Fremont, CA — (press release excerpt) — Force Computers and Intel Corp. are working together on standards initiatives and development of interoperable building-blocks for Modular Communications Platforms (MCPs) that speed the development and lower the cost of equipment for next generation networks.

The Modular Communications Platform initiative combines standards-based hardware running Intel Architecture with carrier-grade operating systems. In addition, the MCP initiative includes APIs for High Availability (HA) middleware as defined by the Service Availability Forum, whose goal is to create and promote the open standards necessary to quickly build global communications systems for highly dependable voice, data and multimedia services.

To expand the total product offering and enable widespread application of carrier-grade Linux and AdvancedTCA, Force and Intel will align their roadmaps for silicon and board-level building-blocks. Both companies have also agreed to collaborate in promoting the time-to-market and total cost advantages enabled by the MCP approach for service providers and manufacturers of next generation network equipment.

In addition, as participants in the Carrier Grade Linux Working Group, managed by the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL), Force and Intel are working with other industry leaders to define and develop a consistent architecture and roadmap for Linux in telecom. As the first step to make products available, Force has optimized the EndurX 25K and Centellis CO family of HA systems to run on a carrier-grade Linux operating system. Relevant future Force systems implementing Intel Architecture board and HA systems will also support a carrier-grade Linux operating system.

As the first milestone in Force's development of MCP platforms, a carrier-grade Linux / HA demo will be prepped for the Intel Communications Summit, Oct. 14-16, Marriott Orlando World Center, Orlando, Fla. Using Force's EndurX 25K system for Ultra Availability services, it will show continuity of network resources in mission-critical applications and:

• Fully integrated, High Availability management software
• Full redundancy and 'six nines' capability with no single point of failure
• Carrier-grade Linux enhancements providing an OS foundation for HA

 
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