ATLANTA, June 8, 1999 — Today through June 10 in Booth 2041 at SUPERCOMM ’99, Microsoft Corp., along with Cisco Systems Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., FORE Systems Inc., Magellan Network Systems, MetaSolv Software Inc. and Ulticom Inc., is demonstrating a live model network showing a range of end-to-end services with a focus on customer self-service. The model network demonstrates the power of customer-centric operations support systems that enable customer self-provisioning and the configuration of telephony and data services for network service providers.
The model network showcases self-provisioning of multiple network services, including high-speed access and service selection (using Cisco’s DSL infrastructure) and an array of voice-based services. These capabilities are enabled via solutions built using Microsoft’s Active Operations Support Systems (OSS) Framework which provision and control network infrastructure elements to provide end-to-end services.
Microsoft’s Active OSS Framework, which was introduced at SUPERCOMM ’98, uses the Microsoft® Windows NT® Server operating system and the Component Object Model (COM) to facilitate the development and deployment of compelling OSS solutions and customer self-service capabilities for both existing and new service providers. The Active OSS Framework encourages the use of commercial off-the-shelf technology to build operations support systems that are adaptable, efficient, well-integrated, accessible and easily programmable for today’s evolving telecommunications services. An additional key benefit of the Active OSS Framework for carriers is reduction of the time to market for their commercial network services.
Another function provided by the model network is application traffic prioritization, enabled by FORE’s Application Aware TM network infrastructure, using Microsoft Windows NT Server.
“End users’ expectations for easy, intuitive access and control over their telecommunications services have never been greater,”
said Jonathan Usher, telecom industry marketing manager for Microsoft.
“This model network is a dramatic example of the great self-provisioning capabilities – and service experience – that can be provided by carriers today, using solutions from Microsoft and solution vendors.”
Model Network Components
The model network was constructed using equipment from leading vendors:
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The Cisco 675 SOHO/Telecommuter ADSL Router and the Cisco 6100 DSL Access Concentrator provide high-speed connections between end users and the communication carrier. The Cisco 6400 Universal Access Concentrator with WebSelection software enables the carrier or ISP to offer a Web-based service selection portal that gives end users the option to connect to more than one service domain, such as their company or the Internet.
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Cisco Systems also provides the VCO® /4K open programmable switch that enables the rapid deployment of advanced telephone services to be programmed by application developers or end users in mixed circuit- and packet-based networks. In the model network, the VCO/4K switch functions as a Service Switching Point, performing real-time switching of voice traffic.
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FORE Systems provides its ESX 2400 switch that acts as the front end for the hosted applications in the model network. FORE’s Application Aware network infrastructure products provide application traffic prioritization and security based on policies set and controlled through a centralized Directory Service, enabled by Windows NT Server. This Windows NT-based service platform supports an intelligent Firewall Switching Agent that provides multi-gigabit line-rate TCP/IP firewalling with line-rate switching/routing as well as strong quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees.
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Magellan Network Systems’ Mariner enhanced telecom services system, hosted on a Compaq ProLiant server running Windows NT Server, translates the activation request from the customer on the Web interface into commands on the Cisco VCO/4K switch.
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MetaSolv’s Telecom Business Solution TM (TBS TM ) software application, running on Windows NT Server, plays the critical roles of inventory management and workflow management in the provisioning of the DSL service.
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Ulticom (formerly DGM & S Telecom) provides its SignalWare® SS7 on Windows NT Server, hosted on Compaq ProLiant servers, to enable Intelligent Network service capabilities for the model network ( http://www.ulticom.com ).
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages or http://www.microsoft.com/isn/telco/ for telecom industry news.
EDITORS’ NOTE, December 30, 2004
— This page has been revised since original publication.
