Briefs: IBM, Nortel Unveil Mainframe Links

IBM Corp. has announced Fiber Saver, an optical connectivity technology that allows mainframe links at distances of up to 25 miles. The product is the first offering from IBM's agreement with Nortel Networks and is scheduled to ship Feb. 25. IBM didn't disclose pricing details.

Sybase Supports Sun's Cluster 2.2

Sybase Inc. in Emeryville, California, has released native Sun Microsystems Inc. Cluster 2.2 support for Sybase's primary database product, Adaptive Server Enterprise 12.0. The database, which was released in the third quarter of 1999, is more tightly integrated with Sun's Solaris operating system on the Sun 32-bit and 64-bit platforms.

Cable Modem Shipments

Worldwide shipments of cable modems were expected to reach 3 million last year, according to estimates from market researcher Dataquest. Dataquest predicts 1999 to be the last year that cable modems based on proprietary standards will outsell standards-based modems. "With the PC now morphing into a communications device in the home, the unrelenting high visibility of everything Internet as well as the rapidly expanding market for remote teleworkers and home offices, cable modem-based Internet access offers what consumers want at a highly competitive price point," said Dataquest analyst Patti Reali.http://www.dataquest.comOctane Releases Web CRM SuiteOctane Software Inc. in San Mateo, California, has released an Internet-based customer relationship management suite (CRM), called Octane 2000. The product has interfaces and tools for linking the suite to databases that perform e-commerce tasks. The suite includes applications for order management, campaign management, self-service and assisted-service, plus enhancements to Octane's e-mail management, computer/telephony integration and call control.http://www.octaneinc.comFrame Relay on RiseDespite competition from IP networks, spending on frame relay will increase 23 percent this year, predicts a report from The Insight Research Corp. The increase in spending, to US$1.14 billion, will be driven by several factors, including improved standards, more reliable networking equipment and the globalization of business networks, according to the report. However, the report predicts that by 2004, growth in the frame-relay market will slow due to the completion of new fiber-optic cables, an increase in overseas transmission capacity and competition from IP-based networks.http://www.insight-corp.com