Current Analysis Reports - Business Network Services - U.S.

XO - VPN, MPLS IP VPN, IP Flex with VPN

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-07-29T00:00:00-04:00

XO's new service edge supports Internet/MPLS IP-VPN delivery over VPLS ports with simple pricing and consistent service delivery. Also noteworthy is XO's addition of IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack support.

PAETEC - MPLS VPN, Dynamic IP

Washburn, Brian — 2010-07-27T00:00:00-04:00

PAETEC builds its IP VPN portfolio around one core service, bolstered by a collection of access and value-added services. The result is a wide-reaching national service with essential functionality and a low price to target domestic enterprises.

Sprint Nextel - Global MPLS VPN, MPLS VPN over Peerless IP, MPLSoDSL

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-07-27T00:00:00-04:00

Through partnerships, Sprint has expanded its global reach to rival any global Tier 1 carrier. The carrier also has broadened its domestic and international Ethernet access options for customers, to keep pace as a global MPLS IP VPN contender.

Qwest - iQ Networking; iQ Network Management Service; iQ Data Bundle; Managed Firewall-VPN

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-07-26T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest's addition of nationwide Ethernet access, plus its investment in transport and network-layer infrastructure upgrades, should pay dividends by providing flexible access and compelling features for its iQ Networking customers.

Verizon Completes Divestiture of Rural Properties to Frontier Communications

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-07-07T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon has completed the spinoff of its local exchange operations in 14 states to Frontier Communications. The carriers created an integration program to reduce or eliminate cutover problems, but the success of this program remains undetermined.

BT Takes its Hosted IP Telephony and UC Solution Across the Pond

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-07-02T00:00:00-04:00

BT is entering the U.S. unified communications market, a segment that seems to be gaining new competitors daily. BT has a real challenge ahead to win business away from the large, established carriers that dominate the U.S. enterprise market.

Verizon Business - Managed Mobility Services

Weldon, Kathryn — 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Business offers a comprehensive Managed Mobility Solution with TEM, logistics, MDM, security and mobility consulting, with mobile apps planned later in 2010. The service was launched ten months ago, providing a lead over some competitors.

Verizon Business Launches Unified Communications & Collaboration-as-a-Service Trials

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Business is initiating field trials of a hosted UC&C solution based on Cisco’s Hosted Collaboration Solution platform. The platform delivers a broader application set compared to other UC offers, giving Verizon an edge in the market.

CenturyLink

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-06-30T00:00:00-04:00

CenturyLink’s purchase of Embarq boosted access line counts, but revenue growth is elusive; the carrier expects a year-over-year revenue drop of 6.5%-7.5% in 2010. The potential acquisition and integration of Qwest in 2011 may not help matters.

Qwest Finds an Angel.com to Add a New IVR Hosting Option for its Contact Centers

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-29T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest adds a new cloud-based IVR option, sourced through a partnership with IVR/contact center specialist Angel.com. One-stop availability favors Qwest, but its new hosted IVR option will only work for specific customer scenarios.

Verizon - ELAN, EPL, EVPL, VPLS

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-06-28T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon offers one of the most complete Ethernet portfolios of any major carrier. In addition to global deployments of Ethernet gear for switching and aggregation, Verizon has established an expansive set of Ethernet NNI partnerships worldwide.

Tata Communications and Telefónica Forge Telepresence Agreement

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-25T00:00:00-04:00

The two carriers have not yet reached commercial rollout, but Tata and Telefónica announced that they will cooperate for telepresence video exchange interconnectivity, indicating the shape of carrier cooperation to come.

AT&T - OPT-E-WAN; EPLS-MAN/WAN; GigaMAN, DecaMAN, OPT-E-MAN, Metro Ethernet Service Dedicated/Premium/Virtual

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

AT&T continues to expand domestic and international Ethernet availability directly and through partnerships. The carrier is closing in on a unified metro Ethernet service across its 22-state incumbent local service footprint, simplifying service.

Cox Communications - Metro Ethernet

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

Cox Business' adoption of Ethernet-over-HFC lets its customers build enterprise networks across its HFC and optical infrastructure. The carrier participated in Ethernet NNI standardization, and is ready for VPLS with new platform deployments.

Optimum Lightpath - E-Line, V-Line, E-LAN, VPRS

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

Optimum Lightpath is deploying new platforms that increase the carrier's optical wavelength capacity and will enable a new set of Ethernet service features. Inside its regional footprint the carrier is strong on reach, price and service options.

Qwest - Metro Optical Ethernet, Ethernet Private Line, Private Port P2P

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest is strongest in metro Ethernet inside its 14-state footprint and national Ethernet transport. It compensates for a weaker national metro presence through third-party access agreements, but its VPLS offer remains relegated to a low profile.

tw telecom - Native LAN Portfolio; Integrated LAN

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

tw telecom has built up a competitive Ethernet presence thanks to its early focus on metro services and national VPLS. The carrier has now added MEF certification, and is negotiating Ethernet NNIs to extend its access options even further.

Verizon Business’ New VoIP Features Reduce Costs and Increase Service Flexibility

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Business enhances its IP services portfolio with features that let enterprises manage communications costs by reducing calls terminated to the PSTN. The concept is good, but savings from these features rely on communities of VoIP users.

XO Launches National VPLS Ethernet with Integrated MPLS and DIA

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00

XO is the latest carrier to add VPLS to its portfolio – retail at first, with wholesale to come. XO VPLS interworks with its Internet and MPLS IP-VPN services, to bundle multiple services and CoS tiers across one port at one flat rate.

Global Crossing - Global Enterprise

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-06-23T00:00:00-04:00

Global Crossing executed on key initiatives in 2009, adding Ethernet and CDN offers, meeting financial goals, and increasing customer satisfaction. The carrier brings this momentum into 2010 with increased investment in strategic service areas.

Tata Adds Telepresence Deals Including BT Video Exchange Tie-up

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-18T00:00:00-04:00

Tata has released a flurry of telepresence deals capped by the first public Cisco TPS inter-exchange trials, held with BT. Cisco telepresence exchange interconnection seems ripe for many more such announcements in the near future.

Ten Years After, Allied Fiber Resurrects the Large-Scale Fiber Project

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-17T00:00:00-04:00

Allied Fiber is embarking on its plan to build fiber routes connecting New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The strategy mixes long-haul route choice, short-haul taps, and colos, but it remains unclear if it can replicate the trick.

Ethernet Update: Inter-Provider Connectivity Increases, Mid-Band Makes Progress

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-04T00:00:00-04:00

While public Ethernet exchanges make their debut, large carriers already have accrued large extensions of their Ethernet reach through bilateral Ethernet NNIs and Ethernet access agreements. Meanwhile, mid-band Ethernet's progress continues.

Masergy (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-06-01T00:00:00-04:00

Masergy operates a high-performance domestic U.S. and global Ethernet/IP network, with a high level of support at reasonable prices. The carrier is in a strong position with prospects that limit their provider relationship to connectivity.

Sprint Boosts Network Access Options with Expansion of SPA Ethernet

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-05-27T00:00:00-04:00

Sprint’s 2010 extension of Ethernet access to Sprint Global MPLS and DIA in 20 U.S. markets is well behind the launch of its service in 2007, but the carrier’s timing is fine, as enterprise adoption of Ethernet is still hitting its stride.

AT&T Analyst Event 2010: Stir in Mobility, Cloud and Applications, and Global Networking is Cool Again

Washburn, Brian - Larsen DeCarlo, Amy — 2010-05-26T00:00:00-04:00

AT&T answers vertically focused competitors by highlighting its global network. AT&T sees that, when enterprises adopt a well-coordinated mix of mobile, cloud, applications and network, transformative things start to happen in their business.

Time Warner Cable Business Class

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-05-26T00:00:00-04:00

Time Warner Cable hasn’t made substantial changes to its business services portfolio recently, but continues to post solid gains in this segment. Boosts made to the sales and support organization in late 2009 will accelerate TWCBC’s 2010 growth.

AT&T Adds McAfee’s Global Threat Intelligence to Its Secure E-mail Gateway Service

Ostergaard, Bernt — 2010-05-19T00:00:00-04:00

AT&T will combine McAfee’s global threat intelligence technology with its own Secure E-mail Gateway Service for customers of all sizes and worldwide, and provide full BusinessDirect portal integration. This is good news for its MNC customers.

Qwest Adds Tiers of National Ethernet over DS1, Expanding its Aggregation Reach

Washburn, Brian — 2010-05-19T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest already had established Ethernet over copper in its 14-state region, but the potential for national reach via Ethernet-over-DS1 and greater leased line reliability have trumped the carrier’s in-footprint approach.

Cavalier Telephone (*)

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-05-13T00:00:00-04:00

Cavalier came a long way in 2009, establishing its Intellifiber subsidiary, upgrading its network and launching a VPLS offer. The carrier still needs to expand its managed services, but it is positioned to win over mid-size businesses.

Covad - Business Services US

Washburn, Brian — 2010-05-11T00:00:00-04:00

Covad has spent the past two years building up infrastructure and services, enabling more sophisticated capabilities. A planned merger with MegaPath would bring back high-margin retail sales, to the benefit of both companies.

Optimum Lightpath Celebrates Five Years of Ethernet with Infrastructure Refresh, New Service Directions

Washburn, Brian — 2010-05-07T00:00:00-04:00

While its revenues are small next to billion-dollar enterprise carriers, Optimum Lightpath continues to impress with its account in-roads. The carrier's network-centric service portfolio draws on its fiber footprint centered around New York City.

PAETEC

Washburn, Brian — 2010-05-03T00:00:00-04:00

PAETEC's enterprise focus is paying off with growth in customer size, and revenue stability overall. The carrier has plans that include a renewed focus on improving customer satisfaction, organic growth and making additional acquisitions.

Verizon Business Bolsters WAN Optimization with Riverbed, Upgraded Professional Services

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-29T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Business adds Riverbed to its list of of-the-shelf WAN optimization solutions, and is upgrading its WAN optimization professional services. U.S.-based global competitors are catching up to their European counterparts in the field.

XO Communications

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-04-28T00:00:00-04:00

XO completed its third network upgrade in 2009, adding network capacity and new services to support its push upmarket. The carrier’s service set is very competitive, but XO should consider articulating its cloud computing strategy.

Telefónica Leadership Conference Highlights: Networks, Cloud and Mobility in the Americas and Worldwide

Weldon, Kathryn - Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-27T00:00:00-04:00

The Telefónica Leadership Conference was a forum for industry leaders, Telefónica executives, customers and partners to engage the analyst community with insights as it focuses on the evolving communication requirements of global enterprises.

Qwest Says Yes to CenturyLink Acquisition Bid

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-26T00:00:00-04:00

CenturyLink has made a bid to acquire Qwest, a company more than twice its size. The move may seem brash and risky upfront, but the all-stock deal actually may be too conservative to keep out counter-offers from other interested parties.

AT&T - Business Services US

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-22T00:00:00-04:00

Though AT&T's business sector has seen its revenues decline from the economic downturn, the largest U.S. carrier remains a clear market leader with a widespread reach, a vast collection of services, and a high degree of automation.

Level 3 Tweaks NYC-Chicago in Its Aim to Be the Fastest Route

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00

The financial industry is demanding higher performance and willing to pay a premium for it. Level 3 stepped up its Chicago-NYC low-latency focus with an assortment of techniques to shave tiny but valuable fractions of a second off the route.

Optimum Lightpath

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-14T00:00:00-04:00

Optimum Lightpath isn’t trying to be a complex integrated solutions provider. Instead, the company is making its name in enterprise and wholesale by building on a base of optical transport and Ethernet across the New York City metro at low prices.

Qwest Enhances iQ Portfolio with Hosted Unified Communications Offer

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-04-09T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest launches its iQ Hosted Unified Communications Service (HUCS) nationwide. Qwest is not a first mover in this space, but its timing may be on target to reach enterprises that have been considering a move to a hosted solution.

Telepresence Services Update: Global Exchanges Proliferate

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-07T00:00:00-04:00

The market for managed telepresence services continues to gel, as global competitors have rolled out video exchanges, with more to come. Though underway, most public telepresence room projects were off to a slightly later start than anticipated.

MegaPath and Covad Get Ready to Merge

Washburn, Brian — 2010-04-01T00:00:00-04:00

Privately held companies MegaPath and Covad plan to combine operations, in a good fit for service portfolios and network architectures. The deal will get Covad back into retail services, while MegaPath joins Covad's national colocation footprint.

Hughes Network Systems (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-31T00:00:00-04:00

Hughes Network Systems' services revenues gained ground, even as satellite equipment sales dropped off from the economic downturn. SPACEWAY 3's operational savings and new services success has led to a 100 Gbps next-gen satellite order for 2012.

Verizon Business Analyst Day 2010: Verizon Looks to “The Cloud” and Vertical Markets in 2010

Washburn, Brian - Larsen DeCarlo, Amy — 2010-03-29T00:00:00-04:00

At its annual analyst conference, Verizon Business promoted a brand identity attached to delivering strategic solutions. While the company has the necessary resources, Verizon needs to craft partnerships to build a broader ecosystem of solutions.

Charter Business (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-25T00:00:00-04:00

Charter's bankruptcy is resolved, its debt burden reduced to a manageable level, and business services growth is brisk. But the carrier will need mid-market services – particularly multi-line voice – in the pipeline to keep up the momentum.

TelePacific (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-25T00:00:00-04:00

TelePacific has held steady, with modest growth and financial improvement despite the economic decline. New IP/MPLS VPN and SIP trunking enhancements will help the company in pursuing larger business accounts that need sophisticated services.

Cbeyond (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00

Cbeyond is not expanding as rapidly as it might have once planned, but the carrier has kept its strategy simple and clearly defined. The carrier leads with one core product line, on top of which it layers an increasingly rich portfolio of options.

RCN Metro Optical Networks (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-22T00:00:00-04:00

RCN appears about to be acquired by ABRY Partners, which will pull apart RCN Metro Optical Networks and the cable company as separate entities. ABRY's plans may be unknown, but the move does not suggest near-term upset for RCN's optical business.

Windstream (*)

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-03-17T00:00:00-04:00

Windstream acquired three companies in less than a year. While the new companies mostly add consumer and small business clients and services, the moves will also expand Windstream’s customer base and add expertise in advanced business services.a

Covad Makes a Splash in Ethernet Services Market

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00

Covad jumps into the Ethernet market with its April launch of Ethernet over SDSL, bonded copper pair and DS1/DS3. Availability of higher speeds is limited, but nationwide SDSL and DS1 tiers to 12 Mbps will help Covad gain traction in the market.

Level 3 Follows Through with Ethernet/IP Multi-Service Edge Expansion Plans

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00

Level 3 has brought its converged Layer 2/Layer 3 to 47 markets. Consolidating IP and Ethernet services on one edge platform lets the carrier groom and manage traffic locally, both for better performance and lower costs.

Comcast Business Class

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-03-15T00:00:00-04:00

Comcast has become a real contender in the small business market; the operator is now setting in motion its strategy to serve mid-size businesses.

Verizon - Business Services US

Larsen DeCarlo, Amy — 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00

Verizon’s revenue picture is a direct reflection of the market challenges its U.S. customers face. However, the company’s extensive suite of business network and IT services put it in good stead to capitalize on a recovery economy.

Business Continuity for Voice over IP: How Mission Critical Doesn't Mean Just TDM Anymore

Washburn, Brian - Whelan, Cindy — 2010-03-09T00:00:00-05:00

Unlike TDM, VoIP separates physical infrastructure from logical routing and services. This leaves some larger enterprises skeptical about its resiliency. But redundancy and high availability do work with VoIP: here's what some carriers are doing.

RCN Decides on Privacy, Accepts ABRY Bid – But the Bids May Just Be Starting

Washburn, Brian — 2010-03-08T00:00:00-05:00

RCN has attracted a $1.2 billion bid to be taken private. Controversy may already be brewing about the timing of the announcement. Acquirer ABRY will pull optical and cable businesses apart, showing that RCN's cable/optical synergy failed.

Channel Partners Conference & Expo 2010: MegaPath Rounds out Duet Portfolio with Addition of Duet Hosted

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-03-03T00:00:00-05:00

Duet Hosted rounds out MegaPath’s Duet services portfolio with a fully-managed network-based VoIP solution that is economically priced, packed with features and scalable to meet the needs of single- and multi-site businesses.

PAETEC - IP Hosted Telephony, Dynamic IP

Whelan, Cindy - — 2010-03-02T00:00:00-05:00

PAETEC continues to strengthen its IP telephony service, adding bundle options and maintaining a strong customer service ethos. PAETEC is well-positioned to win business in the mid-size enterprise market, but it faces off against larger competitors.

Verizon Wireless Aligns Sales for Closer Coordination Both for Customers and Affiliated Entities

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-19T00:00:00-05:00

In early February, Verizon Wireless formed a new Global Enterprise and Government Sales team. Realignments usually mean disruption, but it made only minor customer-facing changes to help sales, and better align with Verizon Business and Vodafone.

Covad Launches New IP VPN Service Off 2009 MPLS Infrastructure Build-out

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-18T00:00:00-05:00

Covad is late with an MPLS IP VPN service, and it does not yet have the spread of options of other carriers. No matter. In its role as a service partner and enabler, companies will adapt the IP/MPLS foundation to suit their own needs.

Level 3 - Business Services US

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-02-17T00:00:00-05:00

Like many service providers, Level 3 saw revenues fall off in 2009 due to the economic downturn. But the carrier’s focus to serve content providers and offer enhanced local services for enterprises should help it in 2010.

tw telecom

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-17T00:00:00-05:00

tw telecom built its success on a foundation of fiber, Ethernet, and strong customer service. Competitors have caught up in terms of technology, but the carrier continues to reap early adopter benefits in terms of revenue growth.

Sprint Nextel - Business Services US

Weldon, Kathryn — 2010-02-11T00:00:00-05:00

Sprint continues to focus on its 4G rollout, seeking data leadership through aggressive pricing, new devices and network performance. Will it be enough to stop the bleeding?

Cox Business

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-10T00:00:00-05:00

Cox Business has not made major changes to its corporate direction, only smaller tactical moves, but the company has been winning over mid-tier and enterprise customers in some key verticals

Qwest Communications - Business Services US

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-10T00:00:00-05:00

Qwest has pulled the trigger on its national optical infrastructure plans, which in 2010 will introduce 100 Gbps wavelengths in the carrier's core, and it is pragmatically adding its own global IP/MPLS POPs, where the expansions make sense.

IP VPN Update: MPLS NNI, IPv6 Practices Spread; Pricing and Platform Strategies Vary

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-09T00:00:00-05:00

More carriers are turning to MPLS interconnection with service partners to plug their coverage gaps. For new build-outs, some carriers are consolidating, others are diversifying, and still others focus on switching and router traffic aggregation.

Windstream Closes NuVox Acquisition, Knitting Together a Regional Business Services Footprint

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-09T00:00:00-05:00

Windstream completed its acquisition of NuVox quickly, at an amount very close to its projections. The tie-up presents many positive opportunities, but only if Windstream can manage multiple integrations and keep NuVox's success model intact.

Sprint Does the FMC Tango

Weldon, Kathryn — 2010-02-04T00:00:00-05:00

Sprint added Tango’s Abrazo FMC platform to its arsenal, expanding its potential market with more PBXs, UC features, and mobile device options and lowering implementation and support costs, but the user benefits and features need clarification.

AT&T - VPN Service; AVTS; ANIRA; also MPLS PNT and Enhanced VPN

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-02-03T00:00:00-05:00

AT&T continues to grow its global customer port count steadily, and the carrier has extended its reach to an impressive 183 countries worldwide, including more standardized global network performance guarantees.

Verizon - Private IP; IP VPN Dedicated; IP VPN Broadband; Secure Gateway

Washburn, Brian - — 2010-02-03T00:00:00-05:00

Verizon's Private IP service continues to make gains, listing more countries in its global reach, steadily increasing customer ports in service, and adding an IPsec VPN encryption option for customers that insist on multiple layers of security.

Optimum Lightpath Debuts 40 Gbps Wavelengths Network-wide, Commits to 100 Gbps Wavelength Services

Washburn, Brian — 2010-02-02T00:00:00-05:00

Optimum Lightpath debuts 40 Gbps wavelengths network-wide. It isn't about cost advantages over 10 Gbps wavelengths; instead it's about shaving microseconds of latency off transport – considered a valuable edge by major financial industry players.

Verizon Business' VoIP Inbound with Local Originations Delivers Cost Savings While Enhancing Customer Service

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-01-29T00:00:00-05:00

Verizon added a new twist to contact center services with VoIP Inbound with Local Originations, featuring toll-free services through local numbers. The feature will be popular with distributed enterprises; smaller businesses may be a harder sell.

Verizon Business Raises its Professional Services Game with New UC&C Consulting Offers

Larsen DeCarlo, Amy — 2010-01-22T00:00:00-05:00

Verizon Business is adding a UC&C-specific consulting offer to tap demand for guidance deploying transformative collaboration technology. Yet however well-resourced the offer is, its success depends heavily on whether the global economy rallies.

Windstream Adds SIP Trunking Offer to Round Out VoIP Services Portfolio

Whelan, Cindy — 2010-01-13T00:00:00-05:00

Windstream is entering the SIP trunking market with the launch of Dynamic Office – SIP in Arkansas and North Carolina. Market availability and platform support are very limited initially, but the carrier has big expansion plans for 2010.

Global Crossing Adds Juniper WAN Optimization and Router Support across Managed Network Services

Washburn, Brian — 2010-01-12T00:00:00-05:00

Global Crossing has added broad Juniper platform support to its managed network services, including a leap into managed WAN optimization service. It is high time for the carrier to join its global peers in support for WAN optimization solutions.

Global Crossing - MPLS IP VPN; Remote VPN Access – Site

Washburn, Brian — 2009-12-22T00:00:00-05:00

Global Crossing has a comprehensive converged IP portfolio and an extensive global reach. It has worked for years to build up a track record as an enterprise competitor, and is bringing on board a steady stream of customers.

Carrier Ethernet's Widespread Adoption Spreads to VPLS

Washburn, Brian — 2009-12-10T00:00:00-05:00

In H2 2009, most of the world's big carriers joined early adopters in global VPLS launches. Ethernet access and interconnect agreements are becoming more common among providers, but standardized VPLS interconnection is still a work in progress.

Windstream Takes to the National IP VPN Services Stage

Washburn, Brian — 2009-12-03T00:00:00-05:00

Windstream adds national IP VPN service to meet pent-up customer demand. Windstream has some development work ahead, and rationalization once it adds similar services gained from recent acquisitions. Still, it's a ready-made customer opportunity.

XO Marches Upmarket with Enterprise SIP

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-12-02T00:00:00-05:00

XO Enterprise SIP enables distributed enterprises to reduce OpEx and CapEx through a centralized IP PBX architecture. Similar solutions have been deployed by enterprises before, but XO is an early mover in standardizing the offer.

Charter's Bankruptcy Re-emergence Likely Means New Investment for Charter Business

Washburn, Brian — 2009-12-01T00:00:00-05:00

Charter has re-emerged after eight months in bankruptcy – mostly according to plan, but with some unresolved objections. Charter Business is free to invest in services and pursue opportunities, and its parent should back its commercial services.

Broadband Stimulus Lacks Big Names, but Draws Ambitious Plans

Washburn, Brian — 2009-11-20T00:00:00-05:00

Small hangups have slightly delayed up to $4 billion to spend on broadband initiatives. When the funding hits, it can distort economics of national telecoms, presenting both opportunities and new headaches for incumbent carriers.

Orange Business Services Improves Global Ethernet Offering by Expanding Reach and Adding VPLS

Stradling, Joel — 2009-11-18T00:00:00-05:00

Orange Business Services enriches ‘International Ethernet Link’ offering point-to-point to 32 countries globally and VPLS in ten European countries. This positive progress closes gaps, but IEL does not stand out in a crowded market place.

Windstream Looks for Business Services Boost through NuVox Acquisition

Washburn, Brian — 2009-11-04T00:00:00-05:00

The combination of rural independent LEC Windstream with CLEC NuVox may not seem intuitive. What Windstream buys is a business growth strategy, while NuVox gets a new home with a highly stable, if very slowly shrinking, public company.

Verizon Business Flips the Switch on Anticipated Global VPLS Ethernet Services

Washburn, Brian — 2009-11-03T00:00:00-05:00

Back in 2007, Verizon Business became the first Tier 1 U.S. carrier to launch national long-haul VPLS. Global VPLS launch lag time aside, the carrier starts day one with a mature, fully deployed service and a well-established web of partners.

Equinix Grows Its Cloud Footprint with Switch and Data Acquisition

Larsen DeCarlo, Amy — 2009-10-28T00:00:00-04:00

Equinix’s move to acquire Switch and Data eliminates a rival and positions Equinix as the go-to provider for wholesale data center services. The deal helps the company reach new markets, but Equinix should expand its international presence.

FairPoint Communications Starts Next Chapter of Its Story: Chapter 11

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-10-28T00:00:00-04:00

After struggling to integrate Verizon wireline assets acquired 18 months ago, FairPoint is filing for bankruptcy protection. The filing reduces FairPoint’s debt and gives it time to fix problems, but it must also rebuild its credibility.

One Communications Adds Network-Hosted VoIP Option to Its OneSolutions Services

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-28T00:00:00-04:00

One Communications started its integrated access play with PBX and key system support. Now it adds network-hosted VoIP with comprehensive feature packages. One Communications will need to provide channels with incentives to sell hosted services.

SUPERCOMM 2009: Verizon Business Adds CPE-Free Application Monitoring and Analysis to Application Aware Network Portfolio

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-21T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Business launches Applications Assurance, the latest offer to join the carrier's Application Aware Networks portfolio. For Verizon's range of enterprise customers, the carrier's SaaS model makes a great, project-oriented problem solver.

Deltacom Adds Managed Router Services for Its Multi-site MPLS Customers

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-16T00:00:00-04:00

Deltacom adds Managed Router Services for MPLS VPN customers, a key value-added service for carriers that are looking to increase services value – and customer spend – with their multisite business accounts.

Verizon Business Beefs Up Professional Services Portfolio with Identity and Access Management for Contact Centers

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-10-16T00:00:00-04:00

Verizon Professional Services can now help integrate Identity and Access Management into contact center solutions. Verizon IAM addresses critical issues for contact center operators, but competitors can create similar solutions.

Global Crossing Rolls out Its Feature-Rich EtherSphere VPLS Worldwide

Washburn, Brian - Stradling, Joel — 2009-10-09T00:00:00-04:00

Global Crossing has followed up on promises from earlier in 2009 to launch international VPLS. The carrier draws on its global MPLS fabric and its international Ethernet access buildout to deliver a service that is both feature-rich and solid.

Time Warner Cable Business Class - Metro Ethernet Solutions

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-08T00:00:00-04:00

Like its cable peers, Time Warner Cable Business Class Ethernet is strongest where it has access infrastructure and sparse elsewhere. The carrier greatly enhanced its in-footprint reach by adding a lower-speed Ethernet-over-HFC access option.

NTELOS Deepens its Regional Fiber Reach as Allegheny Energy Exits Optical Transport

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-07T00:00:00-04:00

NTELOS' revenue comes from many sources: With the acquisition of Allegheny Energy's fiber assets, the carrier gains a fiber footprint that takes it deep into Pennsylvania while bolstering its in-region footprint and adjacent out-of-region markets.

HP Halo Managed Services

Page, Bruce — 2009-10-06T00:00:00-04:00

HP Halo telepresence services offer a fully vertically integrated equipment and services solution for customers. The enterprise appeal of HP's approach includes its close cooperation with Microsoft and its vast complementary managed IT services.

Sprint Implements Next Leg of Converged Services Strategy with Launch of Nationwide SIP Trunking

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-10-02T00:00:00-04:00

Sprint has made SIP trunking service available nationwide and added certifications for more IP PBX platforms. The carrier is working hard to raise the visibility of its wireline offers, but potential clients may have concerns about its future.

ViaSat Makes a Bid for WildBlue with an Eye toward Government and Enterprise Boosts

Washburn, Brian — 2009-10-02T00:00:00-04:00

ViaSat is bidding to acquire WildBlue Communications. On the surface, the deal looks like a consumer and small business play, but ViaSat will take the opportunity for an early entry into Ka-band services for enterprise and government markets.

Frontier Communications (*)

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-09-30T00:00:00-04:00

Frontier Communications has a long history of delivering services to consumers and small businesses profitably in its mostly rural service area. Competition is increasing and the carrier can look to larger businesses to offset consumer declines.

Deltacom Layers Optical Ethernet Access Service onto MPLS IP-VPNs

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-29T00:00:00-04:00

Deltacom has hooked its optical Ethernet access to its MPLS IP-VPN services and expanded access region-wide, giving more choice to customers that want to build IP networks using Ethernet's simpler interfaces and more flexible bandwidth tiers.

Telepresence Evolution Alerts Market Players to Challenges Ahead

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-28T00:00:00-04:00

Carriers have established the value that telepresence brings to customers, and they are motivated to foster market growth. With the basics out of the way, carriers are challenged by the finer nuances of the technology, business, and market.

Broadview Takes Its OfficeSuite VoIP Service to a Nationwide Audience

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-21T00:00:00-04:00

Broadview takes its flexible, feature-rich OfficeSuite network-hosted VoIP product national with a channel partner strategy. The CLEC will have to fight hard for channels; a better opportunity lies in multi-site clients that are mostly in-region.

MegaPath (*)

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-09T00:00:00-04:00

MegaPath has specialized in access aggregation, and in integrated voice/data access via its comprehensive Duet service packages. The service provider's long track record with channel sales has aided it in its market success.

IT Expo 2009: Cbeyond's Platform Partner Program Tempts Equipment Partners with Enhanced Marketing and Support Options

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-09-04T00:00:00-04:00

The tiered structure of Cbeyond’s Platform Partner Program offers joint marketing and enhanced support at the highest levels. A unified, collaborative sales and support approach is attractive to partners, but the fees may be too high for some.

IT Expo: PAETEC Eases VoIP Transition for SMBs Through All-In IP Simple Solutions Package

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-09-03T00:00:00-04:00

PAETEC IP Simple Solutions bundles services, equipment and maintenance under one monthly fee. PAETEC gives small business customers yet another avenue to purchase its services, while also spurring the sales of equipment from its Allworx division.

Qwest Gets on the 100 Gbps Services Roadmap with an Alcatel-Lucent Optical Core

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-03T00:00:00-04:00

Qwest has committed to a nationwide long-haul optical transport and network upgrade through 2010, stepping up from the older but capable Ciena Multiwave CoreStream. Qwest joins the lengthening list of carriers anticipating 100 Gbps capability.

Covad Prepares to Launch Ethernet over Leased Line Access with 12-state Controlled Launch

Washburn, Brian — 2009-09-01T00:00:00-04:00

Covad's new Business Ethernet Enterprise service can make waves, even though it is still in trial and not yet generally available. Thanks to its network improvements, it will have an easy rollout once it is ready for an all-out commercial launch.

SpeechTEK 2009: Verizon Business Rounds Out Hosted IP IVR with Addition of Speech Services

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-08-26T00:00:00-04:00

Three years after launching its IP contact center, Verizon adds IP-enabled speech services to its Hosted IP IVR service, giving contact center operators yet another toolkit to support a move to an IP-enabled model.

Optimum Lightpath Launches Ethernet-based Virtual Private Ring Alternative to Traditional Optical Transport

Hold, David — 2009-08-20T00:00:00-04:00

Optimum Lightpath has launched virtual private ring service, which combines SONET-like reliability with the flexibility of an Ethernet-over-MPLS topology. The new offer can give conventional optical transport services a run for the money.

TelePacific Enhances 1Net IP VPNs with Integrated Voice and Additional CPE, Coverage and Features

Washburn, Brian — 2009-08-20T00:00:00-04:00

A year after introducing SmartVoice voice/Internet service, TelePacific integrates SmartVoice into 1Net MPLS IP-VPN service – along with an array of enhancements that help meet specific requirements of more sophisticated multi-site customers.

XO Doubles Core Wavelength Capacity with Latest Infinera Platform Upgrade

Washburn, Brian — 2009-08-18T00:00:00-04:00

XO's third-generation of Infinera long-haul transport continues to add capacity between the nation's top POPs. While this wavelength foundation may help all of XO's services, enterprises tend to look at the entire solution.

XO Enhances VoIP Portfolio Appeal for Small Businesses and Large Enterprises

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-08-14T00:00:00-04:00

XO announces more VoIP enhancements, certifying additional IP-PBX platforms with its SIP trunking service and expanding its geographic reach. The carrier is making these necessary moves to improve its competitive position in the enterprise market.

tw telecom Reaches beyond U.S. Borders with Global Availability of MPLS IP VPN Services

Whelan, Cindy — 2009-08-13T00:00:00-04:00

tw telecom builds on success in delivering MPLS IP VPN services to U.S. enterprises by expanding the service to 64 countries via partnerships. The move marks a progression in tw telecom’s strategy and raises its profile in the enterprise market.

XO Expands MPLS/IP VPN Service Nationwide and in 22 Countries via Partnerships with Two Leading Telcos

Hold, David — 2009-08-06T00:00:00-04:00

The expansion of XO’s MPLS/IP VPN services nationwide and to 22 countries through inter-carrier NNIs will allow the carrier to bid on larger enterprise RFPs, despite some inconsistencies in QoS traffic management among the various carriers.