* Sprint WiMax will use FiberTower for Ethernet backhaul
By Brian Santo
In preparation for deploying a WiMAX network, Sprint Nextel has contracted with FiberTower for wireless, Ethernet-based backhaul services in seven of Sprint’s initial markets. Sprint said it will launch its Mobile WiMax broadband services in initial markets by year-end 2007.
* Carlo Gavazzi launches 650 Series chassis
By Traci Patterson
Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions has unveiled its new 650 Series MicroTCA chassis – for applications in VoIP nodes, modular telco line units, Wi-Fi and WiMAX radio boxes, Ethernet hubs and fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) optical network units.
The 650 Series, offered in a 2U 19-inch rack-mount configuration, features a 6HP MicroTCA Carrier Hub and a 12-node backplane, which supports configurations for full- and half-height Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) slots. The chassis starts at $2,500.
* VoIP Logic improves middleware
By Brian Santo
VoIP Logic has released a new version of its middleware. Cortex 2.0 is a customizable Web-based management platform that enables service providers to provision and customize service offerings, and enables their end users to self-administer. Enhancements include customizable enterprise and consumer end user Web-portals; flexible module-based login credentials for easy-to-manage access privileges and layers; and full voicemail and auto-attendant management integration with Iperia ActiveEdge 3.6, among others.
* Minerva Networks opens doors on new development center
By Mike Robuck
IPTV vendor Minerva Networks has opened a development center in Bulgaria as well as a sales and support office in Italy. The development center in Sofia, Bulgaria will draw a bead on product development and testing, while the sales office in Milan, Italy will provide sales and field support in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
* Alliance Atlantis hooks up with Maven for Internet TV
By Mike Robuck
Maven Networks and Alliance Atlantis announced a partnership today to launch broadband video players throughout Alliance Atlantis’ Web properties. Alliance Atlantis will be using Maven’s Internet TV Platform for online channels that include FoodTV.ca, HGTV.ca and Slice.ca.
“Video deployment on our sites is growing exponentially, and the monetizing opportunities around that growth are critical for the long-term success of our broadband channels,” said Claude Galipeau, senior vice president of Digital Media for Alliance Atlantis, in a prepared statement. “We chose Maven because it offers a mature and scaleable solution for advertising as well as incredible design capabilities.”
* J:Com consolidates cable properties
By Brian Santo
Jupiter Telecommunications merged its three subsidiaries – J:Com Kanto, Chofu Cable and J:Com Setamachi – to strengthen group competitiveness and improve management efficiency.
The three combine for a total of approximately 520,000 subscribing households.
*Clearwire launches Internet, phone services in Texas, N.Y.
By Traci Patterson
Clearwire Corp. has launched its wireless high-speed Internet and phone services in Syracuse, N.Y., and Corpus Christi, Texas. This marks Clearwire’s first market deployment in New York.
Clearwire’s wireless broadband network connects customers through licensed or secured spectrum, and the Internet phone service connects through a subscriber’s existing high-speed Internet access.
* ViewCast upgrades Niagara SCX 5-series
By Traci Patterson
ViewCast Corp. has added a Web-services software development kit (SDK) to its Niagara Stream Control Extension (SCX) 5-series streaming media management software. The new SDK will allow third-party vendors, content providers and content delivery systems developers to control and manage all of the compression codecs of the ViewCast Niagara media encoder.
“With the addition of the Web services SDK, developers now have even more control with a single, unified suite of tools and example applets to simplify the creation, delivery, and management of compressed audio and video media for today’s growing, multimedia-rich marketplace,” said Dave Stoner, president of ViewCast.