AT&T boosts performance measurements and SLAs
 
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AT&T boosted the performance measurement capabilities for its IP-enabled frame relay service last week by deploying Visual Networks' Visual UpTime 7.0 WAN performance technology.
AT&T's IPFR offering is designed for companies that need to expand site-to-site frame links at certain locations to support multipoint connections. The service still uses frame relay as the base technology, but runs a multiprotocol label switching IP-based VPN over top of the frame.
The Visual UpTime monitoring node will sit between a customer's router and their local access circuit. IPFR customers can use the Visual Networks gear to monitor throughput, latency and availability. Customers will also be able to make sure class of service priorities are running properly over their VPN, which will benefit companies wanting to use their IP VPNs for mission-critical applications.
Pricing on AT&T's IPFR services varies depending on speed. An IP-enabled 56K bit/sec connection costs about $218 per month, without including any discounts. A 512K bit/sec IP-enabled frame service would cost about $1,400 per month without discounts.
In addition to beefing up the performance measurement on its IPFR, AT&T is boosting the service-level agreements for its IPFR, frame relay and ATM offerings by extending the SLAs to the customer premises. Previously the SLAs did not include the last-mile connection.
Both new offerings are available as enhancements to AT&T's Frame Relay Plus and ATM Plus services. Customers will have access to their network performance statistics through a Web-based interface.
The service enhancements are available immediately in the U.S. and should be available at international sites next year.
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Denise Pappalardo is a senior editor for Network World, covering ISPs, VPNs and related topics. Reach her at denisep@nww.com.
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Broadwing raises the bar on SLAs
Network World, 02/18/02
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Network World, 05/06/02
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Network World, 04/26/02
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Network World, 05/20/02
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