September 5, 2008 -- Global Crossing, a provider of telecommunications services over a proprietary integrated global IP-based network, announced that it has become a member of the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), the global industry alliance comprising more than 150 organizations, including telecommunications service providers, cable operators, multi-service operators (MSOs), network equipment and test vendors, software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations.
The MEF's stated mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services by developing technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide. IDC predicts the market for U.S. Carrier Ethernet services will grow to $6 billion in 2012 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36 percent from 2007 to 2012.
"By actively participating in the decision-making processes of the MEF, Global Crossing can influence the implementation of emerging standards and promote alignment with the company's suite of Ethernet Services, both existing and new," comments Gary Breauninger, Global Crossing's chief marketing officer. "By working to build consensus among service providers, equipment vendors and end customers, we can facilitate the delivery of Ethernet services and further the exciting evolution of Carrier Ethernet-based core, metro and access networks."
"We are pleased to have Global Crossing join the MEF membership ranks," remarks Nan Chen, MEF president. "Critical to the MEF's success to date has been the outstanding participation from our growing stable of global service provider members. We look forward to substantial contributions from the Global Crossing team as we continue to embark on important initiatives that enable the growth of Carrier Ethernet globally."
Global Crossing's current Ethernet services include: Global Crossing Ethersphere for point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-multipoint applications; Global Crossing Etherline for point-to-point applications; and Global Crossing EtherWave(sm) for point-to-point connectivity over a fiber-optic network using dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) at 10 Gbps. Global Crossing also offers Ethernet Access Services for seamless end-to-end Ethernet connectivity. Other services are in development, says the provider.
"The U.S. market for Carrier Ethernet services is growing dramatically," concludes Boyd Chastant, research director for Advanced Network Services at IDC. "Ethernet is increasingly used by customers to connect new sites and support new applications and initiatives. Ethernet is displacing legacy services such as private line, frame relay and ATM. As an access solution, it is also enabling VPN and DIA services."
On the Web:
www.globalcrossing.com
http://blogs.globalcrossing.com
www.metroethernetforum.org
www.idc.com
