Avaya Intros New Unified Communications Capabilities for SMEs

Avaya has introduced the new release of Avaya IP Office—the company’s flagship communications solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Avaya IP Office 6.0 features new unified communications (UC) capabilities that deliver enhanced user experiences to employees in any location. These capabilities include advanced collaboration tools using voice, instant messaging, presence and video to drive a more productive and flexible workforce. 

Additionally, Avaya IP Office is now easier and more affordable for a key market segment—businesses with less than 20 employees—to install and use. This enables the smallest of companies to cost-effectively implement the advanced communications and customer service functions of larger systems. With this new release, Avaya makes unified communications up to 40% more affordable for small businesses. 

“With Avaya IP Office 6.0 in place, small businesses don’t have to sacrifice easy, intuitive operation in order to get the enhanced communications features of large enterprises,” said Jangoo Dalal, Managing Director, Avaya India.  “Our latest version provides SMEs with all of the next generation collaboration tools necessary for competing more effectively today against peers and larger competitors—and for thriving as the economy recovers.”

New Siemon Whitepaper Compares Point-to-Point and Structured Cabling Options in the Data Center

Leading networking infrastructure company Siemon has published a comprehensive new white paper addressing one of the hottest topics in the data center market: "Data Center Cabling Considerations: Point-to-Point vs Structured Cabling." This new paper is authored by respected data center infrastructure expert Carrie Higbie and is available for download.

Direct connection cabling configurations, also known as "point-to-point" (i.e.: switches to servers, servers to storage, server to server, etc.) have a fairly long history in the data center and although they have been largely out of favor for some time, some active equipment manufacturers have recently advocated a comeback. This is due in large part to recent developments in Top of Rack and End of Row switching, which promise to reduce cabling in the data center by up to 70%, according to the manufacturers. While this may seem attractive at first, these savings are not always realized and can be negated by additional equipment requirements, increased power and repeatedly higher annual maintenance costs.

Before making any data center cabling decision, IT Network and Data Center professionals should understand all of the options. This whitepaper was developed to provide important information on the pros and cons of both structured cabling and point-to-point options from the perspective of varied disciplines and departments within the data center environment The analysis includes: when and where each is the best fit and, ultimately, how a well implemented combination of the two is the best and most cost-effective solution to provide maximum data center flexibility, scalability, performance and future-proofing. To download a complimentary copy of "Data Center Cabling Considerations: Point-to-Point vs. Structured Cabling

AT&T selects Alcatel-Lucent as LTE equipment supplier

has selected Alcatel-Lucent as one of two equipment suppliers for its planned deployment of LTE mobile broadband technology. Supplier selection paves the way for planned field trials of LTE technology later this year with commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2011.

Additionally, AT&T has designated Alcatel-Lucent one of two LTE suppliers for its new Radio Access Network Domain. The multi-year agreement covers radio access network equipment needed to deliver LTE service. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

Alcatel-Lucent currently provides equipment for the existing AT&T 3G network. Under the agreement, 3G equipment delivered to AT&T starting this year can evolve easily and seamlessly to LTE, enabling AT&T to upgrade existing equipment and software minimizing the need to install new equipment as it deploys next-generation technology.

“This announcement is an important step forward in our ongoing mobile broadband strategy, which is focused on delivering the best possible combination of speed, performance and available devices for customers at every level of technology deployment,” said John Stankey, president and CEO, AT&T Operations. “AT&T has a key advantage in that LTE is an evolution of the existing GSM family of technologies that powers our network and the vast majority of the world’s global infrastructure today. As some competitors move away from their existing investment in niche 3G platforms, we are able to efficiently and quickly move toward LTE while enhancing our existing 3G performance and providing access to a strong ecosystem of customer devices.”

“This is a critical step forward in AT&T's ongoing mobile broadband strategy to deliver and support the next generation of mobile applications. We look forward to being a part of the journey and see this as a starting point for further collaboration with AT&T to deliver an end-to-end IP solution for mobile broadband,” said Alcatel-Lucent CEO Ben Verwaayen. “This announcement expands on our long standing relationship with AT&T – one that covers everything from 3G HSPA infrastructure to network monitoring and management – and speaks volumes about the confidence and trust they have in our leadership in LTE technology and our ability to deliver a smooth, end-to-end migration path to LTE.”

Alcatel-Lucent is providing its industry-leading LTE base stations (eNodeBs) – key elements of the company’s Converged RAN portfolio, as well as Element Management Systems (EMS) and engineering and installation services. In addition, Alcatel-Lucent is providing its 9900 Wireless Network Guardian, which provides critical network visibility needed to manage the effects that IP-based applications will have on wireless networks.

Field testing will include stationary and drive tests with multiple users in a variety of field conditions, including handovers and in-building testing on a dual band network using AWS and 700 MHz spectrum, as well as HSPA bandwidth

Netgear launches Easy-to-use WNR 1000

Netgear has announced the launch of WNR 1000, a user-savvy wireless router specifically for SOHO users. The compact new WNR 1000 incorporates excellent and dependable dual band connection with features like enhanced connectivity for net surfing, emailing and streaming HD video files. It comes loaded with Smart Wizard which helps in automatic detection and configuration of the router for most of the ISP connections.Netgear WNR 1000 wireless router features automatic adjustment to the needs of Internet, voice, video and gaming applications. The router enables the user to surf, stream video file, play online games and make Internet phone calls simultaneously. The wireless router is secure with double firewall, protected and controlled access, SPI firewall, intrusion detection and protection features.  Weighed 0.5 kg, Netgear WNR 1000 provides better wireless coverage than older Wireless-G routers and gives extra performance boost when connected to Wireless-N devices. The product is available in India at an MRP of INR 2900/- with a 2 years warranty.