Cisco Enables Managed Shared Services Over MPLS

June 26, 2002 -- Internet networking developer Cisco Systems Inc. (Cisco.com) announced on Tuesday that it has introduced a comprehensive portfolio of technologies for enabling managed central services over multiprotocol label switching virtual private networks.

The new technologies, says Cisco, are designed to deliver greater simplicity and functionality to Layer 3 MPLS VPN architectures, allowing service providers to offer their customers value-added services such as unified messaging, content hosting and managed Internet access more simply and cost-effectively across multiple MPLS VPNs.

Cisco is introducing four new technologies for MPLS VPNs, including multicast, network address translation (NAT), on demand address pools (ODAP) and VPN Select.

The Multicast VPNs functionality reduces packet replications in the PLS network, allowing for the scalable distribution of data, voice and video streams. Both the NAT and ODAP for MPLS VPNs capabilities allow the cost-effective use of service provider resources while ensuring the availability of a broad set of services to the enterprise client.

Cisco says it is currently seeking service providers interested in testing or deploying its new MPLS VPN features.