwidth.
"This new interoperability certification benefits users of Toshiba's Strata CIX IP business telephone systems by allowing them to use Integra Telecom's robust products and services, including SIP Trunking," said Eric Abing, senior product manager, Toshiba America Information Systems, Telecommunication Systems Division. "This certification reinforces the seamless nature of Toshiba's products with Integra's services, providing reassurance to enterprise-level customers about the quality and reliability of their selected telephone equipment and service."
appMobi and ImpactJS release a “game changer” for HTML5 mobile game development
LANCASTER, USA: appMobi and ImpactJS announced the immediate availability of the Impact GameDev XDK. Available as a free download from the Google Chrome Web Store, the Impact GameDev XDK provides a visual toolkit for the rapid development and monetization of mobile HTML5 games.
The new Impact GameDev XDK features HTML5 graphics acceleration based on appMobi’s DirectCanvas and DirectBox2D technologies which accelerate the HTML5 canvas element and physics emulation, speeding graphic rendering by up to an astounding 15 times normal. The speed enhancements achieved through the Impact GameDev XDK make HTML5 suitable for programming any type of mobile game.
Developers will use the Impact GameDev XDK to program a single code base and publish apps to a variety of platforms , including Native iOS, Native Android, Facebook (and Project Spartan), Google Chrome App, and mobile Web app. The Impact GameDev XDK, itself built in HTML5, makes it easier than ever for developers of all skill levels – even entry level JavaScript developers – to create great mobile games, without any knowledge of HTML5.
Since its introduction at the E3 Game show in June, appMobi’s HTML5 game development technology has attracted hundreds of HTML5 game developers to its beta program, with games employing DirectCanvas already available in the Apple App Store. “Private Joe,” a popular HTML5 shooter game with 150,000 users on desktop PC’s, turned to appMobi when its developer found HTML5 in standard mobile browsers to be too slow.
“We were already working with appMobi’s XDK to create an iOS version of Private Joe,” said Ben Chong, CEO of HotBazooka games. “When we switched to DirectCanvas, the gameplay became indistinguishable from other native iOS games on both the iPad and iPhone4.”
The DirectCanvas accelerated version of Private Joe is currently featured in the Apple App Store.
ImpactJS is widely considered the leading HTML5 canvas-based JavaScript engine. The company has won industry accolades from insiders and reviewers who have called the ImpactJS game engine the “first truly professional grade” game engine, designed by a company that “understands game development.” appMobi has partnered with ImpactJS to provide the Impact GameDev XDK as a way to jump start game developers who want to leap on the HTML5 trend with a set of preconfigured best-of-breed tools that are ready for rapid game development. Games developed with the Impact GameDev XDK will have native graphics speed, in-app purchasing and multimedia push notifications.
“HTML5 mobile games can be every bit as good as those available from the Apple App Store – and they should make just as much money for their developers too,” said appMobi CTO, Sam Abadir. “appMobi partnered with ImpactJS because, quite frankly, their game engine rocks. The combination of appMobi’s XDK, mobile Web services and DirectCanvas technology, together with the ImpactJS game engine will give even novice developers all the tools they need to create compelling, superior mobile games. Game developers will find this new toolkit to be a really compelling offering, especially if they are looking to HTML5 as a way to break free from the ‘taxation’ and fees of native app stores.”
The appMobi XDK is the leading mobile HTML5 development environment with over 25,000 mobile Web developers and over 45,000 mobile Web apps created.
This deal marks the first in which appMobi has partnered with another development vendor to bring a superior hybrid set of tools to a niche development market. appMobi is working with other specialized vendors to deliver similar tools to make development of mobile and Web-based apps as simple and rewarding as possible for developers of all levels.
The new Impact GameDev XDK features HTML5 graphics acceleration based on appMobi’s DirectCanvas and DirectBox2D technologies which accelerate the HTML5 canvas element and physics emulation, speeding graphic rendering by up to an astounding 15 times normal. The speed enhancements achieved through the Impact GameDev XDK make HTML5 suitable for programming any type of mobile game.
Developers will use the Impact GameDev XDK to program a single code base and publish apps to a variety of platforms , including Native iOS, Native Android, Facebook (and Project Spartan), Google Chrome App, and mobile Web app. The Impact GameDev XDK, itself built in HTML5, makes it easier than ever for developers of all skill levels – even entry level JavaScript developers – to create great mobile games, without any knowledge of HTML5.
Since its introduction at the E3 Game show in June, appMobi’s HTML5 game development technology has attracted hundreds of HTML5 game developers to its beta program, with games employing DirectCanvas already available in the Apple App Store. “Private Joe,” a popular HTML5 shooter game with 150,000 users on desktop PC’s, turned to appMobi when its developer found HTML5 in standard mobile browsers to be too slow.
“We were already working with appMobi’s XDK to create an iOS version of Private Joe,” said Ben Chong, CEO of HotBazooka games. “When we switched to DirectCanvas, the gameplay became indistinguishable from other native iOS games on both the iPad and iPhone4.”
The DirectCanvas accelerated version of Private Joe is currently featured in the Apple App Store.
ImpactJS is widely considered the leading HTML5 canvas-based JavaScript engine. The company has won industry accolades from insiders and reviewers who have called the ImpactJS game engine the “first truly professional grade” game engine, designed by a company that “understands game development.” appMobi has partnered with ImpactJS to provide the Impact GameDev XDK as a way to jump start game developers who want to leap on the HTML5 trend with a set of preconfigured best-of-breed tools that are ready for rapid game development. Games developed with the Impact GameDev XDK will have native graphics speed, in-app purchasing and multimedia push notifications.
“HTML5 mobile games can be every bit as good as those available from the Apple App Store – and they should make just as much money for their developers too,” said appMobi CTO, Sam Abadir. “appMobi partnered with ImpactJS because, quite frankly, their game engine rocks. The combination of appMobi’s XDK, mobile Web services and DirectCanvas technology, together with the ImpactJS game engine will give even novice developers all the tools they need to create compelling, superior mobile games. Game developers will find this new toolkit to be a really compelling offering, especially if they are looking to HTML5 as a way to break free from the ‘taxation’ and fees of native app stores.”
The appMobi XDK is the leading mobile HTML5 development environment with over 25,000 mobile Web developers and over 45,000 mobile Web apps created.
This deal marks the first in which appMobi has partnered with another development vendor to bring a superior hybrid set of tools to a niche development market. appMobi is working with other specialized vendors to deliver similar tools to make development of mobile and Web-based apps as simple and rewarding as possible for developers of all levels.
Small cell backhaul to shift away from copper and fiber toward wireless backhaul
LONDON, UK: While outdoor small cells have received a lot of attention lately, small cell backhaul has yet to see the spotlight. The reason has been twofold – first, there hasn’t been any significant outdoor small cell deployment yet, and second, operators are still in the process of trialing and testing small cell backhaul technologies, especially the newer contenders.
Due to its unique characteristics, there are numerous considerations that need to be taken into account for a small cell backhaul solution. These include product footprint, range, cost, Ethernet/IP support, and capacity. By 2016, an estimated 58 percent of outdoor small cells will be backhauled using wireless techniques.
While fiber, copper, and traditional microwave are currently being used to backhaul rooftop micro base stations, the emergence of wireless technologies like NLOS OFDM (sub 6 GHz), MMW (60-80 GHz) and also Wi-Fi backhaul solutions are likely to find preference due to their flexibility, low cost and ability to use point-to-multipoint (PMP) and point-to-point (PTP) techniques to backhaul clusters or rows of small cells.
“Small cell backhaul space is still in its early days, with a number of small vendors positioning their solutions, especially on the wireless backhaul side,” says Aditya Kaul, practice director, mobile networks. “While the majority of small cell backhaul activity is concentrated in OFDM NLOS sub 6 GHz and to some extent in the MMW 60-80 GHz space, the cost of these solutions will need to come down to allow operators to make a favorable small cell business case.”
Due to its unique characteristics, there are numerous considerations that need to be taken into account for a small cell backhaul solution. These include product footprint, range, cost, Ethernet/IP support, and capacity. By 2016, an estimated 58 percent of outdoor small cells will be backhauled using wireless techniques.
While fiber, copper, and traditional microwave are currently being used to backhaul rooftop micro base stations, the emergence of wireless technologies like NLOS OFDM (sub 6 GHz), MMW (60-80 GHz) and also Wi-Fi backhaul solutions are likely to find preference due to their flexibility, low cost and ability to use point-to-multipoint (PMP) and point-to-point (PTP) techniques to backhaul clusters or rows of small cells.
“Small cell backhaul space is still in its early days, with a number of small vendors positioning their solutions, especially on the wireless backhaul side,” says Aditya Kaul, practice director, mobile networks. “While the majority of small cell backhaul activity is concentrated in OFDM NLOS sub 6 GHz and to some extent in the MMW 60-80 GHz space, the cost of these solutions will need to come down to allow operators to make a favorable small cell business case.”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Chelsio maintains market share leadership position in 10Gb Ethernet adapters
SUNNYVALE, USA: Chelsio Communications, a leading provider of 10Gb Ethernet unified wire adapters, ASICs and unified storage solutions, has retained one of the leadership positions in the standalone 10Gb Ethernet adapter market, according to the most recent market share report published by Crehan Research.
While Chelsio is second only to Intel's high volume adapters in overall revenue share, it is a leader in Unified Wire adapters, which includes full offload of numerous protocols at no additional cost. Offering a much better value than 'dumb NICs' from other vendors, Unified Wire adapters fully support TCP, UDP, iSCSI, FCoE and iWARP offload.
Chelsio adapters also support SR-IOV, VEPA/VEB, VNTag, DCB, traffic management and filtering. In addition the adapters also feature WireDirect software modules to enable ultra-low latency user mode operation. Chelsio's Unified Wire adapters are widely deployed into virtualized enterprise data centers, cloud service installations and cluster computing environments.
"The Standalone Adapter Card segment is the largest revenue contributor in the fast growing 10Gb Ethernet I/O market, and I expect that this will continue to be the case going forward," said Seamus Crehan, president of Crehan Research. "Within this segment there is, and should continue to be, vigorous demand for products that can address the challenges of impending convergence by handling numerous protocols, in addition to offering extra features that optimize performance in next generation datacenters."
While Chelsio is second only to Intel's high volume adapters in overall revenue share, it is a leader in Unified Wire adapters, which includes full offload of numerous protocols at no additional cost. Offering a much better value than 'dumb NICs' from other vendors, Unified Wire adapters fully support TCP, UDP, iSCSI, FCoE and iWARP offload.
Chelsio adapters also support SR-IOV, VEPA/VEB, VNTag, DCB, traffic management and filtering. In addition the adapters also feature WireDirect software modules to enable ultra-low latency user mode operation. Chelsio's Unified Wire adapters are widely deployed into virtualized enterprise data centers, cloud service installations and cluster computing environments.
"The Standalone Adapter Card segment is the largest revenue contributor in the fast growing 10Gb Ethernet I/O market, and I expect that this will continue to be the case going forward," said Seamus Crehan, president of Crehan Research. "Within this segment there is, and should continue to be, vigorous demand for products that can address the challenges of impending convergence by handling numerous protocols, in addition to offering extra features that optimize performance in next generation datacenters."
Airtel 3G services in Siliguri and Malda
KOLKATA, INDIA: Bharti Airtel announced the availability of its 3G services in Siliguri and Malda.
With already successful roll outs in Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, Burdawan, Chittaranjan, Kulti and Raniganj, Airtel mobile customers in Siliguri and Malda will now also be able to experience the Airtel 3G advantage and enjoy a host of innovative service capabilities including fast mobile internet access, mobile TV, video calling, video streaming and social networking – at anytime, from anywhere. Airtel also offers high speed USB data cards that provide customers with 3G access on laptops.
The launch of Airtel 3G gives customers the power to enjoy multimedia services, high speed mobile broadband, videos on phone, live TV, video calls and much more – all at speeds never experienced before. Airtel 3G mobile customers in the country will now be able to leverage Airtel internet on 3G to make international video calls and interact face-to-face with their loved ones and colleagues living abroad - instantly sharing experiences and information.
With Video Talkies portal on Airtel 3G, customers can enjoy popular Bollywood and Bengali movies on their mobile phones – anytime, anywhere. A wide range of LIVE and on-demand TV channels as well as shows are also available on Mobile TV powered by Airtel 3G.
Airtel 3G customers can enjoy the benefits of 3G speeds on the device of their choice – be it their mobile handsets, tablets and on laptops connecting using the Airtel high speed USB data cards. Airtel provides its customers with timely updates and alerts on their data usage – helping them control their expenditure on 3G and enjoy a seamless experience. The company has also introduced a first of its kind ‘internet usage calculator’ available online to help customers analyse their current internet data usage and choose an Airtel 3G plan accordingly.
With already successful roll outs in Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, Burdawan, Chittaranjan, Kulti and Raniganj, Airtel mobile customers in Siliguri and Malda will now also be able to experience the Airtel 3G advantage and enjoy a host of innovative service capabilities including fast mobile internet access, mobile TV, video calling, video streaming and social networking – at anytime, from anywhere. Airtel also offers high speed USB data cards that provide customers with 3G access on laptops.
The launch of Airtel 3G gives customers the power to enjoy multimedia services, high speed mobile broadband, videos on phone, live TV, video calls and much more – all at speeds never experienced before. Airtel 3G mobile customers in the country will now be able to leverage Airtel internet on 3G to make international video calls and interact face-to-face with their loved ones and colleagues living abroad - instantly sharing experiences and information.
With Video Talkies portal on Airtel 3G, customers can enjoy popular Bollywood and Bengali movies on their mobile phones – anytime, anywhere. A wide range of LIVE and on-demand TV channels as well as shows are also available on Mobile TV powered by Airtel 3G.
Airtel 3G customers can enjoy the benefits of 3G speeds on the device of their choice – be it their mobile handsets, tablets and on laptops connecting using the Airtel high speed USB data cards. Airtel provides its customers with timely updates and alerts on their data usage – helping them control their expenditure on 3G and enjoy a seamless experience. The company has also introduced a first of its kind ‘internet usage calculator’ available online to help customers analyse their current internet data usage and choose an Airtel 3G plan accordingly.
Inforgence America signs two new clients for mobile publishing platform
SACRAMENTO, USA: Inforgence America (IA) has recently signed two new publishers for its proprietary mobile publishing platform product, Sacramento-based Comstock's Magazine and Glimmer Apps.
Well-suited for small and mid-size publishers, Inforgence America's mobile publishing solution converts printed publications into fully interactive mobile editions in as few as 30 days, with a low cost model. With its simple content management interface VcRead, the Inforgence publishing system takes a publisher's existing content and formats it for viewing on smartphones and tablets, including the iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The IA publishing platform has a digitalized multidimensional multimedia (DMM) format that supports audio, video, text, animation and picture display.
Inforgence America's two new clients are:
Comstock's Magazine, the premier monthly business publication for California's Capital Region, serving Sacramento for more than 20 years. Comstock's is capitalizing on the mobile revolution to better connect with business owners and advertisers.
Glimmer Apps is using digital applications to create interactive, content rich mobile digital records of the most important events in people's lives.
Inforgence America president and COO, Jesse Passafiume, says: "The accelerating growth in tablets and mobile devices has changed publishing forever. With our turn-key publishing platform, a publisher doesn't have to build an app or use in-house designers to create a quality digital publication for mobile users. We give publishers the ability to create fully interactive digital editions with the power of a full business operating platform that manages content, subscriptions, billing and enhancement."
Well-suited for small and mid-size publishers, Inforgence America's mobile publishing solution converts printed publications into fully interactive mobile editions in as few as 30 days, with a low cost model. With its simple content management interface VcRead, the Inforgence publishing system takes a publisher's existing content and formats it for viewing on smartphones and tablets, including the iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The IA publishing platform has a digitalized multidimensional multimedia (DMM) format that supports audio, video, text, animation and picture display.
Inforgence America's two new clients are:
Comstock's Magazine, the premier monthly business publication for California's Capital Region, serving Sacramento for more than 20 years. Comstock's is capitalizing on the mobile revolution to better connect with business owners and advertisers.
Glimmer Apps is using digital applications to create interactive, content rich mobile digital records of the most important events in people's lives.
Inforgence America president and COO, Jesse Passafiume, says: "The accelerating growth in tablets and mobile devices has changed publishing forever. With our turn-key publishing platform, a publisher doesn't have to build an app or use in-house designers to create a quality digital publication for mobile users. We give publishers the ability to create fully interactive digital editions with the power of a full business operating platform that manages content, subscriptions, billing and enhancement."
Broadband Forum delivers fiber solution set
SHANGHAI, CHINA: The Broadband Forum has brought widespread deployment of superfast broadband a step closer with the launch of its comprehensive fiber resource – BroadbandSuite 5.0 at the Forum's quarterly meeting, held in Shanghai.
The new release brings together into one suite the range of fiber-related work that the Broadband Forum has been carrying out in its Fiber Access Networks working group, working closely with FSAN, the Full Service Access Network, with the aim of enabling multi-vendor interoperability.
This will increasingly allow operators and service providers to build their fiber networks with confidence in product conformance and interoperability, allowing for greater flexibility in product selection and empowering more feature rich deployments. At the same time, these new specifications provide equipment manufacturers with the measure and means to verify and promote products that meet market-driven global standards.
Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum, said: "Fiber rollouts, especially hybrid DSL/PON deployments are growing faster than ever. We expect to see fiber figures continue to rise in our mid-year report due next week. BroadbandSuite 5.0 is a major resource for the industry to facilitate and accelerate the deployment of PON and it paves the way for next generation fiber technologies, including XG-PON1 and beyond."
Speaking on behalf of China Telecom at the Broadband Forum's keynote address, Leping Wei said: "G-PON interoperability is critical for mass deployment in the Chinese market and China is already the largest and fastest growing market for broadband. The G-PON Certification will certainly enable us to accelerate the widespread availability of faster broadband. With the Chinese market moving towards an estimated 250 million subscriber lines by 2015 and a household penetration of 50 percent, China Telecom sees G-PON and the advent of certified G-PON products as an important step in making this a reality."
The new release brings together into one suite the range of fiber-related work that the Broadband Forum has been carrying out in its Fiber Access Networks working group, working closely with FSAN, the Full Service Access Network, with the aim of enabling multi-vendor interoperability.
This will increasingly allow operators and service providers to build their fiber networks with confidence in product conformance and interoperability, allowing for greater flexibility in product selection and empowering more feature rich deployments. At the same time, these new specifications provide equipment manufacturers with the measure and means to verify and promote products that meet market-driven global standards.
Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum, said: "Fiber rollouts, especially hybrid DSL/PON deployments are growing faster than ever. We expect to see fiber figures continue to rise in our mid-year report due next week. BroadbandSuite 5.0 is a major resource for the industry to facilitate and accelerate the deployment of PON and it paves the way for next generation fiber technologies, including XG-PON1 and beyond."
Speaking on behalf of China Telecom at the Broadband Forum's keynote address, Leping Wei said: "G-PON interoperability is critical for mass deployment in the Chinese market and China is already the largest and fastest growing market for broadband. The G-PON Certification will certainly enable us to accelerate the widespread availability of faster broadband. With the Chinese market moving towards an estimated 250 million subscriber lines by 2015 and a household penetration of 50 percent, China Telecom sees G-PON and the advent of certified G-PON products as an important step in making this a reality."
China Wi-Max Communications enters agreements to develop IPTV in China
GRAFTON, USA & BEIJING, CHINA: China Wi-Max Communications Inc. announced the signing of two strategic business agreements. Signature of these agreements positions China Wi-Max (CHWM) to utilize its fiber assets and wireless frequencies and has the potential to generate significant revenue streams in the future.
These agreements represent a logical evolution of CHWM's strategic business plan to be a premier technology and service provider in China. China CTV Television Network (CTVN) has been granted the privilege by the Government to receive a Chinese Bank loan for this project.
First, CHWM has entered into an agreement with China CTV Television Network Center (CTVN) to develop nationwide fiber optical networks for delivering digital TV and other value added services throughout China.
The companies will initially deliver multimedia "three screen" experience to TV, web and mobile devices with content readily available to CTVN's Chinese subscriber base of 200,000,000 people via 200 TV stations across China.
Second, CHWM has entered into an agreement with the premier IPTV technology and content provider, 3Screen Group Ltd, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, inclusive with their partner DigiSoft.tv Ltd, Ireland. Together, through CHWM, they will deliver a complete IPTV solution to CTVN's extensive subscriber market in China.
Coupling 3Screen Group Ltd's extensive IPTV technology knowledge and content rights for Europe and Asia and CHWM's relationships in China, builds on all the partners' strategic strengths and enables telecoms/media companies to get to market rapidly. The market for Video on Demand (VoD) and IP broadcast solutions is growing at an exponential rate in China. This IP broadcast solution, along with VoD capability and content catalogue creates a unique end to end IP video service.
These agreements represent a logical evolution of CHWM's strategic business plan to be a premier technology and service provider in China. China CTV Television Network (CTVN) has been granted the privilege by the Government to receive a Chinese Bank loan for this project.
First, CHWM has entered into an agreement with China CTV Television Network Center (CTVN) to develop nationwide fiber optical networks for delivering digital TV and other value added services throughout China.
The companies will initially deliver multimedia "three screen" experience to TV, web and mobile devices with content readily available to CTVN's Chinese subscriber base of 200,000,000 people via 200 TV stations across China.
Second, CHWM has entered into an agreement with the premier IPTV technology and content provider, 3Screen Group Ltd, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, inclusive with their partner DigiSoft.tv Ltd, Ireland. Together, through CHWM, they will deliver a complete IPTV solution to CTVN's extensive subscriber market in China.
Coupling 3Screen Group Ltd's extensive IPTV technology knowledge and content rights for Europe and Asia and CHWM's relationships in China, builds on all the partners' strategic strengths and enables telecoms/media companies to get to market rapidly. The market for Video on Demand (VoD) and IP broadcast solutions is growing at an exponential rate in China. This IP broadcast solution, along with VoD capability and content catalogue creates a unique end to end IP video service.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
VendScreen unveils wireless smart device with touch-screen interface for new and existing vending machines
PORTLAND, USA: VendScreen Inc. unveiled VendScreen, an Android-based smart device, which displays user-specific promotions and advertising, real-time product updates, cashless payment options and refunds, and nutrition information in compliance with new federal nutrition information disclosure requirements.
VendScreen retrofits to existing vending machines, providing vending machine operators with real-time analytical data and DEX data uploads for third-party dynamic route scheduling and pre-kitting. This device, coupled with robust, cloud-based service, brings retail-type promotions to vending machines for the first time, building value for users, operators and advertisers simultaneously.
Interface
VendScreen uses an intuitive interface mimicking smart phone, touch-screen technology, and features "Jen," a helpful on-screen avatar, which assists customers through every step of the purchasing process. Jen assists product selection to satisfy specific dietary needs, providing nutrition fact information prior to purchase, and offering special promotions and advertisements geared toward the individual customer. This unique interface allows customers to make cashless payments through credit, loyalty and online accounts, and allows for instant problem reporting.
VendScreen retrofits to existing vending machines, providing vending machine operators with real-time analytical data and DEX data uploads for third-party dynamic route scheduling and pre-kitting. This device, coupled with robust, cloud-based service, brings retail-type promotions to vending machines for the first time, building value for users, operators and advertisers simultaneously.
Interface
VendScreen uses an intuitive interface mimicking smart phone, touch-screen technology, and features "Jen," a helpful on-screen avatar, which assists customers through every step of the purchasing process. Jen assists product selection to satisfy specific dietary needs, providing nutrition fact information prior to purchase, and offering special promotions and advertisements geared toward the individual customer. This unique interface allows customers to make cashless payments through credit, loyalty and online accounts, and allows for instant problem reporting.
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