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8 Tech Breakthroughs To Watch In 2007

GREENBELT, MD, Dec. 18 — Two breakthrough technology developments swept the networking space this year, and they both centered on a single theme: technology convergence.
Whether it was the widespread deployment of integrated networking devices or the push to move high-definition videoconferencing over the IP network, solution providers said they found new, innovative ways in 2006 to cut customers' costs and improve productivity through infrastructure solutions.

The concept of the all-in-one device that incorporates networking features and other advanced services such as VoIP and security was pioneered by San Jose, Calif.-based Cisco Systems two years ago with the launch of its Integrated Services Router family, but 2006 saw big-name players like 3Com, Marlborough, Mass., and Juniper Networks, Sunnyvale, Calif., join the fray.
For channel partners, the new integrated products serve as the technology underpinnings for simplified, easier-to-maintain branch office solutions.

"Enterprise-level customers have an average of nine devices just to support a branch office. Now we can consolidate that down to one or two devices," said Chris Fairbanks, principal network architect at ePlus, a solution provider in Herndon, Va.

3Com this year launched its Unified Gigabit Wireless PoE Switch family, which combines switching, WLAN management and Power over Ethernet. Juniper, meanwhile, revamped its J-series access router family to include integrated firewall and VPN capabilities. Not to be outdone, Cisco expanded its ISR offering with tunnel-less VPN technology and the integration of WAN optimization and application acceleration features.

The fight promises to spill into 2007 , as Juniper has already unveiled plans to add its own WAN optimization technology to the J-series line and is nearing the launch early in 2007 of an Avaya voice module that will add integrated IP telephony capabilities to the product line.
Solution providers also found strong opportunities this year to roll out high-definition videoconferencings, an effort that capitalizes on the convergence of voice, video and data over the IP network. Cisco made the biggest splash with its TelePresence Meeting lineup of HD wares, but Hewlett-Packard, Polycom, Teliris and LifeSize Communications made headway with their own offerings.

Rudy Casasola, president of The Presidio Corp., said TelePresence is making customers rethink the way they do business, such as one high-end hotel chain that's considering a rollout to enable "tele-dining" in its restaurants. "You might have a relative that can't make it to Thanksgiving dinner. You could go to nearby hotels and [use TelePresence to] share a meal," Casasola said.