CompuServe Tests Cisco 56k Modem Technology
READING, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1997 MAY 2 (NB) -- By
Steve Gold. CompuServe UK & Europe has quietly started
tests on Cisco's 56,000 bits per second (bps) modems,
Newsbytes has learned. The move means that CompuServe
will almost certainly nix the US Robotics x2 technology in
favor of the k56flex 56k modem systems from the
Rockwell/Lucent camp.
Although CompuServe UK was not returning calls, Cisco
officials revealed that the company is beta testing Cisco 56K
modem cards, which are being integrated into Cisco AS5200
universal access servers on the CompuServe Network
Services (CNS) package data network, which spans Europe.
CNS is the sister division to CompuServe Information Services
(CIS), Newsbytes notes, and offers its global packet data
network (PDN) facilities to third party companies, such as
Newsnet and MCI Mail, to allow their public or private
subscribers and customers to gain access to host systems
on a host-paid basis.
Plans call for Cisco 56K technology shipments to begin in
earnest this summer. Cisco has standardized its 56K strategy
on the K56flex modem protocol jointly developed by Rockwell
and Lucent.
Interestingly, Cisco's press release on the contract quotes
Janel Crabtree, CompuServe's group manager for managed
network services, as saying that the company is committed to
delivering leading-edge technology to more than 1,000
corporate customers running business- critical applications.
"The Cisco AS5200 is an important component in the
connectivity we offer to our customers. Cisco's immediate
response with early 56K solution represents a strong
commitment to the overall success of this technology. We are
looking forward to working closely with Cisco in the
development of an industry-wide, stable 56K standard," he is
quoted as saying.
Sharon Connell, access product marketing manager for Cisco
Europe, meanwhile, said that, as an active member of the
Open 56K industry forum, Cisco is committed to field-testing
56K technology extensively to ensure delivery of stable 56K
technology.
"The swift deployment of field trials with customers like
CompuServe Network Services and other leading service
providers will prove instrumental to the smooth deployment of
reliable 56K technology in the Cisco AS5200," she said.
CompuServe Europe Web pages are at
compuserve.co.uk and compuserve.de .
Cisco's Web pages are at cisco.com .
(19970502/Press Contact: Ruth Bradshaw, Text 100
+44-181-242-4129; E- mail: ruthb@text100.co.uk; Reader
Contact: Cisco Systems +44-181-756- 8468/Reported By
Newsbytes News Network: newsbytes.com)
North America,United States of America
Newsbyte News Network
May 02, 1997 |
