| Selected Competitive Intelligence |
Qwest Targets the Enterprise with Global Reach for iQ Networking Platform
October 5, 2005 -- Qwest Communications has announced several new enhancements to its iQ Networking WAN solution. First, Qwest has expanded iQ Networking's MPLS services for global outreach across 57 countries. Second, Qwest has added another quality of service (QoS) queue, bringing its total queues to four, to give customers another way to prioritize data traffic. Third, Qwest is introducing a rental option for customer premises equipment.
Recommended Competitive Responses
► Carriers with international operations should point out to their customers that Qwest's iQ Networking may reach 57 countries worldwide, but it does not own those facilities and cannot guarantee complete operational control of the plant end-to-end. Rather, it is entirely dependent on BT Infonet, which is why Qwest cannot extend the same SLAs internationally as it offers domestically.
Recommended End User/Customer Responses
► Qwest is doing its best to woo customers during the run-up to the proposed AT&T/SBC and MCI/Verizon mergers. Customers should approach Qwest proactively to negotiate the best possible terms for the full range of their data services while the carrier is sensitive to the emerging competitive threat of other joint RBOCs/IXCs.
Perimeter Internetworking Enhances Managed Services Positive with U.S. Networks Acquisition
October 6, 2005 - Perimeter Internetworking is acquiring U.S. Networks' assets, enhancing its managed network and security services. The new company will have a combined 1,600 customers. Perimeter will adopt U.S. Networks' E-Mail Content Filtering service that it developed and add its security operations center (SOC) to Perimeter's existing infrastructure. The U.S. Network acquisition is Perimeter's fifth acquisition in two years.
Recommended Competitive Responses
► Managed security competitors will need to carefully watch Perimeter Internetworking's acquisitions, as with five acquisitions over the past two years and more expected, it has the ability to grow into a major threat to the market status quo. Furthermore, its managed services offerings go beyond traditional MSSP offerings, making it all the more important for service providers to look at their full portfolios and consider expansion beyond just security.
Recommended End User/Customer Responses
► Customers will want to ask Perimeter Internetworking about future bundling of services, as well as any discounts for customers that may want to add multiple managed services to their program list. They should also inquire about SLAs on service performance to ensure that quality does not suffer during the transition to the new company.
XO Increases VoIP Peer Pressure
October 4, 2005 -- XO has announced that it is interconnecting with Stealth Communications' Voice Peering Fabric (VPF) VoIP peering network. XO will offer VPF members its Call Origination and Termination service for calls that must be terminated to the PSTN.
Recommended Competitive Responses
► IXCs such as Level 3 and Sprint should consider connection to VoIP peering networks to gain access to an additional customer base and increase the percentage of VoIP calls that can be carried without going through the PSTN.
► ILECs should point out concerns about quality of service and security as well as emergency response.
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