Alliance To Deliver MSBG Message

The combination of communications-in-a-box and managed services might be the next buzzed-out thing if some industry players get their way. The newly formed Multi-Service Business Gateway (MSBG) Alliance, unveiled at Interop, aims to accelerate the development of converged systems for the SMB market, turning inside-out the existing router and a bunch-of-other-boxes scenario found in most SMB IT closets.

And what is an MSBG, you may ask? Essentially, it’s a modular, standards-based platform that carries voice and data services, aimed at SMBs and enterprise branch offices. What’s special is that it replaces all standalone PBXs, Internet access devices, firewalls and routers with a single device.

“It comes as no surprise that the typical enterprise, whether large or small, relies on a plethora of devices to gain access to voice and data resources,” said Nurhan Kepekci, director of sales and business development for the network and storage products group at MSBG Alliance co-founder LSI Inc. “Large business, SMBs and remote or branch offices often deal with disparate access appliances to ensure access to their communications capabilities.”

Voice, for example, requires a PBX or IP Centrex solution, while data will have its own separate access facilities, as will video and other enterprise communications services.

That’s where MSBGs come in. They combine voice, enterprise data, Internet access, firewall capabilities, security services, VPN operation and management, in addition to a variety of hosted or managed services from the carrier.

They also provide access to the WAN with multiple uplink choices and include an array of Ethernet LAN ports including PoE ports for VoIP terminals, surveillance cameras, remote wireless access points and other powered Ethernet devices. MSBGs also still support analog telephony systems.

Hence the term communications-in-a-box. Not only does that potentially mean that Cisco Systems Inc. needs to watch its back in its core business, but service providers can leverage MSBGs to deliver managed services (and the CPE) via VARs and other partners, like unified communications, high-speed connectivity and mobility. Plus, it reduces operating costs and management complexity across the board.

"Customer demand for multiple services consolidated into fewer devices at the Internet gateway is growing," said Abner Germanow, director of enterprise networking research at IDC. "Reducing hardware footprint is a big first win and IDC expects new value to emerge from functions that operate more effectively together when paired on a common platform."

That said, it’s still the early days. The market for MSBGs is just now beginning to emerge as manufacturers introduce router-based appliances and develop their marketing channels. Despite a lot of early attention, products are few and there are