Networking News - Comms Express

Gambit's real-world lab of Cisco switches

2008-09-05 17:42:16

Gambit Communications has announced the release of the latest version of the Virtual Lab Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

The company will offer version 3.42 of the product, which uses Cisco switches to create a real-world lab environment.

It is described by the firm as an enhanced PC-based training toll, which uses Cisco switches to support the CCNA certification.

Uwe Zimmermann, president and chief technology officer for Gambit Communications, said: "MIMIC Virtual Lab appeals to a broad range of customers, from individual engineers to large enterprises to training organisations."

He added they would provide users with "new features" which will enable them to prepare for the latest exam in the area.

The lab-rep comprises of Cisco routers and Cisco switches with LAN, WAN and ISDN connections.

In addition, it has IOS commands and exercises which relate to the relevant exam.

Recent research from Infonetics, entitled Service Provider Routers and Switches, found Cisco has posted a 15 per cent gain in its IP edge and core router revenue.

NETGEAR expands ProSafe team following SME success

2008-09-04 18:05:15

NETGEAR has announced it has expanded its sales team with the addition of two new account managers, focusing on its business class ProSafe products such as its gigabit switches.

The networking equipment provider has appointed Warren Manners to the workforce and he will be tasked with expanding the company's presence in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Mr Manners has 17 years experience in the Australian IT market and has previously worked in channel management and business development for organisations such as One Tel and Mobile Innovations.

Joining him will be Liam Quinn whose job will be to expand the ProSafe business and support channel partners in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Mr Quinn has 13 years experience in the industry after working as product manager for Toshiba, distribution channel manager for Kyocera and IT business development manager for Commander.

Ryan Parker, NETGEAR's managing director for Australia and New Zealand,said the firm's gigabit switches and network-attached storage devices have been well received by the small-to-medium enterprise (SME) sector and the new appointments will add to this.

"Liam and Warren will work with our channel partners in each region to build on the existing success of the range," he stated.

The firm has been in operation since 1996.

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Cisco leads the Indian enterprise telephony market

2008-08-29 18:20:48

Networking industry giant Cisco is leading the Indian enterprise telephony market, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan.

The research reveals that the company has a market share of 22.4 per cent, coming above Avaya's 19 per cent allocation and Nortel's share of 17 per cent.

According to India's Financial Express, Cisco - which manufactures switches and routers - has overtaken Avaya, which has been a market leader for the last six years.

Cisco also took the largest share of the IP telephony market, the publication reports, accounting for 34.4 per cent of all business sold.

Minhaj Zia, national sales manager for unified communications at Cisco India, said: "We have been focusing on banking, financial services and insurance, retail andmanufacturing as well."

He said the company will be looking to take advantage of the fast-growing IP telephony market going forward, which could expand by around 40 per cent in India.

Meanwhile, Cisco has announced a definitive agreement to acquire PostPath, a provider of email and calendaring software.

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Cisco to expand R&D workforce in Galway

2008-08-29 18:16:06

Cisco is planning to boost its research and development (R&D) operations with the recruitment of more technical staff at its innovation centre in Galway.

The company, which is a leading manufacturer of networking equipment such as switches and routers, is looking to expand the 115-strong team at the facility.

As well as taking on new software design and test engineers, business product managers and other experts, Cisco will also add extra R&D lab resources, Trade Channels reports.

Mike Conroy, a senior director of R&D at Cisco in Galway, said: "The increased facility and lab capacity of our new building gives us the opportunity to expand our team and recruitment will continue apace through the summer for technical staff at all levels."

The centre was opened last year with the aim of creating 200 jobs within three years.

Elsewhere, Cisco has announced a definitive agreement to purchase email and calendaring software provider PostPath to enhance its WebEx collaboration platform.

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3com reveals upcoming financial events schedule

2008-08-29 18:14:33

Network equipment maker 3com, whose products include switches, routers and terminal servers, is to take part in a number of financial community events ahead of the release of its first quarter results.

September 4th will see the company attend the Kaufman Brothers annual investor conference. This will be followed by the Deutsche Bank securities technology conference on September 9th.

On September 22nd the firm will hold its earnings conference call and two days later its annual meeting of stockholders will take place.

Earlier this month, 3com raised its first fiscal quarter sales and profit forecasts.

The company said it had made strong gains in China following the purchase of Huawei Technologies' stake in their joint venture H3C Technologies.

Sales for the period ending August 29th are now expected to total at least $335 million (�184 million), up from $330 million (�181 million) as forecast in June.

3com said sales in China for first quarter will be ten per cent higher than those recorded in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year.

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Networking industry mourns death of Cisco executive

2008-08-29 17:36:39

The networking industry was left shaken last week when a Cisco executive described as a "gifted techie" was shot dead in Detroit.

Ben Goldman had acted as product marketing director for Cisco, the leading manufacturer of networking products such as switches and routers.

The 46-year-old had worked for the company for 16 years before he was killed during a one-day business trip to the city.

Police are investigating the killing, which occurred on the notorious 8 Mile Road.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, around 400 people attended a memorial service for Mr Goldman in California this week.

"This week, the networking industry learned about the tragic loss of Cisco's Ben Goldman," said Gartner analyst Mark Fabbi in comments quoted by Network World.

He added: "Those of us that knew Ben are shocked and saddened by a turn of events that is difficult to make sense of."

The sad news comes as it was announced that Cisco plans to acquire the email and calendaring software provider PostPath.

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Cisco acquisition 'to add new functions to collaboration platform'

2008-08-28 18:13:10

A new acquisition by Cisco will add a calendar function and email to its Web Ex Connect platform, it has emerged.

Cisco Systems is buying email and calendaring software maker PostPath and is set to incorporate these aspects into its collaboration platform.

According to computerworld.com, the PostPath Server - which some have claimed can act as a supplement or replacement for Microsoft Exchange - will be adapted with a "cloud-based" delivery model, a Cisco vice-president has explained.

Doug Dennerline, senior vice-president of the firm's Collaboration Software Group, asserted that the new delivery system will offer "compelling economics" and "rapid deployment".

Meanwhile, a Cisco-branded network system has been selected by Terremark - an operator of integrated network access points - to deliver next-generation network-based services to its clients.

The Cisco system will also be used to achieve a number of service delivery goals set out by Terremark, as well as assist with service creation and marketing.

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Cisco to deploy WiMAX technology in Thailand

2008-08-28 16:34:18

Cisco Systems is to deploy its mobile WiMAX network equipment at the Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand to help boost network capacity and reduce operating expenses.

Thai telecommunications firm TT&T, which operates the network, said the rollout should be completed in September this year.

Prachuab Tantinon, managing director of TT&T, said: "We chose Cisco because of its proven expertise and leadership in networking technology."

He said the project is on schedule thanks to Cisco's "innovative features" and the support offered by the company.

Cisco's mobile WiMAX offering provides enhanced signal strength and an extended range of coverage. It also enables data transmissions rates of up to six times than competitive systems.

The deal is Cisco's first for WiMAX in the Asia Pacific market. Founded in 1984, Cisco's products include routers, switches and server virtualisation technology.

It has recently announced its intention to acquire the email and calendaring software provider PostPath.

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Certification a 'significant milestone for Netgear'

2008-08-28 16:31:47

The recent certification of a CMD31T Cable modem to DOCSIS 3.0 status is a "significant milestone for Netgear", the firm's director of product management has stated.

According to David James of Netgear, the award follows years of technology developments and effort from the firm, cable operators and other suppliers.

The DOCSIS 3.0 certification specifies that the modem can support up to four downstream and four upstream channels, resulting in advanced internet services for home users and small to medium-sized businesses.

"We're thrilled to now provide the DOCSIS 3.0-certified CMD31T to our cable operator customers worldwide, as it offers strategic performance advantage in the face of telco and ISP competition," said Mr James.

Netgear's Asia-Pacific sales increased by around 50 per cent during the second quarter of 2008, according to networkworld.com.

Mark Sue, managing director of RBC Capital Markets, asserted that Netgear has achieved a "neutral rating", despite the current economic climate.

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Cable operator selects switch provider to extend broadband network

2008-08-27 21:58:25

A Belgian cable operator has selected communications firm Sonus to provide next-generation IP voice services to firms across the country.

Your Communication News reported this week that Telenet will use the Sonus services - including Sonus Network Border Switches (NBS), which will allow for next-generation application integration - to extend its broadband network.

The Sonus NBS provides an enhanced way to secure and manage a network, according to Tony Morrish of Sonus Networks.

It is thought the service could provide an alternative to regular business telephone systems.

"As we offer new services to our more demanding business customers, it is critical to our success to choose a solution that is scalable, reliable, manageable, secure and integrates into our existing infrastructure," said Peter Michiels, senior vice-president of networks and system engineering at Telenet.

Earlier this month, Sonus announced that its most recent quarterly earnings have beat market estimates, with profit revenue increasing 20 per cent during the second quarter of 2008.

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