Bay & Fore? ? Read on...
Bay Networks First to Bring Business-Quality Video Networking to IP
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1998--
High-Performance, Cost-Effective Ethernet/Fast Ethernet Modules
Bring Benefits of Highest Quality Video to Ethernet Users
Bay Networks(R) Inc. (NYSE:BAY) today announced the addition of Ethernet and
Fast Ethernet support to the Bay Networks Multimedia networking family.
This announcement reinforces a strategic alliance between Bay Networks and First
Virtual Corp., and for the first time, brings genuine business-quality video, previously
available only to the small number of ATM-connected PCs, to the extensive installed
base of Ethernet/Fast Ethernet desktops.
The alliance between Bay Networks and First Virtual, which began in January 1996,
enables the extension of desktop multimedia services into an ATM LAN backbone.
The combination of new Ethernet and Fast Ethernet modules and TCP/IP Media
Operating Software (MOS-IP) maps ATM's proven QoS capabilities to Ethernet
frame-based networking.
This development realizes, for the first time, the promise of real Ethernet-based,
enterprise-class video networking tools and applications.
"This announcement is the logical next step in our ongoing relationship with First Virtual
and combines Bay Networks' strong position in the ATM LAN backbone market with
First Virtual's leading-edge multimedia workgroup switch technology," said Lloyd
Carney, executive vice president of the Bay Networks Enterprise Business Group.
"This new Ethernet/Fast Ethernet multimedia networking support augments existing
ATM solutions, and represents a further step in Bay Networks' delivery of
technology-independent support for next generation business tools and applications."
V-Ether Switching Modules
The V-Ether Switching modules are a new family of modules for the Bay Networks
Multimedia Switch which are specifically architected to support video networking in
non-deterministic Ethernet frame-based networks. V-Ether Switching provides for
both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T desktop connectivity, enhancing the extensive range
of network interfaces already available in the Multimedia Switch (25 Mbps ATM, 155
Mbps ATM, and T1/E1 ATM).
IP Multimedia Operating Software (IP-MOS)
IP-MOS adds support for IP/Ethernet users to the Bay Networks Multimedia Switch.
IP-MOS utilizes industry-standard RTP/RTCP protocols and signaling to enable
high-quality video streaming in TCP/IP environments. This unique capability guarantees
true business-quality video is maintained on the "last 100 meters" over 10/100Mbps
Ethernet connections to user's workstations.
"The Bay Networks Multimedia Switch with Ethernet support enables us to facilitate
extensive multimedia teaching and allows us to provide an innovative learning
environment," said Paul Mueller, superintendent for the Elizabeth Forward School
District, a K-12 school district in western Pennsylvania spread over five campus sites.
"The Multimedia Switch allows us to extend high-speed video conferencing, live video
broadcast, and video-on-demand applications over our Ethernet network."
Pricing and Availability
The Bay Networks V-Ether switching modules are available in two form factors -- a
six-port 10BASE-T module priced at US $2,500, shipping now; and a two-port
100BASE-T module priced at US $3,000, will be available in Q2 1998. The MOS-IP
is priced starting at US $300 for a single-user license. |
