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Cisco and HP Unveil Internet Usage Platform for ISPs and Network Operators

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cisco and HP announced their Internet Usage Platform, a new system that allows Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large IP network operators to offer innovative Internet Protocol (IP) services. The platform, which integrates with existing network systems and services, enables the accurate extraction of accounting information from an IP environment for use in various business functions. MCI will be the first carrier to evaluate this new platform, responding to the growing demand for new and improved IP services from customers. The platform's capabilities include multitiered subscriber plans, e-mail, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Web hosting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cisco and HP Internet Usage Platform integrates with existing network systems and services, collecting and aggregating subscriber usage data in near-real-time.
  • The platform provides accurate IP information gathering from an IP environment, thanks to Cisco's NetFlow and NetFlow FlowCollector technologies.
  • HP's Smart Internet Usage technology collects and correlates the information to a single user account.
  • The Internet Usage Billing Solution allows ISPs and network operators to perform near-real-time rating and billing of subscribers' network resources and IP service usage.
  • Portal Software's Infranet is a real-time rating and billing application that allows for seamless integration with the Internet Usage Billing Solution.
  • Cap Gemini is the first solutions integrator to offer the Internet Usage Billing Solution, providing customer management and billing system capabilities.
  • The Internet Usage Analysis Solution allows IP network operators to collect and analyze subscriber usage data, integrating it with data from other systems to plan network growth and service expansion.

Statistics:

  • The Internet Usage Platform provides the ability to accurately extract accounting information from an IP environment for use in various business functions, including billing, marketing, and capacity planning.
  • The platform's data collection capabilities allow for multitiered subscriber plans, e-mail, VPNs, and Web hosting.
  • Automating the billing process enables ISPs and network operators to reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • The Internet Usage Billing Solution is available through Cap Gemini in North America and Europe, with pricing depending on customization and scale of integration.
  • The Internet Usage Analysis Solution is available through HP Professional Services, with information available from local HP sales offices.

Sources:

  • "Cisco and HP Announce Internet Usage Platform and Internet Solutions for ISPs and Network Operators" (Source: Hewlett-Packard Company)
  • "Cisco and HP Enable ISPs to Offer New IP Services and Advanced Business Solutions" (Source: Cisco Systems, Inc.)
  • "Portal Software's Infranet" (Source: Portal Software)
  • "Cap Gemini Telecom & Media" (Source: Cap Gemini)
  • "HP Professional Services" (Source: Hewlett-Packard Company)

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