Neil, FORE is starting to target the WAN now that they have a high-end offering, the ASX4000. However, I know of only the Level 3 win, where they have beaten out ASND. And this win did not involve the 4000 high-end switch, but rather the ASX1000 10Gb/s switch. I know of no announced wins for the 4000, and am not sure they are generating revenue from it yet. Its likely still just in trials. I also think this win acted as a kick in the ass for ASND, and future carrier wins by FORE may be harder to come by. Just my opinion.
I also have not seen any press where FORE has a presence in UUNET, Sprint, or AT&T.
FORE currently lacks the ISP/carrier customer base that ASND holds. Their products appear competitive with ASND, but it is very tough breaking into these large accounts when the current supplier (ASND) is ahead or even on the technology front. The user is familiar with the installed equipment, and unless price is a major factor, the user tends to stick with what he/she knows.
If LU feels that their marketing muscle, behind FORE's technology can drive customer wins, they could buy them. It would be cheaper than ASND. But it does not appear that LU marketing is having much success beating ASND, COMS, and CSCO with the Livingston products targeted at carriers (no press I have seen). For this reason, the safe (albeit, more expensive) play is to buy ASND, IMO.
Gary |
