|
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Optimum Lightpath Extends its Game to End-to-End Managed Video Transport
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 20, 2008]
A year after it entered the IP video
transport market, Optimum Lightpath is
back with its end-to-end Managed Video
Transport service. The carrier has the
network, the heritage and the footprint
to take great advantage of local
opportunities.
|
|
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|
XO Enhances Ethernet Infrastructure to Support Expanded Service Options for Enterprises
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 20, 2008]
XO’s upgraded Ethernet infrastructure will support more speed
tiers in some markets today, and it enables the carrier to
launch new services in 2009. The upgrade improves XO’s
Ethernet services, but the carrier still lags its largest
competitors.
|
|
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| |
|
Orange Business Services Ties Application Optimization to Global IP VPN with Network Boost
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 08, 2008]
Orange Business Services offered application optimization on a
customizable basis for years. Its Network Boost introduces a
packaged product integrated with its MPLS IP VPNs down to
network reach, customer portal and service level guarantees.
|
|
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|
Verizon Business Comes to the Aid of First Responders with Communications Interoperability Solution
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 07, 2008]
Verizon launched an interoperability
solution with Cisco, an IP-
based service that streamlines
communications between disparate
first-responder networks. Verizon is a
major carrier offering
the platform, but competitors will eye
opportunities.
|
|
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|
Hughes Network Systems Targets SMEs with Right-sized Private Network Services
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 07, 2008]
Hughes tapped the capabilities of its
SPACEWAY 3 satellite to
offer private networking to businesses of
any size, plus faster
and more flexible speeds. The hard part
is identifying and
reaching those market segments that
need these alternatives.
|
|
|
| |
|
RCN Builds Multi-Line Business Voice with Network-hosted VoIP and SIP Trunking Options
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 06, 2008]
RCN becomes the latest cable provider to get into business
voice/data bundles. The product launches in some of the
country's most competitive markets, but high data speeds, a
flexible SMB-to-enterprise spread and low prices can set RCN
apart.
|
|
|
| |
|
Cox Boosts Business Broadband Bandwidth to Beat Telco DSL
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 06, 2008]
Cox has enhanced the speed of its
business broadband Internet
service, introducing a top-tier rate of 25
Mbps, and rolling out
a burst capability that significantly
increases the throughput
of its upper level tiers, albeit on a best
effort basis.
|
|
|
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|
Tata Communications Pairs Global Fiber with Network-layer Carrier Ethernet Services
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Aug 04, 2008]
Tata Communications has gone live with
its Layer 2 carrier
Ethernet services, offering hubbed and
mesh configurations with
a global services reach, but the carrier
needs broader U.S.
network capillarity to reach out to an
enterprise audience.
|
|
|
| |
|
Embarq Smart IP Enterprise Combines Integrated Access with Hosted VoIP
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 28, 2008]
EMBARQ Business has launched Smart IP Enterprise, which combines
dedicated Internet access and hosted VoIP in to a single
package. Although not for everyone, the service should be about
right for mid-sized businesses and branch offices.
|
|
|
| |
|
Optimum Lightpath Highlights its Data Center Connectivity with New Partner Services Suite
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 23, 2008]
Optimum Lightpath's New York region footprint includes
connections to numerous data centers. Its Data Center
Connectivity Services aren't revolutionary, but they do
highlight the carrier's ability to deliver on managed and
hosted data services.
|
|
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| |
|
Optimum Lightpath Expands Optical Reach in New Jersey with 4Connections Purchase
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 18, 2008]
Optimum Lightpath will acquire
4Connections, a New Jersey-based
provider of optical and Ethernet transport
services. The deal
nets the cable operator 440 route-miles
of fiber, a marginal
enhancement to its existing network in
the region.
|
|
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|
Verizon Business Enhances VEC Reporting Options with Global Billing Report
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 17, 2008]
Verizon Business adds Global Billing Report to the suite of
Verizon Enterprise Center’s expense management tools, offering
large enterprises a view of expenses across multiple regions and
the flexibility to manipulate and analyze billing data.
|
|
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|
Verizon Introduced FiOS TV for Business with Aggressive Incentives and Package Pricing
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 14, 2008]
Verizon launched FiOS TV for Business
with attractive pricing
and aggressive discounts to win
customers away from cable and
satellite TV competitors. Early indications
are that this
strategy is working, as sales are running
200% ahead of plan.
|
|
|
| |
|
Verizon Business Increases Flexibility and Cost Savings with Open Hosted Speech Services
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 11, 2008]
Verizon Business Open Hosted Speech Service lets customers run
their VoiceXML 2.0-compatible speech applications over Verizon’s
Hosted IVR platform, giving large enterprises a flexible
alternative to capital-intensive premises-based IVR solutions.
|
|
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| |
|
Birch Communications Emerges from Merger, but Needs More Than Just a New Name
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 03, 2008]
Birch Communications emerges as the new brand for the recently
merged Birch Telecom and Access Integrated Networks. The
combined carrier has a solid set of business services, but must
focus on network development and an efficient business model.
|
|
|
| |
|
TelePacific Extends SIP Services Directly to the Customer Premises
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jul 03, 2008]
TelePacific has enhanced its SmartVoice SIP trunking services
with direct connectivity to the customer's IP PBX. But the
company can only ensure interoperability with equipment from
one small vendor, Allworx, at this point in time.
|
|
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|
BT Debuts Additional Cisco Managed TelePresence Functionality from Wire One Acquisition
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 26, 2008]
BT introduces telepresence enhancements including those
inherited from its Wire One acquisition, now bundled with BT's
networks and the carrier's logo. The launch gives BT
opportunities to bulk up on its bundled solutions sales.
|
|
|
| |
|
American Fiber Systems Gets into the Long-haul Business, Connecting Four Western Metros
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 23, 2008]
AFS gets into the long-haul transport business, launching SONET
and Ethernet private line services to connect four of its
western metro networks. The move will be favored by the few
customers for which it is the right fit.
|
|
|
| |
|
Integra Telecom Becomes Latest Competitor to Add Mid-Band Ethernet to its Roster
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 19, 2008]
Integra Telecom adds mid-band Ethernet services in two of its
metros with more to come. Though Integra has the foundation to
launch service, it is not beating out principal competitor
Qwest, which has already gone the Ethernet over copper route.
|
|
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|
Verizon Business Strengthens Its Position in Europe with Multinational UC Offer
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 19, 2008]
Verizon Business expanded its
Integrated Communications Package
to Europe and increased the
international reach of its VoIP
services. The move leaves the carrier
well positioned to meet
the needs of its multinational customer
base.
|
|
|
| |
|
Verizon Reaches Out to More SMBs with Expanded FiOS Coverage
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 18, 2008]
Verizon expands its residential FiOS marketing program to target
multi-tenant commercial properties. The program helps property
managers attract businesses with the lure of advanced
communications services and boosts FiOS uptake.
|
|
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| |
|
NXTcomm 2008: Embarq Turns Voice Network Management Over to Nokia Siemens Networks
|
| Show Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 17, 2008]
Embarq and Nokia Siemens Networks have signed the first large
scale network outsourcing contract in North America, with the
vendor taking over Embarq’s NOCs. Embarq wants to save money
and improve quality, and it is up to NSN to deliver.
|
|
|
| |
|
NuVox Opts for Overture Networks Gear for Ethernet Services
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 13, 2008]
NuVox selected Overture Networks’ ISG
5100 and ISG 45 for its mid- and high-
bandwidth Ethernet services. The carrier
has remained mum about its Ethernet
services, leaving prospective customers
to wonder about service reach and
available speeds.
|
|
|
| |
|
8x8 Adds VoIP Trunking, Enabling SMBs to Retain their Telephone Systems
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 13, 2008]
8x8 becomes the latest provider to add IP-based voice/data
integrated access supporting analog phones and TDM telephone
systems. The price is attractive but it lacks service
guarantees, and calling features are still a work in progress
|
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|
MASERGY Launches Video Extranet Service Allowing MPLS VPN Customers to Visually Communicate with Non-Customers and Visa Versa
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 12, 2008]
MASERGY has launched its Video Extranet service that enables
inter-company videoconferencing for enterprise customers. The
new service is available to customers and non-customers, but
all will need at least a connection to MASERGY’s MPLS network.
|
|
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| |
|
Verizon Gets Greener with Energy-Saving Network Equipment Standards
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 09, 2008]
Verizon announces it is implementing energy consumption
standards that its equipment vendors must adhere to for 2009
deliveries. The premise of the move is good, but the standards
are not industry-wide and may put an undue burden on vendors.
|
|
|
| |
|
Speakeasy Brings in Ethernet over Copper for High-end DIA in a 22-Metro Footprint
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 05, 2008]
Speakeasy added 10 Mbps Ethernet over
copper service to its
portfolio, a solid upgrade in terms of price
for delivered
bandwidth. Yet, the service will only
appeal to the tip of the
ISP's small business base, and service
availability is limited.
|
|
|
| |
|
Orange Business Services Embarks on Comprehensive Converged Global IP Network Upgrade
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 03, 2008]
Orange Business Services is working with
Cisco on a “technology
refresh,” which promises to deliver
converged services
opportunities and to produce a
consistent, advanced IP
portfolio across the carrier's entire
comprehensive global
network.
|
|
|
| |
|
Nextlink Ups Fixed Wireless to 800 Mbps Ethernet, Narrowing the Gap with Optical
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [Jun 03, 2008]
XO subsidiary Nextlink Wireless has added Gigabit Ethernet to
its fixed broadband wireless service. While narrowing the gap
with landline Ethernet services, wireless remains a second
choice or backup option at sites where fiber is available.
|
|
|
| |
|
PAETEC Inserts Managed CPE Router Services into its Service Portfolio
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 23, 2008]
PAETEC Managed Router Services provide a core value-add to
larger multi-site businesses looking to offload complex
networking issues. The carrier's three starting tiers cover the
basics, but it will need to fill in details as the service
matures.
|
|
|
| |
|
The Cable Show ’08: Cox Business Teams with Nortel to Bundle CPE with Voice Services
|
| Show Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 20, 2008]
Cox announced an agreement with Nortel
that enables the
operator to resell Nortel CPE with its
voice services. While
bundling CPE and services may help Cox
compete against the
RBOCs for SMBs, the service is only being
launched in a few
markets.
|
|
|
| |
|
Embarq Taps Synacor to Supply Value-added Features for Its Broadband Subscriber Web Portal
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 16, 2008]
Embarq steps up the value-added
features available through its
broadband services for small businesses,
particular for its
higher tiers. Though nothing innovative,
customers will
appreciate the convenience of a one-stop
communications
provider.
|
|
|
| |
|
HP’s Power Play for EDS Delivers Dubious Synergies
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S., Enterprise Network Systems, Contact Center Solutions, Internet/Managed Services - U.S., Application Infrastructure, Enterprise Communications , Business Telecom Services - Europe, Enterprise Security, Enterprise Mobility - Europe, Enterprise Mobility - U.S., Telecom Services - Asia, Telecom Infrastructure Services
- [May 16, 2008]
HP’s agreement to shell out big money to
bolster its services
portfolio by acquiring EDS appears a safe,
but expensive and
uninspired move. The synergy is about
additive finances, not
revolutionary new ideas, and IBM’s
position is not threatened.
|
|
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| |
|
AT&T Launches Business U-verse, Offering 10 Mbps Downloads Today and Setting the Stage for New Business Services in the Future
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 14, 2008]
AT&T fires back at cable operators with
the launch of Business
U-verse. With a maximum download
speed of 10 Mbps, Business U-
verse doesn’t match cable’s download
speeds, but its price tag
of around $100 per month should be
attractive to many SMBs.
|
|
|
| |
|
Vonage Double Play Coming Soon to Small Businesses Thanks to a New DSL Partnership with Covad
|
| Competitive Update |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 12, 2008]
Vonage will soon offer DSL service through a partnership with
Covad. Its small business customers will no longer need a
separate broadband provider to power their VoIP service, but
cable’s push into business VoIP minimizes its potential.
|
|
|
| |
|
MegaPath Expands Wireless Broadband Service to Offer Redundancy and Quick Start Options
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 09, 2008]
MegaPath has added wireless back-up and Quick Start options to
its portfolio of wireless broadband services. These options
will strengthen MegaPath’s competitive position against DSL and
cable, but may not be as compelling to T1 customers.
|
|
|
| |
|
FiberNet Telecom Readies a Buildout Strategy to Bolster Capacity and Enter New Markets
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 09, 2008]
FiberNet has network expansion plans for 2008 that will add
capacity in its metro networks and add points of presence in
three new markets. Though its plans are relatively modest, low
margins make even sensible upgrades seem a little risky.
|
|
|
| |
|
Sprint and Clearwire Set the Foundation for National WiMAX Player: Second Time's the Charm
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 08, 2008]
Sprint and Clearwire's first attempted WiMAX partnership in
July 2007 didn't succeed. But the synergies between the two
carrier's 4G wireless properties are simply too hot to keep the
two apart, especially once sweetened by investor partners.
|
|
|
| |
|
XO Extends Ethernet Reach over Copper Cables in 75 Markets
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 06, 2008]
XO can offer Ethernet services in up to 75
metro markets by
deploying a mix of optical, copper, and
wireless technologies,
but not all services are available in all
markets, which means
availability may be more limited than it
might appear.
|
|
|
| |
|
Qwest Gives iQ Networking Customers End-to-End Visibility into IP VPN Performance
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S.
- [May 01, 2008]
Qwest has added end-to-end
performance reporting and monitoring
to iQ Networking. Though the carrier
follows in the footsteps
trodden by other carriers and is missing
end-to-end SLAs, its
MPLS IP VPN customers will still
appreciate the features.
|
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