High-speed Internet Access Based on Cisco Routing and Wireless Local Area Network Technologies
BOSTON May 11, 2000 - Global Digital Media.com (GDM), a privately held technology startup, today announced that Cisco equipment, from Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ:CSCO), will power its new public wireless Internet network that provides high-speed connectivity and content solutions to business travelers. GDM's integrated network technology, Broadband on the Run--sm, is designed for public venues such as airports, hotels, convention centers, and other high-traffic areas, that cater to business travelers who want to stay productive while traveling. With the deployment of the new network, GDM joins the Cisco Powered Network program.
GDM's new network is made up of a powerful combination of Cisco wireless local area networking solutions; end-to-end Cisco routing technology including Cisco 2600 and 3600 series modular multiservice access platforms; Cisco 7200 series multiservice routers; and the Cisco Catalyst 6000/6500 family of switches for high-speed, intelligent services enterprise switching. Through its deployment of the Cisco Aironet 340 Series of 11 megabits per second (Mbps) Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN) products, GDM can deliver standards-based, high-performance, wireless Internet access to business travelers. This means that anyone who is traveling through a Becon-networked airport, hotel or convention center can log on to the Internet through GDM's interactive browser and turn downtime into productive time.
GDM is one of the first companies to provide the business traveler wireless Internet access via a Cisco Powered Network. GDM's membership in the Cisco Powered Network program demonstrates its ability to provide industry-leading technology solutions and services that are based on Cisco solutions. As a Cisco Powered Network member, GDM can participate in Cisco co-marketing programs such as technology-sharing and joint selling. Together, GDM and Cisco are helping to create a New World communications infrastructure that will enable business communities to take advantage of leading-edge technologies and services.
Like a web portal with much more functionality, GDM's public Internet stations (branded as Becon) enable travelers to stay connected while away from their office or home. The Becon houses an Internet/information access terminal, with a 42-inch, high-resolution flat plasma display integrated at the top, delivering media-rich content via streaming video and audio.
When combined with Cisco Aironet 340 Series access points, each Becon can support secure, broadband wireless access for more than 500 users simultaneously and serves as a wireless portal to the Internet from a radius of up to 500 feet. In addition, the Becon can accommodate walk-up usage as a one-to-one Internet station. Travelers can conduct business, change flight and hotel reservations, check for the latest weather report or find out how the market is doing as if they were sitting in their office using their own computer. By using Cisco's high-performance networking equipment, GDM's Becon network features speeds up to 200 times faster than the standard 56k modem.
"Our goal is to create an ubiquitous wireless broadband network and to be regarded as the premier mobile portal for business travelers worldwide. Along with the partnership we have already developed with aviation security services provider ICTS, our new authorized CPN status helps validate our technology and further accelerates our time to market, bringing us one giant step closer to our vision," says Richard Garnick, GDM's president and CEO.
"High-speed wireless interactivity represents the next frontier in mobile communication services and Global Digital Media.com is among the pioneers leading the way. GDM demonstrates the kind of innovative technology Cisco supports, such as streaming video (IP/TV), voice over IP and broadband wireless. We're pleased to welcome GDM aboard as an affiliated Cisco Powered Network company," expressed Charlie Giancarlo, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Small and Medium Business Line of Business.
GDM is scheduled to deploy their Becon network later this spring at Boston's Logan International and Philadelphia International Airports. In addition to airports, the company is also considering Becon deployment at hotels, convention centers and malls. For more information, Global Digital Media.com can be reached by calling Andy Montone, Manager of Corporate Communications, at 1-877-777-8240. The company's web address is their name, www.globaldigitalmedia.com.
