Pat,this two announcment taken form C&W home page validates NN receant win for Global ATM Network.
This network is part of C&W push into US market.
Also C&W will provide services to Compaq using this network based on NN 36170 multiservises, multiaccess platform!!!
cwplc.com
March 1999
Cable & Wireless extends and enhances global network
Cable & Wireless today (March 18) unveiled a plan to extend its US Internet backbone to the world.
The company will complete this year a high performance IP-based global network that will bring the
technology within reach of every major commercial centre with fast links into its four key hubs in Europe,
Asia, Australia and the USA.
The IP backbone will integrate with the company's new global ATM network (Asynchronous Transfer
Mode) which was announced today. With this plan, Cable & Wireless is positioned to be the premier IP
supplier delivering advanced services to more than 80 countries worldwide.
The Global IP Network will support real time services - voice & video and ATM-based integrated access
services. This co-incides with Compaq Computer Corporation, the largest global supplier of computing
systems, confirming a three year ATM programme with Cable & Wireless.
Announcing the plan, Stephen Pettit, Executive Director, Global Businesses, said: "These are giant strides.
They confirm our position as a global communications company, and will enable us to provide flexible
answers to business needs globally and locally."
The company's global ATM network combines voice, data and video communications in high-speed, high
capacity links giving Cable & Wireless customers the fastest levels of service for new-age applications of
e-commerce and unified voice and text messaging.
"This catapults our service to the head of the world-class league and gives our customers global bandwidth
on demand," said Stephen Pettit. "In effect, we are now ensuring that our global highway has no traffic jams,
no road works - and virtually no speed limit."
"We are also delivering city-to-city, not beach to beach, and expanding into more countries than ever. Our
global ATM highway and backbone IP network will enable us to deliver our vision of leading the world in
integrated communications," he added.
A key feature of the global network will be its interconnect with the company's existing frame relay service.
This extends the reach of the service to many more destinations, and leverages investment of more than $100
million in the existing frame relay capability.
Stephen Pettit said: "Our global ATM highway is open for business and traffic is already flowing freely.
Our plans to extend the network and integrate IP will make it the most far reaching network in the world.
"From today, we are offering more bandwidth than ever before, an unrivalled speed of service, all wrapped up
in a truly global offering," he added.
Ends
Editor's Notes: About the Technologies
IP (Internet Protocol)
IP or "TCP/IP": Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - this protocol is the foundation of the
Internet, an agreed upon set of rules directing computers on how to exchange information with each other.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
ATM is the network technology at the centre of the move to broadband networks. Through a process known
as cell relay, ATM handles constantly variable and irregular bandwidth (thus asynchronous), which is the
most efficient and the fastest method of transferring data and images.
It is especially suitable for customers sending bursts of data when the bandwidth requirement may be very
high for a few seconds and drop back again. The ATM service will support global CBR (Constant Bit Rate)
and VBR-nrt (Variable Bit Rate - non real time) to provide flexibility to meet fluctuating bandwidth demands.
CBR & VBR
Constant Bit Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) are ATM service categories, which define distinct
levels of service. CBR is analogous to a leased-line service and is suited to connections requiring a static
amount of bandwidth. The bandwidth is characterised by a Peak Cell Rate (PCR).
VBR-nrt is more akin to frame relay. It is appropriate for non-real time bursty applications that require
service guarantees from the network. VBR-nrt connections are characterised in terms of PCR, Sustainable
Cell Rate (SCR) and Maximum Burst Size (MBS). The SCR gives an average throughput over time, while
the PCR and MBS give a connection the ability to burst for short periods.
Frame Relay
A packet-switching data communications capability that is used across the interface between user devices (for
example, routers, bridges, host machines) and network equipment (for example, switching nodes).
Further information:
Kevin Taylor or Neil Jessiman, Companycare Communications: +44 (0) 118 939 5900
or Cable & Wireless Corporate Communications: +44 (0) 171 315 4495
-----------------------
-----------------------
March 1999
Cable & Wireless signs Compaq in global ATM agreement
Cable & Wireless today (March 18) announced that it has been selected by Compaq Computer Corporation,
the largest global supplier of computing systems, to provide a global ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
network capable of meeting the company's worldwide communication requirements.
Under the three year agreement, Cable & Wireless will participate in Compaq's programme to replace three
existing networks, which were brought together as a result of its acquisition of Tandem and Digital
Equipment Corporation. Cable & Wireless will provide Compaq with the highest quality data, voice and
multimedia infrastructure that will be fundamental in driving the company's future sales and e-commerce
strategies.
Compaq's new ATM network uses a new global ATM service announced today by Cable & Wireless. It will
initially be implemented across eight key sites including the UK (Reading), Germany (Munich), the US
(Boston, Cupertino, Houston), Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan (Tokyo). During the next three years, the
network will be further extended to serve Compaq's 73,000 employees located in more than 100 operations
worldwide.
Commenting on the announcement David Sexton, Chief Executive Officer, Cable & Wireless Global
Markets, said: "This agreement is a clear demonstration of Cable & Wireless' ability to deliver ATM on a
global scale. A large number of blue chip organisations have already implemented ATM on a national basis.
There is now clear evidence from our multinational customer base that demand is surging for a reliable,
scalable, high speed communications technology like ATM which can integrate voice, data and video
applications cost effectively around the world. The fact that we are able to meet the requirements of
organisations like Compaq clearly places Cable & Wireless in the top tier of truly global operators."
It was, however, not only Cable & Wireless' ability to deliver extensive global coverage that secured the deal
with Compaq.
Laurence Cranwell, Director of Communications Technology at Compaq, added: "Several carriers were able
to demonstrate good global coverage. What differentiated Cable & Wireless was its ability to offer us a truly
global account management. Cable & Wireless now acts as our global agent for end-to-end services,
eliminating the need for Compaq to negotiate with local telecommunication providers."
ends
Notes to editors
About Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading providers of integrated communications and a major global
carrier of communications traffic: Internet, data, voice and video. Its businesses around the world offer a
range of services spanning interactive entertainment and information, broadband data, Internet access and
broadcast television, as well as fixed and mobile voice. With 17 million customers in 70 countries, Cable &
Wireless is one of the world's largest carriers of international traffic, provides mobile communications in
more than 30 countries and operates the world's largest, most advanced cableship fleet.
About ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
ATM is the network technology at the centre of the move to broadband networks. Through a process known
as cell relay, ATM handles constantly variable and irregular bandwidth (thus asynchronous), which is the
most efficient and fastest method of transferring data and images. It is especially suitable for customers
sending bursty data transmissions when the bandwidth requirement may be very high for a few seconds and
drop back again after.
For further information please contact:
Cable & Wireless
Sheran Jones
Cable & Wireless Global Markets
Tel: +44 (0) 171 315 6438
Fax: +44 (0) 171 315 6467
Email:sheran.jones@gmk.cwplc.com
Stephanie Lodge
Cable & Wireless Global Markets
Tel: +44 (0) 171 315 4684
Fax: +44 (0) 171 315 6467
Email:stephanie.lodge@gmk.cwplc.com
Compaq Computer Corporation
Simon R W Eastwick
Compaq Computer Corporation
Tel: +1 281-514-2702
Email:simon.eastwick@compaq.com |
