Nortel announced the launch of “Secure Portable Office,” which provides the hardware, software and services to provide secure network access for remote workers through a single USB thumb drive. When inserted into any computer or laptop, the solution creates a secure network connection through a Nortel VPN Gateway and a virtual desktop providing a menu of authorized network applications. When the USB key is removed, the complete Secure Portable Office environment - including all confidential data and applications - is automatically removed.

Cox and Nortel announced a partnership that will allow their respective sales organizations to market each others products and services. The new product solutions which include Nortel’s Business Communication Manager platform, will be packaged under the Cox Business brand. Cox Business provides communications services to business customers in 18 markets across the U.S., including small businesses, multi-location enterprises, regional healthcare providers and federal, state and local government organizations.

Midcontinent Communications, a MSO serving North and South Dakota, is upgrading their network with Nortel metro Ethernet optical equipment to provide bandwidth intense applications like VOD. "Consumers want more bandwidth, digital voice service, and innovative video programming like VOD and high definition television," said Jon Pederson, vice president of Technology, Midcontinent Communications.

Midcontinent’s upgrade strategy illustrates the evolving competitive landscape in communities of all sizes. By upgrading their network, Midcontinent is positioning themselves to effectively compete with triple play offerings from their Dakota based telco competitors, who are also busily upgrading their own networks. The end result will be a hyper competitive marketplace in communities large and small throughout the Dakotas region.

Nsight Telecom, a Green Bay, WI based telecom service provider, will launch IPTV services throughout select Wisconsin communities, utilizing the Nortel IPTV solution. Nsight provides a full range of telecommunications services including wireless, business and residential telephone, long distance, internet, web hosting and tower erection through its sister companies Cellcom, Northeast Telephone Company and NetNet.