* Larscom adds VINA to vex Adtran; Allegro's fast tempo downward
Nortel will attempt to mend fences with the rural IOCs it deserted with some software and service enhancements to its DMS-10 switch. The software enhancements, which include Simultaneous Ringing, Telemarketer Call Screening and other new services, as well as a resurrected packet migration service, are intended to keep IOCs from defecting to next-generation softswitches from start-ups. Nortel got a wake-up call when some of its 700-plus DMS-10 customers started capping their investments in the Class 5 switch in favor of cheaper, denser and smaller alternatives from other suppliers. So the new DMS-10 features, as well as some rolled out last summer, are as much an attempt by Nortel to defend its turf as they are an effort to migrate its installed base to packet telephony. http://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/0319nortelioc.html
Nortel will attempt to mend fences with the rural IOCs it deserted with some software and service enhancements to its DMS-10 switch. The software enhancements, which include Simultaneous Ringing, Telemarketer Call Screening and other new services, as well as a resurrected packet migration service, are intended to keep IOCs from defecting to next-generation softswitches from start-ups. Nortel got a wake-up call when some of its 700-plus DMS-10 customers started capping their investments in the Class 5 switch in favor of cheaper, denser and smaller alternatives from other suppliers. So the new DMS-10 features, as well as some rolled out last summer, are as much an attempt by Nortel to defend its turf as they are an effort to migrate its installed base to packet telephony.
https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/0319nortelioc.html
One plus one equals one… at least in Larscom math. Larscom last week acquired IAD maker VINA Technologies for about $6 million to form a company that can offer devices ranging from traditional DSU/CSUs to multiplexers and inverse multiplexers, as well as IADs that blend voice and data into single circuits at customer sites. Larscom, which made strictly data devices, will gain VINA’s voice/data expertise and pull away from competitors Paradyne, Kentrox and Quick Eagle to better compete with access leader Adtran. VINA was the No. 2 IAD maker behind Adtran in 2001, according to In-Stat.
https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/0319larscom.html
The definition of “allegro” is fast tempo. But the only thing Allegro Networks did at a fast tempo was slash staff and wind down operations. The edge “multirouter” start-up headed by former Intel, Bay Network and Nortel Networks executive Dave House cut 62 of its 70 staffers two weeks ago and announced a fire sale for its assets and intellectual property. Allegro is merely the latest start-up to succumb to the three-year-old telecom slump. Lack of revenue and a dwindling supply of cash will add Allegro to your death spiral… or something like that.
