Alcatel announced that its NGN softswitch achieved the number two position in the global softswitch market during Q4 2004, according to the latest report from leading industry analyst firm Infonetics Research.
"Our customers recognise the importance of a future-safe NGN solution because it allows them to take a phased approach to implementing and enhancing their networks with new user-centric services while alleviating concerns about being locked into a specific technology, network or device," said Alan Mottram, President of Alcatel`s fixed solutions activity.
"Through an IMS-based strategy, we have strengthened our position in the NGN market, a fact that is substantiated by a growing list of NGN/VOIP references. We now have around 85 customers either deploying or undertaking trials with our NGN/VOIP solutions."
The Alcatel 5020 Softswitch is at the heart of Alcatel`s solution for voice and broadband operators. By leveraging the IP multimedia system (IMS) architecture, it allows service providers to capitalise on existing assets in their networks and offer traditional voice services in an IP setting, and/or to build out a new VOIP infrastructure that facilitates the introduction of new user-centric services.
"The next generation voice market continues to grow at a healthy clip and Alcatel won some important accounts with tier one carriers in 2004," said Kevin Mitchell, Directing Analyst with Infonetics Research. "This moved Alcatel into the number two position for its softswitches in the final quarter of 2004."
During 2004, Alcatel acquired close to 60 new customers for its NGN solutions in all regions and across many customer domains. This included incumbent and competitive carriers such as China Netcom, China Unicom, Slovak Telecom, BT, APTG (Taiwan), Telecard (Pakistan) and Vietnam Posts & Telecommunications.
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Alcatel`s next-generation networking program known as Open Path to Enhanced Networking (OPEN) addresses the market need for CAPEX/OPEX optimisation and new revenue generating services. OPEN encompasses the most comprehensive portfolio of standards-based building blocks, a wide range of pre-integrated PSTN migration and enhanced broadband solutions as well as a unique service delivery environment that provides the framework to deliver personalised services independent of devices or networks.
Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet at http://www.alcatel.com.