Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Voice-on-the-net (VON), VoIP, Internet (IP) Telephony -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/5/1999 12:02:00 PM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

SOTAS Integrates British Telecom's Voice Over Packet Standard Candidate Into Quality Test System Business Editors/Telecommunication Writers GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999--SOTAS, a telecommunications testing and integrity assurance company, Tuesday announced the integration of British Telecom's (BT) Perceptual Analysis Measurement System (PAMS) algorithm into SOTAS' Total Quality Measurement System (TQMS). TQMS, a comprehensive programmable test call device that monitors and tests voice, fax, and data, will also perform quality testing for voice over packet technologies such as internet protocol (IP), frame relay (FR), ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), and voice over internet protocol (VoIP). The advent of packet technologies has spurred the proliferation of non-traditional carriers into the telecom industry. These new players are touting low-cost, high transmission quality services. However, their claims cannot be assessed objectively without standard test methods capable of measuring speech quality across all network topologies. An International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard will not be in place until at least September, 1999, yet market forces are demanding that some level of testing be available today. British Telecom is working with the ITU to establish measurement standards for packet networks. BT developed PAMS and has offered it to the ITU to address this issue. SOTAS identified the efficacy of this approach and has worked to integrate the PAMS algorithm into SOTAS' TQMS tests, especially for assessing packet networks. "The integration of the PAMS set of rules into our TQMS system represents an important step in ensuring high-quality packet communications technologies," stated SOTAS President Peter Willson. "The TQMS customer base is expanding rapidly, and this testing capability provides a competitive edge for the telecommunications carriers and global companies that rely on our products." Sending a simple test signal is not sufficient for testing packet networks using highly compressed speech. Compressed speech algorithms only can encode and transport signals that sound like speech. The PAMS algorithm uses an artificial speech test stimulus based upon a linguistic approach that defines the possible range of speech that occurs. The algorithm models the distortions of the signal and quantifies how a human then perceives the distorted signal. SOTAS' TQMS system is the fundamental building block for an autonomous distributed telephony test system. When deployed in strategic locations, TQMS test results can measure and characterize telephony performance over a wide variety of variables including geography, carrier, country, region, or time of day. TQMS transmission impairment measurements assess call handling quality; voice, fax, and data quality; and the efficacy of billing and fraud detection systems. TQMS also monitors signal amplitude, echo, noise, and other measurements which impact customer service levels. About SOTAS SOTAS, Inc. designs and manufactures products to ensure the integrity of domestic and international telecommunications systems. Established in 1989, SOTAS supports a customer base of world-class telecommunications carriers and global corporations, including AT&T, MCI Worldcom, Concert, British Telecom, and SITA/Equant. SOTAS serves the growing markets for analog, digital, and fiber-optic systems through four complementary product lines: TQMS, OSU(R) Network Interface, Circuitsentry(R), and SmartCircuits. SOTAS also provides turnkey network monitoring and analysis services to IXCs and CLECs. For additional information visit www.sotasinc.com.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/5/1999 2:37:00 PM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Compaq Unveils First Home Networked Broadband Internet PCs January 5, 1999 -- On the heels of bringing consumers the first broadband-ready Internet PCs, Compaq Computer Corporation today launched a new line of value-packed Presario Internet PCs which includes desktop models that enable consumers, for the first time, to digitally network their homes using existing phonelines. Compaq also announced new portable PCs, including the first ultra-thin and light DVD notebook with a unique detachable wedge. (For complete details, please see today's press release, "Compaq Delivers Unrivaled Value and Latest Technologies with New Line of Home Internet PCs.'') Compaq's new breakthrough home networking solution allows several family members to simultaneously enjoy the Internet without "waiting in line,'' print to a shared printer while talking on the telephone, or engage in multiplayer, head-to-head gaming. When Compaq's 1.5 Mb Max Digital modem(1) is installed, consumers can access the Internet at ultra-fast DSL connections, up to 25 times faster than current 56K modems. This combination of high-speed broadband Internet access and home networking creates a new, enriched computing environment that will greatly enhance the entire family's computing experience. To make home networking even more attractive, later this month, Compaq will offer a complete "Networked Home in a Box'' bundle for as low as $2,478(2), through its "Built for You'' configure-to-order retail program and other direct programs. Building on the success of the popular Presario line, Compaq also announced today several new desktop and portable models that offer outstanding value at compelling price points. For example, the new Presario 1255 Internet notebook with a 333 MHz processor, is priced under $1,500, and the new Presario 2286 desktop PC is priced at $699. Compaq also announced the availability of several new desktop PCs with the latest technologies through its "Built for You'' retail and direct programs. "Today marks a significant step for Compaq in delivering our vision of the digitally networked home,'' said Rod Schrock, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Consumer Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Only Compaq offers the winning combination of standards-based home networking and, through our 'Triple Play' program, high-speed Internet access. The Internet computing experience we offer consumers is unrivaled in the industry.'' If You Can Plug in Your Phone, You Can Network Your Home Compaq's home phoneline networking solution is based on the industry standard set by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA). Home phoneline networking uses existing in-home phone wiring to connect computers and operates concurrently with any normal telephone service, including high-speed DSL Internet connections, that might be using those same wires. "Simple and affordable home networking is a key area in which Compaq will continue to set the pace for home computing innovation,'' said Mike Rubin, Director and General Manager, Presario Desktop Division, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Compaq is absolutely committed to delivering the ultimate Internet computing experience in the home. Our new standards-based home networking solution is a true breakthrough in ease of setup and use, making Internet sharing simple and affordable for all consumers.'' "Compaq is taking a leadership role in providing home networking solutions for consumers,'' said Craig Mundie, Senior Vice President for Microsoft Consumer Strategy. "Microsoft and Compaq share a common vision for connecting PCs, services, and intelligent appliances together within the home using open standard technologies, and will continue working together towards achieving that vision.'' Delivering on its ease-of-use promise, Compaq is including a Home Network Setup Wizard with its home networking solution. The Wizard automates the process of adding any Windows® 95 or Windows® 98 PC to a home network; a user only has to type in a name for the computer and select "Typical'' installation. Compaq is also including WinGate Home 3.0 Internet Sharing Software from Deerfield.com. WinGate allows up to three PCs in the home to share a single Internet connection and is compatible with all types of Internet access (analog, cable, DSL and satellite). WinGate also records the sites visited and the files downloaded by PCs on the home network, providing an enhanced level of parental control over Internet use. "The ability for consumers to 'network' their home has always been considered the next frontier in consumer technology,'' said John Dunkle of Workgroup Strategic Services, a New Hampshire-based industry analyst firm. "However, before that could have occurred, some real barriers had to be eliminated, such as wiring the home itself and delivering devices that are both affordable and useable. With Compaq's solution, for the first time, customers can enjoy true network functionality with their existing phone wires at an affordable price.'' New Presario Internet PCs Feature Home Networking at an Incredible Value The new Presario 5670, the latest addition to the award winning, high-performance 5600 series of Internet PCs, sets a new standard for home connectivity. Priced at $2,299, it comes with a home phoneline network adapter, a 1.5 Mb Max Digital Modem, which allows users to surf the Web while making or receiving phone calls, a cable/ADSL modem-ready(3) 10 Mbps Ethernet port, the Digital Creativity Imaging Center(4) with advanced digital editing software, an IEEE-1394 port, four USB ports, and a powerful Intel® Pentium® II 450 MHz processor. Starting at just $1,419 (price includes V720 17-inch monitor with 15.9-inch VIA), the Presario 5600i is available through Compaq's "Built for You'' custom-configuration program. Even when outfitted for home networking with the Phoneline Home Networking option, this product is a remarkable value. It is priced less than similarly configured systems from Dell(5) yet offers future-focused technologies such as IEEE 1394 and 10Mbps Ethernet ports. For ultra-fast Internet access, consumers can add the Compaq 1.5Mb Max Digital modem. The new Presario 5200 Series, priced from $899, welcomes three models into the family -- the Presario 5204, 5220 and 5240. This series combines easy, high-speed Internet access with next-generation technology at affordable prices for first time and repeat PC purchasers.http://www.compaq.com.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/8/1999 8:02:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

TrueCircuit Real-Time Technology, a Unique High-Quality Voice-over-IP Solution SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)1999--Path 1 (OTCBB:PNWK) announces that it has demonstrated its TrueCircuit(TM) technology that enables the transmission of multiple forms of real time network traffic over a single, heavily congested network and the Internet. Demand for Voice-over-IP (VoIP)-based services is exploding. Despite the demand, VoIP technology is considered as giving an unacceptable low quality and unscalable service to be used as a commercial Internet technology. TrueCircuit(TM) technology dramatically changes this view. TrueCircuit(TM) technology enables real-time digital packets to slice through a congested network environment without delays or dropped packets. TrueCircuit(TM) produces dedicated transmission channels for real-time packets traveling among computer data, enabling practical large-scale commercial implementations of high quality voice and live video over IP. TrueCircuit(TM) technology will be available as a powerful, feature component for integrated circuit manufacturers to combine with existing cable modem and data routing silicon circuits. A key aspect of this TrueCircuit(TM) technology is that these channels are instantaneously assigned and relinquished, allowing for much greater throughput efficiency. The Path 1 network supervisor complies with the latest IETF COPS (Common Open Policy Server) industry standard. This open international standard facilitates the interconnection of quality-of-service networks. This technology is applicable across local and wide area networks. It enables the offering of live TV-like video broadcast and ATM-like quality telephone service over computer networks. It also facilitates billing for multiple classes of service and can enhance network throughput for even non-real-time data. "The commercial potential of TrueCircuit(TM) is enormous," commented John Hooker, Director of New Technology Introduction for Path 1. "We are seeing demand from both telecomunication and network infrastructure solution providers looking to offer real- time network solutions. Our technology is positioned to be at the heart of real-time networking and will make possible the next leap forward for the Internet in providing real-time network services." The Company also completed testing of its new technology for the automatic set-up and tear-down of TrueCircuit(TM) isochronous data channels. This was demonstrated at Path 1 by transmitting audio and live video real-time data across its heavily loaded computer network (LAN) without any measurable degradation in signal quality. Channels were allocated through automatic negotiations between the network supervisor and the end users. Path 1 Network Technologies Inc. was founded in January 1998 to develop products that provide and guarantee an individually specified quality of service initially to corporate Intranets and, eventually, all users of the Internet.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/8/1999 8:09:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Aplio Announces Availability of Aplio/Phone 2.0, the World's First H.323-Compliant Standalone Internet Phone LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)Jan. 7, 1999-- CES99 The Award-Winning Internet Telephony Appliance Delivers True Telephone Quality, H.323 Compliance, PC-to-Phone Communication, Easy Remote Configuration and Even Greater Savings Aplio, Inc., creator of the innovative, award-winning Internet telephony appliance, today announced the availability of the latest version of its lauded product -- Aplio/Phone 2.0 -- at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This updated version of Aplio/Phone delivers state-of-the-art IP telephony, including the much-anticipated 'Open Aplio' upgrade which delivers industry standard H.323-compliance, making it the first standalone Internet telephone. With Aplio/Phone 2.0, users can now make Internet calls between Aplio/Phones and PCs or other compliant devices, realizing as much as 100% savings on their long distance phone bills. Aplio/Phone 2.0 takes the remarkable Internet telephony technology delivered by Aplio a step further by offering several enhancements including: enhanced digital audio quality (PacketPlus(TM) technology); even greater savings (WakeUp Call feature); user-friendly remote configuration, as well as improved user interface (available in nine languages). This Aplio/Phone 2.0 upgrade will be available for free download from the Internet for all current users in late January 1999. 'Open Aplio' Extends Reach "Open Aplio opens Aplio/Phone to the world," said Olivier Zitoun, CEO and president. "By making Aplio/Phone H.323 compliant, we are dramatically expanding the reach of our users." With Aplio/Phone 2.0, users can now communicate not only with other Aplio users, but with PCs using any standard Internet Telephony and Conferencing software such as Microsoft's NetMeeting. Calling an Aplio/Phone from a PC is very simple; users only need to enter the unique ID of the Aplio/Phone they want to reach and within a few seconds, the phone on the other end will ring. To facilitate this, Aplio offers Aplio Dialer software for free download on its website. This innovative application features a personal IP telephony address book that automatically and transparently completes the telephone connection. "This is the first time PC users can enjoy free long distance calls over the Internet to non-PC users without any per-minute charges," noted Zitoun. "This is a major achievement!" True Telephone Sound Quality Aplio/Phone 2.0 features Aplio's new PacketPlus(TM) technology enabling the best digital sound quality for calls over the public Internet network. "PacketPlus addresses the most important aspects of Internet Telephony: latency and Internet traffic. By continuously monitoring Internet conditions, PacketPlus(TM) automatically adjusts packet size and redundancy. As a result, users experience Internet telephone calls that are nearly indistinguishable from calls over the public telephone network," said Henri Tebeka, Aplio Chairman and CTO. Even Greater Savings Aplio/Phone 2.0 delivers even greater savings because its WakeUp Call feature lets users automatically connect to another Aplio/Phone without ever having to place an initial long distance call. The WakeUp Call feature automatically alerts the other Aplio to connect via the Internet -- you no longer need to pre-schedule your calls to enjoy the benefits of a 100% free long distance connection. Improved User Interface and Configuration To facilitate the first time configuration, Aplio/Phone 2.0 now features the Aplio Configuration Assistant software. Running on a PC, this software allows users to remotely set up any Aplio/Phone instantly, anywhere in the world. In addition, Resellers and Internet Service Providers can leverage this new tool to enhance customer service while offering plug-and-play solutions. Additionally, Aplio/Phone 2.0 offers a new extended voice interface, with support for new languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew and German. International Aplio/Phone users can now select the language of choice via a free download over the Internet. About Aplio/Phone Aplio/Phone makes long distance calling free. It is a standalone Internet telephony appliance that reroutes calls over the Internet without a computer. Aplio/Phone connects to any regular telephone just like an answering machine. Full-featured, with a built-in processor and modem, Flash RAM, hardware-based full-duplex voice compression, Aplio/Phone uses a patent-pending meeting process. With the press of one button, calls are rerouted to the Internet, eliminating any per-minute long-distance charges, while insuring superior sound quality rivaling that of digital cellular phones. In addition, the Aplio/Phone boasts a full-duplex speakerphone that can be used even when the device is not connected to the Internet. Aplio/Phone is available worldwide. It is distributed in over 50 countries in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Estimated street price is $199 in the U.S; price may vary outside the U.S. The product is backed by free unlimited tech support, a 60-day money back guarantee and a full one year warranty. In the U.S., it is available online (www.aplio.com), or by dialing 1-888-OH-APLIO, through Aplio Authorized Resellers, Big Planet representatives and at retail stores and catalogues (J &R, DataVision, MicroCenter, MicroWarehouse, HelloDirect, TigerDirect, etc.)

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/8/1999 8:11:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3178

Cisco Systems and General Instrument to work with AT&T on High Speed Internet Access Network; Cisco and GI to develop and trial Integrated IP Broadband Networking Solutions HORSHAM, Penn.1999--Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO) and General Instrument Corporation (NYSE: GIC) announced today that they intend to work with AT&T on a non-exclusive basis to develop and trial a seamless, end-to-end Internet Protocol (IP) solution that would allow AT&T to offer data, voice and video services over the hybrid fiber-coax network now being deployed by AT&T and TCI. Although specific agreements have not been reached, the Cisco/GI IP telephony solution under development would allow AT&T to offer its customers the ability to simultaneously watch television, send and receive faxes, surf the World Wide Web and talk on the telephone. "Cisco's collaboration with AT&T and GI will result in a New World network that will fundamentally change the way communications services are delivered to the consumer market," said John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. "By combining broadband Internet, phone and video services over a single cable line, we are taking a major step towards implementing future integrated data, voice and video telecommunications on a mass market scale." "The HFC IP telephony system being developed by Cisco and GI will establish the benchmark for integrated broadband service platforms, leading the way for the industry. We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Cisco and AT&T on this groundbreaking project," said Edward Breen, chairman and chief executive officer of General Instrument. The proposed AT&T broadband network would combine advanced networking and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technologies to enable cost-effective delivery of consumer services while streamlining operational demands. Using broadband packet technologies, data, voice and video services that traditionally required construction of multiple parallel legacy networks would be delivered using one integrated high-speed infrastructure. The IP backbone, as proposed by Cisco and GI, would contain the Cisco 12000 Gigabit Switch Router (GSR), a multi-gigabit, carrier-class, IP backbone router, and the Universal Broadband Router (uBR), a cost-effective, scalable interface between subscriber cable modems and the backbone data network. The packet telephony gateways would be based on the Cisco AS5X00, voice-over-IP gateway servers. Cisco, with cooperation from Cisco partners, proposes to deliver management, call processing and provisioning/activation solutions used in the AT&T deployment. This combination of leading Internet technologies from Cisco and best-of-breed partners would enable a suite of advanced services that will be more efficient to manage, have greater application flexibility, and lower costs for the end user. The primary gateway to the next-generation network would be GI's DCT-5000+ advanced consumer digital in-home terminal. The DCT-5000+ capability to serve as an interactive gateway to this advanced consumer network allows video entertainment, IP-based telephone and high-speed data services to be delivered simultaneously to the home with superior all-digital quality. In the proposed architecture, GI's suite of industry-standard Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) solutions would also be integrated into AT&T's network. GI's CPE solutions include stand-alone Broadband Telephony Interface (BTI) terminals and integrated BTI solutions for the SURFboard(R) high-speed cable modem and the DCT-5000+ advanced set-top terminal. By integrating the set-top terminal, cable modem and BTI into one system, this platform offers a more cost-effective alternative to traditional circuit-switched telephony systems. As development efforts move forward, the three companies currently plan to conduct a market trial expected to begin in late 1999, with an objective of moving toward commercial availability next year. About General Instrument General Instrument is a leading worldwide provider of integrated and interactive broadband access solutions, teaming with its business partners to lead the convergence of the Internet, telecommunications, and video entertainment industries. Visit General Instrument at our Web Site - gi.com 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.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2278)	1/11/1999 10:06:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3178

off-topic: The information I gave earlier about the bad cookie monsters? Here's what happened when trying to access "newspage" The Guard-Dog Icon popped up and stated: A.) "The web site host 'focalink.com' is trying to save information on your computer. This third party site may be using cookies to track your browsing habits. Do you want this host to set cookies on your machine? Guard-Dog suggests "No" This is really getting interesting by the click. I bring up my newspage account, it asks if I want a cookie, I say yes, (Guard-Dog does not interfere with this part), then after saying yes, (Guard-Dog comes back with the above script listed under A.) when another "cookie pops up....... hmmmmmmmmm So I found the focalink.com page and sent them this e-mail: Subject: Concern Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 10:02:20 -0500 From: Stephen Temple <hi-temp@fnet.net> Organization: Temple Investments To: support@adknowledge.com I have a serious question about your company if you don't mind. In using "newspage", I always log on with the "cookie" that states "This information is going to any server.". I always say yes, no problem. But now after I say yes, and using Guard-Dog, it tells me its going into an account from focalink.com. Can you please send a statement giving me exact information on what your using this information for, and to whom you may be sending it too. Please give me a reason to trust that this information is not being used, sold, or anything else outside the "newspage" link. Thanks ahead of your response. Best regards, Stephen Temple We shall see !!! <gg>