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Cisco and Skype: What Does it Mean for You?

September 1st, 2010

What happens when the a networking and computer hardware company giant like Cisco teams up with an Internet communications company like Skype?  It could mean a very bright future in the world of technology.  TechCrunch, a blog that reports on technology stated last month that Cisco put in an offer to acquire Skype. This all comes before Skype, which is known for its Internet telephony that allows people to connect and speak on the phone through their web-based computers and other devices all over the world, can make an Initial Public Offering.

Skype, which was created in 2003 and is based in Luxembourg, announced plans to list on the NASDAQ early in August. Cisco’s offer came a few weeks later.

So if Cisco succeeds and acquiring Skype and Skype’s telephony technologies, what will happen?

Cisco currently offers a wide range of Internet telephony options, delivering benefits of converged networks while continuing to provide scalable, reliable, and secure communications that take advantage of WAN and LAN.  With IP telephony lines like the Cisco Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) products which are standards-based and designed for enterprise and SMB environments, theVG200 series that supports existing traditional analog devices, and the 7900 Series that provides superior audio quality and advanced services, Cisco has been a leader in IP telephony for years. While they’ve excelled in advanced IP telephony hardware, Cisco has always relied on existing VoIP technology to make their devices work. Skype developed a technology superior to the standard telephone network. Using Skype, individuals can place voice and video calls over the Internet, calling others free of charge and connecting with land lines or mobile devices at considerably low rates.

Cisco’s interest in Skype is no surprise. Recently, the computer networking hardware company has begun to reach into software services, tablet computers, and video-conferencing technologies as well as digital video recorders with last year’s purchase of Pure Digital Technologies.

The Latest and Greatest from Extreme Networks

August 30th, 2010

What do Black Diamond, Alpine, and Summit all have in common? Besides references to skiing that is? That’s right! They’re all switches from Extreme Network (Summit switches are fixed configuration while Black Diamond and Alpine are modular). And if you already knew that, then you may be interested in knowing that Extreme Networks, in April of 2010, announced a new network solution at Interop Las Vegas. It’s the highly scalable VIM3-40G4X which adds four 40 GbE connections to the award-winning Summit(R) X650 Top-of-Rack stackable switches for $3,995, or less than $1,000 per port. Now that’s a deal!

This new VIM3-40G4X is fully compatible with the existing Summit X650 and Summit X480 stackable switches. This is ideal in preserving customers’ investments while still providing an effortless upgrade to greatly increased scalability of data centers — both virtualized and non-virtualized.

At Interop Las Vegas, Extreme Networks demonstrated the VIM3-40G4X installed in a Summit X650 stackable switch in a “Top-of-Rack” configuration connected to the BlackDiamond(R) 8800 chassis with a four port 40 GbE module configured as the Data Center core to show the power this switch can lend a network. All of the industry-leading features of the ExtremeXOS(R) modular operating system, including Layer 2/Layer 3 forwarding, redundancy and resiliency features such as EAPS, and the ability to bond together multiple links, are implemented at 40 GbE speeds.

Pricing and Availability: Extreme Networks VIM3-40G4X for the Summit X650 series switch will be in customer trial in the third quarter of 2010 and customer shipment follows at the U.S. list price of $3,995. We think it’s well worth the price.

The Basics of Cisco AutoQoS

August 25th, 2010

If you’re familiar with Cisco networking hardware, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Cisco AutoQoS.’ But what is it and how does it differ from Cisco QoS? Cisco AutoQoS, as an innovative technology,  minimizes the time, complexity,  and operating cost of QoS deployment. Cisco AutoQoS works with Cisco IOS Software and Cisco Catalyst Operating Service to incorporate value-added intelligence and manage large-scale QoS deployments.

Cisco AutoQoS is like a captain of the ship and Cisco QoS is the First Mate. AutoQoS automates consistent, reliable deployment of QoS features across Cisco switches and routers. It senses changes in the network environment and enables various Cisco QoS components and Cisco best-practice recommendations. With the increased prominence of delay-sensitive applications like voice, video, and other multimedia applications deployed in networks today, proper QoS configuration ensures high-quality application performance.

AutoQoS solves several user problems. Typically, QoS network design and implementation over multiple LAN and WAN sites is labor intensive and complex. Customers who wish  to reduce provisioning errors, deployment time,  and operating expenses can optimize their network for the applications, while retaining the flexibility to subsequently fine-tune QoS.

MLCP Slashes Prices on Popular Switch Models this Month

August 16th, 2010

Alternative Cisco provider MULTI-LINK Communications Products (MLCP) just slashed prices on several popular Cisco networking hardware components including the WS-X6748-GE-TX in the highly regarded 6500 Series. The price reductions came after the leading alternative Cisco provider secured a large inventory of new and pre-owned components from a company that was going out of business. “We maintain a huge inventory of Cisco routers, switches, transceivers, you name it,” explains Eric Tanaka, President of MLCP. “It’s rare that we secure so many new components that we have to actually worry about where we can warehouse them. In this case, we had so much coming in that we had no choice but to do everything we could to move some of the products as quickly as we could.”

The Cisco WS-X6748-GE-TX, or Catalyst 6500 Series 48-Port 10/100/1000 RJ-45 Cisco Express Forwarding 720 Interface Module, was designed for service provider and enterprise distribution, data-center, and Web-hosting apps that do not require voice capability. The product is field-upgradable with the addition of the optional distributed forwarding daughter card allowing it to support distributed forwarding. Designed for high-performance enterprise and service provider distribution, core layers, data-center, and Web-hosting applications where voice capability is not required, the WS-X6748-GE-TX is compatible with Supervisor Engine 720, and utilizes the central Cisco Express Forwarding engine which is located on the supervisor engine. The Cisco WS-X6748-GE-TX connects to the switch-fabric channels by utilizing two 20 Gbps switch-fabric channels (for a total of 40 Gbps). “It’s an incredibly reliable, scalable switch,” says Ryan Jensen of Thinking Grove, Inc., a company that just upgraded much of its hardware through MLCP earlier this month. “You can’t go wrong with Cisco. And with MLCP’s prices, we saved at least thirty thousand dollars or more in our upgrade so I guess you could say you can’t go wrong with MULTI-LINK either.”

“This item is a case study of how our business, and our market works,” explains Tanaka. It’s 100 percent supply and demand. Twelve months ago, [the price was] where it is now and over the last year it’s gone all the way up to $ 8500, and now – again – it’s back down to about $5,000. We were quoting $7,500 as recently as March!” Inventory space is limited so when the supply of a certain product is significantly increased due to an acquisition of inventory, customers reap the benefits by paying less. In this case, the WS-X6748-GE-TX is being offered by MLCP for 67% less than the manufacturer’s price. But that’s not the only special. Several router models are also marked down for quick sale including Ethernet models with PoE in the 2800 Series and 3800 Series which are 84% off the manufacturer’s price and retailing for less than $1,000. “We need to get the word out to our customers and potential new customers that if they’ve been considering upgrading their hardware, now is a terrific time to do it,” Tanaka says. “We always save our customers money, but right now, we can save them even more.”

Since 1995, MULTI-LINK Communications has been a reliable supplier of network hardware and equipment from Cisco and other companies like Juniper, Foundry, and many more. The company buys used equipment for generous trade-in credit or cash, and sells both new and refurbished equipment at discount prices. Whether you need to replace a simple network cable, or upgrade to an entirely new network with higher-performing Cisco routers, start and end your search with MLCP.

Product of the Month: Cisco’s WS-C3750V2-24PS-S Switch

August 15th, 2010

Summer is here and that means it’s time to pick a new product of the month. For August, we’ve chosen the WS-C3750V2-24PS-S from industry leader Cisco Systems.

Why do we like it? The top reason is its features. The Cisco WS-C3750V2-24PS-S features 24 Ethernet 10/100 ports and 2 SFP-based Gigabit Ethernet ports, IPv6, a 32-Gbps, wire rate backplane, and an IP Base software feature set. With370W available for PoE, allowing 15.4W to all ports, the WS-C3750V2-24PS-S is a next-generation energy-efficient Layer 3 Fast Ethernet stackable switch.

Another reason to love this component is because it saves money. This 1RU fixed-configuration, multilayer switch consumes less power than its predecessors and is the ideal access layer for enterprise, retail, and branch-office environments. The WS-C3750V2-24PS-S increases productivity and investment protection by enabling a unified network for data, voice, and video. Reduced power consumption not only lowers overall operational costs, but falls in line with environmental sustainability which is something we should all be focusing on.

The Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series switches represent the next generation of desktop switches featuring Cisco StackWiseT technology. Designed to improve LAN operating efficiency by combining industry-leading ease of use and the highest resiliency available for stackable switches, the Catalyst 3750 Series switches are available used, refurbished & new through MULTI-LINK.

How Alternative Cisco Providers Sell for Less

August 10th, 2010

If you’ve spent any time at all perusing computer networking hardware online, than you’ve probably discovered that there are companies out there called ‘Alternative Cisco Providers.’ These companies sell Cisco routers, switches, transceivers, etc. and offer them for much less than Cisco’s distribution chain. How can they do this and still make a profit? Are they legitimate? Should you consider purchasing from them to save money or play it ’safe’ and stick with buying directly from Cisco?  Here’s what you need to know.

First, some of these companies are legitimate and some aren’t. How can you tell which is which?  Like any internet company, there are tell-tale signs when a company is reliable and legitimate.  Is there an 800 number so that you can reach a live person? No? Don’t bother. Yes? That’s a good sign.  Look to see if the company warrants the products they sell. No? Skip ‘em. Yes? Another good sign. One company, MULTI-LINK Communications Products based in Torrance, California offers new and pre-owned Cisco hardware and offers a standard one-year warranty on every product it sells. In some cases, this is four times longer than what Cisco warrants the same product new! We’re impressed. Take some time looking at the company’s website. What’s their history? How long have they been in business? If they’ve survived more than ten years, that’s an indicator that they’re doing something right. If they just started up, or don’t mention how long they’ve been in business, they’re more likely to be out of business before you need to cash in on that warranty protection.

How do these companies offer products so much cheaper?  The good ones are constantly scouring the internet for used hardware and maintain an inventory of products that their in-house technician refurbishes. If they don’t have an inventory, chances are they’re not going to ship your product quickly because they still have to locate the item. By offering trade-in credit to customers who want to upgrade their old equipment, they keep the inventory stocked and can draw from companies all over the globe to find the components they need.

Is it worth it for you to consider buying from them? Absolutely.  What Cisco won’t tell you is that if you purchase from an alternative Cisco provider, it won’t negate your service agreement with Cisco. They simply won’t service that particular component because you didn’t purchase it from them. That’s fine though. The company you did purchase it from will service or replace it as long as it’s still under warranty.  Buying equipment refurbished, or leasing it, can mean savings tens of thousands of dollars in an upgrade.  Even brand new components sell from these companies for less. The reality is, many companies are forced to go to an alternative Cisco provider when they encounter a crisis, equipment goes down, and Cisco’s lead time is too long.  They try the alternative provider and then satisfied with the results, continue to purchase equipment from them.

Three Technology Heavy Hitters: Who Are They?

August 3rd, 2010

Nothing has changed our personal and professional lives in the past fifteen years as much as technology. Computer networking and the internet has sped up the evolution of business practices, social networking, and commerce faster than any invention since the automobile. Which companies are on the cutting edge of technological evolution? These are the companies that will continue to change our lives, our culture, and our perception of the world in the years to come.

1. Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO). Headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco is the is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Founded in 1984 by a husband and wife team, Cisco has evolved from Enterprise and Service Provider solutions to addressing customer needs in many other segments including Small, Consumer and Commercial. Innovative at designing and manufacturing computer networking hardware and software like integrated services routers, access switches, security features, and more, Cisco focuses on creating “the human network” which seeks to connect people to people through various devices while keeping critical data secure. Cisco is one of the most socially responsible companies as well, focusing on environmental sustainability, green manufacturing, and the development of economic systems in poverty-stricken countries.

2. Oracle. As the gold standard for database technology and applications in enterprises throughout the world, the company is the world’s leading supplier of information management software and the world’s second largest independent software company. Created more than 30 years ago, Oracle is the first software company to develop and deploy 100 percent internet-enabled enterprise software across its entire product line: database, business applications, application development, and decision support tools. The company has more than 370,000 customers—including 100 of the Fortune 100.

3.  Apple. As a multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computer devices, Apple has revolutionized the way some sectors do business and has certainly touched the lives of many individuals.  The ipod, ipad, Mac mini, and iphone are just a few of the company’s technological contributions. The company has had several ups and downs but innovation has ensured a comeback each time. To this day, Apple creates the best computers and compatible software for artistic functions like movie editing, graphic design, and more.


When is it Time to Upgrade Networking Hardware?

July 29th, 2010

Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly when it’s time to upgrade networking hardware. And even more difficult, how do you plan for that in your budget months, sometimes nearly a year before you actually need it?  Here are some rules of thumb that will help you know if your networking hardware is good to go for another stretch, or ready to be recycled:

1. You find yourself needing options and features that your current system doesn’t offer. When this happens, most people react by finding the additional service they need and adding it to their current system. For example, you may have a router that offers voice features but leaves something to be desired when it comes to the latest security features. Instead of adding a security component, consider upgrading the entire system to an integrated services router like the Cisco C2911-VSEC-SRE/K9. It may be less expensive and more efficient in the long run.

2. You find your power consumption is through the roof.  Integrated services routers and newer switch components use less power than the older models that don’t unify and simplify features.  You can reduce your operational costs on an annual basis by simply upgrading which may offset the price of the upgrade (and it’s also better for the environment).

3. You find that you’re constantly replacing components. Like a car, networking hardware will age and with age comes issues.  If your network is down enough, you’re already losing money and productivity by waiting for repairs or spare parts to come in. If this is happening, it’s time to trade in that old network hardware and upgrade to something newer. This doesn’t need to be costly though.  Some reputable alternative Cisco providers offer pre-owned equipment with warranties longer than Cisco offers on the same equipment new!  And more often than not, purchasing used equipment won’t negate a service contract with Cisco.  Cisco won’t repair the item they didn’t sell you, but you’re covered by the company you purchased it from for much longer anyway, so you’re better off.

Happy 25th Birthday, Cisco!

July 24th, 2010

Cisco Systems, the global leader in networking that constantly strives to transform how people communicate, connect,  and collaborate, is celebrating its 25th year of technology innovation, corporate social responsibility, and operational excellence.  If you’re not aware of Cisco’s presence in almost every industry, you may want to move out of that cave you’ve been living in.

Cisco not only manufactures cutting edge routers, switches, software, and telephony, they’re contribution to Telepresence seems to be the buzzword. Even five-Time NBA Champion Derek Fisher is using Cisco TelePresence to meet press from Japan, Greater China, and Asia Pacific.  Hey, if it’s good enough for Derek Fisher, it’s good enough for me.

Not many companies make the contributions in a quarter of a decade that Cisco has.  And I’m not just talking in the field of technology. Sure, they’ve created software and hardware that makes it easier for our businesses to connect with customers, keep critical data secure, and even make the operation of those systems more efficient and more ‘green,’ but I’m talking about something even better. Cisco is a leader in social responsibility.   Cisco constantly strives in an area they call ‘Corporate Social Responsibility.’  While their networking innovations help to increase the environmental sustainability of the products and operations we use everyday all over the world, Cisco is also investing in the future through education, economic development, critical  human needs, and support for non-profits.

It’s nice to see a company that’s socially aware and truly a leader, show others how it’s done (or at least how it should be done).  So happy birthday, Cisco.  And many, many more.

50 Ways to Go Green at Home and Work

July 18th, 2010

Here are fifty quick tips on going green:

1. Use reusable canvas bags at the grocery store instead of plastic.

2. Recycle paper, plastic, and glass, or donate your recyclables to a school that will.

3. If you live in an apartment complex that has no recycling bin, offer to start one and maintain it.

4. Create a ‘going green’ newsletter in your neighborhood giving tips on how to recycle and recycling locations.

5. Purchase IT products that perform several functions instead of one like the C2811-SHDSL-V3/K9 integrated services router.

6. Buy a water filter pitcher at home and work instead of buying individual bottled waters.

7. Shut off water while brushing your teeth.

8. Don’t water plants and grass during the hottest part of the day.  Water in the evening as the sun goes down so that the water doesn’t evaporate.

9. Use a waterless product to wash your car like RejuvenateAuto.

10. Unplug appliances when going away– even on short weekend trips.

11. Offer coffee mugs at work instead of foam or paper cups.

12. Wash dishes in the sink when there’s not enough to fill the dishwasher.

13. Ride your bike to the bank instead of driving your car.

14. Instead of turning heat up in the winter, wear warmer clothes and add more blankets to beds.

15. Choose Electronic Products Environmental Assessment (EPEAT)-registered products.

16. Buy non-perishable items in larger quantities to cut down on packaging. It will save you money as well.

17. Buy recycled products to encourage other companies to become more eco-friendly.

18. Use light bulbs that draw less current.

19. Compost!

20. Try carpooling or taking mass transit.

21. Pay bills online and ask them to stop sending paper statements. It’s also safer, protecting you from identity theft.

22. Use telepresence technology for sales presentations, training,  project collaboration, and other group activities.

23. Donate old clothes to the Salvation Army. It supports their cause and reduces the number of new products manufactured.

24. Allow employees to work from home one day a week or switch to four 10-hour work days to reduce gas emissions of commuting.

25. Use plastic, reusable containers to store food instead of plastic storage bags.

26. When remodeling your home, consider alternative energy additions like solar power.

27.  Plant an herb garden instead of buying them from a store.

28.  Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.

29.  Wash laundry with cold water instead of hot.

30. Recycle computer networking hardware by selling or donating it to a refurbishing company. Your old hardware can not only make you some extra cash, but will end up refurbished in someone else’s network instead of a land fill.

31. Opt out of prescreened credit card offers to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

32. Ask potential vendors to send brochures and product literature via email instead of in a tangible form.

33. Add “Please consider the environment before printing this email” to all outgoing emails. It will remind others not to print frivolously and waste paper.

34. Fix leaky faucets and toilets that run incessantly.

35. Install motion-detecting light fixtures in restrooms at work. It not only saves energy but reduces the spread of germs.

36. Line dry clothes whenever possible instead of using a dryer.

37. Collect rainwater. Use it to water plants and wash outside decks instead of a hose.

38. Drink ‘Fair-Trade’ coffee at work and at home.

39. Use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins and paper towels.

40. Cut down on the length of your showers. Take a relaxing bath instead.

41. Stop smoking!

42. Populate your lawn with plants that require less water.

43.  Buy locally raised produce from the farmer’s market. Products that don’t need to be shipped across the country save the gas it takes to transport them.

44. Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned.  When you do dry clean, choose one that is eco-friendly.

45. Spend a little more for high-quality products that will last longer.

46. Donate old cell phones to an organization that will recycle them like Cell Phones for Soldiers.

47. Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle.

48. Become a better driver. Slow down and avoid going back and forth between the gas and brake in heavy traffic. It saves gas and reduces emissions.

49. Activate the sleep settings on idle monitors and PCs.

50. Replace old toilets with new, low-flow ones.