Globe Telecom, Datacraft sign $6.2-M contract

Globe Telecom, a joint venture of Ayala Corp. and Singapore Telecom International, has signed an initial $6.2-million (P248 million) supply contract with leading networking and communications systems integrator Datacraft Communications Systems Inc. for its new data services.

Gerardo C. Ablaza Jr., Globe president and chief executive officer, said that data services has the potential to be another success for the company since there is already a huge demand for it in other countries.

"We will render the same vigor to our data initiatives as what we have given our mobile and landline businesses," he stressed. Globe is currently the leader in the local digital cellular phone industry with almost one million subscribers.

Under the agreement, Datacraft will design, engineer, deliver and install all hardware and software components of the firm's Multi-Service Digital Data Network (MSDDN).

Subsequent training and technical support will be provided by Datacraft during the deployment of the MSDDN. Delivery of equipment starts immediately.

MSDDN is a broadband network implementing asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). ATM technology optimizes networks by enabling bandwidth to be shared dynamically among many users for multiple applications over a single integrated platform while applied providing service level guarantees.

Through MSDDN, Ablaza said Globe can combine its existing and future facilities for voice and data, thereby, avoiding the cost of building multiple networks while extending the benefit of cost-effective solutions.

He added that MSDDN would also give the company the advantage of being able to configure and implement services up to the customer premise.

It also carries out proactive monitoring and maintenance of services through traffic shaping, network congestion control and reports on availability, reliability, packet loss and utilization.

"This project is part of Globe's dedication to continuously enhance its network capabilities in anticipation of the explosion in data and its convergence with voice. MSDDN ensures our customers delivery of the most advance technologies in data which will support existing and emerging applications such as voice, data, video to electronic commerce," he explained.

Ron Cattell, Datacraft chief executive officer, said that Globe's MSDDN will provide the means for enterprises across the country to become full-fledged participants in the digital revolution that is sweeping the world of commerce.

The network's core provided by Cisco Systems, enables Globe to deliver ATM service, frame relay, systems network architecture, voice, leased lines and at the same time allows new world technology solutions such as Internet Protocol (IP), Virtual Private Network, Managed Network and Internet solutions.

Cisco's new platform has the capability to bring forth applications of the 21st century with an ATM switch capable of supporting speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps.