AT&T will utilize Sun servers and modular arrays to help deliver the groundbreaking Internet Protocol (IP)-based video service, AT&T U-verse TV. Building on a long-standing relationship between the two companies, AT&T selected Sun for the performance and overall value of its technologies. Sun Fire X4600 servers will help deliver video to customers of AT&T U-verse TV, the only 100 percent IP-based television service to be offered by a national provider. AT&T U-verse TV currently offers a robust channel lineup with more than 320 linear channels and more than 26 high-definition channels. AT&T will also deploy Sun StorageTek storage arrays, which will provide easy and continuous access to the U-verse TV Video-on-Demand library.
The servers and arrays will be rolled out in new deployments of IP-video super hub offices and IP-video hub offices in the AT&T U-verse network.
"AT&T continues to expand the scope of its U-verse TV offerings to include more video and multimedia services to more and more customers," said Ernie Carey, vice president, Advanced Network Technologies, AT&T. "As we expand availability, we are also building out a world-class, IP-based infrastructure that offers strong performance and serviceability for the needs of consumers both today and tomorrow. Sun's high-capacity servers bring next-generation technology, processing power and storage capacity to the U-verse network."
The complete AT&T solution from Sun will also include Sun Fire X4500 servers, which combine the performance of a four-way Sun x64 server and the highest storage density available, with high-data throughput for about half the cost of traditional solutions. AT&T will also use Sun Support Services and Sun Professional Services to help manage the system.
AT&T U-verse services are available in parts of 23 markets across eight states. AT&T plans to continue launching new markets throughout 2007 and in 2008 and to expand availability in current markets.
More information about the Sun Fire X4600 can be found at:
http://www.sun.com/x4600/ and about the Sun Fire X4500 at
http://www.sun.com/x4500/.