MCI WorldCom this week announced a new IP service that is based on ATM switches from Cisco Systems.
At NetWorld+Interop 2000, MCI Worldcom rolled out the Business Class IP Service, which offers enterprises private IP network services, such as virtual private networks, over the carrier's existing frame relay and ATM infrastructure. The service is based on Cisco's MGX 8850 and BPX 8650 switches.
The new service will help MCI WorldCom keep up with the explosive growth in e-commerce and e-business applications, which will be a $7 trillion market in five years and account for 15% of all goods and services worldwide, MCI WorldCom's Chief Technical Officer Fred Briggs says..
"Business IP is a core component of our generation D network and access strategy," Briggs says. Generation D is MCI WorldCom's initiative to expand its network and transport infrastructure to support e-business applications.
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the nonexclusive deal. The MCI WorldCom Business IP network will use 45G bit/sec Cisco MGX 8850 switches in the core and 1.2G bit/sec MGX 8850 switches at the edge. The network will use the Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) standard for delivering quality of service.
Cisco is developing next generation MGX switches that scale to 180G bit/sec. When MCI WorldCom needs to scale the Business IP network to that capacity, it will evaluate the next generation Cisco switches but may also open the network up for bid to other switch vendors, Briggs says.
He added, however, that Cisco might have a leg up being the incumbent vendor.
Business IP will enter beta in June with general availability at the end of the summer, MCI WorldCom officials say.
Cisco has a similar deal with AT&T for that carrier's IP-enabled frame relay service, which also uses MPLS.
RELATED LINKS
