Ascend MAX WAN Access Switches in 46 Countries
Will Enable Infonet to Offer "Fully-meshed" Dial Networks
Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND) today announced that Infonet Services Corporation, a leading
international network service provider, is launching the industry's first "Virtual Enterprise" remote access service for
multinational enterprises, based on Ascend MAX WAN access switches. The service uses Infonet's new On-Demand
capability, which leverages Infonet's global multipoint network and the unique dial-out/call-back feature of the Ascend MAX
platform. Using the Virtual Enterprise remote access capability, a company can set up two-way dial access for remote
offices, mobile professionals, or temporary operations, eliminating the time and expense associated with provisioning leased
lines and dedicated remote access facilities. The capability will be commercially available in 46 countries on December 15,
1997.
"This constitutes an entirely new remote access paradigm for corporations, and the Ascend platform has given us the
advanced features we needed to make this service a reality," said Marc Patterson, product manager for Infonet's Remote
Access Services. "We have standardized on Ascend equipment around the world because they share our vision for the future
of virtual private network services and they continue to deliver technology which enables us to provide industry-leading
solutions."
Infonet's Virtual Enterprise remote access capability will enable companies to quickly deploy high-speed, cost-effective
ISDN connections to users or offices on a global basis. Mobile professionals can dial into any of Infonet's points of presence
worldwide and activate one or more "on-demand" connections to remote offices. Similarly, two remote offices can
communicate with each other without requiring a dedicated facility at either location. This creates a virtual "fully-meshed"
network, using dial lines.
An additional benefit of the Infonet Virtual Enterprise remote access service is that it gives global network customers a
low-priced entry point and a migration path to higher speed transmission technologies, including leased line connections, as
their access needs evolve.
"Infonet has a real vision for the future of VPN services," said Bob Machlin, vice president of marketing at Ascend
Communications, "and the Virtual Enterprise is truly an innovative service. We are proud to be partnering with Infonet on this
milestone service for corporate customers."
About Ascend Communications
Ascend Communications, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells wide area networking solutions for telecommunications
carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide. For more information about Ascend and its
products, please visit the Ascend web site at www.ascend.com, or send e-mail to info@ascend.com
Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, Calif., 94502-3002. Phone
800/ASCEND4; Fax 510/747-2300.
About Infonet Services Corp.
Infonet Services Corp. is a world leader in providing multinational enterprises with reliable, state-of-the-art internation
communication solutions, which provide A Bridge to the Global Electronic Workplace(SM). Infonet specializes in
value-added services and managed networks which are supported locally in 57 countries. Its World Network, a high-speed,
ATM-enabled network, is available in more than 180 countries. Its Infonet Software Solutions business unit offers a full suite
of productivity applications including messaging, collaboration and electronic commerce products and services. The company
is jointly owned by a number of the world's leading telecom operators. For more information, call Infonet in the United States
at 310/335-4700 or visit Infonet on the World Wide Web at infonet.com . Infonet is an ISO 9000 registered
firm.
CONTACT: Ascend Communications
Kristi An, 510/747-2721
kan@ascend.com
or
Infonet Services Corp.
Bill Principe, 310/335-2820
principe@info.net |
