BOSTON, USA: Infonetics Research released excerpts from its latest ROADM Components report, which tracks the Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer optical network equipment market and the wavelength selective switch (WSS) components within it, measured by spacing technology and degree-count.
Andrew Schmitt, Infonetics Research’s directing analyst for optical, said: “Growth in the WSS component market paused during the past 18 months as a result of excessive supply chain inventory and a period of slower ROADM equipment sales. We believe the WSS component market will resume growing this year and maintain annual revenue growth in the range of about 15-20 percent for the next few years, which is the underlying growth rate of the end market of WDM ROADM equipment.”
Highlights
* After spiking +124 percent in 2010, global ROADM WSS component revenue contracted by about 5 percent in 2011.
* The supply issues that led to the 2011 market contraction have been resolved.
* Revenue for WDM ROADM-based optical equipment (not components) grew 36 percent in 2011 from the previous year, outpacing shipments of WSS modules by a wide margin.
* Unit shipments of ROADM WSS components are expected to grow much faster than revenue due to price reductions and a later shift in the mix to smaller 1x4 WSS sizes as ROADMs are deployed further toward the edges of networks.
* The WSS market continues to be controlled by three vendors: CoAdna, Finisar, and JDSU though the advent of colorless and directionless ROADMs creates an opportunity for smaller suppliers like Oclaro and Nistica, as well as nascent Chinese and Japanese companies with fresh prototypes.
* The advent of coherent optics creates a new growth vector for ROADM networks; Infonetics expects that the market share winners of the transition to 40G/100G coherent network equipment will also command a greater share of the ROADM optical equipment market.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Connectiv Solutions releases netCLARUS 3.0 with new features to help carriers comply with new FCC ICC regulations
BETHESDA, USA: Connectiv Solutions, the network efficiency experts, announced the latest release of netCLARUS, an enterprise software solution designed to help carriers control and manage network usage costs. netCLARUS 3.0 builds on the solution’s existing robust functionality adding a number of features including the ability to help carriers navigate and comply with new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Inter-carrier Compensation (ICC) Regulations.
The new FCC ICC regulations are a topic of concern and confusion for many carriers today. netCLARUS 3.0 removes the complexity of compliance with a system that estimates, tracks, and reports on Inter-and Intra-carrier traffic patterns to user- definable levels in an effort to calculate jurisdiction and other parameters outlined in the ICC regulations.
Brian Silvestri, president, Connectiv Solutions, said: “netCLARUS has been giving telecom service providers enhanced visibility and control of their network usage cost for over eight years. With this newest release, netCLARUS helps ensure compliance with new and sometimes confusing FCC regulations. netCLARUS 3.0 takes the guesswork out of the equation, simplifies the process, and gives carriers confidence in their data.”
As a suite of software modules, netCLARUS provides telecom service providers with visibility across the enterprise and the ability control and manage network usage cost.
The new FCC ICC regulations are a topic of concern and confusion for many carriers today. netCLARUS 3.0 removes the complexity of compliance with a system that estimates, tracks, and reports on Inter-and Intra-carrier traffic patterns to user- definable levels in an effort to calculate jurisdiction and other parameters outlined in the ICC regulations.
Brian Silvestri, president, Connectiv Solutions, said: “netCLARUS has been giving telecom service providers enhanced visibility and control of their network usage cost for over eight years. With this newest release, netCLARUS helps ensure compliance with new and sometimes confusing FCC regulations. netCLARUS 3.0 takes the guesswork out of the equation, simplifies the process, and gives carriers confidence in their data.”
As a suite of software modules, netCLARUS provides telecom service providers with visibility across the enterprise and the ability control and manage network usage cost.
Global IPTV services market to grow at CAGR of 22.2 percent over 2011-2015
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Internet Protocol Television Services Market 2011-2015" report to its offering.
One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is IPTV services acting as a revenue channel for telecom operators amidst falling average revenue per user. The Global Internet Protocol Television Services market has also been witnessing high customization of IPTV Services and a shift towards triple-play services. However, content availability and the high cost of IPTV services could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.
Key vendors dominating this market space include China Telecom, iliad Free, Verizon, AT&T, France Telecom, and Deutsche Telekom.
Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio's Telecom team said, a key trend in the global IPTV Services market is operators providing triple-play services over IPTV. Triple-play services involve transmitting voice, data, and video over the same channel. Providing triple-play services allows telecom operators to increase their ARPU to make up for the falling ARPU for voice services. Such converged services create further opportunities for telecom operators to provide a wide range of value-added services, which leads to increased customer satisfaction.
According to the report, the high growth of IPTV services in the APAC region is a key driver in the Global IPTV Services market. The APAC region currently accounts for 39 percent of IPTV subscribers worldwide. However, by 2015 the APAC region will account for much more. The growth will be fuelled by the market in China which is about to overtake France in terms of the number of IPTV subscribers by 2012.
The report also discusses that one of the major inhibitors for the growth of the Global IPTV Services market is the high price of IPTV compared to DTH and traditional cable.
One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is IPTV services acting as a revenue channel for telecom operators amidst falling average revenue per user. The Global Internet Protocol Television Services market has also been witnessing high customization of IPTV Services and a shift towards triple-play services. However, content availability and the high cost of IPTV services could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.
Key vendors dominating this market space include China Telecom, iliad Free, Verizon, AT&T, France Telecom, and Deutsche Telekom.
Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio's Telecom team said, a key trend in the global IPTV Services market is operators providing triple-play services over IPTV. Triple-play services involve transmitting voice, data, and video over the same channel. Providing triple-play services allows telecom operators to increase their ARPU to make up for the falling ARPU for voice services. Such converged services create further opportunities for telecom operators to provide a wide range of value-added services, which leads to increased customer satisfaction.
According to the report, the high growth of IPTV services in the APAC region is a key driver in the Global IPTV Services market. The APAC region currently accounts for 39 percent of IPTV subscribers worldwide. However, by 2015 the APAC region will account for much more. The growth will be fuelled by the market in China which is about to overtake France in terms of the number of IPTV subscribers by 2012.
The report also discusses that one of the major inhibitors for the growth of the Global IPTV Services market is the high price of IPTV compared to DTH and traditional cable.
Airtel launches mobile services in Rwanda
RWANDA, AFRICA: Bharti Airtel announced the launch of its operation in Rwanda, expanding its footprint on the African continent to 17 countries. Airtel has already said that it will invest over $100 million in its operations over the next three years and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and joint MD, Bharti Airtel, said: “We are delighted to launch our operations and bring Airtel to the people of Rwanda. We believe that Rwanda is an extremely promising market and this launch further strengthens our footprint in eastern Africa. It will be our endeavour to bring world-class and affordable services to our customers in Rwanda and add value to the economy. We would like to thank the Rwandan government for giving us this opportunity, and we are committed to contributing to their aim of bridging the digital divide in the country.”
“The government welcomes Airtel into our country. We are looking to partner with the private sector to provide good quality, accessible and affordable telecommunications services,” says Right Hon. Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, Prime Minister, Rwanda.
Hon. Dr. Habumuremyi added: “We are especially excited about the prospect of connecting Rwanda with the rest of the East African region and, indeed, with the rest of Africa. As Rwandans begin engaging in business ventures and looking for regional partners, telecommunications companies – like Airtel – that are able to provide access to a pan-African wireless network, become a crucial part of expansion.”
Airtel has also partnered with IBM in a move that will enable the teleco to offer superior customer experience in Rwanda. The partnership will see IBM deploy and manage the information technology (IT) infrastructure and applications to further support Airtel’s goal of providing innovative mobile services.
“As part of our strategic services agreement, we are happy to assist Airtel with its entry into the Rwandan market and ensure the very highest levels of support,” says Steve Martin, IBM VP and senior project executive, Airtel Africa. “Rwanda is an important market for IBM and we are actively strengthening our local presence and increasing our ability to serve our customers and partners in the country.”
Ericsson, the world’s leading provider of services and technology to telecom operators, was selected to manage the network from end-to-end, including OSS/BSS solutions and managed services.
Lars Lindén, head of Region Sub-Saharan Africa for Ericsson, says: “This solution is using the latest Ericsson portfolio, and will be the first Airtel network designed as an all-IP solution. That means Airtel will be able to provide advanced services to its subscribers, expand quickly to accommodate quick growth, and keep operating expenses down.”
Additionally, this launch has set a record. Lindén adds: “The inaugural call was placed on the system on March 7. It took just 83 days to build this network from the start – the fastest Greenfield launch in history in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Rwanda is among the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa and, according to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, mobile penetration in the country was at 38.4 per cent as of July 2011. The rapidly growing private sector – which includes telecommunications infrastructure and ICT – presents many opportunities for the development of the industry and the country’s economy. In fact, according to the World Bank, each 10 per cent of broadband penetration results in a 1.3 per cent increase in per capita GDP growth in developing countries.
Airtel was awarded the license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) last year to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services. Currently, the Airtel brand is present in both Francophone and Anglophone markets across the continent, spanning Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and joint MD, Bharti Airtel, said: “We are delighted to launch our operations and bring Airtel to the people of Rwanda. We believe that Rwanda is an extremely promising market and this launch further strengthens our footprint in eastern Africa. It will be our endeavour to bring world-class and affordable services to our customers in Rwanda and add value to the economy. We would like to thank the Rwandan government for giving us this opportunity, and we are committed to contributing to their aim of bridging the digital divide in the country.”
“The government welcomes Airtel into our country. We are looking to partner with the private sector to provide good quality, accessible and affordable telecommunications services,” says Right Hon. Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, Prime Minister, Rwanda.
Hon. Dr. Habumuremyi added: “We are especially excited about the prospect of connecting Rwanda with the rest of the East African region and, indeed, with the rest of Africa. As Rwandans begin engaging in business ventures and looking for regional partners, telecommunications companies – like Airtel – that are able to provide access to a pan-African wireless network, become a crucial part of expansion.”
Airtel has also partnered with IBM in a move that will enable the teleco to offer superior customer experience in Rwanda. The partnership will see IBM deploy and manage the information technology (IT) infrastructure and applications to further support Airtel’s goal of providing innovative mobile services.
“As part of our strategic services agreement, we are happy to assist Airtel with its entry into the Rwandan market and ensure the very highest levels of support,” says Steve Martin, IBM VP and senior project executive, Airtel Africa. “Rwanda is an important market for IBM and we are actively strengthening our local presence and increasing our ability to serve our customers and partners in the country.”
Ericsson, the world’s leading provider of services and technology to telecom operators, was selected to manage the network from end-to-end, including OSS/BSS solutions and managed services.
Lars Lindén, head of Region Sub-Saharan Africa for Ericsson, says: “This solution is using the latest Ericsson portfolio, and will be the first Airtel network designed as an all-IP solution. That means Airtel will be able to provide advanced services to its subscribers, expand quickly to accommodate quick growth, and keep operating expenses down.”
Additionally, this launch has set a record. Lindén adds: “The inaugural call was placed on the system on March 7. It took just 83 days to build this network from the start – the fastest Greenfield launch in history in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Rwanda is among the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa and, according to the National Statistics Institute of Rwanda, mobile penetration in the country was at 38.4 per cent as of July 2011. The rapidly growing private sector – which includes telecommunications infrastructure and ICT – presents many opportunities for the development of the industry and the country’s economy. In fact, according to the World Bank, each 10 per cent of broadband penetration results in a 1.3 per cent increase in per capita GDP growth in developing countries.
Airtel was awarded the license by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) last year to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services. Currently, the Airtel brand is present in both Francophone and Anglophone markets across the continent, spanning Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
LTE small cell shipments will surpass LTE macro base station shipments in 2014
NEW YORK, USA: Changing cellular network paradigms are driving a shift in the architecture of base stations from traditional macrocells to distributed base stations and toward the growing use of small cell base stations. The primary drivers for this transition are the increasing data traffic demand and the OPEX and CAPEX cost savings inherent in deploying small cell equipment.
Operators will initially deploy small cell equipment as in fills on the pico and microcell layers, but will quickly transition to deploying them as a fundamental part of a network rollout. In fact, the number of LTE small cells sold (127,000) will surpass the number of LTE macrocells, forecast at 113,000, as early as 2014. However, LTE base station revenues will continue to be dominated by macro base station revenue with small cell revenue of $1.09 billion representing only 5.2 percent of the total revenue of $20.86 billion in 2014 and growing to $4.44 billion or 23.9 percent of the total $18.60 billion LTE base station market by 2016.
Equipment manufacturers have been quick to respond to this shift in RAN architecture. Ericsson acquired BelAir networks as part of its “HetNet” initiative, Nokia Siemens Networks announced Flexi Zone, Alcatel-Lucent continues to expand its lightRadio portfolio and Huawei has announced its AtomCell products.
Nick Marshall, principal analyst, networks, comments, “This mobile broadband-driven data storm is stretching traditional macrocell network capacity to the limit and driving the move to heterogeneous networks.”
Likewise, semiconductor suppliers are also positioning themselves to participate in this market with TI, Freescale, Cavium, Mindspeed, and DesignArt among the manufacturers offering new “base station-on-a-chip” SoCs.
“These base station baseband SoCs are among the most complex ICs on the market today and raise the bar in terms of complexity,” says Marshall.
Operators will initially deploy small cell equipment as in fills on the pico and microcell layers, but will quickly transition to deploying them as a fundamental part of a network rollout. In fact, the number of LTE small cells sold (127,000) will surpass the number of LTE macrocells, forecast at 113,000, as early as 2014. However, LTE base station revenues will continue to be dominated by macro base station revenue with small cell revenue of $1.09 billion representing only 5.2 percent of the total revenue of $20.86 billion in 2014 and growing to $4.44 billion or 23.9 percent of the total $18.60 billion LTE base station market by 2016.
Equipment manufacturers have been quick to respond to this shift in RAN architecture. Ericsson acquired BelAir networks as part of its “HetNet” initiative, Nokia Siemens Networks announced Flexi Zone, Alcatel-Lucent continues to expand its lightRadio portfolio and Huawei has announced its AtomCell products.
Nick Marshall, principal analyst, networks, comments, “This mobile broadband-driven data storm is stretching traditional macrocell network capacity to the limit and driving the move to heterogeneous networks.”
Likewise, semiconductor suppliers are also positioning themselves to participate in this market with TI, Freescale, Cavium, Mindspeed, and DesignArt among the manufacturers offering new “base station-on-a-chip” SoCs.
“These base station baseband SoCs are among the most complex ICs on the market today and raise the bar in terms of complexity,” says Marshall.
National Safety Council applauds Chapel Hill, NC, for total cell phone ban
ITASCA, USA: The National Safety Council applauds the town council in Chapel Hill, NC, for passing a total cell phone ban for all motorists, becoming the first town in the nation to ban hands-free use. Once the law goes into effect June 1, motorists also will be banned from using on-board wireless systems in vehicles – another first-of-its-kind measure.
“In passing a total ban, Chapel Hill has taken a significant step toward making their roads safer,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO at NSC. “Research shows hand-free devices offer drivers no safety benefit. Passing total cell phone bans – that include handheld and hands-free use – makes our roads safer. We praise Chapel Hill for this action. It will save lives.”
More than 30 studies clearly show hands-free devices do not offer any safety benefit because they do not eliminate the distraction to the brain. The brain is incapable of processing two demanding thinking tasks – talking on a cell phone and driving – simultaneously.
Cell phone distracted driving has been a hotly debated topic in recent years and gained further attention over the last few months. On Dec. 13, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board became the first government organization to recommend all 50 states and D.C. completely ban the use of portable electronic devices for all motorists. NSC called for a total ban in January 2009.
“In passing a total ban, Chapel Hill has taken a significant step toward making their roads safer,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO at NSC. “Research shows hand-free devices offer drivers no safety benefit. Passing total cell phone bans – that include handheld and hands-free use – makes our roads safer. We praise Chapel Hill for this action. It will save lives.”
More than 30 studies clearly show hands-free devices do not offer any safety benefit because they do not eliminate the distraction to the brain. The brain is incapable of processing two demanding thinking tasks – talking on a cell phone and driving – simultaneously.
Cell phone distracted driving has been a hotly debated topic in recent years and gained further attention over the last few months. On Dec. 13, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board became the first government organization to recommend all 50 states and D.C. completely ban the use of portable electronic devices for all motorists. NSC called for a total ban in January 2009.
Smartphone shipments will eclipse all other handset shipments combined by 2016
NEW YORK, USA: Global handset shipments will increase 29 percent from 1.7 billion in 2012 to 2.2 billion in 2016. The key driver of this growth will come from the smartphone segment, which is forecast to become larger than the ultra-low cost, low-cost, and feature phone segments combined by 2016. The total shipments of non-smartphones will grow 1.08 billion in 2012 to 1.09 billion in 2016 while smartphone shipments will grow from 643 million to 1.1 billion over the same period.
OEMs that have had historic success addressing the low-cost handset segments will be under tremendous pressure to shift their portfolio to smartphones. Considering that they currently serve consumers with low disposable incomes, these OEMs will need to deliver smartphones that are price competitive to low-cost handsets. “This emerging scenario could become a very dangerous situation for Nokia’s handset business as the smartphone and feature phone segments will not be able to support each other in trying times,” says Kevin Burden, VP and practice director, mobile devices.
Low-cost OEMs that are shifting to smartphones, such as Huawei and ZTE, will be a key driving factor for the growth and innovation in the sub-$150 smartphone segment. Low-cost smartphones are forecast to grow from 45 million shipments in 2012 to 170 million in 2016. “The writing is on the wall: either you have a successful smartphone strategy or you will have to steal market share to grow,” says Michael Morgan, senior analyst, mobile devices.
OEMs that have had historic success addressing the low-cost handset segments will be under tremendous pressure to shift their portfolio to smartphones. Considering that they currently serve consumers with low disposable incomes, these OEMs will need to deliver smartphones that are price competitive to low-cost handsets. “This emerging scenario could become a very dangerous situation for Nokia’s handset business as the smartphone and feature phone segments will not be able to support each other in trying times,” says Kevin Burden, VP and practice director, mobile devices.
Low-cost OEMs that are shifting to smartphones, such as Huawei and ZTE, will be a key driving factor for the growth and innovation in the sub-$150 smartphone segment. Low-cost smartphones are forecast to grow from 45 million shipments in 2012 to 170 million in 2016. “The writing is on the wall: either you have a successful smartphone strategy or you will have to steal market share to grow,” says Michael Morgan, senior analyst, mobile devices.
Sangoma expands Vega series product lineup
TORONTO, CANADA: Sangoma Technologies Corp., a leading provider of hardware and software components that enable or enhance IP Communications Systems for both voice and data, released two new models in its Vega Appliance Series. The Vega 100 and Vega 200 provide the core feature set supported throughout the highly-regarded Vega Series to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) that require only one or two spans of digital telephony (PRI/T1/E1) access.
"These new models from Sangoma are competitively priced, and are the only solutions in the SMB price range that deliver critical features like local survivability and redundancy to protect mission-critical communication channels," said Ricardo Javier Reus, president of Provetel Argentina SA, a Sangoma distributor located in Buenos Aires.
"The Vega 100 and 200 appliances make a perfect match for our SMB customers that have demanded enterprise-class capabilities, but do not need the capacity of a four-span or larger gateway. The robust capabilities of these new Vega models demonstrate Sangoma's comprehensive understanding of the business imperatives of these smaller, but important business operators."
Deployable as a customer premises gateway for SIP trunking termination or PSTN access from an IP-PBX, the rack-mountable 1u Vega 100 and 200 chassis deliver up to 30 and 60 simultaneous calls or SIP sessions respectively. In addition, the devices support a broad range of audio codecs, T.38 fax, integrated call routing and dial-plan administration, as well as a variety of maintenance and survivability features that deliver easy-to-use resilience in a system sized for the SMB market.
Bypass configurability of the digital spans enables dual-chassis redundant operation if desired, and an option to connect directly to PSTN trunks for emergency calling in the event of an IP network failure are just some of the key features that set the entire Vega series apart from other devices marketed to SMB operators.
"The operational needs of our customers in the SMB space are very similar to those of larger enterprises," said Simon Horton, director of product management for Sangoma. "These new models deliver the full resiliency, reliability, and quality that customers have come to rely upon from the larger capacity units in the Vega Series, in packages that are aligned with the capacity and budgetary requirements of the SMB market."
"These new models from Sangoma are competitively priced, and are the only solutions in the SMB price range that deliver critical features like local survivability and redundancy to protect mission-critical communication channels," said Ricardo Javier Reus, president of Provetel Argentina SA, a Sangoma distributor located in Buenos Aires.
"The Vega 100 and 200 appliances make a perfect match for our SMB customers that have demanded enterprise-class capabilities, but do not need the capacity of a four-span or larger gateway. The robust capabilities of these new Vega models demonstrate Sangoma's comprehensive understanding of the business imperatives of these smaller, but important business operators."
Deployable as a customer premises gateway for SIP trunking termination or PSTN access from an IP-PBX, the rack-mountable 1u Vega 100 and 200 chassis deliver up to 30 and 60 simultaneous calls or SIP sessions respectively. In addition, the devices support a broad range of audio codecs, T.38 fax, integrated call routing and dial-plan administration, as well as a variety of maintenance and survivability features that deliver easy-to-use resilience in a system sized for the SMB market.
Bypass configurability of the digital spans enables dual-chassis redundant operation if desired, and an option to connect directly to PSTN trunks for emergency calling in the event of an IP network failure are just some of the key features that set the entire Vega series apart from other devices marketed to SMB operators.
"The operational needs of our customers in the SMB space are very similar to those of larger enterprises," said Simon Horton, director of product management for Sangoma. "These new models deliver the full resiliency, reliability, and quality that customers have come to rely upon from the larger capacity units in the Vega Series, in packages that are aligned with the capacity and budgetary requirements of the SMB market."
Thursday, March 29, 2012
RF Monolithics announces extension of manufacturing services contract with Tai-Saw Technology
DALLAS, USA: RF Monolithics Inc. announced the signing of a manufacturing contract with Tai-Saw Technology Co. Ltd. The contract extends the current agreement for assembly manufacturing at least through December 1, 2013 and continues RFM’s dependable source of supply for its Wireless Component segment products.
Farlin Halsey, president and CEO of RFM, stated: “We have developed a strong business alliance with TST and are pleased that it has now been extended. This contract is results from the long-standing business relationship that began with the transition of some product assembly to TST in 2001. TST also was our first partner to provide wafer fabrication services.
“We rely on TST to provide our Wireless Component segment products in a market that is very competitive based on quality, service and price. TST has performed very effectively and we believe this relationship with TST gives us technical capabilities, packaging technologies and added presence in the marketplace. TST has proven to be a valued business partner and we are very pleased to continue this relationship.”
TST’s operations, which include wafer fabrication, assembly, test, screening, and support operations, are located in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Yu-Tung Huang, chairman of TST, said: “We are also very pleased with the extension of this contract and the continuation of our alliance with RFM. We believe our engineering resources and capabilities complement RFM’s strong market presence. In addition to providing foundry and assembly services, our broad range of technical capabilities and turn-key products contribute to both TST’s and RFM’s growth plans.”
Farlin Halsey, president and CEO of RFM, stated: “We have developed a strong business alliance with TST and are pleased that it has now been extended. This contract is results from the long-standing business relationship that began with the transition of some product assembly to TST in 2001. TST also was our first partner to provide wafer fabrication services.
“We rely on TST to provide our Wireless Component segment products in a market that is very competitive based on quality, service and price. TST has performed very effectively and we believe this relationship with TST gives us technical capabilities, packaging technologies and added presence in the marketplace. TST has proven to be a valued business partner and we are very pleased to continue this relationship.”
TST’s operations, which include wafer fabrication, assembly, test, screening, and support operations, are located in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Yu-Tung Huang, chairman of TST, said: “We are also very pleased with the extension of this contract and the continuation of our alliance with RFM. We believe our engineering resources and capabilities complement RFM’s strong market presence. In addition to providing foundry and assembly services, our broad range of technical capabilities and turn-key products contribute to both TST’s and RFM’s growth plans.”
Today's connected economy demands seamless communication services and support systems
MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: In the tangled communication service provider (CSP) market, favorable outcomes are defined by market savvy, consumer perception, agility, an innovative culture and a well-defined product offering.
Of these capabilities, customer relationship management (CRM) proves of paramount importance as network loyalty falls to the wayside in the face of wide-ranging device and application options. Furthermore, data traffic continues to compound, pushing CSPs and operational support systems/business support systems (OSS/BSS) to maintain a firm pace in these areas to compete with the large vendors that dominate this market.
Stratecast, a division of Frost & Sullivan, offers an excerpt from Making Innovation Matter--Global OSS/BSS 10 to Watch in 2012, which distinguishes companies that have built visionary solutions that meet current and business-critical objectives. Included in the excerpt is a highlight of SaskTel International, which is an organization similar to vendors recognized in earlier and current 10 to Watch lists as they resolve specific issues through exclusive technologies and strategies that are complementary to, rather than in opposition with, offerings from large OSS/BSS vendors. Additionally, these recognized organizations are not start-ups, but have established their market position solidly through clearly ascertained, differentiating factors.
"SaskTel International continues to make significant investments in our software portfolio and organization as a whole in the drive to ensure that our software remains at the forefront," said SaskTel International president and COO, Steve Sousa. "Our recognition by Stratecast as a 10 to Watch in 2012 company solidifies this commitment to continued innovation as applied to the depth and functionality of our software offering."
With the ubiquity of advanced communication technologies and broadband network access points, day-to-day business operations are grounded on networked IT. In turn, CSPs lean heavily on large OSS/BSS competitors to meet this prevailing demand; however, CSPs also look toward vendor diversity to bypass integration and development expenses. OSS/BSS merchants must remain competitive, while ensuring the predominant requirement of meeting customer's needs in an accessible and timely manner.
Innovation has driven the capabilities and availability of customizable solutions, leaving ineffectual support, meager performance, poor offerings as well as stringent product and pricing plans as futile customer retention tools.
"There is no doubt about the bearing innovation and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction plays in driving the uptake of one solution over another," said Stratecast strategy director--OSSCS Nancee Ruzicka. "For some vendors, transitioning value propositions and advancing corporate cultures to reflect these values will require prolonged, costly and challenging applications. The more OSS/BSS can ease this evolution for CSPs, the better positioned they will be to manage successful transformation efforts."
Durable, accessible, cost-efficient and secure solutions that call for minimal replacement of and integration with existing OSS/BSS, IT infrastructure and data will continue to lead this market. Recognized on the 10 to Watch in 2012 list, SaskTel International began as a subsidiary of SaskTel, solely responsible for principal IT and OSS/BSS. The organization transitioned into marketing to CSPs globally, utilizing years of operational expertise using software built by a CSP, for CSPs. This experience and transformation to meet increasing demand has led SaskTel International to recognition on the 10 to Watch in 2012 list.
"SaskTel International gained an intimate understanding of the customer perspective as well as the challenges CSPs worldwide face through their roots as an internal support subsidiary," said Ruzicka. "The organization sees the value and need for simplifying offerings and building end-to-end solutions that provide multilateral and interoperable services. This experience base has also enabled SaskTel International to expand into diverse industry verticals, including utilities, mining and healthcare."
Of these capabilities, customer relationship management (CRM) proves of paramount importance as network loyalty falls to the wayside in the face of wide-ranging device and application options. Furthermore, data traffic continues to compound, pushing CSPs and operational support systems/business support systems (OSS/BSS) to maintain a firm pace in these areas to compete with the large vendors that dominate this market.
Stratecast, a division of Frost & Sullivan, offers an excerpt from Making Innovation Matter--Global OSS/BSS 10 to Watch in 2012, which distinguishes companies that have built visionary solutions that meet current and business-critical objectives. Included in the excerpt is a highlight of SaskTel International, which is an organization similar to vendors recognized in earlier and current 10 to Watch lists as they resolve specific issues through exclusive technologies and strategies that are complementary to, rather than in opposition with, offerings from large OSS/BSS vendors. Additionally, these recognized organizations are not start-ups, but have established their market position solidly through clearly ascertained, differentiating factors.
"SaskTel International continues to make significant investments in our software portfolio and organization as a whole in the drive to ensure that our software remains at the forefront," said SaskTel International president and COO, Steve Sousa. "Our recognition by Stratecast as a 10 to Watch in 2012 company solidifies this commitment to continued innovation as applied to the depth and functionality of our software offering."
With the ubiquity of advanced communication technologies and broadband network access points, day-to-day business operations are grounded on networked IT. In turn, CSPs lean heavily on large OSS/BSS competitors to meet this prevailing demand; however, CSPs also look toward vendor diversity to bypass integration and development expenses. OSS/BSS merchants must remain competitive, while ensuring the predominant requirement of meeting customer's needs in an accessible and timely manner.
Innovation has driven the capabilities and availability of customizable solutions, leaving ineffectual support, meager performance, poor offerings as well as stringent product and pricing plans as futile customer retention tools.
"There is no doubt about the bearing innovation and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction plays in driving the uptake of one solution over another," said Stratecast strategy director--OSSCS Nancee Ruzicka. "For some vendors, transitioning value propositions and advancing corporate cultures to reflect these values will require prolonged, costly and challenging applications. The more OSS/BSS can ease this evolution for CSPs, the better positioned they will be to manage successful transformation efforts."
Durable, accessible, cost-efficient and secure solutions that call for minimal replacement of and integration with existing OSS/BSS, IT infrastructure and data will continue to lead this market. Recognized on the 10 to Watch in 2012 list, SaskTel International began as a subsidiary of SaskTel, solely responsible for principal IT and OSS/BSS. The organization transitioned into marketing to CSPs globally, utilizing years of operational expertise using software built by a CSP, for CSPs. This experience and transformation to meet increasing demand has led SaskTel International to recognition on the 10 to Watch in 2012 list.
"SaskTel International gained an intimate understanding of the customer perspective as well as the challenges CSPs worldwide face through their roots as an internal support subsidiary," said Ruzicka. "The organization sees the value and need for simplifying offerings and building end-to-end solutions that provide multilateral and interoperable services. This experience base has also enabled SaskTel International to expand into diverse industry verticals, including utilities, mining and healthcare."
NXP and HID Global enable mobile access for NFC phones
EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS & IRVINE, USA: NXP Semiconductors N.V. and HID Global, announced their collaboration to introduce a global, generic Mobile Access solution for NFC-enabled mobile phones. NFC enables the secure and convenient sharing of information from one device to another over short distances based upon existing contactless standards, making it ideal for deploying easy-to use mobile access control applications.
HID Global and NXP helped create the current market for card-based physical access systems and are now jointly moving these solutions to mobile phones as NFC becomes a standard feature.
The contactless cards that employees use to enter corporate buildings and parking garages can now be transferred to an NFC-enabled phone storing digital access credentials. The credentials are stored on NXP’s embedded Secure Element within the handset and are presented by the mobile phone in a manner that is compatible with access control readers and systems. As the use of NFC smart phones for access control becomes increasingly more popular, consumers and enterprises can expect the same high level of security with improved convenience on a mobile device.
The jointly developed solution also leverages NXP and HID Global advanced reader technologies within a physical access control infrastructure. The solution supports existing HID Global readers and those based on the company’s iCLASS SIO-Enabled (iCLASS SE®) platform that fuels the migration of physical access control technology beyond traditional cards and readers by enabling deployment of mobile access with digital credentials. HID’s iCLASS SE readers will be powered by NXP’s new CLRC663 reader ICs and fully support 13.56 MHz smart cards that are ISO14443 compliant, including MIFARE DESFIRE EV1.
To ensure maximum compatibility, the new Mobile Access management solution from NXP and HID Global is backward-compatible with newer HID Global iCLASS readers, and is forward-compatible to HID Global’s Trusted Identity Platform (TIP) ecosystem.
Existing HID customers can upgrade certain iCLASS implementations to support the use of NFC-enabled mobile phones without the need to physically replace the installed readers. NXP’s technology supports the management of multiple applications such as payment, e-government, access management and ticketing, all via one microcontroller that assures secure and convenient recognition without compromising security, performance and design productivity.
Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, senior VP and CTO, HID Global, said: “NXP is playing a vital role in the adoption of NFC technology among handset manufacturers and developer communities. By working together, this application can be deployed immediately on a significant number of mobile phones. We are excited to team up and combine our leadership positions in the access management market to offer the industry new leading-edge solutions.”
Henri Ardevol, VP and GM, secure transactions with NXP Semiconductors, said: “We are very pleased to co-operate with HID Global on the development of this new solution. As leading enterprises continue to invest in mobile technology and security infrastructure, our collaboration brings real value and convenience around the world. In addition, combining HID Global’s iCLASS SE readers with our MIFARE DESFire and NFC technology ensures greater interoperability in access management and accelerates adoption of NFC applications within the enterprise space.”
HID Global and NXP helped create the current market for card-based physical access systems and are now jointly moving these solutions to mobile phones as NFC becomes a standard feature.
The contactless cards that employees use to enter corporate buildings and parking garages can now be transferred to an NFC-enabled phone storing digital access credentials. The credentials are stored on NXP’s embedded Secure Element within the handset and are presented by the mobile phone in a manner that is compatible with access control readers and systems. As the use of NFC smart phones for access control becomes increasingly more popular, consumers and enterprises can expect the same high level of security with improved convenience on a mobile device.
The jointly developed solution also leverages NXP and HID Global advanced reader technologies within a physical access control infrastructure. The solution supports existing HID Global readers and those based on the company’s iCLASS SIO-Enabled (iCLASS SE®) platform that fuels the migration of physical access control technology beyond traditional cards and readers by enabling deployment of mobile access with digital credentials. HID’s iCLASS SE readers will be powered by NXP’s new CLRC663 reader ICs and fully support 13.56 MHz smart cards that are ISO14443 compliant, including MIFARE DESFIRE EV1.
To ensure maximum compatibility, the new Mobile Access management solution from NXP and HID Global is backward-compatible with newer HID Global iCLASS readers, and is forward-compatible to HID Global’s Trusted Identity Platform (TIP) ecosystem.
Existing HID customers can upgrade certain iCLASS implementations to support the use of NFC-enabled mobile phones without the need to physically replace the installed readers. NXP’s technology supports the management of multiple applications such as payment, e-government, access management and ticketing, all via one microcontroller that assures secure and convenient recognition without compromising security, performance and design productivity.
Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, senior VP and CTO, HID Global, said: “NXP is playing a vital role in the adoption of NFC technology among handset manufacturers and developer communities. By working together, this application can be deployed immediately on a significant number of mobile phones. We are excited to team up and combine our leadership positions in the access management market to offer the industry new leading-edge solutions.”
Henri Ardevol, VP and GM, secure transactions with NXP Semiconductors, said: “We are very pleased to co-operate with HID Global on the development of this new solution. As leading enterprises continue to invest in mobile technology and security infrastructure, our collaboration brings real value and convenience around the world. In addition, combining HID Global’s iCLASS SE readers with our MIFARE DESFire and NFC technology ensures greater interoperability in access management and accelerates adoption of NFC applications within the enterprise space.”
Nan Chiau Primary School, Qualcomm and Microsoft to build 21st century classroom with 3G smartphones in Singapore
SINGAPORE: Qualcomm Inc., through its Wireless Reach initiative, Nan Chiau Primary School and Microsoft, announced the launch of the WE Learn mobile education project, which uses 3G smartphones to create a 21st century classroom experience for Singaporean students.
The project will demonstrate how the latest wireless technology can be used to transform learning from a traditional, teacher-centric model to a student-centric, inquiry-oriented and collaborative framework where 24/7 access to resources in and out of the classroom allows students to acquire and practice 21st century competencies.
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) is working to better prepare its nation's students to thrive in a fast-changing and highly-connected world by promoting the development of self-directed learning and collaborative learning skills in its third Master plan for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education. Nan Chiau is an MOE-designated Future School in Singapore. Tasked with pushing the frontier of technology, it is leading the way with a 21st century classroom that implements the MOE's framework and serves as a model for primary schools throughout Singapore and Asia.
With a grant from Qualcomm's Wireless Reach initiative, the WE Learn project is providing 3G-enabled Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones enabled by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors; mobile broadband connectivity via SingTel's 3G wireless network; a mobile learning platform (MyDesk) and educational applications developed by University of Michigan; and Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system, which all software for these smartphones is built upon, to 350 third-grade students and their teachers at Nan Chiau.
"With 3G smartphones and connectivity, our students have 24/7 access to educational content, web-based resources and collaborative learning tools," said Tan, principal of Nan Chiau Primary School. "These tools give students the means to take responsibility for their own learning and enable teachers to provide individualized mentoring."
The National Institute of Education of Singapore is assisting teachers with the development of customized curriculum in English, Science and Chinese that leverages the benefits of mobile, Internet-connected, learning devices and provides students with new learning opportunities that are not possible with paper and pencil.
"We co-design technology enabled lessons with the teachers and provide professional development to teachers that enable them to enact lessons using smartphones. It is critical to empower teachers to orchestrate the transformed classroom to support students' personalized learning," said Prof. Looi Chee Kit of the National Institute of Education.
All smartphones are equipped with MyDesk, a next-generation mobile learning platform tailored to leverage the capabilities of Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. MyDesk enables each student to access his or her assignments, relevant websites that contain podcasts, textual material and video clips and educational applications, such as concept mapping, drawing and animating, to practice both self-directed and collaborative learning.
Files created by the Nan Chiau students on their smartphones are backed-up and synchronized to a cloud-based Teaching Management System, providing each student an electronic portfolio that parents can review and teachers can access for grading and feedback purposes. Undergraduates at the University of Michigan are building the mobile learning platform (MyDesk), many of its applications, the Teaching Management System and an always-visible, digital Class Message Board.
"Microsoft's vision is to help expand the power of education for all individuals through personalized learning. That is why Microsoft partners with education communities around the world to deliver a relevant and effective scalable set of technologies, services and programs that focus the contributions of many on improved learning outcomes for the individual," said Ms. Jessica Tan, MD, Microsoft Singapore. "Encouraging the use of technology to enable innovative methods of teaching and learning will address the needs of the next generation of digital native learners to become savvy citizens and leaders of the future."
"Smartphones are becoming a part of everyday life and we are excited that the students at Nan Chiau can now enhance their learning outside the classroom with the use of our Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones," said Neil Gordon, VP of Sales for Nokia Southeast Asia. "The ability to do everyday tasks faster, like accessing the Web, capturing information or viewing content from anywhere makes Nokia Lumia an ideal tool for mobile learning."
"SingTel seeks to play a key role in transforming the education landscape by integrating ICT into teaching and learning," said Lee Kai Hock, VP of SingTel Business Marketing. "We have been instrumental in leading many strategic education ICT projects, such as the Future School (Singapore) and other e-learning digital media projects, and are excited to contribute to the success of the WE Learn project, empowering the students to learn anywhere, anytime."
"The WE Learn project is putting the power of computers into the pockets of tomorrow's innovators, engineers and inventors," said John Stefanac, VP of Qualcomm and president of Qualcomm Southeast Asia and Pacific. "This project demonstrates how 3G connectivity can transform education to enable a student-centric learning model that is available anytime, anywhere and easy for adoption worldwide."
The project will demonstrate how the latest wireless technology can be used to transform learning from a traditional, teacher-centric model to a student-centric, inquiry-oriented and collaborative framework where 24/7 access to resources in and out of the classroom allows students to acquire and practice 21st century competencies.
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) is working to better prepare its nation's students to thrive in a fast-changing and highly-connected world by promoting the development of self-directed learning and collaborative learning skills in its third Master plan for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education. Nan Chiau is an MOE-designated Future School in Singapore. Tasked with pushing the frontier of technology, it is leading the way with a 21st century classroom that implements the MOE's framework and serves as a model for primary schools throughout Singapore and Asia.
With a grant from Qualcomm's Wireless Reach initiative, the WE Learn project is providing 3G-enabled Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones enabled by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors; mobile broadband connectivity via SingTel's 3G wireless network; a mobile learning platform (MyDesk) and educational applications developed by University of Michigan; and Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system, which all software for these smartphones is built upon, to 350 third-grade students and their teachers at Nan Chiau.
"With 3G smartphones and connectivity, our students have 24/7 access to educational content, web-based resources and collaborative learning tools," said Tan, principal of Nan Chiau Primary School. "These tools give students the means to take responsibility for their own learning and enable teachers to provide individualized mentoring."
The National Institute of Education of Singapore is assisting teachers with the development of customized curriculum in English, Science and Chinese that leverages the benefits of mobile, Internet-connected, learning devices and provides students with new learning opportunities that are not possible with paper and pencil.
"We co-design technology enabled lessons with the teachers and provide professional development to teachers that enable them to enact lessons using smartphones. It is critical to empower teachers to orchestrate the transformed classroom to support students' personalized learning," said Prof. Looi Chee Kit of the National Institute of Education.
All smartphones are equipped with MyDesk, a next-generation mobile learning platform tailored to leverage the capabilities of Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. MyDesk enables each student to access his or her assignments, relevant websites that contain podcasts, textual material and video clips and educational applications, such as concept mapping, drawing and animating, to practice both self-directed and collaborative learning.
Files created by the Nan Chiau students on their smartphones are backed-up and synchronized to a cloud-based Teaching Management System, providing each student an electronic portfolio that parents can review and teachers can access for grading and feedback purposes. Undergraduates at the University of Michigan are building the mobile learning platform (MyDesk), many of its applications, the Teaching Management System and an always-visible, digital Class Message Board.
"Microsoft's vision is to help expand the power of education for all individuals through personalized learning. That is why Microsoft partners with education communities around the world to deliver a relevant and effective scalable set of technologies, services and programs that focus the contributions of many on improved learning outcomes for the individual," said Ms. Jessica Tan, MD, Microsoft Singapore. "Encouraging the use of technology to enable innovative methods of teaching and learning will address the needs of the next generation of digital native learners to become savvy citizens and leaders of the future."
"Smartphones are becoming a part of everyday life and we are excited that the students at Nan Chiau can now enhance their learning outside the classroom with the use of our Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones," said Neil Gordon, VP of Sales for Nokia Southeast Asia. "The ability to do everyday tasks faster, like accessing the Web, capturing information or viewing content from anywhere makes Nokia Lumia an ideal tool for mobile learning."
"SingTel seeks to play a key role in transforming the education landscape by integrating ICT into teaching and learning," said Lee Kai Hock, VP of SingTel Business Marketing. "We have been instrumental in leading many strategic education ICT projects, such as the Future School (Singapore) and other e-learning digital media projects, and are excited to contribute to the success of the WE Learn project, empowering the students to learn anywhere, anytime."
"The WE Learn project is putting the power of computers into the pockets of tomorrow's innovators, engineers and inventors," said John Stefanac, VP of Qualcomm and president of Qualcomm Southeast Asia and Pacific. "This project demonstrates how 3G connectivity can transform education to enable a student-centric learning model that is available anytime, anywhere and easy for adoption worldwide."
Gemalto selected by KDDI for Japan’s first mobile NFC launch
CARTES in Asia 2012, HONG KONG: Gemalto, a leader in digital security, announced being selected by KDDI for Japan’s first commercial launch of mobile NFC services. KDDI serves over 34 million subscribers in Japan. Successfully launched in January, Gemalto provides a one-stop service to KDDI, encompassing its Allynis Trusted Service Manager (TSM) software and UpTeq NFC high-end security device.
The launch is a part of the recently announced Japan Mobile NFC Consortium that brings together the country’s three largest operators to coordinate the adoption of multiple international standards for NFC. Subscribers are able to experience various types of contactless services ranging from mobile payments, transportation services, e-driver’s licenses, e-ticketing as well as information acquisition from smart posters. The launch sees participation from a wide-range of leading industries including car manufacturers, airlines and cinema operators. The launch in Japan will also allow end users to use NFC services both domestically and outside of Japan.
KDDI’s early migration to Gemalto’s Upteq NFC high-end security SIM-format device provides a solid protection for the operator’s investments in NFC with lower risks and higher returns. KDDI began last year to insert UpTeq NFC in handsets in place of the standard SIM/UICC so they are ready now to mass deploy NFC services. This further permits the operator to progressively incorporate new partners without the need to extensively pre-qualify each and every service and application or anticipate all the subscriber configurations ahead of time.
Service providers and KDDI are able to easily deploy and manage new services and install additional applications with full flexibility, after card issuance to end users. KDDI’s mobile NFC program will be based on international standards compliant with GSMA’s Pay-Buy-Mobile specifications, allowing for faster market rollout and ensuring a high level of security for transactions.
“With more than 45 NFC projects globally, Gemalto has unrivalled experience in managing the complexity of building a mobile contactless ecosystem,” said Kenichi Bandou, senior manager, KDDI. “As Japan is where mobile proximity started many years ago, with consumers already actively using mobile contactless services, we anticipate quick user adoption of this new service.”
“KDDI’s decision to proceed with commercialization was based on their subscribers’ positive feedback that the pilot program brought much convenience and added value to their daily lives,” added Tan Teck-Lee, president Asia, Gemalto. “Built from our extensive engagements across key digital security markets worldwide, Gemalto’s end-to-end NFC solution will enable further massive deployment of mobile contactless services across Japan. It is also the first step towards NFC roaming capability, which will enable mobile users to make purchases in globally compatible contactless point of sales wherever they are when they travel abroad.”
The launch is a part of the recently announced Japan Mobile NFC Consortium that brings together the country’s three largest operators to coordinate the adoption of multiple international standards for NFC. Subscribers are able to experience various types of contactless services ranging from mobile payments, transportation services, e-driver’s licenses, e-ticketing as well as information acquisition from smart posters. The launch sees participation from a wide-range of leading industries including car manufacturers, airlines and cinema operators. The launch in Japan will also allow end users to use NFC services both domestically and outside of Japan.
KDDI’s early migration to Gemalto’s Upteq NFC high-end security SIM-format device provides a solid protection for the operator’s investments in NFC with lower risks and higher returns. KDDI began last year to insert UpTeq NFC in handsets in place of the standard SIM/UICC so they are ready now to mass deploy NFC services. This further permits the operator to progressively incorporate new partners without the need to extensively pre-qualify each and every service and application or anticipate all the subscriber configurations ahead of time.
Service providers and KDDI are able to easily deploy and manage new services and install additional applications with full flexibility, after card issuance to end users. KDDI’s mobile NFC program will be based on international standards compliant with GSMA’s Pay-Buy-Mobile specifications, allowing for faster market rollout and ensuring a high level of security for transactions.
“With more than 45 NFC projects globally, Gemalto has unrivalled experience in managing the complexity of building a mobile contactless ecosystem,” said Kenichi Bandou, senior manager, KDDI. “As Japan is where mobile proximity started many years ago, with consumers already actively using mobile contactless services, we anticipate quick user adoption of this new service.”
“KDDI’s decision to proceed with commercialization was based on their subscribers’ positive feedback that the pilot program brought much convenience and added value to their daily lives,” added Tan Teck-Lee, president Asia, Gemalto. “Built from our extensive engagements across key digital security markets worldwide, Gemalto’s end-to-end NFC solution will enable further massive deployment of mobile contactless services across Japan. It is also the first step towards NFC roaming capability, which will enable mobile users to make purchases in globally compatible contactless point of sales wherever they are when they travel abroad.”
Tecore Networks announces low cost LTE start-up and license-saver systems for regional carriers
RCA 2012, COLUMBIA, USA: Tecore Networks announced the availability of a scalable LTE network ‘starter kit’ that includes the iCore LTE Core Network targeting operators with an initial deployment of up to ten thousand subscribers. This configuration aims at optimizing capital expenditure (CAPEX), putting LTE deployments in reach for smaller operators looking to add to their service offering, or meet build out requirements.
For over 20\ years, Tecore has addressed the market needs for scalable wireless infrastructure. With the emergence of LTE as the de facto 4G technology, Tecore recognizes the challenges faced by smaller operators looking to enter the market; challenges also shared by established operators evaluating the CAPEX of a technology refresh. For this reason, Tecore Networks teamed up with Alcatel Lucent, integrating Alcatel-Lucent’s (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio with Tecore’s award-winning iCore to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for regional and remote mobile carriers. The venture was announced in February, prior to Mobile World Congress 2012.
Along with the starter kit, Tecore presents a full suite of scalable LTE network configurations that also includes a deployable license saver system allowing license holders to avoid penalties associated with not meeting build out requirements. As the adoption of 4G LTE grows, these networks can expand with additional capacity and coverage.
“As the larger operators continue to drive the 4G LTE deployments around the US, the challenge for small operators and license holders to have a competitive offering is significant,” said Jay Salkini, president and CEO of Tecore Networks. “While most infrastructure solutions are too large for these opportunities, Tecore has a focused product offering that is sized, scoped, and most importantly priced, to put LTE within reach.”
For over 20\ years, Tecore has addressed the market needs for scalable wireless infrastructure. With the emergence of LTE as the de facto 4G technology, Tecore recognizes the challenges faced by smaller operators looking to enter the market; challenges also shared by established operators evaluating the CAPEX of a technology refresh. For this reason, Tecore Networks teamed up with Alcatel Lucent, integrating Alcatel-Lucent’s (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio with Tecore’s award-winning iCore to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for regional and remote mobile carriers. The venture was announced in February, prior to Mobile World Congress 2012.
Along with the starter kit, Tecore presents a full suite of scalable LTE network configurations that also includes a deployable license saver system allowing license holders to avoid penalties associated with not meeting build out requirements. As the adoption of 4G LTE grows, these networks can expand with additional capacity and coverage.
“As the larger operators continue to drive the 4G LTE deployments around the US, the challenge for small operators and license holders to have a competitive offering is significant,” said Jay Salkini, president and CEO of Tecore Networks. “While most infrastructure solutions are too large for these opportunities, Tecore has a focused product offering that is sized, scoped, and most importantly priced, to put LTE within reach.”
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
GSMA and Bharti Infratel to expand green energy initiatives for telecom towers
LONDON & NEW DELHI, INDIA: The GSMA and Bharti Infratel Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and promote green technologies for telecom tower infrastructure in India. The collaboration will entail working together to convert 1,000 Infratel towers into green sites, which will reduce greenhouse gas carbon emissions by almost 11,000 tonnes as a result of the reduced usage of diesel.
Bharti Infratel is one of the world's leading telecom tower infrastructure providers, owning over 33,000 of India's estimated 400,000 towers. Having predominantly a rural footprint, they have nearly 9,000 off-grid towers, which accounts for 18 per cent of total off-grid towers in India. Infratel has already converted over 10,500 sites to alternative back-up power, out of which almost 1,350 sites are now on solar hybrid; converting an additional 1,000 is the first step of engagement with the GSMA.
Infratel has been the torchbearer in successfully pioneering green energy initiatives. Its award-winning GreenTowers P7 initiative has been running for almost two years and is a comprehensive, energy efficiency and alternate energy programme, aimed at reducing diesel usage and carbon emissions. The GreenTowers initiative is scoped to cover 70 per cent of Infratel's tower network. It includes seven high-impact initiatives that are focused on reducing CO2 emission by 154,000 tonnes per year by reducing diesel consumption by 58.17 million litres per year.
"We are delighted to join hands with the GSMA and firmly believe that this partnership will present an exciting expansion to our expertise and leadership in deploying clean energy initiatives across our tower footprint," said Sairam Prasad, CTO, Bharti Infratel. "This vital partnership is a step further in our endeavour of fore-fronting green within the telecom tower infrastructure industry and will enhance the capacity of Infratel's GreenTowers P7 initiative."
"This partnership will have significant impact in reducing operating expenditure by 10-20 per cent at each individual site, as well as a significant reduction in carbon emissions," said Chris Locke, MD, GSMA Development Fund. "Using the insights gained from our partnership with Bharti Infratel, we will produce a best practice guide and case study which we hope will lead to widespread industry change as the industry follows Bharti Infratel's lead."
The GSMA's Green Power for Mobile programme, supported by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) works to promote and institutionalise green power in a number of markets, including India.
Bharti Infratel is one of the world's leading telecom tower infrastructure providers, owning over 33,000 of India's estimated 400,000 towers. Having predominantly a rural footprint, they have nearly 9,000 off-grid towers, which accounts for 18 per cent of total off-grid towers in India. Infratel has already converted over 10,500 sites to alternative back-up power, out of which almost 1,350 sites are now on solar hybrid; converting an additional 1,000 is the first step of engagement with the GSMA.
Infratel has been the torchbearer in successfully pioneering green energy initiatives. Its award-winning GreenTowers P7 initiative has been running for almost two years and is a comprehensive, energy efficiency and alternate energy programme, aimed at reducing diesel usage and carbon emissions. The GreenTowers initiative is scoped to cover 70 per cent of Infratel's tower network. It includes seven high-impact initiatives that are focused on reducing CO2 emission by 154,000 tonnes per year by reducing diesel consumption by 58.17 million litres per year.
"We are delighted to join hands with the GSMA and firmly believe that this partnership will present an exciting expansion to our expertise and leadership in deploying clean energy initiatives across our tower footprint," said Sairam Prasad, CTO, Bharti Infratel. "This vital partnership is a step further in our endeavour of fore-fronting green within the telecom tower infrastructure industry and will enhance the capacity of Infratel's GreenTowers P7 initiative."
"This partnership will have significant impact in reducing operating expenditure by 10-20 per cent at each individual site, as well as a significant reduction in carbon emissions," said Chris Locke, MD, GSMA Development Fund. "Using the insights gained from our partnership with Bharti Infratel, we will produce a best practice guide and case study which we hope will lead to widespread industry change as the industry follows Bharti Infratel's lead."
The GSMA's Green Power for Mobile programme, supported by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) works to promote and institutionalise green power in a number of markets, including India.
PCN enables Ethernet multi-drop access over Modbus serial networks
SAN DIEGO, USA: PCN announced the availability of IP-485 Ethernet networking routers and switches allowing instant deployment of Modbus TCP/IP data over existing operational and installed Modbus Serial twisted pair networks without the need for running any specialized industrial CAT 5/6 wiring.
Designed and tested for critical low latency industrial automation and control environments, PCN’s IP-485 network routers and switches work together to interface directly to both Programmable Logic Controllers and Ethernet enabled devices allowing network owners to instantly deploy new Ethernet based devices using already installed twisted pair wiring without impacting any of the existing critical closed system automation and control networks already in place.
Network owners now have the flexibility to instantly deploy new IP based systems instantly without affecting existing Serial operations and without shutting down operations, performing construction, or rewiring to install Modbus TCP/IP networks. Products are plug-and-play, interoperate with standard networking equipment, hot-pluggable in most cases, and have met IEC, FCC, IEEE, UL, CUL regulatory requirements for industrial applications and networks.
To mirror existing SCADA network architectures PCN products enable Multi-Drop of Modbus TCP/IP or any Ethernet devices while simultaneously allowing transport of the critical Modbus Serial automation and control data. PCN standard Modbus TCP/IP Switches allow access to numerous Ethernet devices at each drop.
Up to four IP-485 network switches can be addressed from each Single Channel IP-485 router. Multi-Channel Routers enable sixteen IP-485 network switches. Network owners can now deploy Modbus TCP/IP throughout the entire network infrastructure, or where desired while keeping reliability and security of existing serial devices intact.
Applications include critical commercial and industrial applications where IP based video, audio and data communication networks are needed in closed system automation and control applications.
Designed and tested for critical low latency industrial automation and control environments, PCN’s IP-485 network routers and switches work together to interface directly to both Programmable Logic Controllers and Ethernet enabled devices allowing network owners to instantly deploy new Ethernet based devices using already installed twisted pair wiring without impacting any of the existing critical closed system automation and control networks already in place.
Network owners now have the flexibility to instantly deploy new IP based systems instantly without affecting existing Serial operations and without shutting down operations, performing construction, or rewiring to install Modbus TCP/IP networks. Products are plug-and-play, interoperate with standard networking equipment, hot-pluggable in most cases, and have met IEC, FCC, IEEE, UL, CUL regulatory requirements for industrial applications and networks.
To mirror existing SCADA network architectures PCN products enable Multi-Drop of Modbus TCP/IP or any Ethernet devices while simultaneously allowing transport of the critical Modbus Serial automation and control data. PCN standard Modbus TCP/IP Switches allow access to numerous Ethernet devices at each drop.
Up to four IP-485 network switches can be addressed from each Single Channel IP-485 router. Multi-Channel Routers enable sixteen IP-485 network switches. Network owners can now deploy Modbus TCP/IP throughout the entire network infrastructure, or where desired while keeping reliability and security of existing serial devices intact.
Applications include critical commercial and industrial applications where IP based video, audio and data communication networks are needed in closed system automation and control applications.
Dual RFID-ZigBee sensors from Libelium to enable NFC applications for the Internet of Things
ZARAGOZA, SPAIN: Libelium, a technology leader in wireless sensor networks for Smart Cities solutions launched the new RFID/NFC module for the Waspmote sensor platform. The new radio module extends Waspmote features allowing the sensor data to be used in Location Based Services (LBS), such as asset tracking, supply chain monitoring, intelligent shopping or access management.
By using RFID/NFC - passive sensors - along with ZigBee - active sensors -, asset tracking can be more accurate than ever along the whole supply chain process. Product management softwares, like ERPs, will have access in real time to information related to remaining stock, storage and transportation conditions (temperature and humidity levels, vibrations, light exposure, etc), expiration dates and even consumer profiles, knowing time spent in front of a shelf or products picked up and not bought.
Security applications, including access control, can also be covered with this technology as the RFID standard -Mifare- uses a 6 bytes key to ensure maximum privacy and authentication requirements, a major concern in this technology.
The information given by the passive tags (cards, keyrings, stickers, etc) is read by the RFID/NFC interface and then transmitted using the ZigBee radio to an Internet Gateway which will finally upload it to a Cloud server making it accessible everywhere. The identification data can also be sent to the Cloud directly using the Wifi radio which performs secure connections with the web servers (HTTPS).
NFC technologies, quickly adopted in the majority of Smartphones brands, allows everyone to be part of the Internet of Things. Libelium’s CTO David Gascón says, “Soon, we will scan products in the supermarket with our Smartphones to check if they contain anything our family is allergic to and see nutritional information while our fridge will warn us about expiring dates and suggest shopping lists according to our preferences.”
This RFID/NFC radio completes Waspmote connectivity - which already covers ZigBee, Wifi, Bluetooth and 3G/GPRS - making it compliant with any wireless technology in the market. "The new module is available in both 125KHz and 13.56MHz bands to ensure compatibility with previous RFID deployments," adds the Libelium CTO, David Gascón.
Libelium provides an intuitive and open source programming API and complete documentation with examples in order to help developers to easily start working with the platform.
By using RFID/NFC - passive sensors - along with ZigBee - active sensors -, asset tracking can be more accurate than ever along the whole supply chain process. Product management softwares, like ERPs, will have access in real time to information related to remaining stock, storage and transportation conditions (temperature and humidity levels, vibrations, light exposure, etc), expiration dates and even consumer profiles, knowing time spent in front of a shelf or products picked up and not bought.
Security applications, including access control, can also be covered with this technology as the RFID standard -Mifare- uses a 6 bytes key to ensure maximum privacy and authentication requirements, a major concern in this technology.
The information given by the passive tags (cards, keyrings, stickers, etc) is read by the RFID/NFC interface and then transmitted using the ZigBee radio to an Internet Gateway which will finally upload it to a Cloud server making it accessible everywhere. The identification data can also be sent to the Cloud directly using the Wifi radio which performs secure connections with the web servers (HTTPS).
NFC technologies, quickly adopted in the majority of Smartphones brands, allows everyone to be part of the Internet of Things. Libelium’s CTO David Gascón says, “Soon, we will scan products in the supermarket with our Smartphones to check if they contain anything our family is allergic to and see nutritional information while our fridge will warn us about expiring dates and suggest shopping lists according to our preferences.”
This RFID/NFC radio completes Waspmote connectivity - which already covers ZigBee, Wifi, Bluetooth and 3G/GPRS - making it compliant with any wireless technology in the market. "The new module is available in both 125KHz and 13.56MHz bands to ensure compatibility with previous RFID deployments," adds the Libelium CTO, David Gascón.
Libelium provides an intuitive and open source programming API and complete documentation with examples in order to help developers to easily start working with the platform.
LightPointe intros world’s fastest, lowest latency wireless point-to-point technology
SAN DIEGO, USA: LightPointe, the number one manufacturer of 4th generation Free Space Optics (FSO) and Hybrid Optical-Radio Wireless Bridges, and a leading innovator in 60/70/80 GHz millimeter wave backhaul solutions, announced the introduction of the world’s fastest, lowest latency point-to-point bridge, the Aire X-Stream.
The all-outdoor wireless bridge provides faster-than-fiber performance and extreme low equipment latency of less than 20 nanoseconds for latency sensitive data transmission, such as C4ISR military communications (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Reconnaissance) and commercial applications such as High Frequency Stock Trading.
“No other technology is faster for transmitting from point A to point B,” said Dr. Heinz Willebrand, president and CEO of LightPointe. “The Aire X-Stream, which shares several low latency components found in our recently updated AireBeam 70/80 GHz millimeter wave backhaul solutions, includes four-beam auto-tracking optical transmission for faster-than-fiber and faster-than-radio performance, making it ideal for applications requiring the ultimate in transmission speed and low latency.
“Equipment latency is so low—and the speed-of-light performance advantages of Free Space Optics transmission are so great—that an Aire X-Stream signal traveling at 300,000 km/s through the air will outrun a fiber optics cable signal traveling at 200,000 km/s in less than 20 meters. The Aire X-Stream is ideal for carriers, government agencies and enterprises requiring the ultimate in speed amidst the bandwidth crunch driven by such devices as Android smartphones, the 4G/LTE iPad 3 and other data intensive mobile devices, consumer apps and business applications. And best of all, no regulatory license is needed, and it’s immune to RF congestion and RF interference.”
The Aire X-Stream provides 1.25 Gbps full-duplex for distances up to approximately a half mile or 1,000 meters, making the wireless bridge ideal for metropolitan area networks and building-to-building or tower-to-tower connectivity, as well as business, hospital and school campus settings. Individual links can be daisy-chained together for longer distances, or to go around obstacles. Installation is made easy via a standard multi-mode or single-mode data interface, built-in alignment scope and status LEDs.
“Applications such as algorithmic and computerized High Frequency Trading require the fastest data transmission possible,” said Dr. Dave Eaves, principal financial and information consultant at Internet Security Corp., and former senior analyst with Cantor Fitzgerald and TradeWare, a provider of High Frequency Stock Trading software.
“The ability to complete buy and sell stock orders faster than other traders can equal millions of dollars in savings and profits when placing manual orders or automatically through HFT computers, which account for over 70 percent of all transactions by mutual funds and pension funds. Technologies such as today’s fourth generation FSO wireless bridges, which provide extremely low latency and speed-of-light performance, are ideal for time sensitive transmissions.”
Aire X-Stream is shipping now through LightPointe’s channel partners in most countries, including Germany, France, Italy, China, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom and others in the Middle East.
The all-outdoor wireless bridge provides faster-than-fiber performance and extreme low equipment latency of less than 20 nanoseconds for latency sensitive data transmission, such as C4ISR military communications (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Reconnaissance) and commercial applications such as High Frequency Stock Trading.
“No other technology is faster for transmitting from point A to point B,” said Dr. Heinz Willebrand, president and CEO of LightPointe. “The Aire X-Stream, which shares several low latency components found in our recently updated AireBeam 70/80 GHz millimeter wave backhaul solutions, includes four-beam auto-tracking optical transmission for faster-than-fiber and faster-than-radio performance, making it ideal for applications requiring the ultimate in transmission speed and low latency.
“Equipment latency is so low—and the speed-of-light performance advantages of Free Space Optics transmission are so great—that an Aire X-Stream signal traveling at 300,000 km/s through the air will outrun a fiber optics cable signal traveling at 200,000 km/s in less than 20 meters. The Aire X-Stream is ideal for carriers, government agencies and enterprises requiring the ultimate in speed amidst the bandwidth crunch driven by such devices as Android smartphones, the 4G/LTE iPad 3 and other data intensive mobile devices, consumer apps and business applications. And best of all, no regulatory license is needed, and it’s immune to RF congestion and RF interference.”
The Aire X-Stream provides 1.25 Gbps full-duplex for distances up to approximately a half mile or 1,000 meters, making the wireless bridge ideal for metropolitan area networks and building-to-building or tower-to-tower connectivity, as well as business, hospital and school campus settings. Individual links can be daisy-chained together for longer distances, or to go around obstacles. Installation is made easy via a standard multi-mode or single-mode data interface, built-in alignment scope and status LEDs.
“Applications such as algorithmic and computerized High Frequency Trading require the fastest data transmission possible,” said Dr. Dave Eaves, principal financial and information consultant at Internet Security Corp., and former senior analyst with Cantor Fitzgerald and TradeWare, a provider of High Frequency Stock Trading software.
“The ability to complete buy and sell stock orders faster than other traders can equal millions of dollars in savings and profits when placing manual orders or automatically through HFT computers, which account for over 70 percent of all transactions by mutual funds and pension funds. Technologies such as today’s fourth generation FSO wireless bridges, which provide extremely low latency and speed-of-light performance, are ideal for time sensitive transmissions.”
Aire X-Stream is shipping now through LightPointe’s channel partners in most countries, including Germany, France, Italy, China, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom and others in the Middle East.
Autodesk connects desktop to mobile and cloud with Design and Creation Suites 2013
SAN RAFAEL, USA: Autodesk Inc. launched the company’s 2013 portfolio of design, engineering and entertainment software, including the latest design and creation suites.
The suites provide expanded toolsets and new automated suites workflows for building, entertainment, engineering, construction, infrastructure, product, plant and factory design. The 2013 design suites connect the desktop to Autodesk 360, a cloud computing platform that enables customers to dramatically improve the way they work by providing the ability to store, edit and share their designs and access virtually infinite computing power anytime, anywhere.
“Last year, we introduced Autodesk design and creation suites and cloud services, and have seen a tremendous response from our customers. The 2013 suites are a major step forward to a cohesive and interconnected product family,” said Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk senior VP of Industry Strategy and Marketing. “The tools in the suites now work more seamlessly with each other and with the cloud, offering tremendous value by opening new ways for our customers to solve their most complex design and engineering challenges.”
The new Autodesk 2013 design and creation suites feature in-product, customizable one-click workflows and improved interoperability, making it much easier to connect design and visualization tasks. This gives users the ability to better communicate their design intent visually. In addition, the 2013 suites offer a consistent user experience across the software in the suite and in Autodesk 360 -- making it easier to learn new tools and services, and adopt them in the design workflow.
“The advantage of using an Autodesk design suite is that it offers us a variety of tools, and we can pick and choose the most appropriate solution for the project and for the client,” said Phillip Ra, senior designer, Cannon Design.
The suites provide expanded toolsets and new automated suites workflows for building, entertainment, engineering, construction, infrastructure, product, plant and factory design. The 2013 design suites connect the desktop to Autodesk 360, a cloud computing platform that enables customers to dramatically improve the way they work by providing the ability to store, edit and share their designs and access virtually infinite computing power anytime, anywhere.
“Last year, we introduced Autodesk design and creation suites and cloud services, and have seen a tremendous response from our customers. The 2013 suites are a major step forward to a cohesive and interconnected product family,” said Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk senior VP of Industry Strategy and Marketing. “The tools in the suites now work more seamlessly with each other and with the cloud, offering tremendous value by opening new ways for our customers to solve their most complex design and engineering challenges.”
The new Autodesk 2013 design and creation suites feature in-product, customizable one-click workflows and improved interoperability, making it much easier to connect design and visualization tasks. This gives users the ability to better communicate their design intent visually. In addition, the 2013 suites offer a consistent user experience across the software in the suite and in Autodesk 360 -- making it easier to learn new tools and services, and adopt them in the design workflow.
“The advantage of using an Autodesk design suite is that it offers us a variety of tools, and we can pick and choose the most appropriate solution for the project and for the client,” said Phillip Ra, senior designer, Cannon Design.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Lantiq intros XWAY ARX300 device family
MUNICH & NEUBIBERG, GERMANY: Lantiq, a leading supplier of broadband access and home networking technologies, introduced its XWAY ARX300 device family for new ADSL2/2+ Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) designs.
The Lantiq XWAY ARX300 family includes four System-on-Chip (SoC) derivatives which address different system configurations, ranging from cost-optimized fast Ethernet to feature-rich, high-performance Gigabit Ethernet systems. They are designed to support telecom carrier programs to enhance and extend ADSL2/2+ services in worldwide markets.
XWAY ARX300 family highlights
With the new device family, Lantiq provides several new features:
* Complete ADSL PHY on-chip, including line driver circuitry, compliant with ITU-T G.992 for 28 Mbps downstream and 2.7 Mbps upstream data rates supporting physical layer features such as erasure decoding and retransmission (G.998.4), directly benefiting Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) applications.
* Industry's first fully integrated Gigabit Ethernet switch and Gigabit or Fast Ethernet PHYs.
* Integrated, flexible 802.11n Wireless LAN (WLAN) connectivity supporting 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band operation. XWAY WRX312 (2x2 MIMO) and XWAY WRX313 (3x3 MIMO) companion chips are low power multi-standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n RF transceiver with integrated power amplifier for 2.4 GHz band operation.
* Two device versions: XWAY ARX382 and XWAY ARX388 derivatives leverage Lantiq's extensive voice communications and home networking portfolio in multiple reference designs, including XWAY SLIC 100 voice interface, COSIC Modem DECT/CAT-iq single-chip device, and XWAY HNX G.hn chipsets for powerline/phone line/copper wire connectivity.
* Low system Bill of Materials (BOM) due to market-leading integration level.
XWAY ARX300 performance highlights
* High-performance dual-processor architecture includes a 500 MHz CPU and dedicated 32-bit protocol processing engine that assures Gigabit routing performance with zero load on the application processor.
* Fully-compliant 802.11n.e/i/h WLAN performance at up to 300 Mbps with zero-packet-error rate technology and "Thick MAC" architecture to offload processor intensive operations from the main CPU supports carrier grade wireless links for rich media, including IPTV.
* Designed with power management mechanisms to meet European CoC v4 and beyond requirements.
ADSL is the prevailing broadband access technology. In 2011, over half of all broadband access CPE shipments (including DSL, Cable and FTTH) and more than 85 percent of DSL devices were ADSL CPEs, according to the recent Infonetics' broadband CPE Market Tracker. With more than 50 million CPE shipments annually worldwide, ADSL will continue to be the largest broadband access device category throughout the forecast horizon 2012 to 2015.
Rainer Spielberg, VP of Marketing, Lantiq, said: "Lantiq's ARX300 family is the first fully integrated GigE/ADSL/WLAN SoC for routers and IADs. It enables carriers to meet growing demand for triple-play services and in-home Gigabit throughput with significant cost, size and power savings at no system performance compromise. This achievement will open the market to new applications around home connectivity and home automation."
XWAY ARX300 devices are available now for engineering development with key customers. Volume production to support customer roll-outs will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Lantiq XWAY ARX300 family includes four System-on-Chip (SoC) derivatives which address different system configurations, ranging from cost-optimized fast Ethernet to feature-rich, high-performance Gigabit Ethernet systems. They are designed to support telecom carrier programs to enhance and extend ADSL2/2+ services in worldwide markets.
XWAY ARX300 family highlights
With the new device family, Lantiq provides several new features:
* Complete ADSL PHY on-chip, including line driver circuitry, compliant with ITU-T G.992 for 28 Mbps downstream and 2.7 Mbps upstream data rates supporting physical layer features such as erasure decoding and retransmission (G.998.4), directly benefiting Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) applications.
* Industry's first fully integrated Gigabit Ethernet switch and Gigabit or Fast Ethernet PHYs.
* Integrated, flexible 802.11n Wireless LAN (WLAN) connectivity supporting 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band operation. XWAY WRX312 (2x2 MIMO) and XWAY WRX313 (3x3 MIMO) companion chips are low power multi-standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n RF transceiver with integrated power amplifier for 2.4 GHz band operation.
* Two device versions: XWAY ARX382 and XWAY ARX388 derivatives leverage Lantiq's extensive voice communications and home networking portfolio in multiple reference designs, including XWAY SLIC 100 voice interface, COSIC Modem DECT/CAT-iq single-chip device, and XWAY HNX G.hn chipsets for powerline/phone line/copper wire connectivity.
* Low system Bill of Materials (BOM) due to market-leading integration level.
XWAY ARX300 performance highlights
* High-performance dual-processor architecture includes a 500 MHz CPU and dedicated 32-bit protocol processing engine that assures Gigabit routing performance with zero load on the application processor.
* Fully-compliant 802.11n.e/i/h WLAN performance at up to 300 Mbps with zero-packet-error rate technology and "Thick MAC" architecture to offload processor intensive operations from the main CPU supports carrier grade wireless links for rich media, including IPTV.
* Designed with power management mechanisms to meet European CoC v4 and beyond requirements.
ADSL is the prevailing broadband access technology. In 2011, over half of all broadband access CPE shipments (including DSL, Cable and FTTH) and more than 85 percent of DSL devices were ADSL CPEs, according to the recent Infonetics' broadband CPE Market Tracker. With more than 50 million CPE shipments annually worldwide, ADSL will continue to be the largest broadband access device category throughout the forecast horizon 2012 to 2015.
Rainer Spielberg, VP of Marketing, Lantiq, said: "Lantiq's ARX300 family is the first fully integrated GigE/ADSL/WLAN SoC for routers and IADs. It enables carriers to meet growing demand for triple-play services and in-home Gigabit throughput with significant cost, size and power savings at no system performance compromise. This achievement will open the market to new applications around home connectivity and home automation."
XWAY ARX300 devices are available now for engineering development with key customers. Volume production to support customer roll-outs will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Goober drives evolution of mVoIP with launch of ChatCube
DOVER, USA & MAINZ, GERMANY: Goober Networks announced the launch of its mobile VoIP solution, ChatCube.
Much more than a free mVoIP calling and chat app, ChatCube provides users with a rich feature set including HD-quality VoIP calling, auto-sync contact management, photo/video sharing, voicemail, call forwarding, push notification and, coming soon, video calling.
Initially available for Apple's iOS, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, ChatCube will be available on multiple mobile and desktop operating systems and platforms later this year. It is available now for free in Apple's App Store.
ChatCube represents the evolution of mobile VoIP from apps that only provide limited functionality to an all-in-one solution for users. It combines features and functionality found disparately in other mVoIP offerings, plus adds several unique and powerful capabilities, and is packaged into one, elegant and easy-to-use product.
"The mobile VoIP market is clearly booming, yet, besides a few offerings with early-adoption penetration, there is no clear leader grabbing major market share because they are all working within their own silos,” said Peter Uhlich, goober Networks' CEO.
“Integration is lacking with the current mVoIP apps. They rely on users and all of their friends and contacts being members of the same club, which makes it harder than it needs to be for users. ChatCube allows users to auto-sync all their contacts, even their social network friends, and make calls to non-ChatCube users. It brings all these features into a single communication solution, which represents a significant step forward in the mVoIP space.”
Uhlich continued, "We believe that ChatCube—with all its features and capabilities that others don't have—will raise the bar in this space and finally answer the demand from consumers and businesses for universal, cross-platform quality and free mobile calling."
ChatCube allows users to make 100 percent free calls and chat worldwide to other ChatCube users over Wi-Fi, EDGE, 3G and 4G networks. It delivers "universal" HD-quality calling to any landline or mobile phone, including non-ChatCube users. Global flat-rate calling plans are available for non-ChatCube-to-ChatCube calls at rates up to 50 percent cheaper than current offerings. A free $1 calling credit is available upon signup.
Upon their initial introduction to ChatCube, users will immediately notice and appreciate the cleanly designed and intuitive interface, which provides quick access to specific functions with the least amount of “taps.” Removing complexity from the user experience is a deliberate design choice that reinforces goober Network’s mission to simplify and unify communications.
Key capabilities offered during this initial rollout include simplified contact management that makes it easy to auto-sync contacts, add Facebook friends, access a user directory, locate nearby ChatCube users and add users through “shake,” a function that allows contact information to be exchanged when nearby users shake their phones.
ChatCube also supports push notification, photo/video sharing and sending voice messages, contacts and locations. Other capabilities include an “is typing” feature and profile picture selection.
During the next several months, a series of additional capabilities—including video calling and functionality related to enhanced messaging, cloud sync, additional OS and platform support, and an innovative smartphone plan—will be introduced as part of the strategic rollout of this all-in-one solution.
Much more than a free mVoIP calling and chat app, ChatCube provides users with a rich feature set including HD-quality VoIP calling, auto-sync contact management, photo/video sharing, voicemail, call forwarding, push notification and, coming soon, video calling.
Initially available for Apple's iOS, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, ChatCube will be available on multiple mobile and desktop operating systems and platforms later this year. It is available now for free in Apple's App Store.
ChatCube represents the evolution of mobile VoIP from apps that only provide limited functionality to an all-in-one solution for users. It combines features and functionality found disparately in other mVoIP offerings, plus adds several unique and powerful capabilities, and is packaged into one, elegant and easy-to-use product.
"The mobile VoIP market is clearly booming, yet, besides a few offerings with early-adoption penetration, there is no clear leader grabbing major market share because they are all working within their own silos,” said Peter Uhlich, goober Networks' CEO.
“Integration is lacking with the current mVoIP apps. They rely on users and all of their friends and contacts being members of the same club, which makes it harder than it needs to be for users. ChatCube allows users to auto-sync all their contacts, even their social network friends, and make calls to non-ChatCube users. It brings all these features into a single communication solution, which represents a significant step forward in the mVoIP space.”
Uhlich continued, "We believe that ChatCube—with all its features and capabilities that others don't have—will raise the bar in this space and finally answer the demand from consumers and businesses for universal, cross-platform quality and free mobile calling."
ChatCube allows users to make 100 percent free calls and chat worldwide to other ChatCube users over Wi-Fi, EDGE, 3G and 4G networks. It delivers "universal" HD-quality calling to any landline or mobile phone, including non-ChatCube users. Global flat-rate calling plans are available for non-ChatCube-to-ChatCube calls at rates up to 50 percent cheaper than current offerings. A free $1 calling credit is available upon signup.
Upon their initial introduction to ChatCube, users will immediately notice and appreciate the cleanly designed and intuitive interface, which provides quick access to specific functions with the least amount of “taps.” Removing complexity from the user experience is a deliberate design choice that reinforces goober Network’s mission to simplify and unify communications.
Key capabilities offered during this initial rollout include simplified contact management that makes it easy to auto-sync contacts, add Facebook friends, access a user directory, locate nearby ChatCube users and add users through “shake,” a function that allows contact information to be exchanged when nearby users shake their phones.
ChatCube also supports push notification, photo/video sharing and sending voice messages, contacts and locations. Other capabilities include an “is typing” feature and profile picture selection.
During the next several months, a series of additional capabilities—including video calling and functionality related to enhanced messaging, cloud sync, additional OS and platform support, and an innovative smartphone plan—will be introduced as part of the strategic rollout of this all-in-one solution.
Ciena and SafeNet to protect data and reduce security breaches in commercial and government networks
LINTHICUM, USA: Ciena Corp. nd SafeNet announced a partnership to jointly sell high-speed, low-latency Ethernet link encryption services for commercial and government networks. Ciena’s Carrier Ethernet and Packet-Optical platforms, and SafeNet’s Ethernet Encryptor solutions, have been extensively tested for interoperability and provide assured, optimized and secure Layer 2 encryption services at speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, reducing the cost and complexity of protecting critical business information and intellectual property.
According to a recent study from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), 44 percent of the publicly disclosed data breaches in the US during 2011 affected the Government and Armed Services sector. The combined Ciena and SafeNet solutions serve to secure commercial and government networks by mitigating the threat of security breaches and data theft. Powered by advanced encryption technology that is specifically designed to work at Layer 2, the solutions offer assured service delivery with the economics, determinism and low-latency of a switched Ethernet infrastructure.
SafeNet is a Technology Partner in Ciena’s BizConnect partner program. Ciena subject matter experts will discuss the new encryption services and SafeNet alliance at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) TechNet Land Forces, Southwest 2012 conference, March 27-29 in Tucson, Ariz.
According to a recent study from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), 44 percent of the publicly disclosed data breaches in the US during 2011 affected the Government and Armed Services sector. The combined Ciena and SafeNet solutions serve to secure commercial and government networks by mitigating the threat of security breaches and data theft. Powered by advanced encryption technology that is specifically designed to work at Layer 2, the solutions offer assured service delivery with the economics, determinism and low-latency of a switched Ethernet infrastructure.
SafeNet is a Technology Partner in Ciena’s BizConnect partner program. Ciena subject matter experts will discuss the new encryption services and SafeNet alliance at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) TechNet Land Forces, Southwest 2012 conference, March 27-29 in Tucson, Ariz.
Imagine Communications' ICE video platform leads the way with Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0 qualification
SAN DIEGO, USA: Imagine Communications, a leading innovator in advanced digital video solutions, announced that its award-winning ICE Video Platform IPTV transcoder is one of the few transcoding solutions to be qualified for both 1.0 and 2.0 versions of Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform.
The test was administered by Tech Mahindra Corp. as part of the Microsoft Mediaroom Interoperability and Qualification Lab (IQ Lab) program, which is intended to enable seamless interoperability and compliance of headend equipment used in Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0 deployments.
Available in a dense 1RU (Rack Unit) package or as a NEBS-compliant Blade System, the Imagine ICE Video Platform is the ideal solution for IPTV service providers who need to deploy more channels with higher picture quality, and then rapidly and seamlessly add support for multiple devices such as tablets, PCs and smartphones. By integrating audio and video transcoding in the same platform as PIP (Picture in Picture) creation, multiscreen transcoding and multi-format media streaming, the ICE Video Platform provides an all-in-one solution for quality, scalability and reliability.
“We’re excited to be the first few transcoding solutions qualified for the Mediaroom 2.0 platform. As our IPTV customers and partners are planning their own migrations to Mediaroom 2.0, we’re ready to assist that transition and ensure the highest quality of experience for their customers and subscribers,” said Imagine's director of Market Development, Scott Solovei.
“Best picture quality, system density and reliability are still the calling cards for the ICE Video Platform, but as the IPTV ecosystem continues its upgrade cycle, it’s just as important to ensure we’re meeting our customers' demands for flawless interoperability, so Mediaroom 2.0 qualification is critical."
Imagine's ICE Video Platform is a widely deployed video processing solution that gives service providers the ability to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience for linear IPTV broadcasting and multiscreen transcoding, while realizing the most efficient network resource consumption. This powerful, multi-codec, multi-rate, multi-resolution video processing platform currently serves thousands of live streams to over 20 million North American households.
The test was administered by Tech Mahindra Corp. as part of the Microsoft Mediaroom Interoperability and Qualification Lab (IQ Lab) program, which is intended to enable seamless interoperability and compliance of headend equipment used in Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0 deployments.
Available in a dense 1RU (Rack Unit) package or as a NEBS-compliant Blade System, the Imagine ICE Video Platform is the ideal solution for IPTV service providers who need to deploy more channels with higher picture quality, and then rapidly and seamlessly add support for multiple devices such as tablets, PCs and smartphones. By integrating audio and video transcoding in the same platform as PIP (Picture in Picture) creation, multiscreen transcoding and multi-format media streaming, the ICE Video Platform provides an all-in-one solution for quality, scalability and reliability.
“We’re excited to be the first few transcoding solutions qualified for the Mediaroom 2.0 platform. As our IPTV customers and partners are planning their own migrations to Mediaroom 2.0, we’re ready to assist that transition and ensure the highest quality of experience for their customers and subscribers,” said Imagine's director of Market Development, Scott Solovei.
“Best picture quality, system density and reliability are still the calling cards for the ICE Video Platform, but as the IPTV ecosystem continues its upgrade cycle, it’s just as important to ensure we’re meeting our customers' demands for flawless interoperability, so Mediaroom 2.0 qualification is critical."
Imagine's ICE Video Platform is a widely deployed video processing solution that gives service providers the ability to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience for linear IPTV broadcasting and multiscreen transcoding, while realizing the most efficient network resource consumption. This powerful, multi-codec, multi-rate, multi-resolution video processing platform currently serves thousands of live streams to over 20 million North American households.
Sunrise Telecom launches packetWORX IPTV test and monitoring solution
SAN JOSE, USA: Sunrise Telecom Inc. has expanded its robust portfolio of network test and measurement solutions with the launch of the packetWORX IPTV Suite.
The Sunrise Telecom packetWORX Suite, which includes the server-based packetWORX IPTV Monitoring system and packetWORX IPTV Analyzer application for premise troubleshooting, enables system operators to quickly and easily install, maintain and troubleshoot IPTV networks, increasing the efficiency of field technicians and reducing operating expenses.
“As the increase in demand for IP-based video among businesses and consumers grows, it is incumbent upon system operators to provide network infrastructures that maximize the quality and reliability of video traffic,” explained Abish Ghimire, product manager at Sunrise Telecom. “packetWORX enables operators to deploy and maintain network infrastructures which meet the stringent quality and reliability demands of IPTV services.”
The client-server based packetWORX IPTV Monitor provides 24x7 monitoring of IPTV networks to detect and correct problems before customer Quality of Experience is impacted. Unlike other IP-based monitoring systems, packetWORX utilizes deep packet inspection allowing service providers to pinpoint the root cause of problems affecting the delivery of IPTV services. Providers can set up automatic monitoring for up to 500 channels with pass/fail results.
packetWORX IPTV Analyzer provides a complete solution for the installation and troubleshooting of IPTV at the customer premises. Technicians can test all channels with pass/fail results and get go/no-go results within seconds. Comprehensive video and transport stream statistics provide in-depth detail to determine the root cause of problems. Field technicians can troubleshoot issues in minutes and obtain a full report for the trouble ticket.
The Sunrise Telecom packetWORX Suite, which includes the server-based packetWORX IPTV Monitoring system and packetWORX IPTV Analyzer application for premise troubleshooting, enables system operators to quickly and easily install, maintain and troubleshoot IPTV networks, increasing the efficiency of field technicians and reducing operating expenses.
“As the increase in demand for IP-based video among businesses and consumers grows, it is incumbent upon system operators to provide network infrastructures that maximize the quality and reliability of video traffic,” explained Abish Ghimire, product manager at Sunrise Telecom. “packetWORX enables operators to deploy and maintain network infrastructures which meet the stringent quality and reliability demands of IPTV services.”
The client-server based packetWORX IPTV Monitor provides 24x7 monitoring of IPTV networks to detect and correct problems before customer Quality of Experience is impacted. Unlike other IP-based monitoring systems, packetWORX utilizes deep packet inspection allowing service providers to pinpoint the root cause of problems affecting the delivery of IPTV services. Providers can set up automatic monitoring for up to 500 channels with pass/fail results.
packetWORX IPTV Analyzer provides a complete solution for the installation and troubleshooting of IPTV at the customer premises. Technicians can test all channels with pass/fail results and get go/no-go results within seconds. Comprehensive video and transport stream statistics provide in-depth detail to determine the root cause of problems. Field technicians can troubleshoot issues in minutes and obtain a full report for the trouble ticket.
First wireless smartphone electrocardiogram demos success in monitoring patients’ heart health
CHICAGO & SAN FRANCISCO, USA: AliveCor, the developer of a breakthrough mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder, announced results from a study that demonstrated how the company’s ECG monitoring device is intuitive and allows users to learn and characterize their heart rates by using the hand-held device in their hands or on their chest. The data from the credit card sized wireless device is designed to help physicians and health care providers monitor and assess their patients’ heart health for a variety of medical reasons.
The AliveCor smartphone ECG is an innovative, investigational medical wireless device which incorporates electrodes into a wireless case that snaps onto the back of a smart phone, allowing for wireless single-lead recording of 30-second rhythm strips that are stored securely in the cloud and the device itself. The ECGs are wirelessly downloaded for immediate interpretation using a variety of browsers. The AliveCor smartphone ECG is designed to work in conjunction with a range of mobile platforms, including iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
The results from this study were presented yesterday in a poster presentation at the American College of Cardiology 61st Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago (Abstract # 1247-575) by Dr. David Albert, Founder & Chief Medical Officer of AliveCor and Dr. Leslie Saxon, Chief Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine and the director of the Center for Body Computing at USC.
Inventor, Dr. Albert, commented: “The implications of this technology for improving public awareness of health metrics and for early diagnosis of arrhythmias could be beneficial for physicians, their patients and for payers. Current monitoring systems for diagnosing arrhythmias are cumbersome, result in an inefficient use of health care resources, are subject to inaccuracy due to lack of patient compliance and fail to reach many patients who need better monitoring.”
The AliveCor smartphone ECG is an innovative, investigational medical wireless device which incorporates electrodes into a wireless case that snaps onto the back of a smart phone, allowing for wireless single-lead recording of 30-second rhythm strips that are stored securely in the cloud and the device itself. The ECGs are wirelessly downloaded for immediate interpretation using a variety of browsers. The AliveCor smartphone ECG is designed to work in conjunction with a range of mobile platforms, including iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
The results from this study were presented yesterday in a poster presentation at the American College of Cardiology 61st Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago (Abstract # 1247-575) by Dr. David Albert, Founder & Chief Medical Officer of AliveCor and Dr. Leslie Saxon, Chief Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine and the director of the Center for Body Computing at USC.
Inventor, Dr. Albert, commented: “The implications of this technology for improving public awareness of health metrics and for early diagnosis of arrhythmias could be beneficial for physicians, their patients and for payers. Current monitoring systems for diagnosing arrhythmias are cumbersome, result in an inefficient use of health care resources, are subject to inaccuracy due to lack of patient compliance and fail to reach many patients who need better monitoring.”
XKL engineeres 100G DWDM universal starter kit to support 10G and 100G clients
SEATTLE, USA: XKL, LLC has designed and engineered a first generation 100G DWDM Universal Starter Kit that will boost optical channel rates to 100G per lambda. This design supports 10G and 100G on the client side.
XKL founder and CEO, Leonard Bosack, has been planning for Terabit technology since 2001 and leads his engineering teams in the design of optical transport products where speed is not the only issue addressed. Transmission performance, price, space and power dissipation per bit also are key differentiators for XKL over 10G and 40G DWDM transport solutions currently offered in the marketplace.
XKL's engineering innovations in 100G transport technologies continue to provide technology advances in support of core enterprise networks; capacity-constrained data centers and regional/long haul transmission routes. XKL's 100G optical transport systems are designed to deploy as a requirement for higher bandwidth applications and to aggregate internal service elements within carrier networks. For the WAN and backbone regional networks, spectral efficiency -- a measure of how efficiently a limited frequency spectrum is utilized by the physical layer -- is extremely important in XKL's system engineering design.
"100G DWDM optical networking transport requires advanced modulation techniques to meet network operators' requirements," states Len Bosack, XKL CEO. "This latest development is one of many we will announce this year as we continue to respond to our customers' demands for high performance optical networking products."
XKL's systems engineering approach to all DarkStar optical transport design continues to be driven by the following tenets:
* Equipment must be compatible with the existing infrastructure that supports 10G DWDM deployments. This means equipment must be tolerant to PMD, CD, and other fiber nonlinearities as well as interoperate with existing engineering rules established for 10G.
* Systems must be easily deployed and managed. Equipment cannot require tweaking and be difficult when adding lambdas.
* Products must be highly robust, cost effective and enable industry leading low latency for data transmission.
XKL founder and CEO, Leonard Bosack, has been planning for Terabit technology since 2001 and leads his engineering teams in the design of optical transport products where speed is not the only issue addressed. Transmission performance, price, space and power dissipation per bit also are key differentiators for XKL over 10G and 40G DWDM transport solutions currently offered in the marketplace.
XKL's engineering innovations in 100G transport technologies continue to provide technology advances in support of core enterprise networks; capacity-constrained data centers and regional/long haul transmission routes. XKL's 100G optical transport systems are designed to deploy as a requirement for higher bandwidth applications and to aggregate internal service elements within carrier networks. For the WAN and backbone regional networks, spectral efficiency -- a measure of how efficiently a limited frequency spectrum is utilized by the physical layer -- is extremely important in XKL's system engineering design.
"100G DWDM optical networking transport requires advanced modulation techniques to meet network operators' requirements," states Len Bosack, XKL CEO. "This latest development is one of many we will announce this year as we continue to respond to our customers' demands for high performance optical networking products."
XKL's systems engineering approach to all DarkStar optical transport design continues to be driven by the following tenets:
* Equipment must be compatible with the existing infrastructure that supports 10G DWDM deployments. This means equipment must be tolerant to PMD, CD, and other fiber nonlinearities as well as interoperate with existing engineering rules established for 10G.
* Systems must be easily deployed and managed. Equipment cannot require tweaking and be difficult when adding lambdas.
* Products must be highly robust, cost effective and enable industry leading low latency for data transmission.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Logic PD intros industry’s smallest system on module with wireless capabilities
DESIGN West 2012, SAN JOSE, USA: Logic PD introduced the industry’s smallest System on Module (SOM) with wireless capabilities. Logic PD’s DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM enables customers to dramatically condense hardware space requirements and increase system performance.
Based on the DaVinci DM3730 video processor and WiLink 7.0 combo connectivity solution from Texas Instruments Inc. (TI), Logic PD’s latest Torpedo SOM encapsulates the most complex design components on a dime-sized board and offers high performance and the lowest power consumption available today.
The DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM powers Logic PD’s recently announced modular technology platform, Catalyst. Catalyst is a tablet device that integrates several complex technologies to demonstrate the level of product innovation that is achievable today. As demonstrated through Catalyst, the ultra-compact Torpedo + Wireless SOM is an ideal off-the-shelf solution for use in wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) applications such as telehealth devices and remote industrial monitoring systems.
“The use cases for wireless M2M applications are exploding as organizations continue to discover substantial efficiencies for mobile and remote systems,” said Kurt Larson, director of product management, Logic PD. “Combine the demand for wireless M2M with the expectation for compact, always connected devices, and the benefits of our DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM are clear. We are delivering a product that addresses a multitude of key product design and development issues and further enables customers to deliver innovative products to market faster.”
Less than one square inch in size, the Torpedo + Wireless SOM provides PC-like speeds up to 1 GHz, long battery life and a WL1283 wireless chipset that includes 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth with a Torpedo + Wireless SOM roadmap to support GPS. Additionally, the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM is FCC certified. This saves customers significant time and money by reducing design risk and shortening the final electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing phase.
Logic PD provides Android and Linux board support packages (BSPs) for use with the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM. These BSPs are designed, developed and tested using an ISO 13485 certified process to ensure quality and reduce risk. By maintaining connector compatibility with Logic PD’s existing Torpedo SOM product lines, the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM extends the longevity of existing products through performance improvements while sustaining scalability to future technologies.
“By adding WiLink combo connectivity capabilities to TI’s DaVinci DM3730 video processor, Logic PD is providing a powerful, off-the-shelf solution that combines the speed and performance of our video processor with wireless connectivity that will dramatically reduce development time for new wireless-enabled products,” said Kim Devlin-Allen, director, DaVinci video and cloud communications, TI.
Based on the DaVinci DM3730 video processor and WiLink 7.0 combo connectivity solution from Texas Instruments Inc. (TI), Logic PD’s latest Torpedo SOM encapsulates the most complex design components on a dime-sized board and offers high performance and the lowest power consumption available today.
The DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM powers Logic PD’s recently announced modular technology platform, Catalyst. Catalyst is a tablet device that integrates several complex technologies to demonstrate the level of product innovation that is achievable today. As demonstrated through Catalyst, the ultra-compact Torpedo + Wireless SOM is an ideal off-the-shelf solution for use in wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) applications such as telehealth devices and remote industrial monitoring systems.
“The use cases for wireless M2M applications are exploding as organizations continue to discover substantial efficiencies for mobile and remote systems,” said Kurt Larson, director of product management, Logic PD. “Combine the demand for wireless M2M with the expectation for compact, always connected devices, and the benefits of our DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM are clear. We are delivering a product that addresses a multitude of key product design and development issues and further enables customers to deliver innovative products to market faster.”
Less than one square inch in size, the Torpedo + Wireless SOM provides PC-like speeds up to 1 GHz, long battery life and a WL1283 wireless chipset that includes 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth with a Torpedo + Wireless SOM roadmap to support GPS. Additionally, the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM is FCC certified. This saves customers significant time and money by reducing design risk and shortening the final electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing phase.
Logic PD provides Android and Linux board support packages (BSPs) for use with the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM. These BSPs are designed, developed and tested using an ISO 13485 certified process to ensure quality and reduce risk. By maintaining connector compatibility with Logic PD’s existing Torpedo SOM product lines, the DM3730 Torpedo + Wireless SOM extends the longevity of existing products through performance improvements while sustaining scalability to future technologies.
“By adding WiLink combo connectivity capabilities to TI’s DaVinci DM3730 video processor, Logic PD is providing a powerful, off-the-shelf solution that combines the speed and performance of our video processor with wireless connectivity that will dramatically reduce development time for new wireless-enabled products,” said Kim Devlin-Allen, director, DaVinci video and cloud communications, TI.
LifeSize extends enterprise-class video collaboration to iOS 5.1, new iPad
BANGALORE, INDIA: LifeSize, a division of Logitech, announced that LifeSize ClearSea, the indisputable leader in enterprise-class mobile video conferencing solutions, now supports iOS 5.1 and is ready for the new iPad. With the addition of the new iPad to its list of supported devices, LifeSize continues to enable video calling on the broadest range of smartphones and tablets in the industry.
LifeSize is committed to providing open, interoperable video collaboration solutions on any device in order to extend video calling to the widest range of users. LifeSize has continued to solidify itself as a pioneer in the video conferencing industry by driving adoption on the desktop, in the conference room and on a wealth of mobile devices, including iOS and Android-based mobile devices from Apple, Dell, Google, HTC, Motorola and Samsung. Following today’s announcement, users will be able to instantly connect from any Apple smartphone or tablet, including the new iPad, to any standards-based video conferencing system.
Additionally, LifeSize ClearSea enables users to be connected via multiple devices simultaneously and reached with a single number, an exclusive capability that only LifeSize currently provides.
“Demand for extending video conferencing to mobile devices is exploding,” said Colin Buechler, CEO of LifeSize. “Mobility is enabling companies to get closer to their customers, partners and employees, and LifeSize is helping them connect through enterprise-class visual communication. Mobility is a critical trend in visual communication, and LifeSize continues to lead the way through relentless innovation and the broadest support of mobile devices in the industry.”
LifeSize ClearSea is an enterprise-class client/server solution for desktop and mobile video collaboration. Because it’s open and interoperable, users can seamlessly connect from their desktops or mobile devices to any H.323 or SIP-based video conferencing system or infrastructure solution in seconds.
LifeSize ClearSea Server is available as virtual machine software and includes a state-of-the-art HD desktop client for PC/Mac and Android/iOS mobile devices as well as NAT/firewall traversal and multi-party conferencing capability.
LifeSize is committed to providing open, interoperable video collaboration solutions on any device in order to extend video calling to the widest range of users. LifeSize has continued to solidify itself as a pioneer in the video conferencing industry by driving adoption on the desktop, in the conference room and on a wealth of mobile devices, including iOS and Android-based mobile devices from Apple, Dell, Google, HTC, Motorola and Samsung. Following today’s announcement, users will be able to instantly connect from any Apple smartphone or tablet, including the new iPad, to any standards-based video conferencing system.
Additionally, LifeSize ClearSea enables users to be connected via multiple devices simultaneously and reached with a single number, an exclusive capability that only LifeSize currently provides.
“Demand for extending video conferencing to mobile devices is exploding,” said Colin Buechler, CEO of LifeSize. “Mobility is enabling companies to get closer to their customers, partners and employees, and LifeSize is helping them connect through enterprise-class visual communication. Mobility is a critical trend in visual communication, and LifeSize continues to lead the way through relentless innovation and the broadest support of mobile devices in the industry.”
LifeSize ClearSea is an enterprise-class client/server solution for desktop and mobile video collaboration. Because it’s open and interoperable, users can seamlessly connect from their desktops or mobile devices to any H.323 or SIP-based video conferencing system or infrastructure solution in seconds.
LifeSize ClearSea Server is available as virtual machine software and includes a state-of-the-art HD desktop client for PC/Mac and Android/iOS mobile devices as well as NAT/firewall traversal and multi-party conferencing capability.
IP&TV World Forum successfully addresses converging TV market
LONDON, UK: IP&TV World Forum 2012 has been hailed a success, with more than 7,163 visitors filling the halls at London’s Olympia last week. The event, which has been rebranded to TV Connect for 2013, saw a ten per cent increase on last year’s attendee numbers and fuelled the debate on the converging TV market, further strengthening its position as the global platform for this dynamic market.
With over 300 speakers at the show, delegates and attendees had the opportunity to listen to huge industry players, including Jesse Redniss, VP of Digital Strategy and Development at NBC Universal; Shawn Layden, COO at Sony Network Entertainment; and Kristin Frank, GM of Digital Media at MTV, who gave the opening keynote speech on day one.
Tony Wang, GM of Twitter UK, delivered a keynote at the show, which focussed on the need for content sharing, as did Omid Ashtari, Business Development director at foursquare, who provided insight on how brands can engage with their consumers.
The theme of the conference and exhibition was undoubtedly centred on connected entertainment, as highlighted by its programme which was divided into four tracks; content business: IP opportunities, multiscreen entertainment, new user experience management and networks and architecture for TV.
Gavin Whitechurch, executive director at Informa Telecoms & Media, was delighted with the show’s success and commented: “The content of this year’s program truly reflects the dynamic marketplace and the evolution of focus which is now inclusive of services and experience as much as technology. The discussion is now on service innovation and connected entertainment experiences, which is affirmed by the show’s rebrand to TV Connect for next year.”
The first day saw Google run the opening workshop at the event’s TV App Hub which assessed the monetisation opportunities presented by the convergence of television and apps. With an interactive agenda of developer workshops, break-out sessions and panel discussions, the TV App Hub proved to be invaluable for members of the developer community, addressing how developers can overcome increased fragmentation, the tools needed to provide the best SDK (Software Development Kit) and the impact of HTML5.
The second and third days featured a host of speakers and conference sessions, including the Media Leadership Summit, which was hosted by Sky and placed a spotlight on the future of the converged and connected entertainment experience.
The event also provided key decision-makers with the chance to network and do business with over 200 exhibitors from telcos, cable providers, broadcasters and ISPs, consumer electronics and Smart TV companies, content providers, application developers, and connected entertainment providers.
IP&TV World Forum affirmed its position as the world’s leading connected entertainment event, uniting global players in the content, application provider, broadcast, cable, telco and consumer electronics arena, providing unrivalled insight into converging TV industry.
“The event has experienced a sustained period of growth year on year, and with exhibitors already booking space for next year, we hope to replicate and build upon our success at next year’s TV Connect. Looking to the future, we are moving forward with a brand that encompasses all aspects of the TV delivery ecosystem, bringing industry players together to develop the future of the connected and interactive TV experience.”
With over 300 speakers at the show, delegates and attendees had the opportunity to listen to huge industry players, including Jesse Redniss, VP of Digital Strategy and Development at NBC Universal; Shawn Layden, COO at Sony Network Entertainment; and Kristin Frank, GM of Digital Media at MTV, who gave the opening keynote speech on day one.
Tony Wang, GM of Twitter UK, delivered a keynote at the show, which focussed on the need for content sharing, as did Omid Ashtari, Business Development director at foursquare, who provided insight on how brands can engage with their consumers.
The theme of the conference and exhibition was undoubtedly centred on connected entertainment, as highlighted by its programme which was divided into four tracks; content business: IP opportunities, multiscreen entertainment, new user experience management and networks and architecture for TV.
Gavin Whitechurch, executive director at Informa Telecoms & Media, was delighted with the show’s success and commented: “The content of this year’s program truly reflects the dynamic marketplace and the evolution of focus which is now inclusive of services and experience as much as technology. The discussion is now on service innovation and connected entertainment experiences, which is affirmed by the show’s rebrand to TV Connect for next year.”
The first day saw Google run the opening workshop at the event’s TV App Hub which assessed the monetisation opportunities presented by the convergence of television and apps. With an interactive agenda of developer workshops, break-out sessions and panel discussions, the TV App Hub proved to be invaluable for members of the developer community, addressing how developers can overcome increased fragmentation, the tools needed to provide the best SDK (Software Development Kit) and the impact of HTML5.
The second and third days featured a host of speakers and conference sessions, including the Media Leadership Summit, which was hosted by Sky and placed a spotlight on the future of the converged and connected entertainment experience.
The event also provided key decision-makers with the chance to network and do business with over 200 exhibitors from telcos, cable providers, broadcasters and ISPs, consumer electronics and Smart TV companies, content providers, application developers, and connected entertainment providers.
IP&TV World Forum affirmed its position as the world’s leading connected entertainment event, uniting global players in the content, application provider, broadcast, cable, telco and consumer electronics arena, providing unrivalled insight into converging TV industry.
“The event has experienced a sustained period of growth year on year, and with exhibitors already booking space for next year, we hope to replicate and build upon our success at next year’s TV Connect. Looking to the future, we are moving forward with a brand that encompasses all aspects of the TV delivery ecosystem, bringing industry players together to develop the future of the connected and interactive TV experience.”
Market for full catalog app stores has reached its limit. Consolidation has begun
GERMANY: The year 2011 marked the beginning of a shake-out in the app store market. In order to be successful, new entrants will either have to concentrate on new technologies (Web apps) or target niche segments (e.g. business app stores).
These findings are part of research2guidance’s latest report “Smartphone App Market Monitor Vol.5 2011”.
The year 2010 was a watershed year for app store openings – more than 30 – with many MNOs and OEMs aiming to provide app stores with a full range of native apps. Only a few of those new entrants in 2010, however, have since managed to attract enough developer attention.
In 2011 the app store market for full catalogue stores largely settled, with only a few new entrants (excluding the market for niche stores). Some stores, which may have looked promising in 2010, succumbed to market pressures and closed, combined their offerings, or were slowly fizzling out at the close of 2011.
The Apple App Store and the Android Market (now Google Play), however, continued to gain momentum during 2011. They both added a significant amount of content and attracted increasing numbers of downloads – more than 1 billion per month each by Q4 2011.
Looking ahead, 2012 will likely see more consolidation:
The app store “duopoly” is growing: The Apple App Store and Google Play (Android Marketplace) show no signs of slowing as the number of apps, users and download numbers continue to snowball.
More stores will exit the market: Microsoft has already announced it will shut down the Windows Store for Mobile altogether in May to focus on the Windows Marketplace. Other stores – e.g. Mobihand – have appeared to be under financial duress and are looking for new monetization strategies or to be acquired.
At this point, any new market entrant will need to provide something fundamentally different to what Apple and Google are offering, or invest a significant amount of money (e.g. Microsoft’s investment in the development of the Window’s Phone Marketplace).
One possibility for new entrants is to target niche segments of the market. Niche app stores blossomed in 2011, numbering near 100 by the end of the year. The focus of these stores range from OS-specific, to quality curation, to consumer groups like Enterprises.
Another possibility for entrants may be through web apps stores facilitated by the development of mobile browsers. As of late February, Mozilla opened its platform independent “Mozilla Marketplace” to developer submissions of HTML5 web apps.
While this store will essentially compete with Google’s Chrome Web Store, it also complements Mozilla’s planned release of its own smartphone based on its “Boot to Gecko” (B2G) web engine. As the entire phone's native device capabilities will be accessible using HTML5, web apps will not lack functionality.
At this point, the release of the Mozilla phone is planned for regions where existing smartphones are largely too expensive. However, depending on the capabilities and success of the phone as well as Mozilla’s ability to have B2G technologies standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (the primary international standards organization for the world wide web), the “Mozilla Marketplace” (and possibly Google’s Chrome Web Store) could become a considerable force in the app store market.
These findings are part of research2guidance’s latest report “Smartphone App Market Monitor Vol.5 2011”.
The year 2010 was a watershed year for app store openings – more than 30 – with many MNOs and OEMs aiming to provide app stores with a full range of native apps. Only a few of those new entrants in 2010, however, have since managed to attract enough developer attention.
In 2011 the app store market for full catalogue stores largely settled, with only a few new entrants (excluding the market for niche stores). Some stores, which may have looked promising in 2010, succumbed to market pressures and closed, combined their offerings, or were slowly fizzling out at the close of 2011.
The Apple App Store and the Android Market (now Google Play), however, continued to gain momentum during 2011. They both added a significant amount of content and attracted increasing numbers of downloads – more than 1 billion per month each by Q4 2011.
Looking ahead, 2012 will likely see more consolidation:
The app store “duopoly” is growing: The Apple App Store and Google Play (Android Marketplace) show no signs of slowing as the number of apps, users and download numbers continue to snowball.
More stores will exit the market: Microsoft has already announced it will shut down the Windows Store for Mobile altogether in May to focus on the Windows Marketplace. Other stores – e.g. Mobihand – have appeared to be under financial duress and are looking for new monetization strategies or to be acquired.
At this point, any new market entrant will need to provide something fundamentally different to what Apple and Google are offering, or invest a significant amount of money (e.g. Microsoft’s investment in the development of the Window’s Phone Marketplace).
One possibility for new entrants is to target niche segments of the market. Niche app stores blossomed in 2011, numbering near 100 by the end of the year. The focus of these stores range from OS-specific, to quality curation, to consumer groups like Enterprises.
Another possibility for entrants may be through web apps stores facilitated by the development of mobile browsers. As of late February, Mozilla opened its platform independent “Mozilla Marketplace” to developer submissions of HTML5 web apps.
While this store will essentially compete with Google’s Chrome Web Store, it also complements Mozilla’s planned release of its own smartphone based on its “Boot to Gecko” (B2G) web engine. As the entire phone's native device capabilities will be accessible using HTML5, web apps will not lack functionality.
At this point, the release of the Mozilla phone is planned for regions where existing smartphones are largely too expensive. However, depending on the capabilities and success of the phone as well as Mozilla’s ability to have B2G technologies standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (the primary international standards organization for the world wide web), the “Mozilla Marketplace” (and possibly Google’s Chrome Web Store) could become a considerable force in the app store market.
RF IDeas announces OVDA certification for EtherNet/IP
ROLLING MEADOWS, USA: RF IDeas, a leading manufacturer of in-building identification and access readers, announced OVDA certification of the pcProx Plus POE for PLCs using the EtherNet/IP protocol.
The OVDA is a global association whose members are comprised of the world’s leading automation companies. The OVDA organization supports network technologies built on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) — DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, CompoNet and ControlNet.
Supported by hundreds of vendors around the world and truly media-independent, CIP provides users with a unified communication architecture throughout the manufacturing enterprise. CIP allows users to benefit today from the many advantages of open networks while protecting their existing automation investments when upgrading in the future.
“OVDA certification for the pcProx Plus is important to our industrial automation customers,” says Rick Landuyt, president of RF IDeas. “We are looking forward to offering our certified POE reader to those customers seeking identification and access solutions using the Ethernet/IP protocol.”
The RF IDeas pcProx Plus family of readers allows customers to use two different proximity or contactless smart cards/credentials on the same reader. These multi-frequency readers allow for integrators to reduce their reader inventories, while providing customized reader solutions to end-users, regardless of card technology currently in place.
The OVDA is a global association whose members are comprised of the world’s leading automation companies. The OVDA organization supports network technologies built on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) — DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, CompoNet and ControlNet.
Supported by hundreds of vendors around the world and truly media-independent, CIP provides users with a unified communication architecture throughout the manufacturing enterprise. CIP allows users to benefit today from the many advantages of open networks while protecting their existing automation investments when upgrading in the future.
“OVDA certification for the pcProx Plus is important to our industrial automation customers,” says Rick Landuyt, president of RF IDeas. “We are looking forward to offering our certified POE reader to those customers seeking identification and access solutions using the Ethernet/IP protocol.”
The RF IDeas pcProx Plus family of readers allows customers to use two different proximity or contactless smart cards/credentials on the same reader. These multi-frequency readers allow for integrators to reduce their reader inventories, while providing customized reader solutions to end-users, regardless of card technology currently in place.
IEEE approves IEEE P802.22b amendment project for enhanced broadband services and monitoring apps using TV white spaces
PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE, the world's largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, approved the IEEE P802.22b Amendment Project for Enhanced Broadband Services and Monitoring Applications. With this new enhancement, the IEEE 802.22 Working Group proposes to bring advanced wireless technologies and applications to rural and under-served areas around the world.
The IEEE 802.22 Working Group has established Task Group ‘b’ for executing the activities for this amendment Project Authorization Request (PAR). The new PAR aims to enhance the IEEE 802.22-2011 standard capabilities to accommodate a wide variety of applications using cognitive radio technology in Television White Spaces (TVWS).
These applications include long range and regional area smart grid, critical infrastructure monitoring, triple play services like providing voice, video and data, backhaul for broadband access, offloading cellular telephony traffic, regional area public safety and homeland security networks, emergency broadband services, monitoring rain forests, monitoring livestock, and border protection etc.
IEEE P802.22b Task Group is making calls for contribution from interested participants for the development of this standard. The group begins work on this project from the March IEEE 802 plenary session.
The IEEE 802.22 Working Group has established Task Group ‘b’ for executing the activities for this amendment Project Authorization Request (PAR). The new PAR aims to enhance the IEEE 802.22-2011 standard capabilities to accommodate a wide variety of applications using cognitive radio technology in Television White Spaces (TVWS).
These applications include long range and regional area smart grid, critical infrastructure monitoring, triple play services like providing voice, video and data, backhaul for broadband access, offloading cellular telephony traffic, regional area public safety and homeland security networks, emergency broadband services, monitoring rain forests, monitoring livestock, and border protection etc.
IEEE P802.22b Task Group is making calls for contribution from interested participants for the development of this standard. The group begins work on this project from the March IEEE 802 plenary session.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wireless Gigabit Alliance opens office in Taipei
TAIPEI, TAIWAN & SANTA CLARA, USA: On April 3, the Wireless Gigabit (WiGig) Alliance is to mark the official opening of its office in Taiwan by hosting a technical briefing to share information with leaders in the consumer electronics industry and members of the press about WiGig systems.
WiGig is emerging as the standard to link PCs, tablets, smart phones, handheld gadgets, peripherals, displays and other devices together seamlessly at home and in the office. In a recent report from analyst firm NPD In-Stat, it was predicted that WiGig is likely to emerge as the most popular wireless HD video technology.
The technical briefing entitled The Emerging Technology: 60 GHz WiGig Alliance Presentation features speakers from Intel, Wilocity and MediaTek who will address guests and give details of WiGig’s MAC/PHY, WiGig Display Extension (WDE), WiGig Serial Extension (WSE) and WiGig Bus Extension (WBE) specifications.
Ali Sadri, president and chairman of the WiGig Alliance, said: “Backing for WiGig has continued to grow and we are really pleased with the support we are getting from new and established members. Taiwan is a recognized global ICT leader in OEM and ODM, and it is a key partner for us as we seek industry-wide adoption of our technology. With the technical briefing we have been able to showcase WiGig’s capabilities and capture the imagination of the industry’s elite decision makers.”
Momentum for WiGig has continued to grow in the last month with Huawei joining the board and ZTE signing up to participate as an official contributor. The WiGig Alliance is now calling for even more developer involvement in the creation of the world’s first unified specification for multi-gigabit wireless docking.
Dr. Cheng Sheng-Ching, executive secretary of the Committee of Communications Industry Development of Taiwan (CoCID), commented: “Taiwan is a global centre for ICT manufacturing. We are pleased that WiGig has taken the decision to open an office here. We have been supporting WiGig on the recent technical briefing which saw attendance from many of the industry’s most important technology developers. There is a lot of excitement about WiGig, and we aim to assist in the creation of an ecosystem for the technology which will be beneficial not only for WiGig but also Taiwan industry.”
After WiGIg’s first successful plugfest in late 2011 more are scheduled throughout 2012 with first release of certified WiGig products set for early 2013.
WiGig is emerging as the standard to link PCs, tablets, smart phones, handheld gadgets, peripherals, displays and other devices together seamlessly at home and in the office. In a recent report from analyst firm NPD In-Stat, it was predicted that WiGig is likely to emerge as the most popular wireless HD video technology.
The technical briefing entitled The Emerging Technology: 60 GHz WiGig Alliance Presentation features speakers from Intel, Wilocity and MediaTek who will address guests and give details of WiGig’s MAC/PHY, WiGig Display Extension (WDE), WiGig Serial Extension (WSE) and WiGig Bus Extension (WBE) specifications.
Ali Sadri, president and chairman of the WiGig Alliance, said: “Backing for WiGig has continued to grow and we are really pleased with the support we are getting from new and established members. Taiwan is a recognized global ICT leader in OEM and ODM, and it is a key partner for us as we seek industry-wide adoption of our technology. With the technical briefing we have been able to showcase WiGig’s capabilities and capture the imagination of the industry’s elite decision makers.”
Momentum for WiGig has continued to grow in the last month with Huawei joining the board and ZTE signing up to participate as an official contributor. The WiGig Alliance is now calling for even more developer involvement in the creation of the world’s first unified specification for multi-gigabit wireless docking.
Dr. Cheng Sheng-Ching, executive secretary of the Committee of Communications Industry Development of Taiwan (CoCID), commented: “Taiwan is a global centre for ICT manufacturing. We are pleased that WiGig has taken the decision to open an office here. We have been supporting WiGig on the recent technical briefing which saw attendance from many of the industry’s most important technology developers. There is a lot of excitement about WiGig, and we aim to assist in the creation of an ecosystem for the technology which will be beneficial not only for WiGig but also Taiwan industry.”
After WiGIg’s first successful plugfest in late 2011 more are scheduled throughout 2012 with first release of certified WiGig products set for early 2013.
CommScope expands solutions to support wireless operators’ long-term strategies for tackling data backhaul challenges
BANGALORE, INDIA: Cellular providers have more options for handling the growing problem of network overload thanks to a ground-breaking microwave antenna solution from CommScope. Now, next-generation backhaul performance and savings in operating and capital expenses are within easy reach.
CommScope’s Sentinel, one of the most significant innovations in Andrew Solutions microwave antenna technology, is designed to address three of the greatest challenges facing wireless network operators – rapidly increasing data traffic, spectrum scarcity and return on network investment. Sentinel is believed to be the first full line of European Telecommunications Standards Institute Class 4 antennas priced for today and designed for the future. And, CommScope believes Sentinel is the only offering of its kind that delivers these advantages without compromise.
Sentinel is engineered for performance to maximize the use of wireless spectrum, while withstanding heavy demands in data growth. As with all CommScope capacity solutions, customers benefit from added peace of mind knowing the technology powering their solution won’t become obsolete before or soon after deployment.
An innovative improvement in radiation pattern helps squeeze more out of available spectrum and typically yields 40 percent higher link density. The result is more capacity moving traffic between cell sites and the core network, helping lessen strain on the network and prevent impacts to performance. Higher radio modulation schemes can be used and Sentinel can also minimize interference in the network.
Additionally, every component of the Sentinel solution is geared towards saving customers money. Consider how the price tag for a backhaul microwave antenna is really only part of the total overall cost of ownership – nearly 70 percent of the money spent on backhaul actually comes after the purchase. Sentinel allows smaller antennas to be deployed, which may provide savings in capital and operational expenses.
Bulkier-sized antennas drive up operating expenses due to larger tower space leasing and zoning considerations. Installations also are typically more complex and with greater maintenance requirements, which can increase the likelihood of longer network downtime. Sentinel’s small footprint makes installation easy and keeps maintenance costs low. The antenna is further designed to be lightweight yet durable, so it can endure winds as strong as 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour).
CommScope’s Sentinel, one of the most significant innovations in Andrew Solutions microwave antenna technology, is designed to address three of the greatest challenges facing wireless network operators – rapidly increasing data traffic, spectrum scarcity and return on network investment. Sentinel is believed to be the first full line of European Telecommunications Standards Institute Class 4 antennas priced for today and designed for the future. And, CommScope believes Sentinel is the only offering of its kind that delivers these advantages without compromise.
Sentinel is engineered for performance to maximize the use of wireless spectrum, while withstanding heavy demands in data growth. As with all CommScope capacity solutions, customers benefit from added peace of mind knowing the technology powering their solution won’t become obsolete before or soon after deployment.
An innovative improvement in radiation pattern helps squeeze more out of available spectrum and typically yields 40 percent higher link density. The result is more capacity moving traffic between cell sites and the core network, helping lessen strain on the network and prevent impacts to performance. Higher radio modulation schemes can be used and Sentinel can also minimize interference in the network.
Additionally, every component of the Sentinel solution is geared towards saving customers money. Consider how the price tag for a backhaul microwave antenna is really only part of the total overall cost of ownership – nearly 70 percent of the money spent on backhaul actually comes after the purchase. Sentinel allows smaller antennas to be deployed, which may provide savings in capital and operational expenses.
Bulkier-sized antennas drive up operating expenses due to larger tower space leasing and zoning considerations. Installations also are typically more complex and with greater maintenance requirements, which can increase the likelihood of longer network downtime. Sentinel’s small footprint makes installation easy and keeps maintenance costs low. The antenna is further designed to be lightweight yet durable, so it can endure winds as strong as 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour).
China’s mobile cloud service industry looks promising
BEIJING, CHINA: The year 2011 marked profound changes in the global ICT market. Technological innovations and transformation of business model represented by cloud computing and mobile Internet moved to change people’s lives. Products represented by iCloud of Apple Computer and Cloud Drive of Amazon, combined cloud computing with mobile Internet and brought mobile cloud service based on mobile Internet into being.
In China’s cloud service market, K-Touch, Huawei and Yulong introduced cloud-concept cell phones; Baidu unveiled Baidu Yi, a cloud service platform based on mobile Internet; telecom operators are also pressing ahead with their own cloud service products. All these facts indicate that China’s mobile cloud service has entered a new period.
Integration service will be an important form for traditional Internet enterprises to promote cloud service
The iCloud combines Apple’s music service, system backup and file transfer with notebook/tablet product lines. Traditional Internet enterprises have followed iCloud’s suit. Google Docs launched years ago is the prototype of mobile cloud service. As the Android operating system gains growing popularity, a host of services including online storage, music and films are moving onto the mobile platforms.
In China, cooperation between Alibaba and K-Touch also started with mobile e-commerce, leveraging the strengths of traditional Internet enterprises through the integration of the cloud operating system and e-commerce.
Smart phone will become an important tool for mobile terminal vendors to expand cloud service
As smart phone experienced a rapid growth in 2011, mobile terminal vendors also made efforts to popularize smart phones sold around RMB1,000. According to CCID Consulting forecasts, sales volume of smart phones will hit 43,569,000 in China in 2011, up 36.1 percent from 2010. In addition to meeting the users’ demand for smart phones, mobile cloud service can also break the bottleneck of mobile terminals.
Therefore, with the widespread application of smart mobile terminals and the increasing demand for the carrying capacity of the mobile terminals, it is imperative to integrate smart phones with mobile cloud computing, which will expedite the implementation of mobile cloud service.
Source: CCID Consulting, China.
Industrial application will become an important trend of cloud service for telecom operators
Industrial application of telecom operators has always been the main task of informatization construction in China, and mobile cloud computing will bring new vitality into it. Industrial cloud like financial cloud and intelligent transport cloud are being applied.
For example, China Mobile’s “Big Cloud” platform is not merely intended to meet its own demand for high-performance computing; more importantly, the operator wants to figure out how to utilize relevant technologies to establish Internet service platforms, thereby providing commercial-use mobile cloud services for the public. Industrial application has become an important trend of cloud services among telecom operators, and will see further development.
To sum up, along with the development of mobile cloud service, it is difficult for terminal vendors, telecom operators and traditional Internet enterprises to meet the users’ increasingly diversified demand for mobile cloud service by merely relying their own business lines. The industry chain of mobile cloud service will also keep expanding in a mesh-like manner.
Finally, lying in the core of competition in the business model of mobile Internet will be competition among different types of industry ecosystems, which will give rise to new business models and business innovations for mobile cloud service in China, thereby driving the overall development of China’s mobile cloud service.
In China’s cloud service market, K-Touch, Huawei and Yulong introduced cloud-concept cell phones; Baidu unveiled Baidu Yi, a cloud service platform based on mobile Internet; telecom operators are also pressing ahead with their own cloud service products. All these facts indicate that China’s mobile cloud service has entered a new period.
Integration service will be an important form for traditional Internet enterprises to promote cloud service
The iCloud combines Apple’s music service, system backup and file transfer with notebook/tablet product lines. Traditional Internet enterprises have followed iCloud’s suit. Google Docs launched years ago is the prototype of mobile cloud service. As the Android operating system gains growing popularity, a host of services including online storage, music and films are moving onto the mobile platforms.
In China, cooperation between Alibaba and K-Touch also started with mobile e-commerce, leveraging the strengths of traditional Internet enterprises through the integration of the cloud operating system and e-commerce.
Smart phone will become an important tool for mobile terminal vendors to expand cloud service
As smart phone experienced a rapid growth in 2011, mobile terminal vendors also made efforts to popularize smart phones sold around RMB1,000. According to CCID Consulting forecasts, sales volume of smart phones will hit 43,569,000 in China in 2011, up 36.1 percent from 2010. In addition to meeting the users’ demand for smart phones, mobile cloud service can also break the bottleneck of mobile terminals.
Therefore, with the widespread application of smart mobile terminals and the increasing demand for the carrying capacity of the mobile terminals, it is imperative to integrate smart phones with mobile cloud computing, which will expedite the implementation of mobile cloud service.
Source: CCID Consulting, China.Industrial application will become an important trend of cloud service for telecom operators
Industrial application of telecom operators has always been the main task of informatization construction in China, and mobile cloud computing will bring new vitality into it. Industrial cloud like financial cloud and intelligent transport cloud are being applied.
For example, China Mobile’s “Big Cloud” platform is not merely intended to meet its own demand for high-performance computing; more importantly, the operator wants to figure out how to utilize relevant technologies to establish Internet service platforms, thereby providing commercial-use mobile cloud services for the public. Industrial application has become an important trend of cloud services among telecom operators, and will see further development.
To sum up, along with the development of mobile cloud service, it is difficult for terminal vendors, telecom operators and traditional Internet enterprises to meet the users’ increasingly diversified demand for mobile cloud service by merely relying their own business lines. The industry chain of mobile cloud service will also keep expanding in a mesh-like manner.
Finally, lying in the core of competition in the business model of mobile Internet will be competition among different types of industry ecosystems, which will give rise to new business models and business innovations for mobile cloud service in China, thereby driving the overall development of China’s mobile cloud service.
Hungama and Vringo launch video ringtone service on Tata DOCOMO in India
NEW YORK, USA: Vringo Inc., a provider of software platforms for mobile social and video applications, announced that, through its content and services collaboration with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, it has launched its video ringtone service with Tata DOCOMO, the fastest growing telecom service provider in India's history.
Tata DOCOMO was the first operator to launch Vringo's video ringtone service for its strong GSM subscriber base in India across 18 Circles. Under the new agreement with Tata DOCOMO, Vringo's video ringtone service will be made available to its GSM subscribers in India for 1 rupee per day, or approximately $0.80 per month. Vringo's video ringtone software is designed to allow users to create, download and share high-quality mobile video content that is specific to various regions of the world.
"We are pleased to be working with Tata DOCOMO as we bring our exciting video ringtone software to the mobile market in India," said Andrew Perlman, Vringo's CEO. "We are strengthening our relationships around the region due to the sizable market opportunities of the fast-growing mobile user base in South Asia."
Hungama, which distributes the Vringo service in India, made the introductions between Vringo and Tata DOCOMO. Hungama is the largest source of digitally available Bollywood and South-Asian entertainment content in the world. Vringo is adding premium content from Hungama to its video ringtone content library and is sharing revenues from the content with Hungama, which has strong relationships with all the Indian cellular operators.
"We are excited to bring Vringo's innovative video ringtone technology to all the service providers in India. The Indian mobile industry is at an inflection point and services such as these will become popular as all the Indian mobile service providers will offer better infrastructure and data speeds to their subscribers in the next 12 to 18 months," said Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO, Hungama. "This new partnership will leverage our powerful content and bring it directly to the millions of fans of Bollywood content throughout the region."
Gurinder Singh Sandhu, head Marketing, Tata Teleservices, said: "Vringo is a key innovator in the mobile social and video arena, so we couldn't be more excited to work together on an innovative mobile video ringtone service that leverages our powerful mobile network in India. We believe the Vringo service, with the customized Indian content by Hungama will have mass appeal throughout India, especially amongst our growing network of high-speed 3G subscribers."
Tata DOCOMO was the first operator to launch Vringo's video ringtone service for its strong GSM subscriber base in India across 18 Circles. Under the new agreement with Tata DOCOMO, Vringo's video ringtone service will be made available to its GSM subscribers in India for 1 rupee per day, or approximately $0.80 per month. Vringo's video ringtone software is designed to allow users to create, download and share high-quality mobile video content that is specific to various regions of the world.
"We are pleased to be working with Tata DOCOMO as we bring our exciting video ringtone software to the mobile market in India," said Andrew Perlman, Vringo's CEO. "We are strengthening our relationships around the region due to the sizable market opportunities of the fast-growing mobile user base in South Asia."
Hungama, which distributes the Vringo service in India, made the introductions between Vringo and Tata DOCOMO. Hungama is the largest source of digitally available Bollywood and South-Asian entertainment content in the world. Vringo is adding premium content from Hungama to its video ringtone content library and is sharing revenues from the content with Hungama, which has strong relationships with all the Indian cellular operators.
"We are excited to bring Vringo's innovative video ringtone technology to all the service providers in India. The Indian mobile industry is at an inflection point and services such as these will become popular as all the Indian mobile service providers will offer better infrastructure and data speeds to their subscribers in the next 12 to 18 months," said Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO, Hungama. "This new partnership will leverage our powerful content and bring it directly to the millions of fans of Bollywood content throughout the region."
Gurinder Singh Sandhu, head Marketing, Tata Teleservices, said: "Vringo is a key innovator in the mobile social and video arena, so we couldn't be more excited to work together on an innovative mobile video ringtone service that leverages our powerful mobile network in India. We believe the Vringo service, with the customized Indian content by Hungama will have mass appeal throughout India, especially amongst our growing network of high-speed 3G subscribers."
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Textron Systems and Mobile Climate Control sign MoU for TAPV project
VAUGHAN, CANADA: Textron Systems Canada Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mobile Climate Control (MCC) of Vaughan, Ontario for possible work on the Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) for the Canadian Forces. Textron has submitted a proposal to supply 500 vehicles to the Canadian Army, with an option for up to 100 additional TAPVs, all to be outfitted with air conditioning units and components from MCC.
Mobile Climate Control houses the Canadian operations of the global HVAC system manufacturer MCC Sweden, which specializes in custom engineered HVAC systems. The company's climate control systems are found in many types of commercial and military vehicles. The Textron TAPV would be equipped with MCC's high quality, high performance military use air conditioning units.
Manufacturing of the front and rear vehicle units and supporting components would take place at the Vaughan facility. The MoU represents a substantial opportunity for MCC's Canadian operations that would create or maintain employment and have a positive effect on the local economy.
"The Government of Canada has stated it wants to procure the best possible equipment for the Canadian Army. We have engaged great partners like Mobile Climate Control to ensure that the Textron TAPV we propose to deliver will be the best option to protect Canadian soldiers," said Neil Rutter, GM of Textron Systems Canada.
The Textron TAPV is the most reliable and technologically advanced vehicle of its kind, and it draws on the company's more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. A technology readiness level 8 vehicle, the Textron TAPV will provide the Canadian Forces with the optimal balance of survivability, mobility and versatility, while delivering outstanding performance in the world's most challenging environments. Extensively tested to confirm ballistic, blast, mobility and reliability levels, the Textron TAPV has been engineered to meet and exceed Canada's requirements.
If awarded the TAPV contact, Textron Systems Canada will become the prime contractor for the program; and through its Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations to Canada, Textron expects to bring new opportunities to other Canadian companies.
Mobile Climate Control houses the Canadian operations of the global HVAC system manufacturer MCC Sweden, which specializes in custom engineered HVAC systems. The company's climate control systems are found in many types of commercial and military vehicles. The Textron TAPV would be equipped with MCC's high quality, high performance military use air conditioning units.
Manufacturing of the front and rear vehicle units and supporting components would take place at the Vaughan facility. The MoU represents a substantial opportunity for MCC's Canadian operations that would create or maintain employment and have a positive effect on the local economy.
"The Government of Canada has stated it wants to procure the best possible equipment for the Canadian Army. We have engaged great partners like Mobile Climate Control to ensure that the Textron TAPV we propose to deliver will be the best option to protect Canadian soldiers," said Neil Rutter, GM of Textron Systems Canada.
The Textron TAPV is the most reliable and technologically advanced vehicle of its kind, and it draws on the company's more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. A technology readiness level 8 vehicle, the Textron TAPV will provide the Canadian Forces with the optimal balance of survivability, mobility and versatility, while delivering outstanding performance in the world's most challenging environments. Extensively tested to confirm ballistic, blast, mobility and reliability levels, the Textron TAPV has been engineered to meet and exceed Canada's requirements.
If awarded the TAPV contact, Textron Systems Canada will become the prime contractor for the program; and through its Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations to Canada, Textron expects to bring new opportunities to other Canadian companies.
Ericsson increases ownership in LG-Ericsson
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Ericsson announced it has acquired additional shares in LG- Ericsson. Before the purchase, Ericsson held 50 percent of the shares plus one share. After the share purchase, Ericsson holds 75 percent of the shares in LG-Ericsson.
LG-Ericsson is a joint venture between LG Electronics and Ericsson in which Ericsson acquired Nortel's part of the company in July 2010. The company provides customized solutions for operators and enterprises with a portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband, voice and data network solutions for enterprises.
The company has 1,300 employees and is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The joint venture is fully consolidated by Ericsson since the acquisition in 2010.
LG-Ericsson is a joint venture between LG Electronics and Ericsson in which Ericsson acquired Nortel's part of the company in July 2010. The company provides customized solutions for operators and enterprises with a portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband, voice and data network solutions for enterprises.
The company has 1,300 employees and is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The joint venture is fully consolidated by Ericsson since the acquisition in 2010.
Reliance Communications expands application aware network service
MUMBAI, INDIA: Reliance Communications, India’s leading telecom service provider, announced the expansion of its Application Aware Network service to India, enabling Indian enterprises to upgrade to an intelligent network that speeds up application performance for increased business efficiency.
Reliance Communications launches this innovative service in partnership with Riverbed. Reliance’s Application Aware Network provides visibility and control of application performance across networks and increases WAN capacity by using cutting-edge traffic optimization technologies. Even with ample bandwidth, applications performances in an enterprise may not be optimal which could impact the ability to undertake business efficiently. Reliance’s Application Aware Network is an intelligent network that upgrades and improves enterprise efficiency.
“As large enterprises need to support a geographically dispersed workforce and a greater number of users and devices accessing applications across their network, the objective is to improve the user experience.” said Punit Garg, CEO, Global Enterprise Business, Reliance Communications. “With Reliance’s Application Aware Network, enterprises can enjoy improved employee productivity, insights into their WAN and application performance, and reduced IT costs.”
This Next Generation intelligent network delivers maximum WAN value, accelerated application performance, total network visibility and an effective solution for data centre consolidation.
Reliance Communications, with one of the most extensive fibre networks in India totalling 190,000 Kms of intercity backbone with 30,000 kilometers in access or last mil, stands in a unique position to provide diverse and robust network connections for large enterprises. As a managed service, Application Aware Network is a cost-effective and high value service with virtual plug-and-play installation.
Reliance brings to India many years of expertise in providing Application Aware Networking services to large enterprises across the globe. The service is supported by a dedicated global Center of Excellence, staffed by certified application analysts, experienced through supporting Global customers.
Reliance Application Aware Network service eliminates enterprises’ concerns about technology obsolescence, system upgrades and ongoing cost of manpower to manage complex network infrastructure. Reliance’s fully managed, 24x7 service offering allows customer to focus on core business whilst Reliance focuses on delivering the highest levels of service.
“Over the past 18 months, Riverbed has witnessed substantial growth in the number of our clients who look to Service Providers to provide WAN optimisation and acceleration as part of a managed service, bundled with other network oriented services,” said John Shoop, VP Global Service Providers and System Integrators, Riverbed. “Reliance’s entry to this market is well timed.”
Reliance Communications launches this innovative service in partnership with Riverbed. Reliance’s Application Aware Network provides visibility and control of application performance across networks and increases WAN capacity by using cutting-edge traffic optimization technologies. Even with ample bandwidth, applications performances in an enterprise may not be optimal which could impact the ability to undertake business efficiently. Reliance’s Application Aware Network is an intelligent network that upgrades and improves enterprise efficiency.
“As large enterprises need to support a geographically dispersed workforce and a greater number of users and devices accessing applications across their network, the objective is to improve the user experience.” said Punit Garg, CEO, Global Enterprise Business, Reliance Communications. “With Reliance’s Application Aware Network, enterprises can enjoy improved employee productivity, insights into their WAN and application performance, and reduced IT costs.”
This Next Generation intelligent network delivers maximum WAN value, accelerated application performance, total network visibility and an effective solution for data centre consolidation.
Reliance Communications, with one of the most extensive fibre networks in India totalling 190,000 Kms of intercity backbone with 30,000 kilometers in access or last mil, stands in a unique position to provide diverse and robust network connections for large enterprises. As a managed service, Application Aware Network is a cost-effective and high value service with virtual plug-and-play installation.
Reliance brings to India many years of expertise in providing Application Aware Networking services to large enterprises across the globe. The service is supported by a dedicated global Center of Excellence, staffed by certified application analysts, experienced through supporting Global customers.
Reliance Application Aware Network service eliminates enterprises’ concerns about technology obsolescence, system upgrades and ongoing cost of manpower to manage complex network infrastructure. Reliance’s fully managed, 24x7 service offering allows customer to focus on core business whilst Reliance focuses on delivering the highest levels of service.
“Over the past 18 months, Riverbed has witnessed substantial growth in the number of our clients who look to Service Providers to provide WAN optimisation and acceleration as part of a managed service, bundled with other network oriented services,” said John Shoop, VP Global Service Providers and System Integrators, Riverbed. “Reliance’s entry to this market is well timed.”
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