Two vendors, two visions for enterprise connectivity: Nortel Networks and Cisco Systems Inc. unveiled their strategies at Interop, the communication technology conference occurring in Las Vegas this week. Nortel released the Secure Router 4134, the data side of the unified communications (UC) branch solution that Nortel is developing in conjunction with Microsoft Corp. Nortel expects the router to be the first of its kind to incorporate Microsoft's "mediation" technology for easy integration into a Microsoft UC environment. Nortel also introduced WLAN 2300 switch enhancements with access point and software updates for greater WLAN scalability and ease of deployment. As well, the Nortel Application Accelerator speeds up Web-based programs. It's optimized for from Microsoft and IBM Corp. applications. All of these announcements are part of Nortel's data strategy to grow the firm's stake in the enterprise market. Network-core convergence, extending enterprise functions out to branch offices, mobility, fast applications and network security are the concept's main pillars.

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