Scrapp, by materially insignificant, I mean in the context of the threat represented to other internet access methods. This is the USRX/COMS thread, after all. I could care less how this cable order affects MOT's bottom line.
Another way to look at it rather than "caring less" is it is $75,000,000 of market share...what it is all about kinda thing!
Dwight you now have changed your story, let's look at what you said.
Interesting sunny, but cable modems are "materially insignificant" in all respects now and for the fore-seeable future, IMO.
Now it would appear USR does not share your opinion at all.
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U.S. Robotics Enters Broadband Cable Arena With New System For Internet Access Over Cable TV Networks
Business Wire - March 10, 1997 08:01
SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--
New System Presents New Business Model for Rapid, Cost-Effective
System Deployments; Leverages Core Network and
Consumer Product Technologies
U.S. Robotics entered the broadband multimedia arena today with the introduction of an end-to-end system for providing Internet access over cable television networks. The new cable access system is designed for rapid deployment, as well as long-term flexibility for cable operators.
The U.S. Robotics cable access system provides operators with a new business model for delivering data over cable quickly and cost effectively. The system initially utilizes a telco-return architecture that is compatible with cable operators' current network infrastructures, yet also provides an easy, inexpensive pathway to two-way cable as operators upgrade their networks in the future. Further, the cable access system capitalizes on U.S. Robotics' consumer product expertise and powerful retail distribution network to transform cable modems from costly, leased products into inexpensive, interoperable products that customers will be able to purchase directly.
U.S. Robotics' newly created Cable Access Business Unit will provide the first industry look at the system March 17-19 at the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) Cable 97 trade show in New Orleans.
The Cable Access Business Unit also is actively involved in cable modem standards activities, and is committed to delivering the industry's first MCNS standards-based telco-return cable access system. MCNS is an organization formed by leading cable operators to develop an industry-wide specification for cable modems.
"Because the cable modem and network access markets are essentially extensions of our existing businesses, we have been able to leverage our core technologies and competencies to offer a new solution for cable communications," said Casey Cowell, chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Robotics.
"With the introduction of our new cable access system, we offer a headend solution that is based on our proven Total Control network platform. Further, our approach is designed to eliminate the inhibitors to a mass market for cable modems and establish a true retail environment. This strategic approach dramatically reduces capital costs at every point in the network and makes cable Internet access a far more practical reality," Mr. Cowell said.
Semir Sirazi, vice president and general manager of the U.S. Robotics Cable Access Business Unit, added: "Our cable access solution is a true end-to-end data delivery system designed to work on today's predominantly one-way cable plants and manage all aspects of the network, from headend to client modem. This same turnkey system can be upgraded to operate on a two-way network with the simple addition of network cards at the headend, thereby further protecting the operator's initial investment," Mr. Sirazi said.
Mr. Sirazi explained that the system's telco-return architecture uses the existing cable network for high-speed downstream data delivery and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for the return path, an approach that is well suited to the demands of today's Internet applications.
U.S. Robotics also reduces costs at the customer premises by lowering the cost of cable modems and changing the way they are made available to end users.
"Client cable modems can represent up to 90 percent of total capital costs for the operators, who have to buy the modems, lease them to customers and maintain them," Mr. Sirazi said. "Cable operators have told us they need a less expensive cable modem that their customers can buy at the retail level in order to offer the best service at the best price. With our consumer product background, U.S. Robotics is uniquely equipped to meet this need with modems that are affordably priced, and easy for the customer to install and configure," he said.
The new U.S. Robotics cable access system incorporates an MCNS compatible modem that will be widely available in retail stores for prices comparable to those of analog modems being sold today. The modem will be available in internal and external configurations, and will incorporate U.S. Robotics' industry leading modem technology for telco-return communications.
Components for the new cable access system include: the Cable Modulator, Cable Access Router, and Cable Network Management System at the headend; and client modems at the subscriber's premises.
U.S. Robotics' Cable Access Business Unit is in discussion with leading cable operators and expects to begin technical and field trials this summer, with widespread cable access system availability to follow in the fall. The two-way cable access system is expected to be available in early 1998.
I guess you think early 1998 is unforeseeable, USR obviously doesn't agree!
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, LAN switching equipment, desktop/mobile client products and modems, telephony products and handheld organizers. U.S. Robotics products connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1996 sales were $1.98 billion
USR doesn't see any of the above customers as "materially insignificant"!
But you may.
Now what does 3Com think.oh my.oh my, their at it too!
3Com Augments Data-Over-Cable Solution with Support for MCNS Technology; Company's End-to-End Cable Networking Solution Includes Both MCNS- and ATM-Based Cable Modems
Dwight you are the one and only person I know of that claims $75,000,000 is "materially insignificant"!!
Get real Dwight! You know as well as any of us you misspoke.
Scrapps |
