From
http://www.kcom.com/news/2003/news250.shtml
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"Kingston Communications is migrating to a full IP enabled network after
becoming the first service provider in the UK mainland to deploy Marconi's
next generation switching product, SoftSwitch.
The nationwide rollout of Marconi's SoftSwitch will form the basis of
Kingston's next-generation broadband services network, which will take
Kingston between five and 10 years to fully implement.
Its deployment follows completion of a successful pilot trial and will allow
Kingston to migrate its voice, video and data services onto a single,
IP-based network.
As well as enhancing the capacity of Kingston's existing network, the
deployment will reduce costs and open up the possibility of new
revenue-generating broadband services.
"By migrating to an IP platform we will be able to meet increased demand for
converged services by running voice, data and entertainment services over
the same network," says Neil Gower, Managing Director of Kingston
Communications Infrastructure Services, which will overlay the new
technology over its existing System X switching network.
"This is a market driven technology. Its deployment marks our first step
towards next generation networking."
As well as reducing operational expenses and capital expenditure, the new
platform will cut environmental costs, primarily because the space and power
needed to run the new network are 10% of an equivalent System X.
"By deploying Marconi's SoftSwitch, we will be able to future-proof our
network," adds Mark Dalziel, Director of Network Strategy at Kingston
Communications.
"It will also bring greater resilience through distributed processing - and
ultimately wider penetration via a multi-route IP core."
As Mark Dalziel points out, the new IP network will also benefit customers.
"Because it offers the potential for a managed IP Centrex capability, it's
ideal for companies that do not want to invest in capital intensive
hardware," he says.
"As well as allowing them to set up virtual call centres, it will enable
them to take advantage of features such as unified messaging, application
sharing, desk to desk video conferencing and CTI applications."
Under the terms of the agreement, Marconi will supply eight SoftSwitch zones
across the national network, with Kingston managing the transition from its
legacy network to the new platform.
Kingston will also install the dedicated IP core for VoIP traffic. Once
built, this will provide a 'class 4' PSTN transit network, providing relief
to the existing System X infrastructure. "Marconi's SoftSwitch was developed
to help operators such as Kingston reduce costs and increase revenues,
important issues for telecommunications companies building tomorrow's
network infrastructures. Where Kingston is going today, others will follow,"
said Rod Smith, European Vice President (EVP) of Marconi's Northern European
operations.
"This week is also a significant time for Kingston's implementation,
coinciding with the centenary of Marconi's switching activities in
Liverpool, where SoftSwitch is developed."
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Regards
Sunil
*FU set to uk.telecom only
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