NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 23, 2000 - Igaea, a Nashville-based Internet Protocol (IP) services provider, today announced it will use networking solutions from Cisco Systems to deliver next-generation communications services over its global IP network to individual and business retail customers. With the deployment of its new network, Igaea will become the first Cisco Powered Network provider in Tennessee. The announcements mark Igaea's entry into the global IP market as a consumer-focused VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) start-up company.
Igaea employs a worldwide network of experienced telecommunications agents and re-sellers to bring consumers on every continent long distance telephony, data and fax transmission, conference calling and other enhanced services, including "one number follow me," unified messaging and basic Internet access.
"Igaea's strategic decision to work with Cisco enhances our ability to deploy a global VoIP network, shortening our time to market and accelerating our emergence as a state-of-the-art IP services provider," said Kirk Manz, chief executive officer of Igaea.
Igaea's network is based on a powerful combination of Cisco equipment including the Cisco VCO/4K open programmable switch for building a scalable, cost-effective network that supports the rapid deployment of wireline and wireless voice services; the award-winning, feature-rich Cisco AS5300/Voice Gateway for quickly and easily deploying revenue-generating voice and fax services; Cisco Access Path - VS3, a carrier class integrated voice gateway that leverages the flexibility of the Cisco Dial Access Stacking Architecture to deliver increasing density and performance; Cisco 3600 modular multiservice access platforms; and Cisco 7200 series multiservice routers.
VoIP technology enables the transmission of voice and fax over data networks, such as the Internet, by transforming the information into digitized packets and routing those packets over the network to their final destination. The packets are created, shipped and reconfigured by Cisco-built routers and gateways, providing seamless quality communications at a fraction of the cost of traditional circuit-switched networks.
"VoIP is revolutionizing the telecommunications industry," Manz said. "Using Cisco's New World products and technology, service providers now have tremendous opportunities to expand the quality and diversity of their product lines, offer both voice and data services, increase profitability and dramatically improve the speed at which personalized services reach consumers."
"Cisco is proud to work with Igaea - a company that understands the global importance of IP technology and that shares Cisco's vision to bring value-added services to consumers all over the world," said Kevin Outcalt, senior director of service provider marketing for Cisco. "Igaea customers and partners can be certain that they will receive industry-leading network services built on Cisco's high-performance, reliable and secure components."
Igaea has secured a commitment from Cisco for a loan facility of up to $60 million, to be used for the integration of Cisco networking products and services into their next generation IPnetwork. The company is currently concluding its second round of funding and will have its first IP gateways installed in New York, Los Angeles and Miami by the end of the summer. Within the next 24 months, Igaea plans to deploy more than 100 additional points of presence (POPs), domestically and abroad, projecting that its network will be capable of processing one billion minutes a month of VoIP traffic.
Igaea's participation in the Cisco Powered Network program will demonstrate its ability to provide industry-leading solutions and services that are based on Cisco equipment. Through the program, Igaea can take advantage of joint marketing, technology sharing and selling activities with Cisco.
"Igaea has brought together a group of people who not only understand the potential of technology, but have the marketing experience and savvy to hit the ground running with a substantial and expandable retail customer base," Manz said. "Our customers can look forward to packaged services at decreased rates - tailored to specific habits and lifestyle choices.
"Anyone can deliver bandwidth. The power of this company is its vision: the deployment of a global IP network as a platform for connecting and informing people around the world," Manz said. "This company is about people, bringing technology to people and helping them harness it for themselves. We are going to do more than just participate in the global communications marketplace, we're going to help create it."
About Igaea:
Igaea (eye-JEE-uh) is an emerging leader in IP communications services. A certified Cisco Powered Network provider, Igaea will offer customers an extensive array of carrier grade, phone-to-phone IP products and services including long distance, fax over IP, Internet access, data transmission, prepaid calling services, video conferencing, unified messaging and call-back services. For more information about Igaea, please visit: http://www.igaea.com.
