To: getgo234 who wrote (581 ) 11/20/1997 9:13:00 AM From: Glenn D. Rudolph Read Replies (1) | Respond to
Internet Access Group to Build Midwest's Largest Regional Internet Backbone with Cisco ATM Switches; IAG to Offer Multimedia and Voice/Data Applications to Business Customers
Business Wire - November 20, 1997 08:01
%CISCO-SYSTEMS CSCO %CALIFORNIA %ILLINOIS %OHIO %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %COMED %INTERACTIVE %MULTIMEDIA %INTERNET %PRODUCT V%BW P%BW
CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 1997--Internet Access Group, Inc. (IAG), a leading provider of Internet connectivity services, today announced the acquisition of several new Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switches from Cisco Systems, Inc. as part of its bid to build the largest regional Internet backbone in the Midwestern United States.
IAG plans to combine its network with CICNet, an Internet service provider that maintains a major operating hub in Chicago. IAG will install carrier-class Cisco BPX(R) ATM switches to implement an ATM backbone that will integrate its network with CICNet.
"These broadband ATM switches provide the maximum network utilization and speed while guaranteeing IAG customers the bandwidth required of their applications," said Stephen Abbey, CEO and president of IAG. "These powerful switches are designed to deliver a variety of internetworking services and an easy migration path to a potential future deployment of OC-3 (152.3 Mbps) and higher bandwidth lines between IAG's major network points of presence.
"In addition, Cisco's plans for the integration of IP and ATM functionality using technologies like Tag Switching give us confidence in the long term viability and scalability of ATM as a transport for IP traffic."
The Cisco BPX is a standards-based ATM switch that maximizes network utilization while providing IAG customers the bandwidth they need to deploy the latest multimedia and voice/data applications across the network. IAG will use the switches for high-speed switching of its IP network as well as offering customers ATM services, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), videoconferencing and legacy Frame Relay transport.
IAG's transit arrangements with all the major national backbone providers allow for exceptionally fast access to the global Internet. These connections, in combination with BGP-4 (the industry standard for interdomain routing), gives IAG customers access to quick and efficient routes during both normal and peak hours.
"IAG's use of the Cisco BPX switch is an excellent example of the reliability and scalability of the product," said Joseph Golden, vice president of marketing for Cisco's Wide Area Network (WAN) business unit. "The BPX is a true carrier-class switch that easily integrates into existing networks and serves as an excellent multiservice delivery platform. Companies like IAG view their ATM purchases as strategic acquisitions; they have to be confident that the product will scale for future network expansion, and the BPX switch is perfect for that role."
About Internet Access Group
Internet Access Group, Inc., headquartered in Cleveland with offices throughout the Midwestern United States, is the leading provider of Internet connectivity services. IAG's products include the hardware, software and network management services required to establish a connection between customer site LANs and the Internet. More information and news on IAG's services are available at iagnet.net .
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at cisco.com .
Note to Editors: BPX, Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Cisco Systems, Inc.
Everett Tackett, 408/527-8607
etackett@cisco.com
or
Internet Access Group, Inc.
Janet Abbey, 216/623-3565
jabbey@iagnet.com
