Channel In Focus At SuperComm

Level 3 Communications plans to unveil a managed IP/VPN service that would expand the Broomfield, Colo.-based company's enterprise-focused Flex Data Networking services to small and midsize businesses. By extending the services to the SMB space, Level 3 will enable channel partners to upsell a variety of data services across the board, said Steve Stewart, vice president of channel programs.

"When partners begin selling things like IP/VPN, they uncover opportunities for other telecommunications solutions," Stewart said. "Our partners are finding that VPN and VoIP allow them to open doors and sell a full suite of products."

In the realm of network hardware, D-Link, Fountain Valley, Calif., is slated to introduce a family of smart Gigabit switches, as well as network routers. And on the infrastructure front, Coyote Point Systems, San Jose, Calif., plans to launch Equalizer Extreme, a $9,995 ultra-high performance load-balancing solution that combines Dell's PowerEdge 1750 server platform with Coyote Point's Equalizer intelligent load-balancing technology.

Juanita Leon, product manager at PCMall, Torrance, Calif., said the Coyote Point balancer will allow her organization to help its customers better manage traffic.

"As far as Layer 7 Gigabit design, [Equalizer Extreme] is a powerful traffic manager, which you don't find in most other equalizers," Leon said. "It seems to be a one-of-a-kind in the market right now."

Also at SuperComm, Nortel Networks, Brampton, Ontario, plans to unveil new solutions in its Optical Networks division and new products in its Broadband Networks line, while Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Proxim is expected to announce partnerships with IBM and Intel.

MARIE LINGBLOM contributed to this story.