Several big names in the wireless and computing industries last week took additional steps in the process of converting wireless networks from a switch-based to a packet-based environment.
Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola Inc. unveiled the next phase of their joint venture, formed in February, to develop and deliver a framework for Internet-based wireless networks. Meanwhile, Lucent Technologies Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc. announced their own partnership.
The Cisco-Motorola project, called Invisix, opened the first of four planned Internet Solutions Centers in the United Kingdom. The center will focus on introducing General Packet Radio Service applications on Global System for Mobile communications networks.
The facility essentially is a test center for introducing third-generation network services on an Internet Protocol framework. It is designed to allow third-party operators, service providers and application developers to test their products on the New World Internet platform, Invisix’s name for this packet-based environment. Trials are expected to include e-commerce applications, location-based services and voice-based Internet browsing.
Participants will be able to test accessing Internet content on a Motorola Timeport GPRS phone connected to Cisco’s IP Unified Messaging Platform, the companies said.
Both companies plan to contribute as much as $1 billion during the next five years to the venture. Invisix is scheduled to open other centers in the near future to include other 3G technologies, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service and wideband Code Division Multiple Access, in Fort Worth, Texas; San Jose, Calif.; and Tokyo.
In June, Motorola and Cisco bought the local multipoint distribution services assets of Bosch Telecom to form SpectraPoint Wireless as part of their alliance. SpectraPoint Wireless delivers high-speed data, voice and video services to businesses and consumers. Motorola owns 81 percent of the company, while Cisco holds the remaining 19 percent.
Lucent, Sun pact
Lucent and Sun also are contributing to this network revolution. The companies have teamed up to create infrastructure for next-generation Internet business applications. The collaboration includes a Lucent commitment to buy up to $500 million of Sun’s carrier-grade next-generation Netra servers during the next seven years as the platform for Lucent’s new Flexent wireless network architecture; delivery of new versions of Lucent’s Softswitch technology and 7R/E feature servers on a range of Sun servers; and joint investigation of high-speed optical interconnects for Sun’s servers using Lucent’s new OptiStar technology.
Lucent said it will use Sun’s servers and the company’s Solaris Operating Environment as the vehicle to transition its wireless network equipment from circuit-switched architecture to packet network architecture.
“This collaboration is a direct response to our service provider and enterprise customers who want access to Internet-based services that will work across all wireless, wireline and optical infrastructures for access anytime, anywhere on any device,” said Scott McNealy, Sun’s chairman and chief executive officer.
In a related announcement, the companies described four new electronic business offers for enterprises, Internet service providers, applications service providers and other carriers. The offers are aimed at speeding delivery of next-generation electronic business services.
Industry analysts expect wireless and Internet users to grow to 1 billion each by 2005, but say integrating both technologies is essential to achieve this figure.
Telecom carriers are looking to exchange their circuit-switched networks to IP-based packet networks. Moving their value-added services to an IP framework allows carriers to take advantage of more third-party applications because third-party application developers are more familiar with IP technology than with proprietary switch technologies.
