Bay Networks Teams with Stratus Computer for Delivery of SS7 Capabilities
Business Wire - March 23, 1998 14:15
%BAY-NETWORKS BAY %CALIFORNIA %MASSACHUSETTS %COMED %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %TELECOMMUNICATIONS V%BW P%BW
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 1998--
-- Companies to develop an open protocol that
establishes a gateway between SS7 and IP networks --
In support of helping carriers increase their network efficiency by redirecting data traffic off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Bay Networks(R), Inc. (NYSE:BAY), and Stratus Computer, Inc. (NYSE:SRA) have entered into a technology agreement to develop an open protocol to act as a gateway between SS7 and IP networks. Bay Networks and Stratus Computer plan to develop and offer a complete intelligent access solution. The news follows last week's announcement of Bay Networks' strategy for leveraging the SS7 protocol to enable integrated voice and data networking for service providers worldwide.
Bay Networks and Stratus Computer will work together to define and develop an open Access Signaling Protocol (ASP) for SS7 gateways and drive the standards process. The two companies will also provide resources and support to design new SS7-aware applications for service providers, conduct interoperability testing with leading voice switch suppliers, and deliver service management products designed for outsourcing and wholesaling.
Recognizing the importance of SS7 in creating an intelligent network that is both integral in the creation of new services for carriers, and a major factor for lowering costs in the delivery of these services, Bay Networks plans to develop a functional specification for the Access Signaling Protocol for communication between Bay's Versalar(TM) Remote Access products and Stratus(R) Computer's Gateway SS7 implementations.
Key to Bay Networks' decision to work with Stratus Computer was the company's strength in building fault-tolerant central office (CO)-compliant computer platforms. "The connection between access and voice is a natural evolution of mass deployable IP services for business and consumers," said Jayesh Patel, VP of product management at Bay Networks. "Stratus offers Bay Networks a way to leverage into the intelligent network and ease the transition."
Stratus Computer has over 11,000 systems installed in over 60 countries, and it is a leading supplier of telecommunications middleware and SS7 solutions. Its capability with carrier-class technology has earned it a reputation for providing superior SS7-based solutions such as Service Control Points (SCP), Home Location Registers (HLR) and SS7 gateway solutions. With about 60% of its revenue coming from the telecom industry, Stratus focuses on mission critical network-facing application segments such as call processing and call completion platforms for the PSTN and wireless network. Its SS7 stack supports all the major industry standards such as ANSI, Bellcore, ITU, TTC (Japanese), Chinese and several other variants. Stratus Computer's SS7 solutions were first deployed in 1991 and have since been certified by many customers around the world.
Bay Networks' commitment to defining an open protocol will enable an end-to-end solution that offers SS7 signaling between Versalar RACs and telco voice switches, expanding the number of revenue-driving services a carrier can offer. "Bay Networks brings industry-leading data network expertise to the equation," said Ali Kafel, director of telecom business development, Stratus Computer. "It also provides a channel for us to distribute this technology. Their expertise in data networks, combined with our expertise in SS7 and Intelligent Networks creates a wonderful synergy for both companies and their customers."
Bay Networks' SS7 strategy and IP Services offer carriers the value-add for facilitating high-level applications over the Internet, such as multimedia and voice/fax over IP. Each of these services from Bay Networks can be implemented and operated independently within a network, but all are designed to work together to deliver the most effective and optimized IP environment available in the market today.
ABOUT STRATUS COMPUTER
Based in Marlboro, Massachusetts, Stratus Computer, Inc. (NYSE:SRA) is the premier supplier of computer systems and services where continuous availability is a critical need. Stratus and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of continuously available computer platforms, applications software, telecommunications platform software, and professional services. The company markets its systems and solutions to a range of industries in more than 60 countries and provides innovative Intelligent Network (IN) and telecom solutions to 27 of the world's 30 largest telecom service providers. Stratus posted revenue of $688.3 million in fiscal year 1997. For more information, visit Stratus on the Internet at stratus.com.
ABOUT BAY NETWORKS
Bay Networks - Where Information Flows(TM). Bay Networks, Inc. (NYSE:BAY) is a leader in the worldwide networking market, providing a complete line of products that serve corporate enterprises, service providers and telecommunications carriers. The company offers frame and ATM switches, routers, shared media, remote and Internet access solutions, IP services and network management applications, all integrated by Bay Networks' Adaptive Networking strategy. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Bay Networks markets its products and services around the world, providing 7x24 support coverage. For additional information visit the company's World Wide Web site at baynetworks.com or call 800-8-BAYNET.
This release, other than historical financial information, may consist of forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. For instance, factors which could cause results to differ from future events include the rate of adoption of new technology, competitive pricing actions and marketing programs, among others. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Bay Networks and Stratus Computer with the S.E.C., specifically the most recent reports on forms 10-K and 10-Q, which identify important risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
Bay Networks is a registered trademark and Bay Networks - Where Information Flows and Versalar are trademarks of Bay Networks, Inc. Stratus and the Stratus logo are registered trademarks of Stratus Computer, Inc. Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT: Bay Networks, Inc.
Jeff Young, 978/916-4986
jyoung@baynetworks.com
or
FitzGerald Communications, Inc.
Laura Fischman, 617/494-9500 ext. 226
lfischman@fitzcomm.com
|
