[May 15, 2007] Optimum Lightpath Launches Voice over Metro Ethernet Service Tweet JERICHO, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Optimum Lightpath, the next-generation business broadband service provider of Cablevision Systems Corporation, today announced the launch of Voice over Metro Ethernet, the first-ever carrier-class voice service delivered over Metro Ethernet by a cable MSO. Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet service, which is available today, expands the company's award-winning Metro Ethernet data services portfolio and continues the company's 18-year history of innovation and leadership in helping handle the convergence of voice and data business services. Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet service was created through collaboration among Optimum Lightpath, NEC Unified Solutions and Cisco(R). Voice over Metro Ethernet will leverage Optimum Lightpath's service delivered over one of the most advanced fiber optic networks in the country, with the Cisco Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager Express providing call processing for Internet Protocol (IP) phones and NEC's global reputation for superior network and equipment service management. A managed voice service, Optimum Lightpath's Voice over Metro Ethernet will enhance productivity and streamline operations for mid- and large-sized business through advanced unified communications functionality and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to traditional premise-based Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. At the same time, businesses can take advantage of the Voice over Metro Ethernet service to retain more control over their voice and unified communications' applications using premise-based equipment than is typically available with a hosted IP-based solution. "We've been a customer of Optimum Lightpath for five years. We've benefited substantially from the fastest and most reliable communications services available in the market today," said Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works, Town of Greenburgh, New York. "We are extremely interested in the new Voice over Metro Ethernet service from Optimum Lightpath. Based on our experience with Optimum Lightpath, we expect this service to fully meet our communications needs into the future." Although there is an 80 percent IP Telephony (IPT) penetration rate among enterprises, according to a recent report by independent research and consulting firm Yankee Group, less than 10 percent of these organizations have fully deployed IPT across the entire organization. A major factor inhibiting adoption enterprise-wide is the cost and complexity of deploying IPT solutions, as well as lingering concerns about performance, reliability and quality of service. "Voice over Metro Ethernet's innovation is bringing together Layer 2 and Layer 3 into one service, substantially increasing the simplicity and value of IPT to the enterprise," said Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president, Enterprise Hardware and Software Infrastructure, Yankee Group. "The offering put forth by Optimum Lightpath, NEC and Cisco allows enterprises to outsource the entire IPT life cycle using the Ethernet as the underlying transport technology." Voice over Metro Ethernet will feature Cisco Unified Communications equipment, and NEC's world-class managed service and will be delivered over Optimum Lightpath's state-of-the-art, wholly owned and managed fiber optic network spanning more than 2,700 route miles throughout northern New Jersey, Connecticut and the New York metropolitan area. "Voice over Metro Ethernet fulfills the promise that was hoped to be delivered through VoIP. It offers the certainty of service and quality of performance businesses require today," said David Pistacchio, general manager, Optimum Lightpath. "Our collaboration with NEC and Cisco marries the best in network, service and equipment to provide superior solutions to companies in the Tri-State area. These businesses can now get their Internet, data and voice services from Optimum Lightpath through its award-winning Metro Ethernet technology." "Optimum Lightpath is addressing an important need for midsize businesses that require an IP-based unified communications solution," said Jeff Spagnola, vice president of service provider marketing, Cisco. "Cisco is at the forefront of offering a class of unified communications solution used by more than 70 percent of today's Fortune 500 companies. We welcome the opportunity to work with Optimum Lightpath and NEC to offer an enterprise-grade solution to local and global businesses." Voice over Metro Ethernet is a fully-bundled, turnkey solution and, like all of Optimum Lightpath's services, features transparent, flat-rate pricing. Comprehensive monitoring and management is provided by NEC's Advanced Network Operating Center and includes network assessment, system design and installation, 24x7 monitoring, maintenance, network management of software upgrades, ongoing analysis, and a dedicated customer service manager. As part of the service, customers also receive a periodic technical refresh that has the IP PBX and phones upgraded or replaced every five years. "NEC has more than one hundred years of experience deploying voice solutions globally. Voice over Metro Ethernet customers can be assured they will receive the world-class quality and performance for which NEC is recognized," said David King, vice president of Marketing, NEC Unified Solutions. "NEC will handle all the ongoing maintenance and support, giving customers the ability to focus on their core competencies to better compete and win in their respective marketplaces." To learn more about Voice over Metro Ethernet, including features, pricing, benefits and more, please visit www.optimumlightpath.com. About NEC Unified Solutions NEC Unified Solutions Inc., a global leader in VoIP and data communications for the enterprise and small-medium business, delivers the industry's most innovative suite of products, applications and services that help customers achieve business value through technology. NEC Unified Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America, offers a complete portfolio of solutions for wireless, unified communications, voice, data and management services, and an open migration path to protect investments. NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. serves Fortune 1000 customers across the globe in vertical markets such as hospitality, education, government and healthcare. For more information, visit www.necunified.com. About Optimum Lightpath Optimum Lightpath, a business telecommunications services division of Cablevision Systems Corporation, uses the power of its reliable and resilient fully fiber optic network to deliver converged data, Internet and voice solutions to businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area. Since its formation 18 years ago, Optimum Lightpath built an advanced Fiber-to-the-business-Premises network extending more than 2,700 route miles throughout the tri-state area. As a result of owning and maintaining this state-of-the-art network, Optimum Lightpath is able to reliably provide scalable, high-capacity IP-based Metro Ethernet services that support high bandwidth data, Internet and voice applications and optimize the enterprise customer's quality of experience - at lower prices than traditional offerings. Optimum Lightpath has been recognized for nine straight years by the New York State Public Service Commission for delivering highly personalized customer service superior to the competition. Winner of the Metro Ethernet Forum's 2006 Service Provider of the Year Award for Outstanding Innovation, Optimum Lightpath became one of the first service providers in the world and the only North American MSO to earn Carrier Ethernet certification from the Metro Ethernet Forum in April 2006. For more information, visit www.optimumlightpath.com. About Cablevision Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is one of the nation's leading entertainment and telecommunications companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO: Interactive Optimum(R) digital television, Optimum Online(R) high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice(R) digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision's Rainbow Media Holdings LLC operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, WE tv and other national and regional networks. In addition to its telecommunications and programming businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]