OKI Enhances Service Level for its Security Gateway “CenterStage® NX4300″ with Translator Function

OKI Enhances Service Level for its Security Gateway „CenterStage® NX4300” with Translator Function

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced it has added new functions to its security gateway „CenterStage® NX4300” which is equipped with a translator function to allow communications over different protocols, such as IPv4 and IPv6. The newly added functions include a session assurance function and premium forwarding functionality to ensure flexible user service level. These functions enable interwork between IPv4 and IPv6 and create a comfortable connection environment for IPv6 users. The product will be sold to telecom carriers in Japan using IPv6 from September 2009.

„It is expected that the inventory of IPv4 addresses will be depleted in the coming years, and as a countermeasure, it has become important to shift to IPv6. However, during the transition period, it will be necessary to implement measures to extend IPv4 network lifetimes while establishing new IPv6 networks, achieve interworking among them, and minimize the quality deterioration while interworking,” said Hidetoshi Saigou, General Manager of Carriers Business Division at OKI. „By adding two new functions to our NX4300, we believe we can offer a great connection environment to users while contributing to the smooth transition to IPv6.”

OKI’s NX4300 is a carrier-grade security gateway with a translator function to enable interwork between IPv4 and IPv6. The system adopts the ATCA(*1) platform and network processor, achieving carrier-grade translator capability with high-speed processing and high-availability. OKI added a session assurance function to ensure flexible service level for users using IPv6 devices and a premium forwarding function to enable high-speed forwarding of large capacity rich content, enabling interwork between IPv4 and IPv6. In addition, the gateway offers a better connection environment when IPv6 users access existing IPv4 network resources and data center resources, because it can preferentially convert protocols and enable high-speed forwarding depending on the service level, even when the network load is high.

Going forward, OKI will enhance the function of its NX Series as a security gateway and contribute to the smooth transition to IPv6 by adding an IPv6 security function and a DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) function to accommodate the full-scale expansion of NGN(*2).

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OKI Develops World’s First 160Gbps Ultra High-speed Optical Next Generation Access Asymmetric PON System

OKI Develops World’s First 160Gbps Ultra High-speed Optical Next Generation Access Asymmetric PON System

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced it has succeeded in developing the World’s first 160Gbps ultra high-speed optical next generation access (NGA) asymmetric PON system using hybrid Optical Time Division Multiplexing (OTDM) and Optical Code Division Multiplexing (OCDM)(*1). 160Gbps is equivalent to sending 6 channels of uncompressed ultra high-definition video or 33 channels of high-definition video per second. Transmitting signals at a speed of 160Gbps on a single optical fiber downstream means super high-resolution and high quality video delivery service that requires data of over 1GB, such as movie distribution and telemedicine, can be offered.

The research that led to OKI’s achievement was conducted as part of the „Research and development for ultra high-speed optical NGA Asymmetric PON system,” under the auspices of NICT’s(*2) „Basic Technology Promotion System for Private Sectors Program.”

The mainstream optical access systems used by carriers today are GE-PON system (1.25Gbps) in Japan and G-PON system in US and Europe (2.5Gbps), which are used mainly to transmit data and video. In such optical access systems, the communication capacity per user when 16 users are connected, is limited to 78 to 156Mbps.

The ultra high-speed NGA Asymmetric PON system developed by OKI significantly increases the communication capacity compared to conventional optical access systems. The system achieves 128-times larger capacity than that of GE-PON systems and 64-times larger capacity than G-PON systems. This means that with 16users, telecom carriers can offer a 10Gbps communication capacity for each user, enabling high-resolution and high quality video delivery service.

„We are excited to announce the development of the world’s first high-speed NGA Asymmetric PON system. With this system, OKI will contribute a valuable tool to industries that need to transmit high-quality videos, such as the movie and telemedicine industries, and plan to help rejuvenate the communication environment in local areas,” said Takeshi Kamijoh, General Manager of Corporate R&D Center at OKI. „With the market needs in mind, we will continue to make efforts to develop smaller and more stable equipment and continually improve the quality for optical access system over 100Gbps.”

OLT
Optical Line Terminal (OLT) is the main equipment for this system. After encoding the 10Gbps signals using a 16-chip code, and optically multiplexing them into a 25ps TDM slot, OKI quadrupled the signal with wavelength to output a multiplex signal of 10Gbps x 16 ch. OKI then transmitted this 160 Gbps signal over a 20km distance (the longest in an optical access system), divided the signal with a 1 x 16 splitter, extracted the signals from the Optical Network Unit (ONU) that decodes with sign preference, and finally succeeded in decoding a 10Gbps signal.

ONU
Though OKI multiplexed one code in a single TDM slot for this experiment, technically, the system can multiplex up to four codes in a single slot, thus transmitting four times the data (10Gbps x 64ch = 640Gbps). On the other hand, to use the wavelength resources more effectively a structure of 4 coding signals x 4 slots x 1 wavelength can also be achieved. (Refer to diagram)

The result of this research will be announced at OFC/NFOEC2009 (the Optical Fiber Communication Conference & Exposition and the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference), which will be held in San Diego California

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Tangram Customer Interaction Center Selects OKI’s IP Contact Center System for One of China’s Largest Call Centers

Tangram Customer Interaction Center Selects OKI’s IP Contact Center System for One of China’s Largest Call Centers

OKI Networks, a subsidiary of OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) in charge of telecommunication products, today announced that Tangram Customer Interaction Center, a major call center outsourcing service company in China, has selected OKI Networks’ IP contact center system based on CTstage® Chinese Version (CTstage). Working with Kunshan City’s government, Tangram is in the midst of building a 5,000-seat capacity outsourcing call center, the HuaQiao International Service Business Park, which will be one of the largest outsourcing call centers in China(*1). OKI’s system has been adopted as the platform for this center, and since April 2009, has been operating with 300 seats. Tangram plans to continuously expand the system eventually reaching 5,000 seats after the call center park is completed in 2010.

„We are pleased to offer our CTstage for one of the largest call centers in China. With a track record of having the No.1 market share in Japan, the system offers easy customization and excellent expandability. We are confident it will help improve business efficiency for Tangram,” said Masasuke Kishi, President of OKI Networks. „Through OKI Software Technology (OSTJ), an OKI subsidiary in China, OKI has been able to offer sales, system installation and support locally to Tangram. OKI Networks and Tangram will continue to work together to nurture this system as an advanced outsourcing call center model in China.”

In 2007, the cumulative call center market in China had reached 34.95 billion RMB, in which 5.8 billion RMB, or 16.6% came from the outsourcing market. Though the amount of the outsourcing market has doubled from 2005 at 3.08 billion RMB(*2), the ratio is much lower than the global market average of 66%. This suggests a potential for growth in the market. On the other hand, as the market becomes fiercer with competition, many companies in China have started to utilize outbound call centers for phone sales or conducting surveys to expand their sales channels and retain customers to become a winners in the market. Many companies also outsource this business to outsourcing companies. This is because, phone sales involves making phone calls, which is a routine task, making it easy to outsource. The cost-benefit performance of outsourcing is also clear, and because users can start from a small-sized operation, companies can reduce their initial investment.

Tangram is a major call center outsourcing service company. Established in 2000, it currently operates a 400-seat call center in Shanghai. With the rapidly growing market, Tangram realized the need to expand their system, and thus, together with Kunshan City, they decided to build the HuaQiao International Service Business Park. Tangram chose Kunshan City based on a long term vision expecting that it can develop new clients by selecting a location where supply and demand are concentrated. And the Kunshan government is working to develop service business as Kunshan’s major industry in the next generation by actively investing, attracting companies and offering benefits to them.

Tangram decided to use an advanced system leveraging IP technology to improve its value-added services such as management-by-customer and customized reporting. OKI’s IP call center system at Tangram integrates clients and servers over an IP network, and all operators use software phones. To ensure customer confidentiality, Tangram organizes an operator team for each client order and has all the teams work in different rooms. OKI can easily move and expand its system, responding flexibility to these room changes. The system helps improve Tangram’s business efficiency by enabling operators to input customer data and answer the phones from their PCs, and by sharing call history and other data with the Shanghai headquarters.

*1 :One of the largest outsourcing call centers in China
Based on OKI’s research data, 5,000-seat is one of the largest outsourcing call centers in China. However, it is not the case for in-house call centers.
*2 :Outsourcing market has doubled from 2005 at 3.08 billion RMB
Data source: CTI Forum 2008 China’s call center business research report

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OKI Announces New President and CEO

OKI Announces New President and CEO

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced that Hideichi Kawasaki, currently Managing Director and Senior Vice President, will be appointed to be the next Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Katsumasa Shinozuka, currently President and CEO will assume the position of Chairman of the Board. These changes are subject to approval at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and at the Board of Directors meeting afterward, both scheduled to be held in late June 2009.

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OKI Launches HD-compatible Visual Nexus® Video Conferencing System www.oki.com

OKI Launches HD-compatible Visual Nexus® Video Conferencing System

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) launched „Visual Nexus® ver4.0 HD,” the latest version of its video conferencing system, Visual Nexus®, that is compatible with high-definition. This new version significantly improves video resolution for video conferences and can combine on the server up to sixteen screens in HD resolution. The installed price is approximately half of that currently available in the market for HD-compatible video conference systems.

Companies have been installing video conferencing systems to reduce costs. Meanwhile, many vendors have been offering HD video conferencing devices that are compatible with various HD resolutions such as 720P(1280X720), 1080P(1920X1080) and 1080i (1920X1080). Taking these trends into consideration, OKI added an HD-video conferencing system to its lineup to offer the perfect solutions for these growing needs.

„We are pleased to introduce our Visual Nexus for HD resolution. Not only do we respond to the current trend in video conferencing systems, we offer it at a significantly low price, as we develop the product based on our advanced software technology,” said Atsuhisa Suzuki, Manager of Visual Nexus Business Department at OKI. „We believe our Visual Nexus is the ideal video conference solution for companies who are working to improve their method of multi-location communication and those who seek to improve business efficiency through more cost-effective communication.”

Visual Nexus ver4.0 HD is compatible with the latest HD resolutions, 720P, 1080i and1080P, while maintaining backward compatibility with standard definition (SD) format, and thus supports users who operate both types. The product consists of a conference server (MCU) and a PC client which can be connected to various types of third party’s SD and HD video conferencing devices. Therefore, users can use Visual Nexus with their existing third party’s video conferencing devices. Even when SD and HD devices are mixed, the conference server uses a resolution match function and adjusts each device to display natural video conferencing resolution.

For more details of the new functions, please see the reference material at: http://www.oki.com/en/press/2009/03/z08131e.html

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OKI, First in the Industry to Launch Carrier-grade Wideband Codec Conversion Function in its Session Border Controller “CenterStage® NX3200″ for NGN

OKI, First in the Industry to Launch Carrier-grade Wideband Codec Conversion Function in its Session Border Controller „CenterStage® NX3200” for NGN

OKI Electric Industry(TSE: 6703) today announced it is first in the industry to add a carrier-grade wideband codec conversion function to its session border controller (SBC)(*1) „CenterStage® NX3200.” The equipment is compatible with wideband codecs such as ITU-T(*2) G.711.1, and can simultaneously transfer large amounts of data between voice and video codecs used in mobile and fixed networks. The product will be available in Japan starting today.

„We believe the new wideband codec function for both fixed and mobile networks will enable telecom carriers to offer ubiquitous services to their customers,” said Hidetoshi Saigou, General Manager of Carriers Business Division at OKI. „Taking advantage of OKI’s leading technologies in transmitting massive amounts of video, voice and data, and its carrier-grade hardware and software technologies for NGN that offer the ultimate in reliability, we will continue to enhance the CenterStage Series that incorporate solutions to telecom carrier needs.”

With G.711.1, a wideband codec that was standardized by the ITU-T in 2008, users can enjoy higher voice quality as it can convey sound more accurately. It can also interconnect with the previous G.711 standard. In the field of codecs for mobile network, there is also a clear trend toward wideband compatibility. Wideband codecs, such as AMR-WB(*3), EVRC Rev.B(*4), enable better quality in voice as well as video and data. However, to use these wideband codecs, it is necessary to have a structure to seamlessly hand over service among telecom carriers.

Thus, telecom carriers would need a large scale SBC to offer wideband for mobile and fixed networks, interconnect among telecom carriers, and seamlessly connect different voice and video codecs. In particular, when communicating between devices that are wideband-compatible and those that are not, SBCs are essential for enabling high-speed and large volume codec conversions to be done.

To enable telecom carriers to incorporate wideband codec, OKI became first in the industry to incorporate in its SBC, next-generation wideband codecs for mobile networks (AMR-WB and EVRC RevB), in addition to G.711.1 standard. Thus, in addition to conventional codec conversion functionality, the NX3200 enables simultaneously communication among various voice and video codecs used in both mobile and fixed networks. Therefore, the SBC is perfectly suited for use as the NGN interconnection equipment required in the development of ubiquitous services.

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“OKITAC®-4300C” and “OKITYPER®-2000″ Certified in Japan as Information Processing Technology Heritage

„OKITAC®-4300C” and „OKITYPER®-2000” Certified in Japan as Information Processing Technology Heritage

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703), OKI Printng Solutions and Kyoto Computer Gakuin (KCG) today announced they have received „Information Processing Technology Heritage” certification from Information Processing Society of Japan (IPSJ) for two products. The two models thus recognized are: „OKITYPER®-2000,” an electric teletypewriter developed and manufactured by OKI and the rights to which are owned by OKI Printng Solutions, and „OKITAC®-4300C,” developed and manufactured by OKI and owned by KCG. The two models were recognized as historical materials valuable in understanding the technology of the time when they were manufactured.

„We are honored that our products have been recognized as historical materials and certified at the first Information Processing Technology Heritage convention. In our 128-year history, we have been committed in monozukuri, the Japanese way of manufacturing,” said Yutaka Asai, Chief Technology Officer at OKI. „We will continue to provide and maintain products that contribute to the development of the information society in order to achieve a better society.”

The Information Processing Technology Heritage program is hosted by IPSJ to certify historical products and achievements that have formed the foundation of Japan’s information processing technology, and to certify information processing technologies and systems that have significantly contributed to Japan’s economy and society. Through the certification program, IPSJ aims to make valuable heritage technology widely known, to put in to use as research and education material, and to preserve the heritage.

OKITYPER-2000 is a multifunction electric teletypewriter with a perforation tape reader, which was widely used by government agencies and enterprises in Japan. The product contributed greatly to office automation as the root of OKI’s current MFPs (Multi Function Printers). Various efforts were exerted to make this system smaller, lighter and easier to operate, which is a valuable example of OKI’s commitment to monozukuri.

OKITAC-4300 is a minicomputer which was used at schools and research organizations from the end of the 1960’s to the early 70’s. Although its size was small, its computing performance speed was comparable to existing medium-size machines. All its peripherals, including an I/O device, magnetic tape drive and line-printer, were made by OKI. The full system is currently stored at KCG and is considered valuable historical material for understanding the information processing technology of that time.

OKITYPER-2000 is displayed at OKI Takasaki-site Showroom and the OKITAC-4300C System is displayed at KCG Computer Museum.

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OKI to Showcase its Cash Recycling ATM at CeBIT2009

OKI to Showcase its Cash Recycling ATM at CeBIT2009

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced it will showcase its ATM (Automated Teller Machine) at CeBIT2009, the world’s largest and most renowned trade fair for the world of IT and telecommunications, which will be held in Hannover, Germany from March 3-8. Leveraging its mechatronics technology and financial business know-how it has acquired over the years, OKI will for the first time, introduce its advanced cash recycling ATM to the European markets.

„We are pleased to showcase our cash recycling ATMs at CeBIT2009. OKI has been the leading maker of ATMs in Japan ever since we developed the world’s first cash recycling ATM in 1982,” said Takao Hiramoto, Executive Officer and President of Systems Hardware Business Division at OKI. „With this technology, Japan’s ATM has penetrated the market rapidly. In addition, as the expert in cash recycling, OKI has gained a strong sales track record in China and Korea by working with local partners. At CeBIT 2009, OKI will promote its cash recycling ATM to financial institutions in Europe and other areas, where cash dispensers are the mainstream, and enable those institutions to improve their business efficiency and level of service.”

Cash recycling ATMs are ATMs in which deposited banknotes can be used for withdrawal, offering efficient cash management and operation. At CeBIT2009, OKI will showcase its full-specification cash recycling ATM, the „ATM21S” and its space-saving ATM, the „ATM21SX.” Compared to regular ATMs, OKI’s cash recycling ATMs help financial institutions reduce cost in banknote management and operations.

Visitors to OKI’s CeBIT 2009 booth – Hall 17, Stand D37, Main stand – will see the following cash recycling ATMs firsthand:

Multifunction ATM „ATM21S”
This is a cash recycling ATM that significantly improves cash efficiency. The ATM21S can hold up to 13,000 banknotes, offers high operability with the industry’s top-class processing speed, while maintaining the same width as a general cash dispenser (470mm), which makes it easy to replace. The ATM21S offers user-friendly functions, using the industry’s largest high-definition LCD (15inch) that helps with voice and graphic guidance. The ATM is capable of 24-hour operation and can include a passbook printing function.

Space-saving ATM „ATM21SX”
This is an ATM for small and mid-size bank branch or convenience stores with the cash recycling method. Thoroughly pursing space-saving, the width of ATM21SX is the same size as a general cash dispenser and 30% smaller than the ATM21S, while holding up to 7,000 banknotes. It also offers user-friendly functions, using the industry’s largest high-definition LCD (15inch) that helps with voice and graphic guidance. The ATM is capable of 24-hour operation and can include a passbook printing function.

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OKI Joins the Photovoltaic Power Conditioner Market

OKI Joins the Photovoltaic Power Conditioner Market

OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) and OKI Power Tech(OPT), an OKI Group company developing and manufacturing power supply units, today announced that OPT, together with JFE Electrical & Control Systems, has developed a photovoltaic (PV) power conditioner. This industry’s first power conditioner applies a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) controller to an insulated DCDC converter, which offers high efficient power generation even in insulated applications where power conversion efficiency has been an issue. OPT will exhibit the product at the 2nd International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo, which will be held in Tokyo from February 25. The power conditioner will be available through OKI, OPT and JFE Electrical & Control Systems’ sales channel from October 2009.

„We are excited to enter the PV market with our power conditioners, leveraging our advanced DSP control technology. We will first offer a 10kW output product to Japan’s industrial market and will sequentially expand our product lineup to include models with higher capacity,” said Akira Ugawa, President of OKI Power Tech. „From October 2009, we plan to offer the product to companies offering systems for use in industrial and commercial applications. In addition, working together with solar battery manufacturers and trading companies, we aim to further expand our business by providing the products to overseas markets.”

This newly developed 10kW PV power conditioner system is a compact high-frequency insulated power conditioner to be used outdoors with a focus on heat dissipation and maintainability. Using OPT’s advanced DSP control technology, the power conditioner offers energy-saving by maintaining high efficiency over a wide range of input power. The power conditioner adopts the „multi-phase control method,” in which a number of DCDC converters are controlled through a DSP control for best operation and conversion rates, enabling the power conditioner to flexibly control the input/output power voltage and current. Thus, compared to conventional DCDC converter control, it can maintain high power conversion efficiency even when electricity production from solar batteries is low and can maintain a conversion efficiency of over 90% at only 50% output. The power condition enables not only parallel operation with multiple units, but also includes a network connection function, in which OKI excels. In addition, it can easily increase output capacity that was difficult with previous power conditioners, and can enable monitoring functions.

The PV system market is expanding 30-40% yearly worldwide, and thus, PVs are expected to find increased use in various applications. In Japan, clean energy is an area that is carefully watched, and various frameworks are being organized to support the installation of PVs to reduce CO2. OPT is an expert in designing, developing, manufacturing and selling power supply units and electronic devices. Based on its long years of developing technologies, OPT will continue to develop and offer highly efficient power conditioners that respond to customer needs.

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OKI Launches Host Media Processing Software, eSound™ Engine for Server V2

OKI Launches Host Media Processing Software, eSound™ Engine for Server V2

Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6703) today announced it has developed the „eSound™ Engine for Server V2,” a host media processing(*1) software that improves compatibility with mobile phones and PC client engines. The engine, available to the global market starting today, is based on its „eSound Engine” that achieves high sound quality communication over IP networks.

„Based on our long years of development of VoIP technology, OKI has been offering a highly realistic communication environment over IP networks with its eSound (*2) technology. The „eSound Engine” was announced in April 2006 and has steadily expanded its lineup. The engine is widely accepted in the market and is used in various terminals such as mobile phones and software phones,” said Toshinori Suzuki, General Manager of Telecom System Division at OKI. „By responding to the demand for host media processing software, we improved compatibility with client engines and today are announcing the eSound Engine for Server V2.”

With the expansion of IP networks, such as seen in NGN, demand for IP-based host media processing software has increased. This software is expected to be used in network terminals to offer value-added service such as IVR(*3), MCU(*4) and voice recording. Furthermore, demands to include commonality and portability in host media processing are also increasing. This is because as business infrastructures, such as thin client and cloud computing(*5) progress, applications that had previously been enabled on terminals now must be enabled on servers on IP-based network infrastructures.

Therefore, OKI developed the „eSound Engine for Server V2” based on the original „eSound Engine for Server” that is used in OKI’s „CTstage® 5i,” a contact center system that holds a 46% market share in Japan(*6). OKI has improved compatibility with client engines such as mobile phones and PCs, and succeeded in developing this engine as host media processing software to achieve seamless applications on network equipment over the network.

Characteristics of the engine

Common API for client engine
The engine includes a common API used in client type eSound Engine such as „eSound Engine ForPC” and „eSound Engine ForMobile,” thus reducing the application development load. For example, a PC-based voice conference application can easily be ported to a conference server.

Compatible with multiple codecs
The engine is compatible not only with conventional codecs such as G.711, but also with wideband codecs such as G.722. It also includes a function to enable mixing different codecs.

Low delay
The engine is equipped with OKI’s original „Delay Recovery Function,” boasting the industry’s highest level of latency recovery.

Compatible with multiple platforms
The engine is compatible with Windows® and Linux®, responding to a variety of systems, from enterprise systems to carrier systems.

Suzuki added „OKI aims to achieve a 50% the market share in Japan in the host media processing software market in the fiscal year ending March 2010. We will focus on contributing to telecom carriers’ service expansions in NGN, and will be compatible with various codecs that will be used in high-quality IP telephony services. We will also enhance collaboration with IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and multimedia middleware technologies and aim to achieve a 30% market share in the world market In the next three years.”

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