MAY 15, 2007 -- Optimum Lightpath, the business broadband service provider of Cablevision Systems Corp., has launched Voice over Metro Ethernet, which it claims is the first carrier-class voice service delivered over Metro Ethernet by a cable MSO.
Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet service, which is available today, expands the company's Metro Ethernet data services portfolio.
Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet service was created through collaboration among Optimum Lightpath, NEC Unified Solutions, and Cisco. Voice over Metro Ethernet will leverage Optimum Lightpath's fiber-optic network, spanning more than 2,700 route miles throughout northern New Jersey, Connecticut, and the New York metropolitan area. The offering also will take advantage of the Cisco Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager Express providing call processing for IP phones and NEC's network and equipment service management expertise.
A managed voice service, Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet will enhance productivity and streamline operations for mid- and large-sized business through advanced unified communications functionality and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to traditional premise-based PBX systems, according to the carrier. Businesses can take advantage of the Voice over Metro Ethernet service to retain more control over their voice and unified communications' applications using premise-based equipment than is typically available with a hosted IP-based offering, Optimum Lightpath adds.
"Voice over Metro Ethernet's innovation is bringing together Layer 2 and Layer 3 into one service, substantially increasing the simplicity and value of IPT [IP telephony] to the enterprise," said Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president, enterprise hardware and software infrastructure, Yankee Group. "The offering put forth by Optimum Lightpath, NEC, and Cisco allows enterprises to outsource the entire IPT life cycle using the Ethernet as the underlying transport technology."
"Voice over Metro Ethernet fulfills the promise that was hoped to be delivered through VoIP. It offers the certainty of service and quality of performance businesses require today," said David Pistacchio, general manager, Optimum Lightpath. "Our collaboration with NEC and Cisco marries the best in network, service, and equipment to provide superior solutions to companies in the Tri-State area. These businesses can now get their Internet, data, and voice services from Optimum Lightpath through its award-winning Metro Ethernet technology."
Voice over Metro Ethernet is a fully bundled, turnkey service that features transparent, flat-rate pricing. As part of the service, customers also receive a periodic technical refresh that has the IP PBX and phones upgraded or replaced every five years.
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