LTE likely to dominate wireless infrastructure spending by 2013

EL SEGUNDO, USA: The wireless technology known as 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) is expected to claim the lion’s share of wireless infrastructure capital spending next year as mobile carriers definitively migrate to that next-generation standard.

Global capital spending on LTE technology is projected to reach $24.3 billion in 2013, nearly triple the $8.7 billion of 2012, according to an IHS iSuppli Wireless Communications topical report.

LTE infrastructure spending in 2015 will rise to $36.1 billion, compared to just $9.0 billion for 3.5G, as presented in the figure attached. This rapid growth is expected to allow LTE to overtake 3.5G, which will end its five-year run this year as the dominant category in wireless infrastructure gear spending. In 2013, 3.5G infrastructure technology will generate $19.8 billion in revenue.Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.

“While 3.5G remains the dominant air interface technology in the mobile infrastructure market, the 4G LTE space has been gaining momentum,” said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., director and principal analyst for communications and consumer electronics research at IHS. “This trend started in the second half of 2009 when some wireless operators in Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea started to deploy LTE technology. The number of mobile network operators that are trialing, deploying or commercially operating 4G LTE networks now has grown to about 200 worldwide, up from 160 in 2010. And such widespread support will drive carrier spending on LTE to surpass 3.5G by next year.”

On the road to LTE
For infrastructure manufacturers and semiconductor suppliers, LTE represents a strong revenue growth potential and an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with carriers. To this end, manufacturers are developing hardware solutions labeled as “Any G to LTE” that support easy software upgrades to LTE, while maintaining backward compatibility with the legacy 2.5G and 2.75G wireless technologies still in use in some parts of the world.

“The vendors that will win in the transition to 4G will be those that can demonstrate cost-effective, upgradable solutions capable of delivering performance as defined by the LTE specifications,” Rebello said.

Supporting peak data rates that are significantly faster than the maximum speeds of 3.5G/3.7G technologies, LTE represents an all-Internet Protocol networking technology. LTE also offers advantages like reduced latency, flexible bandwidth provisioning, and lower cost-per-data-bit transmitted. These features will be the key ingredients to supporting the exponential data traffic growth on networks expected to occur during the next few years.

Silicon value
Like the vendors now competing in the 4G equipment area, silicon suppliers also must be ready to meet the challenges and demands that LTE solutions place on semiconductors and hardware architectures, with suppliers able to deliver price-competitive solutions.

In particular, the 4G networks of the future must evolve to more heterogeneous architectures such as metro cells, which will be used to augment coverage or fill holes in areas of high data traffic. These metro cells—also known as small cells—will be used alongside Wi-Fi hotspots to provide coverage in public spaces, IHS believes.

At present, semiconductor suppliers are trying to address the challenge of metro cells with solutions that reflect their heritage. For instance, Texas Instruments Inc. and Freescale Semiconductor Inc. are targeting the metro cell market with digital signal processing (DSP) solutions. Meanwhile, companies like PicoChip Ltd. and Broadcom Corp. are trying to address the same issue with scaled-up versions of their system-on-chip solutions for femto base stations.

To be sure, such solutions will require tremendous flexibility in networking equipment, and the solutions likely will have to be tailored to the needs of the individual operators. And even for a given operator, such needs will vary by location.

Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.

Software development outsourcer uses WSO2 ESB and WSO2 BAM to deliver mobile transportation APIs

PALO ALTO, USA: WSO2 announced that Godel Technologies (GodelTech) has implemented an API platform for the transportation services agency of a major euro zone city using two products from the WSO2 Carbon enterprise middleware platform. W2O2 Enterprise Service Bus (WSO2 ESB) serves as the service-oriented architecture (SOA) backbone for delivering mobile trip planning APIs. WSO2 Business Activity Monitor (WSO2 BAM) provides visibility into system performance and mobile services traffic.

A new GodelTech case study from WSO2 describes how the company has used WSO2 ESB to integrate 26 different applications and services and create a flexible SOA, which has enabled new services to be developed in as little as two weeks. The case study also examines the middleware selection process and use of WSO2 BAM to provide statistics for managing system capacity and billing users for premium SMS services.

“We’ve been very pleased with the results we have been able to achieve using WSO2 ESB and WSO2 BAM for the transportation mobile services project,” said Simon Bilton, GodelTech head of professional services. “We look forward to working with these and other WSO2 Carbon middleware products in our future SOA projects.”

“As a proven provider of outsourced software development, GodelTech understands the value of a fully open source, open standards-based enterprise middleware platform for creating a next-generation API platform based upon an agile SOA,” said Paul Fremantle, WSO2 co-founder and CTO. “We are thrilled by GodelTech’s innovation in using our WSO2 ESB and WSO2 BAM to enable state-of-the-art mobile services for commuters and a flexible SOA that the transportation agency can grow and adapt as needed.”

NFC Forum members to demo innovative solutions in Frankfurt

WAKEFIELD, USA: The NFC Forum, a non-profit industry association that advances the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, will host a Solutions Showcase at a reception in Frankfurt, Germany on February 8, where six member companies will demonstrate their NFC-enabled products and services.

Attendance at the reception is free of charge, but advance registration is required. The event will take place from 6 to 8 PM in the Lemons & Limes Bar at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center, and refreshments will be served.

"We are looking forward to the NFC Forum's inaugural Solutions Showcase as an energizing complement to our Members Meeting in Frankfurt," said Koichi Tagawa, NFC Forum chairman. "We encourage everyone who's interested in innovation to join us at the reception and find out firsthand what's behind the current excitement about NFC technology, and to enjoy refreshments with us in a relaxed and informal setting."

The Frankfurt demonstrations will showcase a range of NFC use cases:

AT4 wireless, an NFC Forum testing partner, will demonstrate its RIDER NFC Test tool for NFC Forum Digital Protocol and Analogue RF specifications; the product incorporates both test suites. The company is interested in meeting NFC ecosystem stakeholders, including device manufacturers, telecommunications operators, and test laboratories, at the Frankfurt event.

HOTech demonstrations will include NFC FieldService, a data collection and processing solution supporting field service activities; NFC Patrol, for patrol guard and security services management; NFCampus, a management solution applicable to academic and similar environments; and NFC Art Pro, which supports cultural heritage activities and artifacts management.

ITN International Inc. will demonstrate the functionality and the business case for deploying and using NFC at events, via its Touch 'N Go Event Solutions. The company's demonstration will also show how cities, convention centers, transportation systems, hotels, restaurants, retailers and event producers can benefit from deploying citywide NFC credentials.

NEXPERTS will showcase its NFC-enabled mobile wallets for payment instruments such as PayPass and payWave cards as well as membership cards, coupons, tickets, and access credentials. The Next-Generation Wallet combines an open-loop payment system with loyalty features in a single tap.

Sony Corp. will show attendees a set of healthcare devices from different manufacturers that make use of its NFC Dynamic Tag chip to provide NFC support. Demonstrated devices will include step counters, blood pressure monitors, and weighing scales. The data measured by those devices can then be retrieved by a mobile phone via NFC. Sony will also present an Arduino-based NFC Dynamic Tag evaluation board and an Android library that simplifies the development of applications reading data from those NFC-enabled healthcare devices.

TUOMI IT SA will demonstrate its NFC-based interactive presentation, information, and verification system for other firms' products, its NFC-based object and service management support system for quality control and external services, and its mobile data collection with NFC and GPS. The company will also show its NFC Smart Posters for children, such as posters with jungle animals, pictures from different countries, or musical instruments.

RoutoMessaging intros world’s first SMS expert offering

Mobile World Congress 2012, LONDON, UK: Global mobile messaging operator RoutoMessaging announced the launch of SMS Expert to help more businesses boost sales, enhance customer satisfaction and beat the economic downturn through the adoption of SMS.

SMS Expert makes trawling through endless online forums and consulting your social network to get your questions answered a thing of the past. With SMS Expert, you book an appointment online and ask anything about your mobile messaging objectives. An SMS guru provides impartial help and guidance free of charge and draws upon RoutoMessaging’s deep SMS knowledge base and expertise built up over a decade.

With major analysts predicting global SMS expenditure to rocket beyond 15 billion Euros in 2015, it is clear that many businesses already embrace the benefits of SMS integration into their sales, marketing and customer service strategies.

Yet by contrast, RoutoMessaging recognises there are millions of businesses who are still not able to send bulk SMS notifications or transactional SMS alerts due to lack of understanding or resources. Such businesses are now able to explore how to profit from SMS, bounce ideas and discuss technical proposals with a true SMS Expert. Using a consultative approach, SMS Expert presents independent advice and recommendations after capturing an intimate understanding of the customer’s needs.

“SMS Expert breaks the mould of asking a service provider how to do something and getting a one-sided sales pitch. SMS Expert is geared to accommodate questions from experienced SMS senders to those taking first steps”, said Marko Dukanac, product manager. “Whether the question is about what regulations affect SMS campaigns in specific country or how to navigate the minefield of mobile number portability, SMS Expert has it totally covered.“

Next billion mobile connections: still some way to go

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The next billion mobile connections will mainly come from remote rural areas in emerging markets, with most users in these areas willing to invest in the right device and service combination, according to Ovum.

In a new report, the independent telecoms analyst firm states that while users in these areas typically don’t have access to basic infrastructure or utilities, they are aware of the transformative potential of mobile phones and are eager to invest in a convenient device.

Shiv Putcha, Ovum Telecoms Analyst and author of the report commented: “Emerging markets will account for the bulk of the next billion connections, and despite increasing awareness of smartphones, these users will primarily purchase entry-level and feature phones.

“Users from the next billion have a distinct hierarchy of expectations from their devices including durability, problem-solving features, versatility and connectivity. However, while connectivity is highly desirable, it is generally unaffordable, challenging to use and impractical for most users in rural and remote communities.”

Putcha also noted that the popularity of smartphones is rising sharply, and there are examples of strong smartphone sales in some emerging markets. However, Ovum doesn’t expect average selling prices to fall quickly enough for smartphones to be a viable option for the majority of users in the next billion.

Device charging solutions are as crucial to the next billion as the device itself. While mobile phone battery life has improved considerably in the last few years, access to electricity in remote and rural areas has not. As a result, users in these areas have to factor the cost of recharging devices into their total cost of ownership or value considerations when buying a phone.

Putcha concluded: “The business of charging devices is progressing, and several charging solutions are already available from device vendors, NGOs, and startups. These can be standalone accessories designed exclusively for mobile phones, or appliances that provide electricity for multiple functions such as lighting as well as charging a mobile phone.”

Interface Masters announces 48 port 1U hybrid managed switch

SAN JOSE, USA: Interface Masters Technologies, an industry leader in high speed networking systems, today announced a 48 port Hybrid 10GE SFP+ and 1G RJ45 managed switch series in a 1U form factor. The system Niagara 2924-24TG is designed to integrate with Datacenter, Blade servers, Carrier Ethernet and Metro Ethernet devices, HPC clusters, enterprise storage systems, IT Security Appliances and Central Office applications.

The system is built for optimal flexibility providing up to 24 of 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports for multi-mode or single mode fiber media configuration and 24 ports of 1 Gigabit RJ45. Based on 10 Gigabit Marvell’s Prestera packet processor, the Niagara 2924-24TG possesses a powerful and full-featured software suite that can be managed remotely via the management or console port, enabling full control over line-rate switching, routing and filtering.

The Niagara 2924-24TG series joins the Niagara 29xx product family, which ensures that the optimal combination of port density, configuration and speed flexibility are offered for each unique application without compromising the premium functionality, management interface and Layer 2-4 software platform that is available across the entire product line.

“Interface Masters is pleased to introduce the Datacenter, Service Provider and Enterprise markets to a highly flexible, comprehensive and unique high port density 10 Gigabit Managed Switch enabling connectivity from 1G legacy devices to 10G servers and network,” states Ben Askarinam, founder and CEO of Interface Masters. “The Niagara 2924-24TG was designed specifically to address the growing market demand for line-rate 10GE performance with a unique hybrid 1U approach offering up to 24 Ports of 10GE SFP+ with 24 extra ports to support existing 1G infrastructure.”

XConnect and IPV to reduce cost, complexity of video calling and conferencing

LONDON, UK: IP networks will handle 1 million minutes of video every second by 2012, Cisco forecasts. To reduce the cost and complexity of video communications and drive adoption of video services, XConnect and IPV today announced a partnership that will enable end users to make point-to-point video calls without expensive manual intervention and bridges.

Under the agreement, XConnect’s ENUM registry services will be combined with IPV’s Federated Inter-Xchange (FIX) to route calls between video endpoints and across multiple networks.

This integration will enable customers to implement a standard dialing format across private and public networks while continuing to use their current internal dialing plans. Conversion between the ENUM and customer dialing plans will be automatic. This means customers can make calls across network boundaries directly, without a bridge, just as they do in the audio world – boosting adoption of video services and revenues for video service providers.

The agreement will benefit XConnect’s Video Interconnection Exchange (VIE) members and IPV’s major managed service provider customers as they can now offer enriched total solutions to meet their customers’ requirements for high-quality, ubiquitous services.

“Our partnership with IPV is the latest example of how XConnect is enabling service providers worldwide to connect video ‘islands’ so their customers can make video calls as easily as voice calls,” said XConnect CEO, Eli Katz. “With our collaboration with IPV, service providers can now provide end-to-end quality of service, security and ease of use for their video customers worldwide.”

“IPV’s ability to securely route calls across network boundaries with QoS transliteration and IP address conflict resolution on and off public networks, combined with XConnect’s ENUM registry services, opens up the video space so that end users can maximize return on their video investment,” said IPV president, Pat Montani.

MTN extends managed services partnership with Ericsson

ACCRA, GHANA: MTN a leading telecommunications company with a presence in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East, announced the extension of its managed services agreement with Ericsson for its Ghana operations. With 49 percent market share, MTN is the premier operator in Ghana which is one of Africa’s fastest growing markets. In 2011, it grew by around 18 percent in the country to serve over 10 million subscribers.

This announcement marks the extension of the first managed services contract between Ericsson and MTN, originally signed in 2009 in connection to the rollout of MTN's 3G network in Ghana. Under the extension, Ericsson is responsible for network operations, field maintenance and optimization.

Jon Hoffmann, CTO, MTN Ghana said, “Our first two years together achieved the results we were hoping for: we could focus on subscriber growth, and Ericsson delivered network reliability and efficiencies.”

MTN will retain full ownership of the network and responsibility for its strategic direction, while Ericsson will manage the network operations, optimization and field maintenance for MTN’s 3G sites.

"MTN and Ericsson collaborate in many areas across this and other regions for several years now and in Ghana we are especially pleased to have been part of the journey towards 10 million subscribers,” says Valter D`Avino, head of Managed Services Ericsson. “With Ericsson continuing to run the operations of the network, MTN will be able to dedicate even more time and focus on delivering innovative products and services relevant to the needs of their customers."

Globally, Ericsson has signed more than 300 managed services contracts in more than 100 countries. Ericsson manages networks on behalf of operators that serve over 850 million subscribers worldwide. By teaming up with Ericsson, operators can strengthen their competitive edge through improved network availability and capacity, while reducing their operating costs. This, in turn, increases market growth for mobile services, which helps improve the quality of services and the end-user experience.

CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia to shape future of technology and communications

SINGAPORE: CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia, the most established infocomm technology (ICT) and media communications event of its kind in Asia, is poised to return with a large showing. Both shows have seen more than 85 per cent of their exhibition space taken up by exhibitors, with five months to go before the event – held from June 19-22, 2012 at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands and award-winning Suntec Singapore respectively.

As the premier global business networking platform and launch pad for companies to introduce cutting-edge technologies and solutions, CommunicAsia2012 and BroadcastAsia2012 will highlight pertinent industry developments and address emerging trends as well as provide enhanced networking opportunities for industry professionals from around the world.

EnterpriseIT, held in conjunction with CommunicAsia, will showcase innovative applications and end-to-end solutions across the entire value chain and transform the way companies operate and communicate internally and beyond. And once again, the event will present Asia’s largest contingent of satellite companies witnessed at any single event.

“CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia today are the only truly international shows in Asia where business professionals across a range of industries come together in one city for one week. Strong support and endorsement from over 20 leading trade associations including the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC), Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) and others, helps to strengthen our mix of industry-leading exhibitors and visitors from across the globe,” says Victor Wong, Project Director of Communications Events, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES).

“We are proud to provide an efficacious launch pad for our exhibitors to showcase the latest and best that technology has to offer. This exclusive platform continues to play a pivotal part in driving the conversation for development within the industry.”

Following the success of last year’s event, which attracted a total of over 53,000 professional attendees from more than 100 countries, attendees to this year’s shows can look forward to a myriad of the newest technologies, products and solutions from 2,000 multinational and small and medium companies. Visitors can avail of opportunities to listen to industry luminaries, network with business leaders and government officials and forge business partnerships.

CommunicAsia2012: Shaping vision, creating reality
CommunicAsia2012 will feature breakthrough developments in NextGen Networks and satellite technology, as well as a sneak peek into the latest market-ready devices and mobile apps and solutions and dynamic industry deals set to alter ICT in Asia and beyond.

Leading returning exhibitors include Falcon Interactive, FiberHome, Globecast, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Irdeto, Netop Technology, PCCW Global, Prysmian, Rosenberger, ST Electronics, Tektronix and Tata Communications; new participants include Anritsu, Aver Information, Hitachi Critical Facilities Protection and Novelsat.

Fastidiously designed to meet the evolving needs of the global technology community
This year’s show will provide more exhibition space and hospitality suite options for exhibitors. There will be more than 20 international group pavilions, including representation from Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, USA and more.

Five Techzones, focusing on ‘Fibre’ for NextGen Services, Cloud Services and Security, M2M, mCommerce and Telepresence – will feature cutting-edge products, technologies and solutions, presenting the most relevant and current solutions for businesses and enterprises across the value chain.

Setting the stage for global industry leaders to share their knowledge, the CommunicAsia2012 Summit will offer distinctly titled forums and workshops that address the most compelling issues and challenges for the ICT industry with the spotlight on mobile-driven trends this year. Extended sessions dedicated to mobile-focused topics encompassing m-Commerce, Mobile VAS, and Mobile Security issues will be added to the conference, alongside the latest tracks on Mobile Payments, Mobile Health, Customer Experience Management (CEM), and OTT Business Models.

In conjunction with CommunicAsia2012, EnterpriseIT2012 is expected to take up 40 per cent of exhibition space at Marina Bay Sands, with exhibitors comprising international software and IT systems providers, and companies offering enterprise solutions. These include key companies such as Consistel, CrimsonLogic, Emerson Network Power, Extreme Networks, Mindwave Solutions, NComputing, Planet Technology Corporation, Providence Solutions, SecureAge Technology, Starvision, Stellent Solutions and Terra Systems.

In addition, the CommunicAsia2012 Summit sessions will also feature tracks dedicated to enhancing enterprises’ capabilities, especially towards mobile technologies and applications such as M2M, mCommerce, Cloud Computing and more. These topics will cater to companies in the healthcare, retail, hospitality and other sectors.

BroadcastAsia2012: Integrating technologies, experiencing content
Asia’s leading digital media, entertainment and film industry event, BroadcastAsia continues to move beyond broadcasting to highlight the convergence of technologies and solutions relevant to the fast-changing media landscape.

BroadcastAsia2012 will showcase a global array of the latest technologies, applications, equipment and solutions in Film, Audio and TV with a spotlight on Multi Streaming Technologies, Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV), Playout Services, Pro-Audio Technology, Over The Top (OTT) Technology, Cloud Broadcasting and Digital Radio.

Returning exhibitors at the show include ATG, Blackmagic, Evertz, EVS, Gospell, Grass Valley, Harmonic, Harris, Miranda, Salzbrenner Stagetec, Sennheiser, Snell, Tektronix, VSN and more. The exhibition welcomes some new exhibitors –Envivio, Hitachi Kokusai Linear, Ideal Systems, Nippon Electronics, NTT Electrics, Pliat and Toshiba among others - and locally-based companies Alphatron, AV Lite; Broadcast Professional, Cathay Photo, H Warta, Lemo, and more. Visitors can look forward to nine international group pavilions and a larger Cinematography/Film/Production Zone on the show floors.

Backed by an international panel of speakers and industry veterans, the BroadcastAsia2012 International Conference and Creative Content Production Conferences return this year with a behind-the-scenes look at the latest technologies and techniques panning out in the market. With the growing momentum behind Smart TVs, Cloud Broadcasting, Multi-platform and OTT delivery and the challenges of managing an effective PayTV model as well as digital asset management, the BroadcastAsia2012 International Conference will offer more sessions to address the latest needs and technologies in the broadcasting industry.

In its 3rd successful installment, the Creative Content Production Conference will return with two days of conference sessions and an add-on day of workshops this year. The conference will comprise a mix of topical issues, case studies and hands-on sessions to address the evolving challenges faced by production professionals from new media and visual effects to editing and IP rights.

Market for mobile healthcare apps will grow to $1.3 billion in 2012

GERMANY: The smartphone application market for mobile healthcare will reach $1.3 billion in 2012 – up from $718 million in 2011. Despite this substantial growth, the mHealth market is still in an embryonic state – especially in comparison to the $6 trillion of the overall global healthcare market.

Several factors (especially, smartphone penetration), will continue, however, to drive mHealth market growth over the next couple of years. These findings are part of our new Mobile Health Market Report 2011-2016 report.

The increase of revenue stems from downloads, in-app advertisements, mHealth services, direct transactions and sensor sales. As a number of big healthcare companies published mHealth apps in 2011 that go far beyond a simple allergy tracker or pill reminder (e.g., Sanofi Aventis’ sensor-based iBGStar Diabetis monitoring app) sensors are a growing part of the landscape.

In 2012 the number of mHealth application users – mobile users who downloaded a smartphone mHealth application at least once – will reach 247 million. Compared to the 124 million users who downloaded mHealth smarthphone applications in 2011, this is a near doubling.

The technical aspects of the healthcare landscape are changing rapidly and fundamentally. Healthcare data, the number of healthcare apps and their usage on mobile phones is growing. It is all evolving around smartphones and sensors attached to the phone.

McAfee Mobile Security 2.0 combines powerful new security features for smartphone and tablet users

SANTA CLARA, USA: McAfee has announced the next generation of McAfee Mobile Security software, providing smartphone and tablet owners with more controls to preserve their privacy and protection against financial fraud, identity theft and viruses.

Available now, McAfee Mobile Security 2.0 supports Google Android-based smartphones and tablets, including those running on Intel architecture as well as BlackBerry and Symbian smartphones. New features include McAfee App Alert, which provides important information about what apps are doing with users’ personal information. Call and SMS filtering block unwanted numbers and spam texts.

The app is also powered by the McAfee Global Threat Intelligence network, which constantly analyzes global threat data to identify and quickly block new threats with over-the-air app updates.

“McAfee Mobile Security 2.0 now offers Android, BlackBerry and Symbian users definitive mobile technology to protect against the most harmful threats to mobile devices today,” said John Thode, executive VP and GM, Consumer, Mobile and Small Business at McAfee. “It is increasingly clear that using a smartphone without security means any sensitive information, such as photos, bank account information or company data on that mobile device is at risk of falling into the wrong hands.”

A Cisco study recently found that half of the respondents would rather lose their wallet or purse than their smartphone – a startling indication of the integral role mobile devices play in our lives. With vast amounts of personal and business data now found on phones and tablets, mobile security threats continue to increase and threaten this information. McAfee Mobile Security software helps smartphone and tablet users embrace mobile technology with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their devices and data are safe from cybercriminals.

McAfee Mobile Security software provides:
Complete Anti-virus, Anti-spyware and Anti-phishing Protection: Scans for malicious code from files, memory cards, applications, Internet downloads and text messages.

Protection from Potentially Unwanted Programs: McAfee is the first to protect users from applications that include commercial spyware, adware and dialers, despite the fact that these programs may have been downloaded in conjunction with a program that the user wants.

Web Protection: McAfee SiteAdvisor protects against Web threats by blocking risky links within SMS, email and social networking sites. It also safeguards against potential phishing sites, browser exploits and malicious quick response (QR) codes.

Anti-theft Protection:
Device Lock: Prevents misuse of the user’s phone and personal data by remotely locking all data, including the data on the memory (SIM) card, and displaying a "contact me" message on the device.

Remotely Wipe Data: Protects the user’s privacy by remotely deleting the data on the phone and removable memory card. It can also back up data before the remote wipe to prevent the loss of data on the device.

Backup and Restore Data: Preserves irreplaceable personal information on demand, on a schedule, or before wiping a missing smartphone, then restores information to the new device.

Locate and Track: Helps users to recover their smartphone if it is lost or stolen. Users can view the device’s location on a map, send an SMS to prompt its return, and use a remote alarm to make it "scream”.

App Protection: McAfee App Alert for Android helps users keep private data private by interpreting how apps are accessing and possibly transmitting personal data.

Call and SMS Filtering: Easily filters out spammers, incorrect numbers and unwanted texts.

Online Management: The McAfee Web portal lets users quickly execute needed security tasks, such as backup, restore, locate, and remote lock and wipe.

Uninstall Protection: Prevents a thief or another user from bypassing their McAfee mobile protection.

McAfee Mobile Security 2.0 costs $29.99 for new subscribers. Existing McAfee Mobile Security subscribers can download the updated software for free.

Slow growth ahead for telecom service provider revenues and capex

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The telecoms industry rebounded in 2011, 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 service provider (SP) capex and revenues grew an estimated 12 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively in 2011, with capex reaching $314 billion and revenues $1,962 billion.

However, the report forecasts that SP revenues will advance at a CAGR of 2.9 per cent over the 2010-2017 period, which is markedly down from the historic CAGR of 6.3 per cent achieved in 2004-2010. There is a similar slowdown with capex: capex expanded at a CAGR of 6.5 per cent in 2004-2010, but this will likely slow to 3.1 per cent in 2010-2017.

“2011 represents a good bounce-back for the industry,” noted report author and Ovum principal analyst Matt Walker. “Macroeconomic weakness is constraining top-line SP revenue growth. Service providers are coping with this reality by aggressively attacking their cost structures, both capex and opex.”

On the capex front, Walker explained that SPs have a number of tools to control costs without necessarily sacrificing competitiveness: network sharing, software-based network elements and features, pay-as-you-grow contractual terms, joint procurement, and M&A will all be important.

According to the report, on the opex side, carriers are increasingly turning to outsourcing, which has helped expand the telco infrastructure services market to US$71bn.

Walker commented: “This shift of SPs' opex to external vendors through outsourcing will bring new opportunities, particularly in the area of services. Also, mobile operators’ share of total capex will continue to advance, from 56 per cent in 2011 to 62 per cent in 2017.”

Telit selects Calixto as its India Competence Center

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Telit Wireless Solutions, a global leader in the field of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, has selected Calixto Systems Pvt. Ltd., a Bangalore- based leading embedded product realization company, as its India Competence Center. Calixto was chosen as the Telit Competence Center for India based on its expertise in designing GSM/GPRS/CDMA/GPS-based products and its proven capabilities in high-level system design, hardware design including PCB design, software and firmware development.

As part of its core distribution strategy, Telit-designated Competence Centers play a critical role in offering M2M design, development and integration assistance to customers worldwide. The main objective of the Competence Center is to identify and execute a design for a specific customer application based on Telit’s technologies. In conjunction with Telit's distribution network, the Competence Center will also work with customers to develop concepts and ideas to realize target solutions for GSM/GPRS/CDMA/GPS products.

Together with Telit, Calixto Systems has already developed four solutions based on Telit’s GL868-DUAL product, which is the smallest GSM/GPRS surface-mounted module in the market. The solutions include:

* Data Concentration Unit (DCU) for electrical sub stations.
* Unique GPRS tower-based tracking unit.
* Entry-level monitoring and control solution.
* Intelligent remote monitoring and control solution.

Asian capex expected to grow at more subdued 5.7 percent in 2012 compared to 29.1 percent in 2011

SINGAPORE: “A number of Asian operators are bracing themselves for a quickening in 3G and 4G subscriber adoption in 2012,” says Jake Saunders, VP of forecasting. “Asian capital expenditure in 2012 is forecasted to increase 5.7 percent year-on-year to $58.8 billion.” Across the region, over 63 percent of the CAPEX budget for 2012 will focus on the construction of radio access network infrastructure, 8 percent on upgrades and capacity expansions to the core network, and 29 percent on development of new technologies and new businesses, construction of backhaul transmission facilities, etc.

Several Japanese operators are stepping up their 4G marketing and promotional campaigns:

* NTT DoCoMo is expected to have transitioned 100 percent of its subscribers to 3G/4G services by the end of March 2012 and switch off its 2G network completely. MTT DoCoMo completed a soft launch of its 4G LTE service in December 2010 and subscribers have ratcheted up to 0.66 percent (390,000) of the operator’s installed base.

* KDDI’s WiMAX subsidiary achieved 1.237 million users (3.54 percent share of installed base) and 95 percent+ coverage of Japan’s main cities.

* SoftBank plans to launch its 4G TD-LTE service in mid-February or March and has announced that TD-LTE smartphones will be on retail shelves by mid-2012.

In China, China Mobile has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE development so as to further develop mobile Internet services and enable the “Internet of Things.” China Unicom’s investment strategy has been to accelerate 3G network building, optimize 2G network coverage, expedite indoor coverage, and establish WiFi hotspot zones to increase network capacity. China Telecom is focused on rolling out integrated information service projects, strengthened the integration of wireline and mobile IT platforms, and implementing risk control systems.

In India, by contrast, only 10 to 20 percent of base stations are 3G-based. Operators like Idea are adding around 2,000 new cell sites per quarter to their networks and almost 3,000 3G base stations in base station upgrades and new cell site deployments.

Apple retakes smartphone lead in Q4; Samsung grabs top spot for full-year 2011

EL SEGUNDO, USA: After losing market leadership in the third quarter, Apple Inc. returned to the No. 1 rank in global smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter as consumers flocked to buy the newly introduced iPhone 4S. Meanwhile, based on strong sales of its broad line of smartphone products, Samsung has become the world’s largest smartphone brand for the entire year of 2011, marking the first time the South Korean electronics giant has held this distinction.

The table presents the shipments of smartphone companies that have reported results for the fourth quarter of 2011 to date. It doesn't include results of other major companies that haven't reported yet.Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.

Apple in the fourth quarter of 2011 shipped 37 million smartphones worldwide, up 117 percent from 17 million in the second quarter. This represented the strongest sequential quarterly growth among the Top 5 smartphone brands. Apple’s strong performance allowed it to slightly exceed Samsung’s total of 36 million.

Apple in the fourth quarter took the top spot in the market, displacing Samsung, which dropped to second place. Previously in the third quarter, Samsung had usurped Apple to take over the No. 1 rank, which Apple had attained for the first time in the second quarter.

“Apple’s introduction of the 4S in the fourth quarter unleashed tremendous pent-up demand for the iPhone as consumers awaited the arrival of the latest model,” said Wayne Lam, senior analyst, wireless communications at IHS. “This caused the company’s smartphone shipments to surge, allowing it to retake market leadership by a slight margin. However, Apple and Samsung continue to run neck and neck in global smartphone shipments, setting up a tight battle for leadership that will continue throughout 2012.”

Samsung for the entire year of 2011 shipped 95 million smartphones, up an explosive 278 percent from 25 million in 2010. This industry-leading growth allowed it to pass both Apple and previous market leader Nokia to take the No. 1 rank for the entire year of 2011.

“Samsung advanced in 2011 because of its strategy of offering a complete line of smartphone products, spanning a variety of price points, features and operating systems,” Lam said. “This enabled Samsung to move past perennial market leader Nokia and to slightly exceed Apple’s total for the year.”

For its part, Apple posted the second-best performance of all smartphone brands for the entire year of 2011, with its shipments nearly doubling to 93 million units, up from 47 million in 2010.

The market share battle between Apple and Samsung reflects the competition between the two leading smartphone operating systems and ecosystems: Apple's iOS and Google's Android.

However, the other major Android licensees—Sony Ericsson and Motorola—did not match Samsung’s strong smartphone performance in the fourth quarter or for the entire year.

“The relatively small growth of Sony Ericsson and Motorola may indicate that the Android smartphone market is becoming too crowded as the various licensees compete for limited consumer mindshare and shelf space,” Lam said.

Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.

Global handset shipments reach 1.6 billion units in 2011

BOSTON, USA: According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global handset shipments grew 11 percent annually to reach 445 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. Apple was the star performer, capturing a record 8 percent market share worldwide during the quarter. Full-year handset shipments reached 1.6 billion units globally in 2011, with annual growth of 14 percent.

Alex Spektor, associate director at Strategy Analytics, said: “Despite continued macroeconomic difficulties in major markets like Western Europe, global handset shipments grew a reasonable 11 percent annually to reach 445 million units in Q4 2011. Apple was the star performer, shipping 37 million iPhones worldwide and capturing a highest-ever 8 percent market share. Apple’s growth was fueled by intense demand for its refreshed iPhone 4S, as well as the availability of three generations of iPhones at a variety of price points at operators like AT&T in the United States.”

Neil Mawston, executive director, added: “Nokia’s global handset shipments declined 8 percent annually to 113.5 million units in Q4 2011. Volumes were buoyed by the sales of Nokia’s low-end dual-SIM models in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, but were a little soft overall, as initial shipments of Microsoft Lumia phones could not offset declining Symbian sales. Hot on Nokia’s heels, second-ranked Samsung captured 21 percent share with shipments of 95 million units. Samsung’s 18 percent annual growth was fueled by robust shipments of its broad Galaxy-branded 3G portfolio, headlined by the Galaxy S2 superphone.”

Tom Kang, director at Strategy Analytics, added: “Smartphone specialist Apple shipped 93 million handsets worldwide in 2011, nearly doubling the previous year’s volumes. Currently, in just its fifth year of participation in the handset market, Apple is on track to ship well over 100 million units during 2012. China is becoming a key market for Apple this year, and we expect Apple’s share to grow rapidly in 2012, despite countless copycat rivals.”Source: Strategy Analytics, USA.

Apple becomes world's largest smartphone vendor in Q4 2011

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments grew 54 percent annually to reach a record 155 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. Apple reclaimed top position as the world’s number one smartphone vendor during the quarter.

Alex Spektor, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics, said, “Global smartphone shipments grew 54 percent annually to reach a record 155.0 million units in Q4 2011. Apple overtook Samsung to become the world’s largest smartphone vendor by volume with 24 percent market share. Apple’s global smartphone shipments surged 128 percent annually to 37.0 million units, as distribution of the iPhone family expanded across numerous countries, dozens of operators and multiple price points.”

Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “While Apple took the top spot in smartphones on a quarterly basis, Samsung became the market leader in annual terms for the first time with 20 percent global share during 2011. With global smartphone shipments nearing half a billion units in 2011, Samsung is now well positioned alongside Apple in a two-horse race at the forefront of one of the world’s largest and most valuable consumer electronics markets.”

Tom Kang, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Nokia’s global smartphone market share halved from 33 percent in 2010 to 16 percent in 2011. A lackluster touchscreen smartphone portfolio and a limited presence in the huge United States market caused Nokia’s shrinkage last year. Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft will be very much in focus during 2012, and the industry will be watching closely to see how swiftly the two companies can expand in the high-value 4G LTE market that is rapidly emerging across the United States, Japan and elsewhere.”Source: Strategy Analytics, USA.

Ethertronics EtherSmart LTE 1.0 phone adaptive antenna solution nominated for GSMA global mobile awards in best technology breakthrough category

SAN DIEGO, USA: Ethertronics, a leading technology company enabling innovative antenna and RF system solutions to deliver the best connected experience, announced its EtherSmart LTE 1.0 Phone Adaptive Antenna solution has been nominated for the GSMA 2012 Global Mobile Awards in the Best Technology Breakthrough category.

As part of its active antenna systems portfolio, EtherSmart LTE 1.0 is being recognized for its ability to meet global wireless carrier and OEM specifications for the challenging industrial designs that exist for LTE mobile phones.

EtherSmart LTE 1.0, a Phone Adaptive Antenna system solution, uses Active Impedance Matching techniques to enable a 50 percent reduction in physical antenna volume while maintaining optimal performance and consistent connection to the network. The additional space can be used to add more components for increased functionality.

Alternatively, these techniques can be used to cover a wider bandwidth in the same antenna volume. In addition, for OEMs, time-to-market is reduced since EtherSmart LTE 1.0 is able to dynamically re-tune itself when changes are made to the device during the design process.

Significantly reducing the antenna design process allows OEMs to save time and money in bringing products to market. This solution includes patented tuning capabilities that result in better phone performance – even in the smallest of form factors and independent of how a person holds their phone. EtherSmart LTE 1.0 is unique in that no other solution like it is available on the market.

“We are thrilled that our EtherSmart LTE 1.0 Phone Adaptive Antenna Solution is being honored by the GSMA,” said Laurent Desclos, president and CEO of Ethertronics. “This acknowledgement validates our vision that active antenna system solutions are the future of mobile devices. This is the first generation of our active antenna systems portfolio with much more innovation to come. Our global team is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for next-generation networks such as 4G LTE and beyond.”

“Reflecting the intensity of competition and innovation across the mobile ecosystem, we saw a record 600 entries and an exceptionally high quality field of contenders vying for this year’s Global Mobile Awards,” said Michael O’Hara, chief marketing officer, GSMA. “It is a significant achievement to have made the shortlist, and our warmest congratulations go to all the nominees. We look forward to the unveiling of the winners at the Mobile World Congress next month.”

ITU approves G3-PLC as new worldwide smart grid standard

SUNNYVALE, USA: Maxim Integrated Products announced that its G3-PLC protocol has been approved by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a new low-frequency, OFDM-based narrowband powerline communications (NB-PLC) standard.

In partnership with Electricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF) and Sagemcom, Maxim developed the G3-PLC specification to promote open-endedness and interoperability among smart grid implementations. Currently, the G3-PLC is the only NB-PLC standard that supports the IPv6 internet protocol to allow new internet-based energy management systems.

The specification also optimizes bandwidth, corrects errors, and provides a higher data rate that supports two-way communication for demand response and other smart grid applications. The result is an increase in the performance reliability of crossing transformers, enabling a dramatic reduction in deployment costs.

Last year, Maxim introduced the MAX2992, a PLC modem that pairs with the MAX2991 analog front-end (AFE) to provide the first fully compliant G3-PLC chipset solution. Today, several manufacturers offer ITU-compatible G3-PLC solutions based on this chipset, and one such solution is already being deployed in France. With the approval of G3-PLC as an international standard and with available solutions from multiple sources, utility companies can now plan their deployments utilizing G3-PLC to achieve cost-effective smart grid systems with confidence.

Adding intelligence into the existing power grid is a capital-intensive undertaking, and utilities have not wanted to make such a large investment without assurance that the standard they have chosen will be widely adopted. With the ITU’s support, G3-PLC has become one of those accepted standards.

“The approved ITU NB-PLC family of international standards will be a fundamental building block for realizing a robust smart grid anywhere in the world, and will allow utilities to start immediate deployment of NB-PLC on a worldwide basis,” stated ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Touré.*

Maxim and 11 other companies founded the G3-PLC Alliance last year to support the deployment of the G3-PLC protocol. “Both the formation of the G3-PLC Alliance and the final NB-PLC standard approval from the ITU provide the standardization and support that utilities need to begin deployments with the G3-PLC protocol,” said Michael Navid, executive business manager for Powerline Products at Maxim.

“The rapid ITU standardization and industry support for the G3-PLC Alliance are testaments to the advantages of G3-PLC and its ability to meet the speed, robustness, and ranges demanded by large-scale powerline networks.”

“One of the goals for the G3-PLC Alliance is to support standardization around the G3-PLC specification as an open international standard,” said Jean Vigneron, secretary-general for G3-PLC Alliance. “ITU is the first standards organization that has fully adopted it. We have this international standard today thanks to the dedication of many experienced experts in the field of communications and advanced metering infrastructure for the past several years.”

The G3-PLC open-standard approach and its global support enable developers to seamlessly adapt this next-generation PLC platform.

Spectrum Networks expands network with new data center connection

SEATTLE, USA: Spectrum Networks, one of the largest, independent Internet providers in the Northwest, has expanded its network presence in the Puget Sound area with a new point of presence (POP) in Kanobe/BDS data center located in Bothell, Washington.

This new data center addition complements Spectrum Network’s existing deployments in many of the region’s premier data centers including the Westin Building, Pittock Block Building (Portland), Adhost Data Center at Fisher Plaza, 1000 Denny and Sabey’s Intergate Tukwila campus.

With the addition of this new connection, Spectrum Networks is now interconnected to Black Rock Cable’s extensive fiber optic network in the North Puget Sound region, thus providing first-rate access to Ethernet transport services between data centers for thousands of North Sound businesses via Spectrum Network’s reliable, ultra high-speed and enterprise-quality IP network infrastructure.

“By adding Spectrum Networks to our carrier partners, we also add great route diversity and increased IP transport and transit capacity for our co-location and data center customers. Spectrum Networks’ premium bandwidth ensures that we are able to provide and exceed our 99.999 percent service-level agreement (SLA), which our customers require in today’s marketplace,” said William Nelson, CEO, Kanobe.

“The addition of our Bothell connection continues to fulfill Spectrum Networks’ vision to expand into new markets and allows us to offer our premier services to regions of customers who demand high-availability network connections for their business operations. We are excited to continue to support the needs of business and IT professionals in the Northwest,” added John van Oppen, CEO, Spectrum Networks.

Rural Broadband Summit at Broadband MEA tackles digital divide in the Middle East and Africa

LONDON, ENGLAND: Broadband MEA, the premier event driving sustainable growth of broadband in the Middle East and Africa, is attracting top industry representatives in the region to its first ever Rural Broadband Summit to be held on 25 March 2012. As MEA governments and industry players alike work towards bridging the digital divide to improve rural broadband, the summit will explore the opportunities and innovations required to achieve connectivity in these territories.

With a focus on Internet accessibility the Rural Broadband Summit 2012 will provide a vital opportunity to hear from exciting emerging players in the industry. It also provides the perfect platform for targeted discussion and thought-provoking analysis of key issues, such as the challenges of making the economics of broadband delivery work for business and achieving ROI.

Richard Jones, partner at Ventura Team LLP, is set to chair the summit. He says: "The Rural Broadband Summit is incredibly important as an event as it deals with the unserved and under-served parts of the market - the parts that need attention to avoid the creation of digital divides and to support the rural economies."

Unique presentations from leading analysts at the summit will address the topic of navigating the regulation in different markets as well as other key areas in the broadband space. A critical question to be debated on the day is the technology choices for rural broadband as well as rural network sharing, achieving return on investment from rural broadband network coverage and key trends around broadband connectivity in Africa.

Acting chairman, CEO and head of Telecommunications Technologies Unit of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Lebanon, Imad Y. Hoballah, PhD, will speak on working towards an efficient ICT sector policy (e-governance, e-commerce, e-health, e-education) to serve remote areas. Hoballah’s presentation will touch on matters such as the government’s role in achieving broadband connectivity for remote areas, licensing obligations, development of local content and applications and technology innovations utilised in fast rural broadband deployment.

Hoballah says: “The TRA of Lebanon is pleased to participate in the Rural Broadband Summit - 2012. As a speaker at this world-class event, I will highlight the importance of the synergy among all stakeholders to serve rural areas through an efficient ICT sector policy. Immense value will be delivered to the rural regions when technology innovations - like cloud services - are coupled with local content and applications and supported by appropriate regulations and policies. I am looking forward to meeting industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas and thoughts about how ICT drives social and economical growth in the MEA region.”

Hoballah is also president of the Arab Regulators’ Network (AREGNET), vice chairman of the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) and VP of the Arab Infrastructure Regulators Forum (AIRF).

Leading network access specialist, The Kenton Group, is officially sponsoring the Rural Broadband Summit, with its Managing Director John Larkin commenting: “Broadband MEA is a fantastic event as it brings key players together to address the critical issues surrounding rural broadband in the MEA region. It raises the question of what technology choices are available for rural broadband and tackles how to achieve them.”

John Larkin will also be giving a presentation at the summit on unleashing the potential of copper networks for rural broadband which will include an overview of defining the problem, the market potential, the challenges faced and the solutions that can cost effectively meet demand.

Also speaking on the day is Jaume Salvat, CEO of Andorra Telecom. Salvat, who says: “I’m looking forward to sharing our experiences at Broadband MEA and discussing our ideas about the deployment of broadband infrastructures in rural areas. I’ll also be exploring how to ensure true broadband services to the inhabitants and businesses in those areas, allowing the same opportunities and the right economic development.”

Jayhun Mollazade, CEO at AzQtel LLC, says: “As a wireless network operator in Azerbaijan we’ve achieved considerable success in the provision of broadband Internet access services. Broadband MEA 2012 will be a great opportunity for different companies to showcase the progress that they have made in the broadband industry.”

A host of high level government and industry executives will speak at the summit including Nima PourNejatian, Chief Technology Officer at MobinNet Telecom Co. (MTC); Ntokozo Khumalo, African Business Producer at ETV and Labib Matta, Senior Partner at Next Gen Advisory Group.

TIA pushes for wireless spectrum and public safety network legislation

WASHINGTON, USA: Following President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) President Grant Seiffert issued the following statement:

“We deeply appreciate President Obama’s commitment to extend broadband access to all Americans. We also thank him for his strong support for innovation and research and development and we’re pleased that he noted the importance of the tech industry’s contributions to economic growth and creation of jobs in the United States.

“We ask again that the President urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure passage of wireless spectrum and public safety network legislation, which will lead to creation of an estimated 100,000 new jobs in ICT industries and, over time, produce indirect benefits of an estimated $4 to $8 billion per year. I must stress again that spectrum auction authority for the FCC is crucial to ensure that demand for mobile data can be met to allow technologists to continue to innovate.“

“Auction authority is vital to America’s future competitiveness. Currently spending on telecommunications equipment in international markets outpaces spending in the United States more than 4-to-1. US companies need the government to address issues such as the spectrum crunch to create ideal conditions domestically and to provide a level playing field for trade to help narrow that gap.

“TIA also encourages the Obama Administration to fully implement the recommendations in its 'Innovation Package: A Roadmap for Growing Jobs & the Economy’. The Innovation Package provides a concrete set of policy recommendations for the US government to implement to recapture global competitiveness, drive investment, and enable forward-looking technologies.”

802.11ac WLAN software for RFIC test

ALBUQUERQUE, USA: ZTEC Instruments has released the ZProtocol WLAN, a comprehensive 802.11ac demodulation software solution for analysis, characterization and test of the next generation of Wi-Fi RF integrated circuits (RFIC).

The exponential growth of digital media and wirelessly connected devices requires faster and more reliable wireless protocols. A fifth-generation (5G) Wi-Fi standard, designated 802.11ac by the IEEE, achieves wireless data rates in excess of 1 Gbit/s by extending the existing 802.11n protocol with wider instantaneous bandwidth up to 160MHz, more MIMO channels, and higher density modulation up to 256QAM.

Although the 802.11ac standard is still in draft form, RFIC manufacturers are already demonstrating 802.11ac chips, such as Broadcom who showed the BCM4360 at the most recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. 5G Wi-Fi systems will be available for home networking this year, with 5G smartphones and tablets expected to follow in 2013. In-Stat studies predict that one billion 802.11ac devices will ship by 2015.

Engineers must test these new 802.11ac devices with IEEE standard-compliant hardware and software tools. ZProtocol WLAN offers fast, flexible and easy to use test software that complies with the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.

Christopher Ziomek, president, ZTEC Instruments, said: "ZTEC is pleased to provide our customers with leading-edge tools that allow them to test and characterize their next generation Wi-Fi devices. With ZProtocol WLAN, they can accelerate their time to market for 5G Wi-Fi products."

NI announces test solution for 802.11ac WLAN

AUSTIN, USA: National Instruments announced early access support for testing next-generation 802.11ac WLAN chipsets and devices. This announcement exemplifies how NI's modular, software-defined wireless test platform continually expands to address the latest cellular and wireless connectivity standards including 802.11ac.

NI's 802.11ac WLAN test solution provides flexibility in testing 802.11ac devices in addition to testing 802.11a/b/g/n devices. It works with a wide range of signal bandwidths including 20, 40, 80 and 80+80 160 MHz for both Tx and Rx for up to 4x4 MIMO configurations.

"By supporting the latest WLAN standard, 802.11ac, we are demonstrating the power of NI's software-defined, modular test systems," said Dr. James Truchard, president, CEO and co-founder of National Instruments. "Our modular test platform delivers faster test times and lower total cost of ownership, and by combining it with LabVIEW, we help engineers address the latest emerging wireless standards."

Data center to drive Ethernet switch revenue growth through 2016

REDWOOD CITY, USA: According to a recent report by Dell'Oro Group, the L2-3 Ethernet Switch market is forecast to approach $28B in 2016, with future growth to be driven primarily by sales of Ethernet switches optimized for larger data center deployments.

By 2016, 10 Gigabit Ethernet in the Ethernet Switch market is expected to comprise the majority of revenue. Also expected by 2016 is robust growth in 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet with the combined technologies expected to exceed $3 billion.

"We expect the Ethernet Switch market to experience two significant years of market growth in 2013 and 2014 from the migration of servers towards 10 Gigabit Ethernet," said Alan Weckel, senior director of Dell'Oro Group. "We believe that in 2013, most large enterprises will upgrade to 10 Gigabit Ethernet for server access through a mix of connectivity options ranging from blade servers, SFP+ direct attach and 10G Base-T. We further anticipate that in 2014, small and medium businesses will upgrade to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Looking toward the second half of the decade, 40 GE and 100 GE switches will be an important growth driver for the Ethernet switch market."

The report also shows that Fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet revenues are projected to grow the most during the forecast period. Vendors with current Ethernet Switch offerings in this segment include: Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya, Brocade, Cisco, Extreme, Dell, HP, IBM, and Juniper.

Wireless platforms market to reach $155.2 billion by 2016

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Wireless Platforms Market - Global Forecasts & Analysis (2011-2016)" report to its offering.

Wireless networks such as Personal Area Networks (PANs) LANs, Cellular Networks enable effective communication by not depending on the availability of wires or cables. The borderless communication spurred by the invention of wireless network infrastructure and enhancement in application platforms have led to evolving human accessibility using mobile devices.

The wireless computing platforms are expected to have a favorable effect on enterprises as they can utilize new and innovative mobile operating systems, end user devices and wireless network infrastructure. Where personal computers shifted computing power to the desktop from mainframes, wireless devices supplement laptops and desktops, giving employees powerful end user devices that are well-connected and offer vital business data owing to integration with enterprise information systems.

In value terms, the global wireless platform market stood at $61.5 billion in year 2011 and is expected to reach $155.2 billion by year 2016, at 20.3 percent CAGR during the projected period.

Avaya accelerates mobile collaboration for enterprises with Avaya Flare communicator for Apple iPad tablets

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Avaya, a global provider of business communications and collaboration systems and services, announced the availability of Avaya Flare Communicator for iPad tablets.

Avaya Flare Communicator broadens the next-generation user experience of the Avaya Flare Experience currently delivered on the Avaya Desktop Video Device, to include the market-leading consumer tablet. Avaya Flare Communicator provides mobile workers with secure, next-generation, unified communications and collaboration capabilities over both Wi-fi and 3G networks.

Avaya Flare Communicator for iPad tablets is enabled by the Avaya Aura unified communications architecture, which delivers integrated applications to a broad range of fixed and mobile devices. Today, Avaya takes secure mobile collaboration a step further by making the Avaya Flare Communicator a download from the Apple App Store. Additional consumer devices and operating systems will be supported later this year.

Global GPS navigation and LBS market 2010-2014

NEW YORK, USA: Reportlinker.com announced that a new market research report is available in its catalog: Global GPS Navigation and LBS Market 2010-2014.

TechNavio's analysts forecast the Global GPS Navigation and LBS market to grow at a CAGR of 50.2 percent over the period 2010–2014. One of the key factors contributing to this market is the growth in the sales of smartphones. The Global GPS Navigation and LBS market has also been witnessing its increasing applications in the automobiles. However, the availability of alternate satellite system could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.

Key vendors dominating this market space include Garmin Ltd, TomTom NV, Magellan, and Mio Technology Corp.

Huawei completes acquisition of CIP Technologies

IPSWICH, UK: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced the acquisition of the Centre for Integrated Photonics Ltd (CIP), a world-leading photonics research laboratory, from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

CIP will significantly deepen the optical R&D capabilities of Huawei and demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to R&D in the UK. The CIP R&D team, which is located in Ipswich, will be retained by Huawei and will form the core of the new Huawei UK R&D centre, part of Huawei’s global R&D network.

CIP has a reputation as a world-class incubator in fibre optic transmission and carries out world-leading cutting edge research work in this hi tech area. Huawei will continue to invest in fibre optic R&D to ensure that CIP remains an innovator in this important technology sector.

EEDA’s chairman, Prof. Will Pope, said: “This is a tremendous investment success story for EEDA, which acquired CIP in 2003 from its then American owners to save it from closure. EEDA’s mission was to ensure that a key UK technology company was not lost from the hi tech business base of the East of England.

“Following re-structuring and investment in the business we’re very pleased to find such a prominent acquirer for the company where the skills of the staff and the accumulated know-how are to be exploited on an international scale. The agreement with Huawei follows a rigorous and competitive tender process which has generated a positive return for the taxpayer, has demonstrated yet again the value for UK plc of EEDA’s hi tech investments in the East of England and I am confident we have made the right decision for CIP and its employees. Huawei is a world-class organization and their involvement in funding R&D in the region is most welcome.”

“As a world-leading ICT solutions provider, Huawei aims to build up its business in global markets and will continue to increase investment in the UK, reaffirming its commitment to customers, suppliers and business partners,’’ said Victor Zhang, CEO of Huawei UK. “Currently, Huawei has six research facilities in Europe. I’m confident that CIP’s strong research abilities and its talented staff will further extend our European research presence to the UK, a key and important market to the company.”

CIP’s CEO, Peter Wharton, added: “We had a good level of interest from potential acquirers, but the management team and staff overwhelmingly backed EEDA’s view of the Huawei bid because we believe its industry-leading R&D capabilities and investment in CIP will lead us to have many more significant achievements in the future. The last six months of working closely with Huawei has more than met our expectations, building the foundations for an excellent working relationship.”

EEDA was advised in the transaction by the London office of Woodside Capital Partners.

Siklu sold over 1,000 E-band wireless backhaul links in 2011

Mobile World Congress 2012, PETACH TIKVA, ISRAEL: Siklu, provider of EtherHaul E-band radios, has established a leading position in the wireless backhaul over millimeter wave market with its strong performance in 2011. With more than 1000 EtherHaul links installed and running successfully under varying weather conditions all over the world, Siklu has solidified its position as a front-runner in millimeter wave systems.

The Siklu EtherHaul solution has been performing stably in trials under diverse weather conditions, from the harsh European winter to the rainy monsoon season in India. Operators also benefit from a small form factor that facilitates fast site acquisition and deployment, as well as plug and play setup that reduces installation time.

“Siklu’s leading position has been achieved through its game-changing design,” says Gaby Junowicz, VP of marketing and business development at Siklu. “We’re seeing numerous customers standardize on Siklu for their urban wireless links because of the unmatched throughput-price combination.”

Siklu’s high capacity gigabit wireless backhaul solutions support next generation 4G/LTE and broadband bandwidth requirements, at the lowest cost in the industry. “In order to maintain its leadership position, Siklu will continue to leverage its innovative all-silicon technology to deliver systems perfectly suited for LTE/4G small and picocell backhaul,” Junowicz continues.

A10 Networks signs on SCOPE ME as authorized support provider for Middle East

DUBAI, UAE: A10 Networks, the technology leader in Application Networking, has named Scope Middle East (SCOPE ME), a leading speciality distributor and technology solutions provider in the Middle East, as its authorized support provider for the region. This development further strengthens the relationship between the two companies who had signed a distributorship agreement in September 2011.

As per the arrangement, Scope ME will provide support contracts and professional services to A10 Networks' wide customer base in the Middle East. These support contracts can be customized to suit the requirements of each individual customer.

Mark Edge, sales director, EMEA, for A10 Networks indicated the importance of the agreement and its strategic implications in consolidating the company’s position in the Application Delivery Controller (ADC) market in the Middle East which is valued at over $20 million (AED 73 million) annually.

“We entered the region with the intention of rapid market capitalization. Signing Scope Middle East on as a distributer in 2011 was the first step towards this goal. Differentiating ourselves by providing superior and highly dedicated customer support was the next logical phase.

“We have experienced first-hand Scope Middle East's technical expertise and professionalism. They already have a well-established support center and extensive experience in security and networking products and we believe that our customers stand to benefit greatly from this,” he said.

Scope ME already handles hundreds of support contracts with customers in the region from various segments of industry such as telecom, government, education, internet service providers etc. The certified engineers, who have extensive networking and security experience, are capable of providing 24/7 support via telephone, web and email in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu. In addition, customers can opt for a dedicated support engineer.

“We are extremely excited to build upon what has already proved to be a mutually beneficial relationship. There has been a good reception to A10 Networks’ AX Series solutions in the region and as a value-added distributor; we have worked closely with a number of their customers. Our contact center engineers have been trained and certified by A10 Networks and we are all geared up to provide world-class support,” said Fadi AbuEkab, CEO of Scope Middle East.

SCOPE ME is one of the Middle East’s premier technology solutions providers. Its vendor base includes well known leading global technology vendors like Blue Coat, Legrand, Kaspersky, SpliceCom and intranet technology specialist Adenin Technologies.

Ascom Wireless offers superior voice quality through interoperability with Motorola's WiNG 5 WLAN architecture

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN: Ascom Wireless Solutions and Motorola Solutions have teamed to optimise functionality between their communication solutions. The companies have conducted joint testing on Motorola´s WLAN architecture and Ascom´s handsets to ensure superior voice quality, trouble-free interoperability and scalability.

With Ascom Wireless Solutions as a certified Motorola Wireless Network Solutions Partner, the joint certification process ensures interoperability between the Ascom i62, VoWiFi handset to operate on 802.11n networks, and Motorola’s WiNG5 wireless LAN network architecture, ensuring clear business-critical communications for users in healthcare and retail markets.

As one of the first-ever VoWiFi handsets to operate on 802.11n networks, the Ascom i62 offers unique capabilities such as superior interoperability with almost any network supplier, optimized integration and state-of-the-art administrative efficiency. Deploying it over Motorola’s unrivalled portfolio of wireless network solutions, customers can realize the benefits of seamless connectivity and wireless coverage that put real-time information in the hands of users.

Belden's Magnum router terminal server simplifies integrating serial devices into smart grid initiatives

ST. LOUIS, USA: Belden Inc. has released the new Magnum 10XTS Router Terminal Server. The Magnum 10XTS targets large substation installations with large numbers of serial and Ethernet instruments and the need for high-speed WAN access.

The Magnum 10XTS offers two routing ports via a T1/E1 card, as well as up to eight Ethernet ports or up to 28 serial ports for protection and SCADA devices and IRIG-B time coding. Like other members of the next-generation Magnum "10" Series, the 10XTS is an IEC 61850-3 compliant networking device with the hardening required for substation applications and the only dual hot-swappable power supplies in the industry. Magnum is a trademarked product line of Belden's GarrettCom brand.

The product will first be demonstrated at DistribuTECH 2012 in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 24-26, in booth 3133.

"The Magnum 10XTS Router Terminal Server provides IP routing capabilities, next generation reliability, extensive security features and the port configurability to enable large operations to be integrated into Smart Grid systems and meet NERC CIP requirements," said Lee House, GarrettCom GM. "By providing for high density serial port configurations, multiple Ethernet ports, as well as wide area connectivity, the 10XTS is designed for flexibility in managing legacy or next generation substation networks."

By providing the same combination of high port density with flexible configurability and hot-swap power as other members of the 10 Series, the 10XTS provides the connectivity necessary in today's more complex substations and reduces the potential points of failure in a substation communications system.

Digi releases next gen ZigBee smart energy gateway

MINNETONKA, USA: Digi International introduced the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy, a low-cost, enhanced version of the company’s ZigBee Smart Energy gateway. The gateway connects ZigBee Smart Energy devices from a Home Area Network (HAN) to an energy service provider via broadband.

It offers additional memory and processing power for over-the-air updates of connected Smart Energy devices, making it easier for utilities and application partners to establish and maintain large Smart Energy device deployments. The ConnectPort X2e also provides an upgrade path to Smart Energy 2.0.

“Managing the device network is a significant barrier to Smart Grid adoption,” said Larry Kraft, senior VP of global sales and marketing, Digi International. “To make widespread deployment a reality, the industry needs open architecture and lower-cost solutions for connecting large Smart Energy device deployments. With our partners, we have experience in deploying tens of thousands of Smart Energy devices into people's homes. The ConnectPort X2e leverages that experience into a platform designed to solve real-world deployment challenges.”

The ConnectPort X2e’s additional processing power allows support for more complex local energy efficiency applications, and the increased memory enables support for the impending ZigBee Smart Energy 2.0 standard. The gateway runs the open platform Linux operating system further protecting an organization’s investment in the device. As part of the open Digi X-Grid Solutions, the gateway can connect to numerous types of devices to enable a wide range of services.

All Digi Smart Energy gateways feature the iDigi Device Cloud, allowing Smart Energy devices to easily and securely integrate energy consumption data into new and existing Smart Energy applications. The ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy automatically connects to the iDigi Device Cloud for easy installation and management of connected devices and is programmable in iDigi’s application framework.

The ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy is available now. A Wi-Fi version will be released in Q2 2012.

Ekinops intros 20G transponder, doubling 10G capacity of existing transport networks

PARIS, FRANCE: Ekinops, a leading provider of next-generation optical equipment, has announced a unique technology that allows Service Providers to double the capacity over their optical networks, with a lower cost per 10G. The new transponder will carry two standard 10Gs in the ITU standard 50GHz grid.

Ekinops’ new product offering allows service providers to install two 10G circuits, where they could previously install only a single 10G service, doubling the network’s capacity. It can be used on existing Ekinops networks or over third party line systems. This new 10G technology takes advantage of Ekinops’ industry leading DynaFEC (Dynamic Forward Error Correction), allowing it to be deployed over existing line systems even if they utilize older, poorer-performing fiber.

"While 100G will take many years to replace 10G as the primary service rate, it is refreshing that Ekinops is heavily concentrating on making practical improvements on a more vital and valuable type of solution," said Mark Lutkowitz, principal, Telecom Pragmatics. "The bulk of capital expenditures on optical equipment by carriers will remain based on 10G technology for an extensive period of time."

The Ekinops 20G transponder costs significantly less per 10G circuit than existing 10G transponders available on the market. The performance-enhancing capability of DynaFEC also offers additional cost-saving benefits, especially by eliminating regeneration points on older line systems.

“Service providers can deploy the Ekinops 20G transponder over existing systems without disrupting existing services,” said Francois Xavier Ollivier, COO at Ekinops. “Our customers are very excited about our new 100G solution and many are ready to utilize it where it makes economic sense. However, the move to 100G is a major financial jump and in many parts of their network, customers are just looking to double the capacity.”

The T-Chip is at the heart of the Ekinops 360 industry-leading metro, regional, and long haul transport system. It uniquely concentrates the system’s transport intelligence into a highly compact and efficient design. It can be programmed quickly for virtually any type of functionality and enables Ekinops to deliver new features and protocol support well ahead of standard industry chip sets. The unparalleled capabilities of the T-Chip yield reductions in costs, footprint, and ongoing power consumption and speed manufacturing delivery times to customers.

Orange and the Wikimedia Foundation to offer Wikipedia in Africa and the Middle East at no extra cost

PARIS, FRANCE: In the first partnership of its kind, Orange and the Wikimedia Foundation will provide more than 70 million Orange customers in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA) with mobile access to Wikipedia - without incurring data usage charges.

Orange and the Wikimedia Foundation today announced a major partnership designed to make knowledge more easily available to Orange mobile customers throughout Africa and the Middle East. In the first partnership of its kind for Wikipedia, Orange and the Wikimedia Foundation will provide customers in both remote and urban areas of AMEA with access to Wikipedia.

In 2009, Orange and the Wikimedia Foundation formed the world’s first mobile and Internet partnership to expand the reach of Wikimedia’s projects through channels on Orange mobile and web portals in Europe.

This new partnership will be gradually launched throughout 2012 across 20 African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange operates, with the first markets launching early in the year. The initiative is part of the Wikimedia Foundation's mobile strategy that aims to reach the billions of people around the world who access the Internet solely through mobile devices.

Any customer with an Orange SIM and mobile internet enabled phone will be able to access the Wikipedia site either through their browser or an Orange widget. They can access the Wikipedia encyclopaedia services for as many times as they like at no extra charge as long as they stay within Wikipedia’s pages.

Telit facilitates first-of-its-kind ‘Smart Farm’ in South Korea

SOUTH KOREA: Telit Wireless Solutions, a global leader in machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless technology, announced the successful completion of its first “smart farm” system in South Korea. The technology specifically allows farmers to monitor and control cold climate greenhouses remotely via their smart phone. The benefits include significantly reduced use of labor, water and energy and reduction in crop losses.

Following an initial pilot program, Telit’s remote M2M wireless control system is now in operation on several working oriental melon farms and will be installed and connected in more than 1,000 oriental melon greenhouses in Seoungju County South Korea in 2012.

Telit initiated the smart farm project in partnership with Disys, a South Korean designer of mobile applications. The company underwent a one-year development phase with SK Telecom. SK Telecom expects strong demand for this service and is planning to create a separate communication payment system to provide subsidies and lessen installation cost burdens to farmers.

With the smart farm system, oriental melon farmers are able to maintain consistent crop temperatures by remotely covering or uncovering their crops inside large, clear vinyl greenhouses at night or during any cold weather. Previously, South Korean farmers were required to manually cover crops, which are easily damaged during extreme cold. Seoungju County is the biggest oriental melon farming area in South Korea with more than 60,000 greenhouses.

Additional smart farm features are planned, including temperature and humidity sensors that can enhance the growth and health of crops while reducing the amount of water and energy required. Surveillance cameras will also be installed to prevent the theft of crops and provide a visual check of the greenhouses for farmers.

Octoshape and Crunchfish solidify mobile partnership

ATLANTA, USA: Octoshape and Crunchfish announced a partnership that integrates Octoshape Infinite HD technologies into Crunchfish mobile application development platforms.

The combination of Crunchfish’s unique mobile app design and Octoshape’s high quality and efficient global content distribution technology sets the stage for rapid monetization of broadcast quality content on all connected devices. The first apps for iPhone, iPad and Android were showcased at CES in Las Vegas this year.

“When we started Crunchfish AB we had the dream of making technology that made a difference in people's lives,” said Paul Cronholm, co-founder and CEO at Crunchfish AB. “The collaboration with Octoshape realizes improved media experiences for people all over the globe on any device. We at Crunchfish are proud to do this together with Octoshape.”

In today’s connected device market, media companies and content aggregators face stiff challenges. Obstacles on the network side include providing high quality video experiences for which people are willing to pay. Hurdles on the application development side include providing consistent UI and consumer experiences across a diverse range of devices. The partnership between Octoshape and Crunchfish resolves these issues for broadcasters by combining the best-in-class video distribution technology from Octoshape with the innovative application development experience of Crunchfish.

“We find ourselves at the beginning of an explosion in global media distribution via connected devices,” said Michael Koehn Milland, CEO of Octoshape. “We are pleased to partner with Crunchfish to help our customers rapidly develop compelling and consistent user experiences to their device audiences.”

Interoute and Bezeq create new Internet super highway between Europe and Israel

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bezeq International, Israel's leading Internet and international telecoms provider, has selected Interoute Communications Ltd, owner and operator of Europe's largest cloud services platform, to expand its physical network right into the heart of Europe. "JONAH"- the 2,300km submarine cable - will connect Israel to Europe using Interoute’s pan-European fibre optic network from the Interoute landing station in Bari, Italy.

This strategic project gives Israel true telecommunication independence, thanks to this new Bezeq International owned cable "JONAH". Interoute’s landing station in Bari, Italy was chosen because it gave the ability to directly interconnect with Interoute’s network, and opens up possible business opportunities with the major operators already connected to Interoute’s network looking to reach Israel and the rest of the Middle East directly.

"JONAH", Bezeq International's advanced cable is equipped with two optical fibre pairs, which gives it a potential capacity of over 7 Terabit/s. This newly available capacity will improve the Internet infrastructure in Israel and help eliminate the bottleneck in connections abroad.

Isaac Benbenisti, Bezeq's CEO, said: “Our co-operation with Interoute enables us to take a significant step in the development of our international infrastructure to better serve Israeli as well as global customers. Interoute's network offers us flexible access to an extensive pan-European footprint, empowering our ability to deliver the best performance and set new standards of Internet service in Israel and the region.”

Gareth Williams, Interoute's CEO, added: “This new submarine cable brings digital Europe and Israel closer together. We are extremely proud to be a part of this new ‘Internet super highway’, which will play an active role in the development of business in the Middle East and North Africa. This project highlights Interoute’s expertise in developing and managing networks for partner businesses. Through this agreement Bezeq International has access to the massive size and scale of Interoute’s advanced fibre optic network, creating a virtual pan European network for Bezeq and its customers that’s available instantly.”

Amino selects Celeno Wi-Fi for connected IPTV STBs

RA’ANANA, ISRAEL: Amino Communications, leaders in IPTV/OTT solutions, has selected Celeno Communications, a leading provider of semiconductors for multimedia Wi-Fi home networking applications, to provide a range of wireless products that complement Amino’s range of award-winning IPTV set-top boxes (STBs).

Celeno's OptimizAIR technology will help Amino offer whole home Wi-Fi networking robust enough for HD IPTV distribution, multi-room DVR and Over the Top (OTT) video and Video on Demand (VoD) consumption anywhere in the home.

Amino and Celeno will offer the following wireless solutions in the market place:

* Wi-Fi/Ethernet bridges powered by Celeno’s CL1830 SoC to wirelessly enable after-market IP STBs, including the Aminet A130, A140 and A540. These powerful bridges will enable whole-home wireless PVR functionality, allowing the consumption of centrally stored content anywhere in the home.

* Wi-Fi/USB dongles powered by Celeno’s CLR250 chip to wirelessly enable after-market IP STBs to receive HD IPTV and OTT content.

“With Celeno’s field-proven Wi-Fi technology and rich Wi-Fi chipset portfolio, we are able to offer our Telco customers devices that combine all the quality they’ve come to expect from Amino devices with additional wireless functionality,” said Amino’s CEO, Donald McGarva.

“Our Wi-Fi portfolio provides superior home networking infrastructure to customers such as Amino, combining high performance for flicker-free video with the flexibility and ease of use required by consumers,” said Gilad Rozen, CEO of Celeno.

Amino recently announced it would enhance its entire IPTV product range with OTT capability to deliver a richer, more dynamic entertainment experience for consumers. All Amino devices now provide operators with the ability to offer a compelling mix of broadcast, on-demand, and content from the open Internet including social media, gaming and applications.

Wireless History Foundation opens nominations for 2012 Wireless Hall of Fame

AUSTIN, USA: The Wireless History Foundation announced that nominations for the 2012 Wireless Hall of Fame will be due no later than March 15. Nominations will be accepted in four categories: Service Provider, Technology, Industry Associate, and Pioneer. A candidate must be recommended by one nominator and two seconders.

“"Wireless has a rich, fascinating history, and the Wireless Hall of Fame offers the premier platform to recognize individuals who have made game-changing contributions to this industry," said WHF executive director, Liz Maxfield.

Candidates are nominated by their peers and selected according to a consistent set of criteria by a committee composed primarily of Hall of Fame members. Inductees will be honored at the Wireless Hall of Fame Dinner on October 8 in San Diego, the evening before the CTIA Enterprise and Applications 2012 tradeshow.

Thirty-two individuals have been inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame since its inception in 2000. Current members represent ground-breaking achievements in all areas of technology, business and public service. Eligibility for the Wireless Hall of Fame is based on an individual’s contributions to the advancement of wireless services, products, and programs.

Packet Plus intros breakthrough interactive networking stack debugger

PORTLAND, USA: The new P+ 1000 embedded packet debugger provides unprecedented ability to control and interact with networking designs and is priced for the individual engineer. The P+ 1000 offers packet-by-packet control, an ability to work at any layer of the protocol stack, symbolic editing, and packet injection.

In addition the P+ 1000 provides a comprehensive approach to working with security protocols including at speed encryption/decryption, and key management. This allows the engineer to view, edit, and set triggers as if the traffic is in the clear, and create specific test cases to validate the operation of security protocols.

The P+ 1000 utilizes an embedded approach that leverages the resources of the target design. This makes it possible to have the tool at first silicon or first prototype, when the engineer needs it most. This is combined with compiler-based tool generation that makes it flexible enough to easily handle protocol extensions, and proprietary protocols. This approach creates a tool that can be used for multiple protocols, and across several projects. For wireless designs the tool uses the target design's radio, the radio that engineers prefer working with.

Current networking development tools are lacking. Custom tools are expensive to develop, have a limited interface, and are poorly maintained. Protocol analyzers lack the control and precision needed in development. Chassis based loading tools are too late and too expensive for the individual development engineer.

The P+ 1000 is the first product from Portland, Oregon based Packet Plus. It has a strong team with networking industry, embedded systems and tool development experience with staff from Cisco, PMC-Sierra, Extreme Networks, and Synopsys. The P+ 1000 will be available in March of 2012 and pricing starts at $9,500 per individual engineer. Consulting services are available to integrate into your design, and Packet Plus is able to quote embedded support now.

Oclaro samples 20G VCSEL

SAN JOSE, USA: Oclaro Inc., a tier-one provider and innovator of optical communications and laser solutions, is sampling a 20G VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser).

Having shipped well over 100 million VCSELs, including more than 500 thousand 10G VCSELs in the last year alone, Oclaro is currently the world's largest supplier of VCSELs and its products have been designed into high-volume consumer electronics products such as notebook computers, optical cables, optical mice and smart phones.

By continuing to offer new VCSEL solutions that deliver higher data rates, Oclaro can enable customers to develop faster performing products at better price/performance points. Oclaro will be showcasing its leading family of VCSELs at this week's Photonics West Show in the Oclaro booth #1101.

VCSELs are semiconductor laser diodes that take advantage of optical technology to connect electronic devices such as peripherals, workstations, displays, disk drives and docking stations. For example, a VCSEL in a notebook computer allows data transfer with another computer or enables the user to transfer video content such as movies from their computer onto a high-definition (HD) television.

Because VCSELs are extremely reliable and can meet the stringent requirements of consumer devices, they are rapidly becoming adopted in all areas of consumer electronics. Oclaro has secured the volume leadership position in this market by leveraging its proven expertise in optical laser technology and reliability and its ability to quickly achieve the high-volume production capacities needed for consumer products.

"Just as we are continually addressing the increased bandwidth requirements of the core optical network, we are also committed to meeting the demands of the consumer industry by enabling customers to increase the data transfer rates between various devices such as computers, disk drives or HD TVs," said Karlheinz Gulden, senior director, Product Management at Oclaro. "With the introduction of reliable 20G VCSELs, Oclaro is helping its customers to double the bandwidth over existing solutions and be first to market with higher performing next generation consumer devices."

The new 20G VCSELs are available for sampling to customers today and are also ideally suited to address the growing 16G Fiberchannel transceiver market, which is starting to ramp this year.