SAN JOSE, Calif -- April 16, 1998 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced that Westel Telecommunications Ltd., a leading telecommunications service provider in British Columbia, has launched a series of advanced telecommunications services based on Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) solutions provided by Cisco.
Westel has built an ATM network backbone to deliver voice, video, Frame Relay and Internet connectivity to customers throughout B.C. The core of Westel's network uses carrier-class Cisco BPX(R) 8600 series ATM switches. This network architecture delivers a high-speed, high-capacity network that supports a new generation of multimedia applications.
To deliver its advanced network services to customers, Westel has selected the Cisco MC3810 multiservice access concentrator. The MC3810 delivers compressed voice and clear-channel video across Frame Relay and ATM network connections and connects to any standard private branch exchange (PBX) or videoconferencing system. The Cisco BPX 8600 series switch is a carrier-class ATM device that is designed for increased bandwidth management and 99.999 percent reliability.
The launch of these enhanced services marks Westel's biggest push ever into the growing data communications market in British Columbia.
"This is a prime example of our continuous efforts in bringing new solutions to our customers through the deployment of Cisco's line of advanced products," said Ludvik Raichl, director, data products at Westel.
"Westel is a true innovator in the service provider arena," said Joe Golden, vice president of marketing for Cisco's Wide-Area Network (WAN) business unit. "Westel clearly recognized the advantage of a unified ATM and IP networking solution. Westel is now positioned to deliver more advanced networking service offerings in the future where customers will benefit from the latest advances in bandwidth management and network performance."
A Westel solution offers multi-branch businesses the ability to leverage their data networking budgets and achieve bandwidth and cost savings by simultaneously transmitting voice, video, data and Internet traffic across an enterprise Frame Relay or ATM network.
Westel was the first B.C.-based company to operate a Cisco Powered Network. The Cisco Powered Network designation signifies Westel's ability to deliver reliable, high-performance services using Cisco networking equipment and software.
Westel and Cisco continue to expand their commitment to provide customer-focused solutions and have launched a joint ATM lab at Westel's Network Operations Center in downtown Vancouver. The fully operational lab provides a dynamic environment for developing and testing new products and services for ATM, Frame Relay and IP networks.
About Westel Telecommunications
Westel Telecommunications Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the BCR Group of Companies, is the only 100 percent British Columbia owned and operated telecommunications company with its own network. Based in North Vancouver with connections around the world, Westel (formerly BC Rail Telecommunications) has provided voice, data and video solutions to British Columbians for more than 40 years. More information is available at http://www.westel.com
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information areavailable athttp://www.cisco.com.
BPX, Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
