Network Solutions Briefs: Nortel, 3Com, TI

Nortel and Juniper sign memo of understandingNortel Networks and Juniper Networks have signed a "memorandum of understanding" to jointly market, plan and implement optical core routing infrastructures for service providers. The two companies will ensure interoperability between Nortel's OPTera optical switching and transport systems and Juniper's M-series Internet core routers. The companies will also propose Nortel's Preside software platform for service provisioning and management. Juniper will benefit from Nortel's installed base of customers, the companies say. Nortel's optical infrastructure carries 75 per cent of Internet traffic in North America and 50 per cent in Europe, Nortel claims, citing data from analyst firms RHK and the Yankee Group. Juniper backbone routers are currently deployed in most of the world's largest IP networks. The two companies say they are in the process of finalising the alliance documentation.

3Com acquires Internet radio company

3Com has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kerbango, which develops Internet radios, for $US80 million. With this acquisition, 3Com says it can now offer a complete Internet audio solution for the home and office. Kerbango makes a stand-alone Internet radio, a radio tuning system and a radio Web site. 3Com intends to license this technology. The transaction is scheduled to close during 3Com's first fiscal 2001 quarter. The acquisition follows an investment made previously by 3Com Ventures - a venture capital group within 3Com that funds emerging technology companies. The Kerbango Internet Radio lets people listen to Internet radio without any connection to a personal computer.www.3com.comTI acquires Dot WirelessTexas Instruments has agreed to purchase third-generation Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology company Dot Wireless, the company has announced. Texas Instruments will purchase the privately held, three-year-old company for $US450 million in stock, said Jamie Anderson, a spokesman for Texas Instruments. Anderson said he believes the acquisition will help Texas Instruments grow as the market moves from the second generation of digital phones in current use to third-generation, called 3G, technology, which will help mobile phones support data transmission as well as voice. Dot Wireless' development and marketing of CDMA technology will give Texas Instruments broader reach into multiple wireless standards, he added.www.ti.com