<A> Bay Networks Releases iRFC for SS7 Access Signaling Protocol
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--
New open industry protocol enables convergence of voice and data networks
Bay Networks(R), Inc. (NYSE:BAY) today announced that it has issued an informational Request for Comment (iRFC) to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that outlines a methodology describing the need for an open industry standard protocol that provides a scalable means to support interworking between Signaling System 7 (SS7) network elements and Internet elements such as Remote Access Servers (RAS). As ever-increasing demands on network infrastructures are driving service providers to employ SS7 as the alternative for off-loading data traffic from the PSTN, support for Bay Networks' open Access Signaling Protocol (ASP) specification will ensure customers the widest choice of suppliers, and widespread interoperability.
"The convergence of the telecom and datacom networks depends not only on allowing traffic to flow, but in creating a network that controls where this traffic flows," said Daniel Pitt, vice president and director of Bay Networks' Architecture Lab. "Reinforcing Bay Networks' philosophy surrounding open standards, support of this open protocol will speed the convergence of the datacom and telecom worlds, and give customers the most comprehensive choice of suppliers."
Enabling an end-to-end solution that offers SS7 signaling between Bay Networks' Versalar RACs and telco voice switches, the open standard will also expand upon the number of revenue-driven services a carrier can offer. SS7 networking is the primary means used in the PSTN for control of circuit-switched connections and value added PSTN services such as freephone (800/888) number translation, calling card validation and Intelligent Network services. The announcement reinforces Bay Networks commitment to the development of a SS7 protocol to enable integrated voice and data networking in service provider networks worldwide.
"Demand for Internet access is driving architectural changes in the PSTN," said Dan Taylor, Aberdeen Group's managing director for telecommunications.
"The determining factor for these changes is found in the software that controls the network. For IP networks to work better in conjunction with the PSTN, there needs to be a way for these networks to 'speak' to each other. Bay's ASP initiative is an excellent way to enable the development of open standards for IP-to-PSTN interworking."
The release of the iRFC to the IETF is targeted to stimulate the development of SS7 Gateway Software across multiple platforms including both Unix and NT. Bay Networks and several companies including Stratus Computer and ADC NewNet have reviewed the specification to date.
"As the telecommunications industry rapidly converges through a series of innovative partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, the old notion of telecom convergence -- delivering video and voice over a common physical medium -- has been swept away by the ascendance of IP," explained Bob Dalias, director of product management at Bay Networks. "Carriers are scrambling to offer managed services, and Bay Networks' commitment to both an industry-wide standard and a SS7 gateway will free up congestion over today's burgeoning voice networks."
Adopting Bay Networks' Access Signaling Protocol, ADC NewNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADCT), a leader in providing highly flexible, scalable and open system based telecom software products that conform to global standards, has agreed to develop its SS7 Gateway Software to communicate with Bay Networks' VersalarTM remote access products.
"Bay Networks and ADC NewNet share a common vision of an open, standards-based interface. The broad support for SS7 signaling protocols provided by ADC NewNet's AccessMANAGER(TM) enables the SS7 Gateway Software to provide a solution that is open-for-business around the world. We are pleased to provide an SS7 solution for Bay Networks," stated Pat Donnelly, Signaling Platforms Product Line director for ADC NewNet (http://www.newnet.com).
Bay Networks is continuing to make the protocol available to its partners. For additional information on the Access Signaling Protocol, contact Kieran Taylor at Bay Networks (978) 916-1490, or you may review the informational RFC at ietf.org 0.txt.
ABOUT BAY NETWORKS
Bay Networks - Where Information Flows(tm). Bay Networks, Inc. (NYSE:BAY) is a leader in the worldwide networking market, providing a complete line of products that serve corporate enterprises, service providers and telecommunications carriers. The company offers frame and ATM switches, routers, shared media, remote and Internet access solutions, IP services and network management applications, all integrated by Bay Networks' Adaptive Networking strategy. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Bay Networks markets its products and services around the world, providing 7x24 support coverage. For additional information visit the company's World Wide Web site at baynetworks.com or call 800-8-BAYNET.
This release, other than historical financial information, may consist of forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. For instance, factors which could cause results to differ from future events include the rate of adoption of new technology, competitive pricing actions and marketing programs, among others. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Bay Networks with the S.E.C., specifically the most recent reports on forms 10-K and 10-Q, which identify important risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
Bay Networks is a registered trademark and Bay Networks - Where Information Flows and Versalar are trademarks of Bay Networks, Inc. ADC NewNet and AccessMANAGER are trademarks of ADC NewNet, Inc. Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. |
