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SpatialNews Press Release
Sigma Networks Achieves Rapid Network Implementation Using GE
Smallworld Network Inventory Software
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Denver, CO -- April 30, 2001 -- GE Smallworld, a leading supplier
of strategic network solutions to the communications industry, today
announced that its Physical Network Inventory software has helped
California-based Sigma Networks achieve their ambitious plans for a
rapid network roll out. The license deal with GE Smallworld was signed
on September 29th 2000. Sigma Networks had production data in the
system within 30 days and that data nationally deployed within six
months. In order to recognize this significant milestone, GE
Smallworld awarded Sigma a "Fast Tracker" award at a GE Smallworld
users exchange in San Diego in March.
Sigma Networks was established in February 2000 to provide a
multi-service, broadband capability within a metropolitan area. Sigma
Networks recognized a demand for the fast delivery of Internet
services and, by providing the link between the backbone network and
the `last mile' access networks, the company intends to speed up the
connection of broadband to its customers by bypassing local carriers -
getting the network up and running in weeks rather than months. The
company has received $435 million capital investment from a number of
companies, including Frontenac Company, Benchmark Capital and Oak
Investment Partners. Customers will include backbone carriers,
broadband access networks and hosted application service providers.
GE Smallworld Physical Network Inventory software is being used
within an integrated engineering and construction department to store
the as-built network data. Sigma Networks eventually plans to
integrate Physical Network Inventory to a centralized Operations
Support System (OSS) along with other best-practice business processes
such as customer information management, order management and service
activation.
"Our services and software systems address a huge need that exists
today and yet is not being offered by other providers," said Mike
Flemming, Director Network Mapping for Sigma Networks. "We recognized
that, in order to get our services to market quickly, we needed a
system that could complete the entire network planning and build
process in as short a time as possible so that we could respond to the
ever-changing market demands. This means days rather than months! We
have succeeded, and have achieved so much in just six months, because
of the combination of GE Smallworld as the right partner with the
right software, and a highly skilled team of people within Sigma
Networks who are responsible for making it happen."
Kevin Sales, Senior Manager, who is responsible for Network
Mapping GIS at Sigma Networks commented, "Before we began this
project, we carried out a lot of requirements gathering so we knew
exactly what it was we needed to achieve, now and in the future. We
wanted an off-the-shelf solution and were prepared to modify our
processes around the solution we chose. As a result we went into
production with Physical Network Inventory within 30 days of receiving
the software. GE Smallworld's Network inventory product suite provides
us with a highly flexible system that will support us into the
future."
Sigma Networks is the only independent provider of multi-service
metropolitan broadband interconnectivity. Founded by Former FCC
Chairman, Reed Hundt, Benchmark Capital General Partner, Andy
Rachleff, and CEO, John Peters in February 2000, the company is funded
by Marc Andreessen, Frontenac Company, Benchmark Capital, Oak
Investment Partners, Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), Capital
Research, Salomon Smith Barney, Charter Growth Capital, Epoch
Partners, Comdisco, and Sand Hill Partners. Sigma Networks has raised
over $435 million in equity and debt financing. The company is
currently offering service in Washington, D.C. and plans to build out
additional markets in 2001, which will serve approximately 80% of
total U.S. Internet traffic.
GE Smallworld creates, markets and delivers network software
products to the Communications and Utility & Public Systems markets
globally. GE Smallworld's products model real world assets and
services, enabling companies to understand where their facilities and
customers are located and how they are connected, then seamlessly
integrating this information across the enterprise. The company also
provides services for rapid implementation and integration of GE
Smallworld's object-oriented technology and vertical industry
solutions, which can increase customers' revenues, improve customer
service, and better utilize assets. GE Smallworld (www.gepower.com)
was acquired by GE in October, 2000 and is part of the GE Power
Systems business.
GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading
suppliers of power generation technology, energy services and
management systems with 2000 revenues of $15 billion. The business has
the largest installed base of power generation equipment in the global
energy industry. Through a series of acquisitions and alliances, GE
Power Systems has expanded its portfolio of products, services, and
software solutions to serve global customers. Recent acquisitions of
rental equipment and industrial water treatment businesses demonstrate
this commitment to serve the energy industry as well as a broader
range of industries including telecommunications, entertainment, and
high-tech manufacturing.
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