Stories by Matt Hamblen

AT&T speeds up global rollout of IP VPN services

AT&T has outlined plans to expand its IP virtual private network (VPN) services globally, partly by accelerating an ongoing installation of technology based on the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) standard.

SIP

Session Initiation Protocol is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification and instant messaging. The protocol initiates call setup, routing, authentication and other communication features to endpoints within an IP domain.

IBM to boost self-healing capabilities in Tivoli line

IBM Corp. plans to announce new Tivoli systems and storage management and security software on Wednesday, including an autonomic computing offering that analysts say helps give IBM the lead in the emerging market for self-healing systems.

Interview: Nortel head: IP convergence way for Nortel to lead

Brampton, Ontario-based Nortel Networks Corp. named Malcolm Collins as its president of the enterprise networks division in December, two months after launching a renewed effort to win enterprise customers for networking products. That new direction came after layoffs and revenue declines for Nortel amid a declining market for companies that sell network gear to telecommunications and data service providers. Collins recently headed all major European accounts. He is now based in Raleigh, N.C., and reports directly to Nortel’s CEO. He spoke with Computerworld’s Matt Hamblen.

Intel adds Gigabit Ethernet devices for PCs, servers

Expanding its line of networking products, Intel Corp. is announcing a series of Ethernet devices, including a Gigabit Ethernet controller for PCs and a 10 Gigabit Ethernet network interface card for servers.

Cisco upgrades content-caching software

Cisco Systems Inc. last week announced Version 5.0 of its Application and Content Networking System (ACNS) software, saying the upgrade offers greater scalability to companies that use video and other high-bandwidth applications for internal training and communications.

Cisco expands its line of intrusion-detection tools

Cisco Systems next week plans to announce new intrusion-protection software and firewall enhancements, including functionality designed to lower IT staffing costs by drastically reducing false or irrelevant system-intrusion alarms.

Alcatel unveiling SIP support for communications server

Networking vendor Alcatel SA plans to begin shipping an enterprise-class voice and data communications server and related products later this month based on the Internet Protocol and supporting the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), company officials said last Friday.

Novell to unveil NetWare 6.5 network OS next week

Novell next Wednesday will announce its next-generation network operating system, NetWare 6.5, which includes browser-based portal and team services functions, directory integration and an application server for Web services.

BMC ships consoles to wrap up Patrol upgrade

BMC Software Inc. last week announced that it has completed the rollout of its Patrol Version 7 enterprise management software, and US clothing retailer The Men's Wearhouse Inc. said it's ready to put BMC's new network management consoles into production after a three-month test.

Cisco defends pricing, puts focus on networking TCO

Cisco Systems has defended itself against the widely held view that its networking products are the highest-priced on the market, claiming that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of its products has declined dramatically over the past four years.

Cisco to focus on service provider market

Cisco Systems officials laid out plans yesterday for increased development and sales of networking gear to the service provider market, despite a dramatic downturn in recent quarters of capital spending by carriers.

Switching on XML

As XML-based Web services continue to evolve, a new category of XML-aware data routers is emerging that could smooth out Web services transactions. These devices act as intermediaries at the network edge, reading, interpreting and acting upon embedded XML content in order to provide services such as priority routing, filtering, acceleration, authentication and encryption.

Cisco launches IP telephony gear

Cisco Systems Inc. last week bolstered an already dominant position in the IP telephony market with a slew of products and upgrades, including a US$165 IP-based telephone.

Interview: Cisco's Giancarlo on pricing and innovation

As the man who oversees switching, voice and carrier systems for Cisco Systems Inc., Senior Vice President Charles Giancarlo is well versed in the company's plans and goals, as well as its research and development efforts. Giancarlo spoke recently with Computerworld.