Gaining access to integrated access: Telco Systems scoops up Synaptyx

Acknowledging the inevitable trend toward increased need for packet-based network access gear, Telco Systems announced last week that it would acquire Synaptyx, a manufacturer of integrated access equipment.

Telco Systems previously held a 16% stake in the company. The buy is intended to expand the technology base of its access holdings.

"An efficient integration of packet and time division multiplexing technologies is required," said William Smith, president and CEO of Telco Systems. "Synaptyx was very compatible with our vision, particularly our movement toward a more data-friendly, packet-based architecture."

The Synaptyx T-1 integrated access device is targeted at competitive carriers serving the growing small to medium-sized business and branch office markets (see figure). It will be marketed by Telco Systems as EdgeLink300.

The acquisition gives Synaptyx a way to get quick market entry and access to Telco Systems' carrier contacts and brand recognition.

"This market developed so fast that we had to get bigger to compete," said Tony Surak, vice president of sales at Synaptyx. "They had a distribution channel that we could take advantage of right away. We have found that a lot of CLECs want to buy from the established players."

Synaptyx will retain its identity as the Maryland technology development center for Telco Systems and can now concentrate on enhancing the product, said John Phillips, vice president of marketing at Synaptyx.

Competitive local exchange carrier Vitts Networks has completed a trial of the EdgeLink300 in its system in New Hampshire.

"The low-capacity TDM market is pushing further out to the edge of the network to provide more bandwidth to smaller businesses," said Dave Marble, vice president of product marketing at Telco Systems. Dan O'Shea contributed to this story.