Rhythms NetConnections Launches 1st-Generation Service Selection for Telework
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 1998--
First Data Carrier to Give Remote Workers Simultaneous
Intranet/Internet Connectivity over DSL
Rhythms NetConnections, the high-performance networking company, today announced general availability of simultaneous remote access to corporate LANS and the Internet, through Rhythms.Net.
This capability, a first-generation service selection feature set, gives corporate network managers the freedom to offload remote access to the Internet to a public gateway, while consolidating connectivity for both LAN and Internet access over one DSL link.
The company is the first data network provider to release this function over DSL, through integration of layer two/three network switching and its open systems implementation of Cisco Systems' carrier-grade routing. And through Rhythms addressing, network administrators control WAN access privileges to any IP-addressable site or device on a customized basis.
Rhythms' network architecture concentrates IP traffic at the DSL multiplexers and passes IP traffic to its backbone routers, where policy-based routing and fast switching direct user traffic destined for corporate LANs, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and individual enterprise applications. Unlike other solutions, Rhythms' network supports continuous and simultaneous remote user connection for both corporate LAN and Internet access. Both security levels and traffic choke points are handled at Rhythms' carrier-grade service centers.
The net result of these service capabilities is that corporate managers can use Rhythm's network to direct remote users' Internet traffic directly to the ISP, rather than backhaul it through the corporate firewall. Rhythms.Net is available to all Rhythms LAN Interconnection and Power Internet end-users at no additional charge for network design, configuration or management.
Traditional public carriers have been slow to offer simultaneous Internet and intranet access as a finished service, due to a lack of integration between high-speed local access and intelligent routing. While simultaneous access could be achieved using public frame relay services, the cost is prohibitive for both carriers and their end-users due to added equipment requirements and frame relay pricing. No comparable architecture involving layer three switching or policy-based routing has yet been launched by other CLECs, cable providers or network providers. Rhythms is installing the full switching fabric, network monitoring and control systems, and open systems routing in all of its DSL-enabled Metro Service Centers nationwide.
Rhythms' primary network platform providers, Cisco Systems and Paradyne, provide the key switching and routing for Rhythms.Net. Rhythms' strict engineering controls, 24 x 7 performance monitoring and proactive capacity management ensure peak network service levels are maintained.
Future enhancements will include integrated voice traffic management, DHCP addressing and caching.
Standardized Service Level Agreement terms are provided for all installed networks, and money-back performance guarantees apply. As released August 1, 1998, current users also have access to web-based performance statistics and management reports on Rhythms.Net via Rhythms' Network NOW interface.
Said Claudia Bacco, Senior xDSL Analyst with Telechoice, "Delivery this capability is certainly unique in the marketplace at this time. While many providers and manufacturers are pursuing the ability to do simultaneous high-speed connectivity for remote workers, Rhythms' service architecture subverts the 'single destination' limitation in most DSL CPE today."
Rhythms NetConnections is an Englewood, Colorado-based business rapidly building a nationwide high performance network and currently has sales offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and New York. It provides high performance data networking solutions for business customers by combining high-speed local access with capacity managed local and wide area networks. Rhythms sells directly to enterprise customers and distributes its capabilities through market leading network integrators and Internet Service Providers. Telecommunications services for Rhythms are provided by ACI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rhythms.
For more information regarding Rhythms NetConnections, call 1-800-Rhythms or on the World Wide Web at www.Rhythms.Net.
The statements contained in this release which are not historical facts may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, demand and competition for the services and the products to be sold by Rhythms NetConnections, the continued availability of adequate financing to support its activities, the timing of rollouts in additional regions, the number of potential customers who could access its services, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
CONTACT: Market Ready, Wayzata
PR for Rhythms NetConnections
Jill Budzynski, 612/475-2835
Fax: 612/404-2302
jmb@marketready.com
or Renee Maler, 925/828-9495
rmaler@aol.com
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