Data Connection has been developing communications technology since 1981. We currently have three Divisions, including MetaSwitch, all of which are leaders in their respective fields. The unifying theme is support for evolving networks: our products for core networking, access switching and the application layer are deployed in traditional and next generation networks.
We believe in the promise of next generation networks and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture to
- reduce network complexity and operational costs
- increase the speed of deployment of new services
- increase service provider flexibility and thereby increase profits.
However, the vast majority of deployed networks have not yet moved to the new world and all will evolve at different rates and through different paths. Our products are therefore fully compatible with existing networks, having been deployed for many years. Our expertise in product development, driving the standards and deploying solutions means that we have the ideal experience to help our customers understand the trade-offs and options at every stage of their move towards next generation networks.
Overview of Data Connection's divisions
- The Network Protocols Division has been providing
portable source code implementations of networking technology since 1981 - when
SNA was still the dominant networking technology. We have expanded into IP routing,
MPLS, VoIP, and ATM. In every case, we have extended our reputation as
being the highest quality provider of protocol stacks and, one by one, we have
seen our competitors be acquired, merge or otherwise cease operating as
technology suppliers.
Our Session Border Controller (SBC) solution is being used by many OEMs developing components for the IMS architecture and our VoIP protocol stacks are at the core of many softswitches, signaling gateways and applications. - Our MetaSwitch Division delivers a range of switching
and application solutions for network operators including call session control,
media gateway and applications server, all built on open standards including
IMS. The innovative MetaSphere service delivery platform and application suite
enables service providers to rapidly deploy new services, creating new revenue
opportunities and increasing subscriber loyalty. MetaSwitch has more than
300 customers, including British Telecom and many of the largest incumbent,
competitive and cable service providers in North America.
MetaSwitch's products leverage the IMS-compliant core technology delivered by our Network Protocols Division, and give our customers a very broad solution set enabling smooth migration to next generation networks. - Our Enterprise Connectivity Division is the only part of our business not directly involved with IMS. It provides SNA technology to provide access to data held on the huge installed base of mainframe systems. Today, nearly every device or software product that is sold supporting SNA incorporates Data Connection’s technology. This is a reflection of the expertise we have built up over 25 years in this business area, and also of the long-term supportive relationships with which we back up our products. Our SNA technology includes protocol stacks for embedding in switches and routers through to a fully packaged solution for UNIX servers.