SAN JOSE, Calif. -- July 12, 1999 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today extended its Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) solution portfolio with new multiservice ATM and Layer 3 capabilities for enterprise networks. Enabling seamless integration of multiple traffic types in the network backbone, new features announced today reduce network operation costs and complexity and form the framework for converged Internet protocol (IP) and ATM networks and applications.
New products and features unveiled today include:
- ATM Forum-compliant inverse multiplexing over ATM (IMA) network modules for the Cisco 2600 and 3600 Series platforms, the Catalyst 8500 Series multiservice switch router (MSR) and Lightstream 1010, the Cisco 7200 and 7500 Series routers and the Cisco MGX 8850 and 8220 carrier-grade platforms
- An ATM switched virtual circuit (SVC), RS-366 signaling interface and FRF.8 frame relay/ATM services interworking support on the Cisco MC3810 multiservice access concentrator
- A high-capacity OC-48c module on the Catalyst 8500 Series MSR
- An ATM router module on the Catalyst 8500 Series MSR
- Layer 3 access control list (ACL) daughter cards and an eight-port gigabit ethernet line card on the Catalyst 8500 Series MSR
Demand for ATM networking gear-estimated to reach nearly $7 billion by 2001 in Vertical Systems Group's 1998 ATM & Frame Relay Industry Update Report-is driven in the enterprise segment by the need for affordable, high-speed connectivity capable of integrating time-division multiplexing (TDM), IP and new multiservice applications.
With over $2 billion in ATM-related equipment sales in fiscal 1999, Cisco has a well established leadership role in ATM networking. Industry analysts confirm this strength, as evidenced by recent Cahners In-Stat reports which rate Cisco number one in OC-12 ATM LAN switch port shipments (Q199), number two in ATM LAN switch sales (1998) and number one in ATM WAN switching (Q199). A May 1999 Dataquest report also rates Cisco number one in backbone multiservice switch sales worldwide (Spring '99 Networking Worldwide Report).
"As this market data indicates, Cisco's commitment to ATM technology is very solid-much stronger, in fact, than many people realize," noted Prem Jain, vice president and general manager of Cisco's enterprise WAN business unit. "We are now making an even greater commitment to ATM-leveraging our extensive IP expertise to provide customers with intelligent networks that cost-effectively deliver IP-driven, ATM-enabled convergence solutions," said Jain.
Cross-Platform, Network-Wide Scalable WAN Bandwidth Solutions
Available on multiple product platforms, Cisco's ATM Forum-compliant IMA network modules extend the multiservice, quality of service (QoS) and class of service (CoS) benefits afforded by ATM to remote branch office locations, providing a cost-effective multi-port T1/E1 solution for situations where T3/E3 is too expensive or not available. Accessible via an enterprise switch/router or a service provider-managed device, IMA provides an economical, integrated WAN access solution for multiservice networking benefits spanning all remote and branch office locations.Further expanding its enterprise/service provider integration offerings, Cisco has also enhanced its Cisco MC3810 multiservice access concentrator to address challenges associated with scalability, ease of use and network congestion. New features include ATM SVCs for data, voice and video capabilities, a RS-366 signaling interface and FRF.8 frame relay/ATM services interworking support for improved interoperability and performance.
Enabling High Bandwidth Layer 3/ATM Convergence
Also announced today are enhancements to Cisco's award-winning Catalyst 8500 Series MSR platform. New features include OC-48c connectivity and high-density gigabit ethernet networking solutions for industry-leading high bandwidth capabilities, as well as a new ATM router module and ACL daughter card for seamless integration of Layer 3 and ATM switching on a single platform. (For additional details on these product enhancements, see related press release entitled "Cisco Introduces IP-Enabled ATM Capabilities on Catalyst 8500 Series Multiservice Switch Router," dated July 12, 1999.)Pricing and Availability
Available in August, the eight-port IMA network module is $8,000 on the Cisco 7200 and 7500 platforms and $9,995 on the Catalyst 8500 and Lightstream 1010. Also available in August, Cisco 2600 and 3600 Series four-port IMA modules are $4,000 and eight-port modules are $7,000. Available today, eight-port IMA modules on the MGX 8850 and 8220 platforms are $20,000. The MC3810 supports ATM SVC and FRF.8 functionality through existing Cisco IOS software at no additional cost. The RS-366 module is $1,500. All new MC3810 capabilities are currently available.Cisco will highlight its ATM solutions at the Broadband Year '99 exhibition, held July 14-15 in San Diego, Calif. Press and analysts are invited to visit the Cisco booth, #800, at any time during the show. For more information on Cisco's ATM product portfolio, visit http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/730/.
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