Alcatel Introduces Next-Generation Broadband Access Server; Industry's Highest-Capacity Access Server Enables Mass DSL Deployments.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2000

Alcatel today unveiled the industry's first next-generation broadband access server, with the scalability, value-added features and management tools to support mass deployment of DSL-based network services.

The OneStream Broadband Access Server is targeted at the exploding worldwide market for high-speed access to the Internet, particularly using DSL technology. With capacity for tens of thousands of users and enormous streams of data, the scalability of the OneStream Broadband Access Server is unequalled in the industry.

Its support for centralized management, high-value services such as virtual private networks (VPNs), and cost-effective migration from other access technologies makes the product an ideal solution for service providers of all types.

"The OneStream Broadband Access Server opens the door to widespread deployment of DSL by offering an affordable, flexible platform that scales to an unprecedented level," said Marilyn Suey, vice president of Marketing at Alcatel's Internetworking Division.

"Moreover, it is backed by one of the world's premier telecommunications equipment suppliers, with all the service, support and technical expertise that customers have come to expect of Alcatel."

Extraordinary scalability

Industry forecasters project that demand for DSL services will skyrocket now that consumers and small businesses alike can enjoy data rates exceeding those of a leased T1 line at a fraction of the price. Yet network service providers, until now, have not had production-grade equipment capable of handling the imminent surge of new customers.

With a 20 gigabit-per-second backplane, the OneStream Broadband Access Server readily handles the traffic demands that DSL service will impose on carriers. It supports 80,000 concurrent sessions, nearly 10 times the capacity of today's market leader.

Alcatel's next-generation broadband access server leverages the company's global leadership in DSL technology. Market researchers report that Alcatel enjoys a 49 percent market share worldwide for ADSL lines installed in central offices and a 33 percent share of all ADSL modems deployed in customer premises. In 1999, Alcatel shipped an estimated 1.3 million lines of ADSL and about 2.4 million ADSL chipsets.

"Alcatel now offers a complete solution incorporating all aspects of ADSL deployment," said David Yedwab, executive vice president at The Eastern Management Group. "Its broadband access server is a strong complement to its central office and customer premise ADSL equipment, and will give service providers confidence that they can handle the growing demand for high-speed data services."

Creating and managing services

Enormous physical capacity is only the beginning of Alcatel's solution for broadband network service providers. With Alcatel's Service Management Center (SMC) software, service providers of all types can remotely manage a national or even worldwide deployment of OneStream Broadband Access Servers.

The ability to provision customers, handle billing and authentication, and troubleshoot network problems from a central location can dramatically simplify operations and reduce costs.

Equally important, the OneStream Broadband Access Server supports several high-value services:

--   The product allows independent configuration and secure
     separation of multiple VPNs with 512 virtual routers.

--   It allows service providers to differentiate classes of service,
     so that demanding customers can be charged a premium for superior
     network access.

--   It allows seamless service selection, so end users can switch
     between service providers at will.

--   Features such as remote management capabilities and compatibility
     with multiple vendors' DSL equipment make it ideal for wholesale
     service providers.

Unlike competing products, Alcatel's OneStream Broadband Access Server also offers a cost-effective migration path from narrowband services by handling all major types of "legacy" Internet access, including leased T1s, and traditional dial-up traffic. As customer demands change, service providers can meet evolving needs without replacing the OneStream product.

Pricing and availability

The OneStream Broadband Access Server is shipping today, with the 20 Gbps backplane available in Q1. The list price for a system ranges between $50,000 and $250,000 depending upon configuration options. In a fully configured system, the price can be under $4 per user.

Alcatel's aggressive program to continually enhance the capabilities of the OneStream Broadband Access Server will produce exciting new features in the second and third quarter of 2000, including a new OC-12 interface, support for MPLS and gigabit Ethernet, and Web-based service selection.

About Alcatel

Alcatel builds next-generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data communications solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 21.3 billion ($25.0 billion), Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

For more information, visit Alcatel at http://www.alcatel.com or the U.S. Web site at http://www.usa.alcatel.com.

In Internetworking, Alcatel delivers a comprehensive system of networking products to enterprises and service providers. For enterprise customers, Alcatel networks are so powerful they can leapfrog an entire generation of network change. They combine ease of management, high performance, data security, and easy integration of voice and data.

For service providers, Alcatel's Internetworking products are used to provision high-speed Internet access services. These systems integrate robust access technologies, advanced routing software, IP-VPN security, and comprehensive management.