Network News: XO, Ciena, Level 3, Akamai

Here’s our review of some of today’s noteworthy links for the networking sector of the data center industry:

Akamai launches Sola Media Solutions.  Akamai (AKAM) introduced a new Sola Media Solutions portfolio, a set of cloud based, integrated services designed to offer customers a way to address the challenges of online media workflow, storage and delivery. At the base of the offering is Sola Sphere, which is designed to provide unmatched scale, reach, performance and reliability in cloud-based storage and content delivery services. Sola Vision is designed to address three critical areas of the online video content lifecycle – the need to adapt content for efficient, engaging online delivery; to protect content at a level appropriate to the application; and to simply and efficiently connect viewers to content providers, operators, advertisers, and other participants in the online media delivery ecosystem. Sola Vision and Analytics provide the cloud-based transcoding and real-time media analytics for the media experience. "In the entertainment industry, we believe cloud-based services will power the next wave of devices and services," said David Cook, SVP, sales and marketing, and general manager, Rovi Entertainment Store for Rovi. "Akamai's Sola Media Solutions ability to deliver at a global level has helped to enable Rovi to expand our services to our customers."

Level 3 powers the DNC. Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced that it is the Official Media and Technology Provider for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. which closes tonight. Level 3 is providing dark fiber services, satellite uplink and downlink services via diverse teleports, broadcast distribution, and support of the DNCC website delivery through Intelligent Traffic Management (ITM) and download/caching services. "The Democratic National Convention is the most open and accessible convention in history, engaging more Americans than ever before through grassroots efforts and innovative digital outreach. With Level 3's services, we will be able to bring the convention to millions of Americans, allowing them to participate in the historic event," said Andrew Binns, CIO of the Democratic National Convention. "Level 3 has a proven record of delivering some of the most-watched events, including the 2008 convention, and we are delighted to be working with them again." Level 3 also announced it has added content delivery network (CDN) services to its offerings available to government agencies under the Washington Interagency Telecommunications System (WITS 3) contract.

XO selects Ciena for upgrade. XO Communications and Ciena (CIEN) announced that XO will use Ciena’s Packet-Optical Transport technology to provide high-speed, high-capacity next-generation optical transport and business Ethernet services to enterprise and wholesale service provider customers in XO’s metropolitan and regional networks, nationwide. XO will also be working with Ciena to offer 100G managed wavelength services to its large enterprise and wholesale service provider customers. "XO Communications is committed to providing cutting-edge communications solutions to our customers with exceptional service, performance and value," said Randy Nicklas, senior vice president and CTO at XO Communications.  "When we looked to upgrade our metro and regional networks to 100G, we sought an experienced, innovative partner that could help us serve our customers, and also attract new business. Ciena’s coherent optical technology with integrated OTN switching gives us the ability to cost-effectively deliver a wide range of custom services and applications to our varied customer base with speed, flexibility and assurance, as well as the ability to go after new markets. This intelligent, programmable solution also gives us the tools to easily scale our network to meet customer requirements for capacity and speed for many years to come.”