Overture Launches Access PlatformOverture Launches Access Platform

Overture announces ISG 2200 edge platform to deliver Ethernet and TDM services across any type of network

January 26, 2004

4 Min Read

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Overture Networks, a leading developer of packet-based multi-service access platforms, today introduced the high-performance ISG 2200 edge platform that delivers revenue-producing Ethernet and TDM services across any type of network to any location at savings of up to 65 percent in capital expenses. The ISG 2200 joins the ISG 5000, the flagship product of the ISG family that has been installed in over 100 locations, extending Overture Networks’ ISG family of networking solutions.

Using the same processor and software as the ISG 5000, the more compact ISG 2200 is optimized for locations requiring only a few Ethernet and TDM ports. Additionally, the ISG 2200 also offers an expandable interface slot that supports the same plug-in modules as the ISG 5000, including: Gigabit Ethernet, OC-12c/STM-4c, OC-3c/STM-1, DS3, T1/E1, 10/100 Base-T, and 100 Base-FX. The combination of fixed ports and an expandable interface module allows service providers and end user customers to support initial requirements at a low, first cost while still being responsive to future needs.

The ISG family represents a new class of packet-based multi-service access platforms that enable services to be delivered over existing TDM and SONET/SDH infrastructures while providing a path to next-generation IP/MPLS networks. Applications for both the ISG 5000 and ISG 2200 include: Ethernet-based private line, high-speed Internet access, virtual private LAN service (VPLS) and legacy T1/E1 voice/data/video. The wide choice of network interfaces enable services to be conveniently delivered to any customer location, whether on-net or off-net. The ISG family offers a sub-50 millisecond resiliency scheme that provides for automatic failover of traffic across an optical ring.

"Service providers face the challenge today of delivering multiple data and voice services over their existing networks in a reduced capex environment," said Michael Howard, Infonetics Research principal analyst and co-founder. "The Overture Networks announcement allows operators to optimize their existing infrastructure with packet-based services through a cost-effective platform designed for the network edge. Both the ISG 5000 and the ISG 2200 can be particularly useful for operators looking to extend multiple services to their customer sites without expensive build-outs. We project that the worldwide metro Ethernet equipment market will grow over 150 percent to $7.5 billion by 2007, at a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent, and this type of equipment should help satisfy the demand."

PPL Telcom, which serves multiple metro areas in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York, has been using the ISG 5000 for several months to provide last-mile access to its fiber backbone. With the ISG 5000, PPL Telcom offers multiple services over fiber rings to buildings and can extend those services to other customer locations, through its own network or through leased lines.

“By using the ISG 5000 as both customer premises equipment as well as an aggregation platform, we are able to deepen our penetration within our network footprint to reach more customer facilities,” said Raymond Winkler, vice president of operations for PPL Telcom. “The addition of the ISG 2200 to our portfolio will develop this capability further by allowing us to serve remote markets not currently serviceable in a cost-effective manner. Further, the ISGs allow us to deploy these Ethernet services quickly, while providing us with a smooth path to next-generation deployments.”

Unlimited Fiber Optics (“UFO”) Communications, a metro optical networking provider based in San Francisco, is also deploying the ISG 5000 to help deliver cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100 Ethernet services to its most important customers. “The ISG has allowed us to increase our revenue by being able to deliver new Ethernet and IP services across traditional leased lines” said Charles Schoenhoeft, president and chief executive officer of UFO Communications. “Additionally, the ISG’s expansion capabilities have given us the flexibility to also deliver native TDM and other high-margin services to our customers. Overall, we have been very pleased with the trouble-free implementation and capabilities of the ISG 5000, and look forward to evaluating the ISG 2200.”

According to Chip Redden, senior director of marketing and product management of Overture Networks “The ISG 2200 can help carriers rapidly deliver next-generation services while preserving existing SONET/SDH infrastructures – all at a price point that justifies its deployment. By economically extending metro rings to customers located in lower-density areas or multi-tenant buildings the ISG 2200 creates exciting new revenue opportunities for carriers without costly and inefficient overlay schemes. Service providers will also benefit from the network-processor-based architecture that allows new protocols, interfaces and features to be added via software downloads, rather than through forklift upgrades.”

Overture Networks Inc.

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