IP everywhere: Newbridge bolsters strategy with TimeStep, Northchurch

It didn't cause the same kind of sticker shock as other deals that were struck last week, but Newbridge Networks' acquisition of TimeStep and Northchurch Communications nonetheless was an important move into the IP market for the vendor.

The two companies - both of which are members of Newbridge's affiliate program and both of which are already 30% owned by Newbridge - are specialists in different components of IP-based virtual private networks (VPN).

The addition of TimeStep's IPSec VPN security capability and Northchurch's IP edge router to Newbridge's portfolio will quickly strengthen the vendor's IP position, particularly among emerging carriers.

"Newbridge is very strong in the incumbent market space, and with these acquisitions, we now have a strong play with alternative carriers and ISPs," said Alyson Gassney, director of marketing for the networking division of Newbridge.

Newbridge views the IP VPN market as particularly lucrative as service providers take steps beyond IP transport and into service enhancements that leverage the technology platform, Gassney said. Northchurch's platform, for example, should help Newbridge add carrier-grade reliability and management to IP services.

"It's all about intelligence at the edge," said Jayesh Patel, vice president of product management for Northchurch. "You're scaling the product but also providing flexibility and adaptability."

TimeStep's product, meanwhile, adds a layer of security to IP VPNs that can be embedded into the Newbridge platform, Gassney said. GTE Internetworking currently is using the TimeStep system for its IP VPN offerings.

"For this new generation of IP VPN services, we are delivering an enabling capability," said Tony Rosati, vice president of product management and marketing for TimeStep.