What You Need To Know Now…

IBM’s Virtualization Vision For Next-Gen Services
Virtualization certainly is causing network providers to take some forward looks at product, and IBM is backing a virtualization of network infrastructure it says will extend the benefits of a cloud delivery model to communications networks. One of its key goals is to separate network functions from purpose-built hardware to speed deployment of new services while reducing clients’ equipment capex. To create new products aimed at the broadband industry, Big Blue now is working with such business partners as Connectem Inc. to provide the likes of Australia’s Optus with new mobile network-capacity solution running on IBM PureFlex. IBM PureFlex includes computing, storage, systems management and networking components. Telus will be using the Connectem VCM software/IBM PureFlex platform for new cloud initiatives as it rolls out 4G down under.

 Will Ready Cash Skew Clearwire’s Engagement Announcement?
Even though Clearwire continues to weigh marriage proposals from both Sprint and DISH Network, it’s decided to take the $80 million March cash draw from Sprint under the terms of its agreements with Suitor Number One, which promised additional financing to Clearwire in the form of "exchangeable notes" based on Clearwire’s stock price. Clearwire turned down the first two rounds of the draw, and it looked like maybe those decisions were based on not taking the ring from one boyfriend if you are dating another. However, it now looks like Clearwire may have some bills to pay. How this decision will influence the Special Committee of Clearwire’s board when it comes to who finally will win the 4G carrier and its spectrum is unknown at this time, but taking such a “gift” certainly makes it look like Sprint has preference (and perhaps a larger ownership share).