Integrated access devices are the instruments used by carriers in need of convergence.
Today, data and voice can transmit along the same circuits, and business customers demand a single broadband pipeline to serve all of their traffic. Now suppliers who want their share of the marketplace must be able to provide this service seamlessly, accurately and quickly.
The strengths of these integrated access solutions are low cost, flexibility and efficiency. With most installations, technicians require little or no training. By following the manufacturers’ enclosed instructions, technicians can install dozens of lines each day. This allows for large market penetration for carriers in a matter of weeks.
Another major advantage of these T1-based systems is that an integrated network manager replaces two T-1 lines (a voice line and a data line) with one. Carriers can easily shift between voice and data and lower customers’ local loop costs by nearly one-half each month.
Many integrated access solutions offer DSL transport as well as T-1 by transforming a relatively slow copper circuit into a faster one that produces 1.544-mbps. This benefits not only the customer, but also the supplier’s profits and competitive position.
Carriers can use integrated access solutions to manage their network deployment and marketing strategies. The wide range of services available by deploying this product allow a network operator to bundle services, resulting in quicker connections and more efficient use of bandwidth.
Efficiencies created by this are impressive. Rather than having to go to a value-added reseller or deal with several vendors, business owners can get all of their telecommunications services, including hardware and software applications, from a single provider.
Integrated access devices can also take over router functions because they are flexible. Many of the higher-end ones are upgradeable, either via software switches or with the addition of new boards. Because off-site support is crucial, these devices come with software for remote diagnostics and provisioning.
Voice compression is another area where streamlining is in demand. Today, you can encode a voice conversation at any speed with little or no voice quality degradation.
For a manager, the emergence of integrated access solutions allows the ability to offer a turnkey system and keep potential clients from shopping around to multiple vendors to complete overall communication strategies.
Beyond its low cost, flexibility and efficiency, the most compelling advantage to the overall convergence strategy is its ability to empower the customer. Business owners will no longer be at the mercy of what the carriers decide to offer. Instead, carriers can provide customers with broadband services cost effectively and on demand. John E. Nierzwicki ([email protected]) is president and CEO of U.S. Network, an authorized five-star distributor for SBC/Ameritech. Reach U.S. Network at (216) 696-7575.
