In the 1990s, frame relay and ATM services were introduced to address the need for corporations’ data communications. For some, this consigned older-technology satcom networks to secondary use. A network manager’s technology decision was relatively simple; choose one and go.
If only things were still that simple….
The arrival of the Internet — and the intranets, extranets and the transformation of legacy applications and protocols to the browser environment — created a more complex scene, and one that required all kinds of networks to work together. This is especially true when we consider, broadband; the high-speed “must have” IP networking service to handle an exponentially increasing growth in digital media and streaming video in the enterprise.
Savvy network operators understand that satellite offers true diversity for back-up services. A satellite solution can be deployed faster, less expensively and more easily than a redundant frame relay model. In addition, satellite beats the price/performance of ISDN or dial-up.
Business continuity, disaster recovery and the co-primary use of satellite and terrestrial networks have brought us full circle. A single technology solution no longer fits the entire bill.
Emil Regard serves as vice president of business development and government services for Hughes Network Systems (HNS). With more than 10 years experience in the communications industry, Regard is responsible for identifying and developing new market opportunities, strategic investments and alliances in enterprise networking sectors. He holds a Master of Science in technology management from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Louisiana.
