Elastic Networks - a subsidiary of Nortel - has new software suite
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Elastic Networks Unveils YesWare; Mobility Software
Solution Targets Visitor-Based Networking
09:17 a.m. Apr 12, 1999 Eastern
CORONADO, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- DemoMobile 99 -- Elastic Networks, a subsidiary of Nortel Networks, today announced YesWare(TM), a mobility software suite that provides
revenue-generating applications for service and network providers and
delivers convenient "plug and play" access for end-users. YesWare's
comprehensive design enables system management, seamless billing,
port control and access to printing capabilities. YesWare debuted at
DemoMobile 99, a high-level conference focused exclusively on
products and technology that address the needs of mobile professionals.
Based on the increasing sales of laptop computers, which according to International Data Corporation (IDC) 1998 worldwide sales equaled 15.5 million units, up 9.5% from 1997, with 1999 sales predicted to total 17.96 million units (rising 15.6% from 1998), Elastic Networks has defined a new market -- Visitor-Based Networks (VBN). A VBN is a commercial network supporting dynamic use by an unpredictable set of mobile users. VBNs can be deployed at any location where a mobile user needs access, such as hotels, conference and visitor centers, copy centers, office suites and public kiosks.
"In the universe of mobile users, those who need to access corporate networks from hotels and other public facilities have the most problems with connection quality and network misconfigurations," said Richard Villars, Vice President of Network Software at IDC. "Products such as Elastic Networks' YesWare will make it possible for these businesses to offer customers a cost- effective and easy-to-use high performance network connection to the Internet and private business applications."
"We have developed a solution that addresses the needs of the mobile while creating a new revenue stream for service providers," said Guy Gill, CEO of Elastic Networks. "YesWare connects a mobile society that relies on daily network access to survive."
YesWare Delivers Comprehensive Access Solution
The YesWare architecture consists of three components, including Port Manager, Billing System and InterProxy.
* Port Manager
For the service provider, YesWare offers Port Manager an easy-to-use, web- based GUI software program that enables or disables port connections for high-speed access. For public locations such as meeting rooms or kiosks, the port manager creates an authentication code for the roaming laptop computer.
* Billing System
Additionally for the service provider, the YesWare system features billing management integrated into existing accounting systems. YesWare is a flexible billing system that can track usage on a per port basis; deny or approve service by individual ports; generate authentication codes for instant access; and allow definable billing for each port on a flat rate basis with evolution to duration-based billing, service-based billing, and bit-usage based billing.
* InterProxy
For the laptop carrier, YesWare provides InterProxy that enables "plug and play" access in the places they need connectivity. InterProxy allows mobile computers to operate in a foreign LAN regardless of the original IP address or computer configuration. Mobile users with Ethernet support are given high-speed access to their private LAN without having to reconfigure computer settings. Through InterProxy's capabilities, YesWare delivers a customized Web page to the end-user upon clicking on the browser.
This gives the service provider a unique way to present local content and create an advertising opportunity for increased revenue generation.
"Elastic Networks' YesWare software enables us to offer our guests value- added services," said Owen Leinbach, director of marketing for the Marriott, Santa Clara. "We have the flexibility to track and bill a guest's access whether they connect from their room or another area of the hotel."
As market demand increases, YesWare will be deployed in the enterprise and residential markets providing "plug and play" access and port management in large and small business LANs, office suites, multi-dwelling units, and telecommuter and work at home environments.
Pricing and Availability
The YesWare mobility software suite is available immediately. Pricing is based on system configuration and the number of ports and users.
About Elastic Networks
Elastic Networks provides solutions that stretch Ethernet out of the office LAN, following the trend towards increasingly distributed networks. By leveraging its technological differentiation in speed, deployability, and economics, and building strategic relationships with distribution, chip manufacturing, and data networking partners, Elastic Networks is dedicated to offering solutions that address the high-speed data needs of service providers throughout the world.
Elastic Networks, a subsidiary of Nortel Networks, is based in Alpharetta, Ga. For more information about Elastic Networks and its EtherLoop technology, visit elastic.com or contact
678-297-3100.
YesWare is a trademark of Elastic Networks.
All other trademarks, brand and product names are the property of their respective holders. SOURCE Elastic Networks
Copyright 1999, PR Newswire
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