UUNET Introduces Access Optimization Service (AOS), Enabling Organizations To Manage Internet Bandwidth
MCI WorldCom Company Becomes First Internet Service Provider to Deliver Traffic Management Solution
FAIRFAX,Va., November 10, 1998 --- UUNET, an MCI WorldCom company and a global leader in Internet communications solutions, today introduced Access Optimization Service (AOS), the first Internet traffic management tool that enables organizations to monitor, manage and prioritize Internet access bandwidth. Available immediately to U.S. customers, AOS combines Xedia® Corporation's Access PointTM router equipment with training services from UUNET's engineers to deliver an easy-to-use resource for network administrators. AOS is sold only in conjunction with UUNET T-3 Tiered and Burstable Internet access services.
"The ability to manage and control network traffic has become a critical need for administrators, who must ensure the effective use of their Internet assets," said Alan Taffel, vice president of marketing at UUNET. "The Access Optimization Service is the first service to give customers the ability to manage access line bandwidth for specific network applications or corporate departments. This is another step for UUNET and for the industry at large in creating a higher level of quality of service."
Traffic Management
AOS gives corporate customers, Internet resellers and Web hosting providers the ability to manage their network resources so that access bandwidth can be allocated for specific users, departments, servers or applications. For example, network managers at large corporations can now ensure that bandwidth needed for mission-critical applications is not taken up by lower priority e-mail and Web browsing.
AOS utilizes Xedia's Access Point router to enable administrators to classify network traffic at the IP layer, with a simple hierarchy of IP address, IP protocol, and port ID. Each class is then assigned a value according to its bandwidth rate and characteristics. Network administrators, using a Web-based management interface, can monitor, adjust and control the levels of bandwidth allocated to these pre-assigned classes. AOS also generates management reports to facilitate organizational billing and usage.
Service Details
AOS is sold as a combination of training services from UUNET engineers and router technology from Xedia. UUNET's services include on-site training by UUNET engineers, as well as quarterly reviews. The Access Point router from Xedia is a multimegabit router that is fully compatible with existing network routers and switches and with any underlying network infrastructure technologies.
Pricing and Availability
AOS is available immediately to U.S. customers who purchase UUNET's Tiered or Burstable T-3 connection. Pricing for the Access Optimization Service is a one-time charge of $19,500, which includes the Xedia router and training services for the first year. Tiered or Burstable T-3 Internet connections are charged separately and start at $6000 for monthly service and $6000 for start-up costs. Additional information is available at UUNET's Web site, http://www.us.uu.net.
