Tulsa, OK Ð Williams Telecommunications, a private-line telecommunications carrier that designed its Asynchronous Transfer Mode network over the past two years using NEXTSTEP, was scheduled to come on-line with commercial services at the end of October. The network was tested live on the Interop show floor in August by Convex Computer Corporation, of Richardson, Texas, WilTel's first beta customer.
WilTel's Channel Networking Service (CNS) will provide customers with high-speed data capabilities over the nation's fourth-largest fiber-optic network, said Bill Wilson, vice-president of strategic planning for the company. The CNS will allow WilTel customers to centralize remote data storage, distribute data processing, and perform host-to-host and host-to-peripheral communications.
The heart of WilTel's system is eight switches developed by NEC, which will be deployed in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Washington, DC.
The company uses its NEXTSTEP-designed Network Management System to control user connections, report statistics, manage throughput, and launch circuit tests. Customers use a Customer Network Management System to produce customized reports, submit and track trouble tickets, and monitor traffic.
In addition, WilTel has also expanded its private-line system by signing a deal with fONOROLA, a Montreal-based reseller, to offer users connectivity options with major Canadian cities. The company said it also plans to move into the European and Pacific Rim markets.