Jim Duffy

People use the telephone network for voice and some IP data; they use the Internet for data and some voice. There will be one network someday. But today, there

Qwest next year will roll out consumer VOIP nationwide and turn up a WiMAX wireless broadband service, according to CTO Balan Nair. Next year's nationwide expansion will mirror what the carrier currently offers businesses with its OneFlex hosted and Integrated Access services.

Fujitsu Ltd. this week announced enhancements to its Flashwave 4100 Multi-Service Provisioning Platform that are designed to improve the delivery of data services, including Ethernet-over-SONET. Fujitsu also has announced two OEM deals, including one with edge switch maker and marketing partner Hammerhead Systems.

Cisco this week said it plans to acquire privately-held FineGround Networks, a Campbell, Calif., maker of bandwidth optimization appliances, for US$70 million. FineGround's appliances are designed to accelerate, secure and monitor application delivery while minimizing bandwidth usage in the data center. Cisco plans to integrate the technology in its routing and switching products to provide secure and optimized delivery of Web-based applications.

Cisco Systems last month unveiled the first evidence of stated plans to diffuse its next generation routing technology throughout its product line.

Large corporations have been slow to embrace hosted or network-based voice-over-IP (VoIP) services despite the hype about lower costs and compelling applications.

Nortel Networks Corp. has shifted senior management, elevating President Bill Owens to vice chairman and CEO, and naming a former Cisco Systems Inc. sales executive as president and COO. Gary Daichendt, who left Cisco four years ago to spend more time with family and consider career alternatives, has been tapped as Nortel's new president and COO. Daichendt had been investing in commercial real estate and speaking publicly at various forums.

Nortel Networks Corp. next month plans to announce cost cutting moves in an effort to rein in operating costs and boost profits.