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Sony and Cisco Team Up to Develop Cable Modem Solutions Based on MCNS/DOCSIS Industry Standard
Business Wire - October 31, 1997 15:35
%CISCO-SYSTEMS %SONY %CALIFORNIA %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %COMED %INTERACTIVE %MULTIMEDIA %INTERNET %TELECOMMUNICATIONS %PRODUCT V%BW P%BW
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 1997--Sony Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced they have agreed to work together to develop interoperable networking products that support the Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) industry standard.
Based on this agreement, Sony will develop cable modems in the future based on a reference design and network software provided by Cisco.
Sony will build cable modems and related subscriber equipment conforming to DOCSIS, which defines technical specifications for equipment at both subscriber locations and cable operator headend locations. Cisco will provide the initial reference design for the modem and the networking software to connect to Cisco headend equipment. Adoption of DOCSIS by system operators and equipment-makers will accelerate deployment of data-over-cable services by ensuring that consumers can obtain reasonably priced cable modems at retail outlets or through service providers. Compliance to this standard will also ensure interoperability of equipment throughout different system operators' infrastructures.
"High-bandwidth networking into the home will become very commonplace in the near future, and Sony will be using its expertise to develop exciting new network-based products targeted for the home environment. The MCNS-compliant cable modem that we will develop based on our agreement with Cisco is a prime example of this. Cisco will be able to deliver the network technology necessary to enable a variety of advanced multimedia services to be delivered to the home," said Yoshihiro Shimada, general manager of Sony Corporation Computer Peripherals and Components Company.
"Cisco is pleased to be working with Sony to help enable broadband services for residential customers," said Charlie Giancarlo, vice president of Global Alliances for Cisco. "Our companies share a common vision of the impact this technology can have in the future, and we look forward to working with Sony in this exciting field."
The DOCSIS standard is managed by Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) Partners Ltd., an organization formed by four major cable television system operators - Comcast Cable Communications Inc., Cox Communications, Tele-Communications Inc., and Time Warner Cable. The effort also is supported by Rogers Cablesystems Ltd., MediaOne and Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs). CableLabs is a research-and-development consortium of cable system operators representing more than 85 percent of cable subscribers in the United States and 70 percent of subscribers in Canada.
About Sony
Sony Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of audio, video, and information technology products in both the consumer and professional fields. Its music, pictures, and video game businesses also make Sony one of the world's most comprehensive entertainment companies. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $45 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 and employs 163,000 worldwide. For more information, visit the Sony website at: www.sony.com .
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at: www.cisco.com .
Note to Editors: Cisco IOS is a trademark, and Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Sony Electronics
Julie Steckmest, 408/955-4469
Julie_Steckmest@mail.sel.sony.com
or
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Clare Whitecross, 408/525-2957
cwhitecr@cisco.com
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