Can you or someone else here tell me what the hardware platform is within ASND's product line that is going to satisfy the IP component of their claim?
Frank,
I have no idea about the contract details but according to the press release, "Ascend will provide Frame Relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and IP products that will form the backbone of StarHub's network. This includes Ascend's GX550, CBX500 and STDX9000 switches."
The GX 550 is an ATM switch utilized at the WAN core. The CBX 500 is a multiservice switch, which enables an ISP or a carrier to deliver native ATM, Frame Relay, and IP services on a single, high capacity platform, and by directly interfacing their ATM backbone to IP-based file servers, service providers eliminate the need for two separate pieces of equipment and two separate management systems. The B-STDX 9000 is also a multiservice switch, which offers a combination of Frame Relay, ATM, SMDS, ISDN, and IP technology in one platform, and it also offers a higher level of voice, SNA, video, LAN interconnect, Internet and intranet access services in a single, manageable platform.
Ascend's software IP Navigator runs on the three switches above (GX 550, CBX 500, and B-STDX 9000). It adds full IP routing capability to Ascend's switches. It is also the only solution that allows service providers to build highly scalable switched IP WANs using native IP routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP-4 and RIP, while utilizing a high speed ATM or Frame Relay backbone network with its inherent end-to-end QoS and bandwidth management capabilities.
I see nothing "bogus" in the press release. StarHub's senior vice president said, "We looked at all the major network vendors in the market and Ascend is a clear leader in this field. Their architecture will allow us to provide the high quality solutions for our customers." I think he knows what he is talking about.
One of the encouraging things in the report from Singapore is that there seems to be no slowdown in spending from the East Asian telecom carriers on vital next generation technology. Ascend should be one of those who will benefit from that trend due to their superior technology.
Hisham
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