As great as the partnerships are, it is good to know some meat behind the message. This recent press discussing the partnership between Alcatel and Efficient indicates Alcatel's sizeable position. Thus, how important is it that we are on the same team?
Efficient Networks Introduces First
Consumer Installable ADSL Modem
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Modem Provides Users with
Plug and Play TM Solution for High Speed Internet Access
and Remote LAN Connectivity
March 22, 1999
DALLAS, Texas - Efficient Networks, Inc., a leading supplier
of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems, today introduced the
SpeedStreamTM 4060 Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem. The new
ADSL external modem provides consumers and businesses with
the fastest and easiest solution for high speed Internet and
corporate network access.
The SpeedStream 4060 modem delivers dedicated access at
rates up to 8 megabits per second downstream -- nearly 150
times faster than 56Kbps analog modems -- using standard
copper telephone lines.
"The SpeedStream 4060 effectively raises the bar in terms of
ease of installation for DSL modems," said Greg Langdon, vice
president of marketing for Efficient Networks. "Users can simply
plug their digital modem into a USB port on their PC or laptop,
connect the phone line, install the software, and they're up and
running within minutes. With the SpeedStream 4060, Efficient
Networks has set a new standard for DSL modem installation
for consumers and businesses worldwide."
The SpeedStream 4060 has been tested by Alcatel and is
interoperable with the Alcatel 1000 ASAM system, the leading
ADSL central office Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer
(DSLAM) solution deployed by many top-tier DSL service
providers worldwide. The SpeedStream 4060 is currently in a
number of North American and international service provider
trials.
G.lite Ready
The SpeedStream 4060 supports the G.lite (G.992.2)
specification through a simple software upgrade. Support for the
new G.lite specification will be available from Efficient Networks
and Alcatel in the second half of 1999.
"Our joint development efforts are focused on bringing to market
world-class DSL modems that deliver the highest levels of
usability, performance and affordability," said Martin De
Prycker, president of Alcatel's Internet Product Division.
"Service providers can rest assured that an investment in Alcatel/
Efficient Networks end-to-end DSL infrastructure equipment
will minimize support costs and maximize their return on
investment."
Technology Integration
The SpeedStream 4060 is an external USB-attached DSL
modem that supports Windows 98 users, and integrates
industry-standard Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT) ADSL
technology supplied by Alcatel Microelectronics. The new
modem utilizes Microsoft's Dial-Up Networking facility in
Windows, making next generation digital high-speed modems as
simple to use as today's analog modems.
About the size of a paperback book and housed in a sleek black
casing, the new modem is an ideal desktop accessory, and fits
unobtrusively on a desk or shelf in a horizontal or vertical
position. The product provides data rates of up to 8 Mbps
downstream and 640 Kbps upstream over standard telephone
wiring.
The SpeedStream 4060 utilizes Alcatel Microelectronics'
DynaMiTeTM ADSL chipset as well as Efficient Network's
own ATM silicon and software technology. The product also
supports a variety of data encapsulation methods including
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) over ATM, Ethernet over ATM,
and IP over ATM.
Pricing & Availability
The SpeedStream 4060 includes both the Efficient Networks
and Alcatel brand names, and is offered through both
companies' sales channels, including direct from each company
and through authorized service providers and resellers. The
SpeedStream 4060 USB DSL modem has a suggested retail
price of $299.00 and is available today.
Power of Partnership
Today Alcatel holds over 40 percent of the world market,
making it the world leader in ADSL technology. Alcatel has
delivered and installed its ADSL equipment at the operators
Ameritech, BellSouth, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell, Singapore
Telecom, Telia in Sweden, British Telecom, Belgacom,
Telefonica in Spain, France Telecom,
Telecom Italia, and P.T. Telecom of Indonesia. Furthermore,
Alcatel has successfully installed ADSL networks in China,
Korea, Japan and Denmark.
Efficient Networks' comprehensive line of SpeedStream DSL
CPE includes Ethernet-attached external modems, Universal
Serial Bus-attached external modems, and internal add-in
modems and adapters. This broad line provides a range of CPE
solutions for service
providers, ISPs, PC OEMs and integrators. To minimize training
and support calls, Efficient's ADSL products have been
designed to be particularly easy to install and service.
About Efficient Networks
Efficient Networks, Inc. is a premier supplier of DSL customer
premises equipment (CPE) to the worldwide data and
telecommunications markets. The company's SpeedStream
product line includes a suite of internal and external modems all
designed for simple, rapid installation. As a recognized DSL
market leader, Efficient Networks is a member of the ATM
Forum, the ADSL Forum and the Universal ADSL Working
Group. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, Efficient Networks
also has offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, northern California and
Virginia. For more information, see Efficient's World Wide Web
home page at www.efficient.com. |
