Nortel unveiled a new strategy at Interop that focuses on Business Optimized Networking for optimizing and transforming enterprise networks to support unified communications and other business apps.
Nortel also unveiled three new branch office products for Business Optimized Networking. The Secure Router 4134 integrated WAN routing, Ethernet switching, IP telephony, and Microsoft Mediation technology for businesses that want to deploy unified voice, video, and multimedia apps at remote branch offices. The WLAN 2300, to be available in the third quarter of 2007, includes a WLAN Security Switch, Access Point, and software release for businesses looking to deploy scalable WLAN networks. The Application Accelerator, to be available this month, is designed for businesses that want to accelerate their Web-based applications.
Mobility is where many technology vendors have turned their focus. Aruba Networks on Monday announced two new software products for on-the-go employees. Its Mobile Access Point software connects employees to the office when they're working remotely with "follow-me" security and user access controls. In addition, it comes with a HotelConnect feature for employees that want to access a hotel's Internet service with their mobile devices that would otherwise be blocked by the hotel's billing system.
Aruba's other new product -- the Mobile Voice Continuity software -- is part of the third phase of the company's enterprise Fixed-Mobile Convergence program launched last year. The software automatically hands off data and phone calls between a WLAN network and a cellular network. IP PBX upgrades or partnerships with cellular carriers are not required, the company said.
Beyond WLANs, businesses will need to start considering next-generation networks based on technologies like WiMax, which are expected to play a key role in how data is delivered to branch offices and remote workers. Last June, Fujitsu Microelectronics introduced its Mobile WiMax System-on-Chip (SoC) for PCs and mobile devices. The chip was developed by the same team that developed the baseband for 2G and 3G mobile devices. This Monday at Interop, Fujitsu provided more details on its road map.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
