Compaq Computer Corp’s Tandem Computers Inc has unveiled an intelligent network platform specifically designed for the telecommunications industry, based on Windows NT. The Tandem N- series Intelligent Network Server, or INS as it is referred to, has been designed for entry level service control point, intelligent peripheral, service nodes and computer telephony integration applications. Tandem claims wireless and wireline service providers can extend their telecoms services into emerging markets and then increase the capacity as subscribers and business increase. One of the main points that Tandem is highlighting about INS, is its cost effectiveness, mainly due to its ability to increase capacity as demand requires. The N-Series is configurable with four to eight processors and operates via a choice of Compaq ProLiant rack mount servers and uses Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disk storage. Tandem claims the N-series server is an ideal starting point for companies starting out in the telecom provider space. It will be available in the fourth quarter. In addition to the N-Series announcement, Tandem has also revealed that Wildfire Communications Inc and Vicorp are both to develop enhanced network service applications on Tandem’s Integrity XC, the implementation of its non-stop clusters for Santa Cruz Operation’s Unixware (CI No 3,351).
