Tuesday September 26, 7:32 am Eastern Time
Press Release
New ComStruct EVRC Voice Coder Capability Enables Faster CDMA Network Upgrades
Blue Wave Systems Integrates EVRC Codec Into FACT(TM) Software Framework to Support Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure
CARROLLTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 2000-- Blue Wave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:BWSI - news) has extended its support for next-generation wireless networks by integrating EVRC (Enhanced Variable Rate Codec), the latest voice coder for CDMA networks, into its FACT(TM) software framework, part of the ComStruct(TM) product line. EVRC compresses voice for transfer across the wireless network and its flexibility allows it to scale bandwidth according to the load on the system at any given time, providing a balance between capacity and quality. By integrating the voice coder into FACT, Blue Wave Systems will enable telecom infrastructure developers to significantly reduce the time required to upgrade CDMA networks with EVRC.
With the increasing use of data on wireless networks, the variable rate nature of the EVRC voice coder will enable an operator to better manage the competing requirements of voice and data traffic. By balancing the available bandwidth, operators can leverage their investment in the existing wireless telecom infrastructure, better manage peak-time loads and deploy new data-oriented services. EVRC offers near-landline quality speech transmission and is considered to be one of the most robust voice coders in the industry, with very high resilience to dropouts. The worldwide growth of CDMA base stations is projected to exceed that of any other wireless technology with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 48.9 per cent (Source: Cahners In-Stat Group, August 14, 2000). ComStruct with EVRC capability will be available in calendar Q4 2000.
By combining EVRC with Blue Wave's powerful ComStruct CPCI/C6402 digital signal processing resource board, customers can realize high-density EVRC transcoding solutions capable of 100 channels per slot, scaling to several thousand within a single system.
``ComStruct continues to grow its share of the wireless network equipment market and the addition of leading-edge EVRC technology in a robust and ready-to-use software framework will enable operators to provide significantly improved voice quality whilst optimizing their use of available bandwidth,'' said Karl Wale, product manager at Blue Wave Systems. ``Through the voice gateway solutions in Blue Wave's ComStruct portfolio, wireless operators can also add connectivity to multiple networks - including PSTN and packet-based backbone infrastructures. With the falling cost of cellular calls, this wireless to VoIP connectivity can enable operators to maintain their margins as well as adding new services.''
EVRC technology is already in use by DDI Corp., Japan's second largest carrier, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Wireless in America, and by SK Telecom in South Korea, which has one of the most advanced CDMA networks in the world. Many countries, including Australia and Taiwan, and a number of American states are still developing their CDMA networks.
Dataquest Inc. projects that the CDMA phone market will cover 57 per cent of North America by 2001. According to the CDMA Development Group, the number of CDMA subscribers globally doubled to 57 million between March 1999 and March 2000. CDMA is the dominant wireless technology in both North America and the Asia Pacific region, and China is planning a major CDMA investment to install 10 million lines by the end of 2000 after which a further 10 million lines are planned to be added each year.
EVRC (Telecommunications Industry Association TIA IS-127 standard) is a voice coding algorithm that dynamically compresses a standard 64 kbit/second channel to between 8 and 13 kbits/second thereby maximizing frequency efficiency.
Blue Wave Systems' ComStruct is a set of modular and scalable communications processing building blocks that includes hardware, software and DSP resources. ComStruct enables telecom infrastructure equipment manufacturers to develop, test and deploy carrier-class wireless and wireline technology for applications ranging from 3G wireless to Voice over IP. At the heart of ComStruct is the FACT(TM) software framework that enables customers to easily incorporate commercially available or proprietary algorithms for the rapid development and full deployment of high-density telecom applications. For more information on Blue Wave's ComStruct solutions visit bluews.com.
Blue Wave Systems is a leading supplier of high-channel Digital Signal Processing (DSP) subsystems used in telecommunication infrastructure equipment, such as voice over packet (VoIP) gateways, digital wireless communications and intelligent peripherals. The ComStruct(TM) line of telecom infrastructure communication processing subsystems was launched in January 1999. At the heart of the ComStruct(TM) line is the company's FACT(TM) software (Framework Architecture for Communication Technologies), which enables the DSP subsystem to be rapidly and effectively deployed in a variety of carrier class telecom applications. Blue Wave Systems has been a market leader in DSP board-level products since 1983. For additional information, please visit our company's web site at bluews.com.
All names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on expectations of the Company but involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, technological change, quarterly fluctuations, integration of Mizar and Loughborough Sound Images, dependence on the defense industry, dependence on key suppliers and employees, competition, and Year 2000 compliance. The foregoing list should not be construed as exhaustive and the Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise forward-looking statements to reflect unanticipated events. For a further explanation of risk factors please see the Company's most recent SEC filings. The Company further cautions users who may utilize published bookings and backlog information as tools to forecast the company's revenue during a given timeframe since certain purchase orders may be subject to 1) cancellation and, 2) revision to delivery schedules.
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Contact:
Blue Wave Systems Inc.
Shreekant Raivadera, +44 (0) 1509 634461 (Media)
sraivadera@bluews.com
or
Don Crosbie, +1 (972) 277-4609 (Investor Relations)
dcrosbie@bluews.com |
