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ASCEND, a US-based supplier of high-speed remote access
networking equipment, is keen on setting up either a regional
test-bed or a mini-technical support centre in the Multimedia Super
Corridor (MSC) within the next two years.
According to its South Asia operations general manager Kenneth
Kan, the company - whose key focus is on the telecommunications and
wide area data communications networks - is seriously exploring the
possibility of opening an office within the MSC area.
''The office will house our test-bed for countries embracing
E1-R2/SS7 signalling option instead of PRI. It could also serve as
a depot for spare parts,'' said Kan in an interview in Kuala
Lumpur.
Ascend, he said, intends to establish a regional laboratory for
product testing and interoperability, as currently all product
problems are diagnosed back to the United States.
However, no firm decision has been made at this point of time.
Due to the present economic situation in Southeast Asia, Kan
said Ascend is however not too optimistic about its business
outlook in this region.
Hong Kong-based Ascend Communications' area marketing manager
Jeff Gustafson remarked that telecommunications spending in
Malaysia is both publicly and privately funded.
As a result, he pointed out that the following factors could
drastically affect its market in Malaysia: changes in public policy
on telecom infrastructure investment; availability of funds for
private investors; and or public demand for services.
''At this time, we see a real possibility of a change in public
infrastructure spending. However, we don't know how much that will
affect telecom,'' said Gustafson.
''Secondly, currency and interest rate fluctuations and
profitability will have an effect on the availability of private
funding. However, that is also unpredictable as it applies to our
business,'' he said.
Regarding the third variable, Gustafson added that public demand
for telecom and network access services is still very strong and
does not appear to be slowing down.
In fact, Ascend is in the midst of negotiating with four local
carriers through partners, he informed.
However, for competitive reasons, Gustafson declined to reveal
the specific prospects its partners are currently pursuing.
Overall, the company is predicting a healthy growth in its
business although it may slow down for a period of time until Asian
markets stabilise.
Ascend's revenues from South Asia is projected to grow by about
20 per cent. ''The highest revenue growth for Ascend is still
China,'' said Gustafson.
He said China's Ministry of Post and Telecommunication has begun
to implement a nationwide frame relay backbone utilising Ascend
core switching technology, including the B-STDX 9000 and CBX 500
products, which is being deployed in approximately 25 provincial
telecom authorities (PTAs).
Additionally, 12 PTAs in China either have implemented or are
now implementing Ascend remote access equipment for on-line
services and Internet access.
Gustafson said Ascend's goal for the coming year is to compete
in all carrier data networking opportunities in Asia, as the
company now claims to have end-to-end solutions in network access
(dialup, integrated services digital network, digital subscriber
line, and frame relay), exchange, peering and edge switching
(Internet protocol, frame relay, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode) as
well as core switching (ATM, and frame relay). |
