3Com Corp. Tuesday laid out its strategy
for expanding in the infrastructure space by delivering its e-Networks
tools to service providers.
Based on its CommWorks architecture, 3Com (COMS)
plans to deliver packet-based networking tools for service providers by
enabling ISPs and others to consolidate their existing disparate
infrastructures for remote access, IP telephony, wireless data, and
broadband access into a single, integrated IP network for the delivery of
multiple services.
Other components of its networking strategy include increasing its position
as provider of carrier-class Internet access systems and offer a
standards-based IP environment with open interfaces.
In conjunction with the strategy, 3Com Tuesday released the newest
version of its CommWorks IP telephony platform. Phase one of CommWorks
Enhanced Services delivers services including retail IP telephony
applications, fax-over-IP and Interactive Voice Response for service
providers.
Phases two and three are planned to be released soon with features
including Web conferencing, universal messaging, voice virtual private
networks and directory services.
“The convergence of voice, data and video into a packet-switched IP network
lowers the entry costs for new service providers and enables them to
quickly and cost-effectively introduce new value-added services,” said
Houman Modarres, director, Internet telephony product management, 3Com
Carrier Systems. “Our CommWorks IP telephony architecture gives service
providers the ability to create new revenue streams while maximizing
customer retention.”
3Com’s e-Networks strategy follows the company’s recent partnerships —
with Net2Phone Inc. (NTOP)
earlier this month to offer Voice over IP (VoIP) modems, and in December
with USWeb/CKS (USWB)
to develop, market and deliver wireless applications for the mobile
workplace and converged voice, video and data tools.
