(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 25, 2003 ) Boston, MA—IGI Consulting, a well known consultancy and provider of business intelligence and technology reporting in the field of telecommunications, has completed a major study on a new category of network elements that promise to transform metro-optical networks. The study, entitled "Godboxes, Multiservice Switching Platforms in the Metro", focuses on a large group of hybrid network devices popularly known as godboxes which are designed to support a number of protocols and service offerings simultaneously.

The purpose behind most of the godboxes on the market today is to maintain legacy circuit and cell based services while at the same time allowing the network operator to provision the newer packet based services in a bandwidth efficient manner. Godboxes bridge a voicecentric past with a datacentric future, and, at the same time, most offer autoprovisioning capabilities that increase service velocity regardless of the type protocol deployed. The majority of godboxes also combine electronic switching with wavelength switching and include optical transponders.

The report covers all of the major vendors of these devices, which includes giants such as Cisco and Nortel as well as a host of startups, and elucidates the often subtle differences in engineering and design approaches embodied in these products. The report also explains emerging convergence standards such as next generation SONET, Resilient Packet Ring, and Multiprotocol Label Switching associated with the devices. Detailed projections of market growth based upon both existing carrier contracts and production of specialized chips for such products are also included, as well as a thorough analysis of market drivers and barriers to adoption.

This study represents the first comprehensive consideration of category which is coming to dominate new product offerings in the metro space. As such it is indispensable for both service providers and manufacturers seeking an overview of an important emerging market. Price is $2,900 for hardcopy, $3995 for electronic. For more information visit www.IGIgroup.com or contact Patty Hoffman at phoffman@igigroup.com or 617-782-5033.

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