IBM Announces New and Enhanced Managed Network Services; Adopts V.90 Standard for 56 Kbps Dial Access
Other Enhancements Include New Firewall Security for IBM Managed Data Network Services and e-Commerce for IBM Content Hosting Services
Somers, NY (February 24, 1998) – Building on its rapidly expanding portfolio of e-business solutions, IBM today announced new and enhanced managed network services, including its intent to provide a swift deployment of the recently adopted V.90 international standard for remote access dial speeds up to 56 Kbps over the IBM Global Network.
Also announced today were:
A new firewall feature to provide enhanced security for IBM Managed Data Network Services customers; and
IBM Content Hosting Services e-Commerce, a new component that provides customers with the business tools, services and interfaces to create and manage an online storefront, manage orders and process credit cards on an e-Commerce Web site hosted by IBM.
“IBM was first to market with a major global deployment of 56 Kbps technology and we plan to be first with a global roll out of technology using the new V.90 international standard,” said Dick Anderson, general manager for network services within IBM Global Services. “This deployment is further evidence of IBM’s commitment to provide our customers with easy, fast and reliable access to their e-business applications and to connect to intranets, extranets or the Internet for the price of a local phone call from almost anywhere they work or travel.”
The new V.90 international standard was adopted at a February 5, 1998 meeting of the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva. IBM’s implementation is expected to be swift because its unique Local Interface Gateways uses software downloads to upgrade the network to new and enhanced technologies and industry standards.
IBM Managed Data Network Services Remote Access
IBM Managed Data Network Services provides essential TCP/IP, multiprotocol and SNA connectivity, network and change management, and security capabilities that help make it easier to link remote or local employees, customers and trading partners while managing business expenses.
Today’s remote access enhancements of IBM Managed Data Network Services provide customers with improved speed, coverage, control and support for remote access offerings from IBM Global Services. They offer customers reliable, end-to-end, managed switched access data solutions for their mobile or remote user requirements. Local dial calls are now available from more than 1,100 points in 52 countries. Speeds up to 56 Kbps (limited by law in the United States to 53.3 Kbps) using x2 technology from 3COM are now available from more than 600 locations in 11 countries, and are expected to be quickly upgraded to the new V.90 international standard. In addition, 128 Kbps using ISDN is now available in 12 countries.
A new fenced Internet feature allows customers a measure of control over employee Internet usage because access can be limited to specific servers or sub-nets. Limiting access in this way can improve employee productivity and security. Planned availability dates for the United States, Latin America, Europe, Canada and Asia/Pacific are March 1998.
In addition, the multiprotocol tunneling feature is now supported in the U.S. for the large number of Windows 3.1 users in addition to Windows NT and Windows 95 users. Remote Office Gold from Stampede Technologies, Inc. is being provided as part of the Windows 3.1 support, enabling users to place a local call to connect via the IBM Global Network to their LAN applications as if they were physically connected to the LAN. IP, IPX and NetBIOS protocols are supported.
And, under an agreement with IBM, Cyberlink Technologies, Inc. will provide, at no charge, Basic Rate Interface ISDN line ordering and provisioning assistance in the U.S. Optionally, and for an additional charge, CyberLink also will provide an IBM Global Services attachment-tested ISDN adapter and on-site implementation assistance. This service will allow customers to implement high speed remote access for their remote and mobile workers more easily, quickly and with minimal effort.
Source: IBM