GNP shrinks CO computing footprint

GNP Computers is rolling out a single-board line that streamlines network control and service provisioning hardware in the central office.

The CommServer line consists of three units: the CommServer mp4 and mp4+, multiprocessor units based on Sun Microsystems' AXmp motherboard; and the CommServer i, based on Sun's AXi motherboard. The different designs help meet different needs. The line complies with Bellcore's Network Equipment Building Level 3 standards, a feature that will allow equipment vendors and their customers to use it for critical applications.

The goal of the CS line is to make it easier to incorporate GNP's platforms into overall telecom solutions, said GNP President Roger Baar. The company provides platforms for applications such as network management, enhanced services, virtual private networks (VPNs) and SS7. Previous designs have been in modular formats, while the CS line can incorporate multiple functions into a single, rack-mountable box.

GNP's devices are usually attached directly to switches to provide some adjunct functionality, but they can also serve as stand-alone devices for VPNs and some other applications, Baar said.

The CS line will benefit carriers, especially smaller ones looking to attract large companies as customers, said Lisa Pierce, director of telecom services and the carrier analysis practice at Giga Information Group.

Competitive local exchange carriers initially may attract large business customers with a particular service that the incumbent carrier doesn't offer, Pierce said. But if the CLEC wants to win all of the customer's business, it's vital for the CLEC to be able to match the larger carrier's package.

"Do you provide those services directly or resell them?" Pierce asked. "Fortune 1000 companies typically don't like reseller arrangements."