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A multi-service business gateway (MSBG) is a device that combines multiple services – like network, voice and data communications – into a single box.

By Jose L. Anton 

The need of advanced voice and data communications services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and their limited financial and technical resources, restrict the technologies that can be procured, implemented, and managed by these businesses; the MSBG eases these burdens by integrating critical functions into a single platform that supports routing, virtual private network (VPN), firewall, security, intrusion detection systems / intrusion prevention systems (IDS/IPS), service-aware QoS*, voice, and application processing.

The MSBG provides a single solution that enables a wide variety of applications, but managed as a single entity. This provides a very low cost point and enables service providers, or other managed services company, to manage the devices for the business. This allows the business to take advantage of the latest technologies and applications without needing an IT staff to support the services. 

MSBGs provide a variety of solutions that can be used to support a SMBs entire network. Use of a common architecture enables SMBs and service providers to expand the scale and services offered to meet the individual needs of the business. The openness of the MSBG also permits 3rd party applications or proprietary features to be added to the system. 

It is clear that the MSBG will be the means by which new IP communication technology and applications are adopted by SMBs and branch offices. 

It is important that the MSBG provide sufficient intelligence to identify, manage, and prioritize solutions to ensure revenue-generating services. For example, service providers can offer different Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for different services. This requires that each of these services be sufficiently isolated under all conditions. 

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* Quality of Service, a networking term that specifies a guaranteed throughput level.  

In April 2008 was announced the creation of the Multiservice Business Gateway Alliance; a collaboration of technology companies with the goal of delivering MSBG solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Service Providers. The Alliance will be open to OEMs, application and management software suppliers, silicon solution providers, original design manufacturers (ODMs), systems integrators, and service providers.

Its goal will be to develop technology and solutions for the MSBG in the networking security, unified communication (voice and video), routing, WAN and wireless areas.

The MSBG Alliance will be focused on delivering an industry-wide open system that allows the quick deployment of current and next-generation business services, particularly for SMBs and remote- and branch-offices (ROBO). 

Thank you,

Jose L. Anton

For comments or inquiries regarding this newsletter please contact me at the following address joseanton@greencodetech.com