BlueStar Communications Selects Ascend's MultiDSL and MultiVPN Products for Wide-Scale
Deployment
Business Wire - November 17, 1998 08:26
ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1998--
Alliance Launches the First Affordable, High-Speed Secure DSL Internet Access in Tennessee and Kentucky
Ascend Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASND), a leader in wide-area networking (WAN) and Intelligent Networking (IN) solutions for providers and users of the
next generation public network, today announced a multi-million dollar agreement with BlueStar Communications, Inc., which represents the largest
deployment of DSL services with Virtual Private Networking (VPN) in the Southeast. BlueStar, an upstart Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) based in
Tennessee, will install Ascend's high-density DSLTNT(TM), DSLPipe(TM), MultiVPN, B-STDX 9000 and MAX TNT(TM) products at points of presence (PoPs)
in the company's headquarters, central office telephone switches, and multi-tenant buildings.
"Ascend's MultiDSL(TM) product line is the ideal solution for supporting high-bandwidth applications such as remote access, Internet access and
telecommuting," said Fredjoseph Goldner, CEO of BlueStar Communications.
"We selected the Ascend MultiDSL products because they represent the best technical solutions on the market and are easy to manage. Ascend's products
enable us to quickly provision bandwidth and offer our customers reliable, high-speed data networking services. For example, we can now deliver VPN
services so our customers can cost-effectively utilize high-speed Internet access, yet have the confidence in secure transmissions."
Rocket DSL(TM), BlueStar's commercial high-speed DSL Internet access, is the first offered in the Tennessee and Kentucky region. BlueStar will begin rolling
out services in Bowling Green, Lexington, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; and
Huntsville, Alabama. By the end of this year, services will be available throughout these states. BlueStar also has plans to expand service to an additional 15
states and 25 cities in 1999.
Rocket DSL services offer cost-effective scalable Internet access for businesses and homes. Initially, BlueStar will offer two tiers of business class service:
-- Rocket DSL 768 will provide speeds up to 768Kbps symmetrically
for $500 per month
-- Rocket DSL 2500 will deliver speeds up to 2.5Mbps for $900 per
month
All of these services include e-mail addresses, up to 25MB of Web space as well as domain name hosting and registration. However, as added features, one
of BlueStar's hot products is VPN provisioning, as well as modem outsourcing, and other telecommuting related services. BlueStar's ubiquitous consumer
offering will be rolled out by the end of the year.
"BlueStar has developed an impressive service offering and Ascend is excited that they selected our MultiDSL and MultiVPN solutions. Ascend's commitment
to a flexible comprehensive product line allows BlueStar to extend additional services within its new high-speed packages.
"For example, mobile users removed from the DSL connection may utilize analog dial-up service when necessary," said Ashok Dhawan, general manager of
Ascend's DSL unit. "We look forward to working with BlueStar, fostering their growth and assisting in their expansion to meet market demands."
Ascend's MultiDSL solution combines the only integrated xDSL product line with complete management and security functions needed to provide reliable
end-to-end high-speed data services using IDSL, SDSL or ADSL technology. Ascend's complete offering includes central office equipment (COE), the
DSLTNT and MAX TNT, and customer premises equipment (CPE), the DSLPipe.
MultiVPN enables the utilization of the public network infrastructure for private enterprise communications with management capabilities, assured levels of
service and availability, and compatibility and security through a provider/subscriber architecture.
By encompassing Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and frame relay (FR) technologies, Ascend's MultiVPN strategy supercedes the
traditional approach to VPNs with value-added services and comprehensive solutions that leverage the entire Ascend product line.
About BlueStar Communications
BlueStar Communications is a privately held company founded in 1994 to provide advanced communications services using best-of-breed technologies.
BlueStar, as a Web development company, specializes in intranet development for major corporations, integrating electronic commerce solutions with mission
critical applications.
As an Internet Service Provider, BlueStar has achieved distinction by being on the forefront of the bandwidth revolution with its DSL based products and
services. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., BlueStar operates an advanced fault tolerant network throughout the Southeastern U.S. BlueStar takes its name
from the brightest stars in the sky, used by navigators and explorers throughout the centuries as trusty guides and companions.
About Ascend Communications
Ascend Communications, Inc. develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service
providers and corporate customers worldwide.
For more information about Ascend and its products, please visit the Ascend Web site at www.ascend.com, or send e-mail to info@ascend.com. For Investor
Relations, please call our communications hotline at 800/648-3059 or 760/704-4423 (outside the U.S. & Canada).
|
