SAN JOSE, Calif., July 16, 2001 - Cisco Systems Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today unveiled Cisco Any Service, Any Port (ASAP), a new architecture for its AS5000 Series of Universal Gateways that allows service providers to profitably meet end user demand for Internet services and applications available on any device at any time. With this unique architecture, voice, data, fax and mobile wireless services can be deployed on a single service provider edge network for the first time, significantly improving profitability and reducing recurring expenses.
In addition to adding a broad range of high-value VoIP services to data networks and vice versa, the ASAP architecture directly supports the deployment of crossover applications -- innovative, tightly integrated multimedia services that were impossible on voice-only or data-only networks.
Services that can be offered simultaneously on a single Cisco ASAP enabled network include:
- Mobile wireless voice and information portals
- Unified Communications messaging applications
- Integrated e-collaboration and e-conferencing services
- Mobile wireless WAP access
- Internet gaming
- Pre-paid calling cards
- Wholesale dial-up Internet access
- VoIP origination and termination
- Long-distance VoIP
- International VoIP
- Voice-over-DSL and Voice-over-Cable PSTN gateway
Successful Applications
Telnet Worldwide, a facilities-based carrier with headquarters in Troy, Michigan, United States, is deploying dial-up Internet, pre-paid and post-paid voice services based on the Cisco ASAP architecture. "The operational cost savings realized by deploying multiple services using a single infrastructure and the investment protection offered by Cisco ASAP is a compelling reason to choose Cisco Universal Gateways", said Mark Ianuzzi, President, Telnet Worldwide, telnetww.com.
Voice Access Technologies has built its wireless voice-driven application on the Cisco ASAP architecture that allows users to access their contact, calendar, e-mail and voice mail remotely as well as conduct voice dialing from their contact directory. Targeted at mobile wireless carriers, this new application enables users to access their personal data regardless of where they are, or what device they decide to use. "Cisco ASAP offers Voice Access Technology the flexibility and carrier-class reliability that our service provider customers demand," said Peter Olson, CEO, Voice Access Technologies.
"As service providers crystallize their long-term strategies to offer a mix of voice, data, wireless, and other services they have recognized the need for a unified IP network," said Tom Jenkins, director of Convergence Consulting for TeleChoice, Inc. "Universal gateways, such as the Cisco ASAP solution, allow providers to achieve that strategy cost effectively and also offer new revenue-generating services."
"The new Cisco ASAP architecture is designed to support the next generation applications that are a reality today," said Hoss Christensen, VP/GM, dial platforms at Cisco Systems. "Today's large market of dial users demand new applications that they can easily integrate into their lives - service providers who best address both these needs will benefit."
Cisco ASAP Application Environment Advantage
Cisco ASAP provides the right environment for developers to create innovative applications service providers need to generate profits. Cisco ASAP accomplishes this through:
- Open, programmable Universal Gateways
- Support for key standards such as VoiceXML, SIP, H.323 and MGCP
- Guaranteed network and individual gateway service level availability
- A complete range of supporting policy and accounting software
- The industry's widest range of ecosystem partner applications
Cisco ASAP—Cornerstone for Unified Networking
Cisco ASAP is based around the industry's broadest range of Universal Gateways, the Cisco AS5000 Series. The architecture includes a policy and accounting layer that maps applications to universal ports and vice versa, as well as providing key billing data. Taken as a whole, this architecture delivers market-leading flexibility, reliability and voice, data, fax and mobile wireless integration, while eliminating overlay networks to reduce recurring operations costs.
Available Now
Cisco ASAP, including AS5000 Universal Gateways and supporting software is shipping now from Cisco. The Cisco Universal Gateways include the AS5350, AS5400, and AS5850, with list prices starting at $14,400, $48,600, and $85,000 respectively.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com/news.
Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
