* Masergy offers global IPV service over Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs
When we asked for reader replies about any carrier that offers IP Video (IPV) as an option with their IP-VPN, we heard from Masergy confirming that they offer global IPV service over Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs. In a follow-up interview we spoke with Tony Hurtado, VP Global Marketing and PR; and Scott Brothers, Director Product Management at Masergy.
The Masergy approach to VPNs gives enterprise customers the option to use a public, private, or hybrid Layer 3 IP-VPN or a Layer 2 VPLS-based VPN. Masergy offers five classes of service, with three classes reserved for data and one class each reserved for voice and video. As one option within the VPN portfolio, Masergy’s service is designed to offer a high quality, high availability video at speeds ranging from a 1.5Mbps T-1 to 30Mbps connection. The company’s telepresence alternatives include high definition (HD) video conferencing, and Masergy has worked with multiple vendors’ equipment including supplies from Cisco and Polycom. And, according to Mr. Hurtado most clients “migrate in steps as quickly or slowly as they need to.”
The Masergy video service uses a service controller that allows dynamic bandwidth allocation for video conferencing—providing portal selection (clearing and authorizing the network facilities) and giving notification of any billing implications within seconds so users can affirm their choice to add the capacity needed. When finished with the call, the user can close the circuit back down, although Masergy does bill in 24-hour minimum increments.
In one HD video conference call pricing example, (assuming a connection from London to Los Angeles is needed for 10MB Circuit with a 6MB Port on both end) the base price for the port charge on the circuits is $35/MB (or $210) on a 3 year term. Increasing the bandwidth from a 6MB port to a full 10MB port would be an additional 67% (or $140) for a 24 hour period. The cost would be $5 per day in a calendar month.
Masergy subscribers can also establish a video “extranet” service, although in some cases the second company may need a separate circuit set up by that company’s carrier under the other carrier’s terms and conditions.
Again, our thanks to readers for the many replies we got back on IPV. Next time, we hear from a U.K.-based company that provides technology designed to maximize IP video conferencing picture quality over sub-T-1 connections.
