The new center will focus on developing, integrating and test bedding advanced communications technologies.

As Internet Protocol (IP) continues to become the main transporter of information for companies big and small, the need to address challenges in managing complex IP infrastructure networks grows in importance as well.

Leading global telecommunication solutions provider, Alcatel-Lucent has answered the call by launching its Asia Pacific IP Transformation Center (IPTC) in Singapore to bolster its network of IPTCs worldwide and provide expertise as well as resources to support IP networking in the region.

The Center is expected to host around 50 technologies and employ approximately 80 professionals, representing an investment of up to S$40 million (US$26.4 million) over three years.

Connecting the world

The state-of-the-art IPTC, the first centre of its scale in Asia-Pacific, will develop, integrate and test end-to-end IP networking solutions to help operators and enterprises as they transform their networks to a full IP-based architecture. Thanks to Alcatel-Lucent's extensive network of vendors and strategic partners and comprehensive portfolio of market-driven integrated end-to-end solutions, clients are assured of top quality.

In addition, the new IPTC will work in tandem with the company's existing IPTCs and Network Integration Centers in Antwerp, Belgium; Lisle, Illinois; and Plano, Texas through shared knowledge, resources and best practices to aid service providers in executing their IP Transformation projects.

What this translates to is fast, efficient service. "Shortening the IP transformation period and ensuring seamless customer network migration are the prime objectives of our global IP Transformation Centers and Network Integration Centers," explains Frederic Rose, President, Alcatel-Lucent Asia Pacific. "Our key asset for the execution of these network transformations is our project and management expertise delivered by a team of experienced services professionals worldwide."

In fact, the IPTC has already kicked into gear. It is currently working on rolling out critical infrastructure that will enable sophisticated IP communications services for Companhia de Telecommunicações de Macau S.A.R.L (CTM)'s business and consumer customers to deliver a new generation of communications services that will keep pace with the Macau Special Administrative Region's sustained growth.

"It is essential for us to ensure that we have the capabilities required to meet our customers' future needs for sophisticated IP-based communication services, " says Phil Green, CEO, CTM. "Only Alcatel-Lucent has the necessary expertise and experience to help us do so."


Partnership for success

The IPTC marks the long-standing relationship between Singapore and Alcatel-Lucent; Alcatel first arrived in 1976, while Lucent set up shop here in 1987. Last year, Alcatel established its first IPTV and Triple-Play Center of Competence for the region 2007 in Singapore, successfully boosting the nation's infocommunications industry.

Alcatel-Lucent's latest venture builds on these successes and demonstrates Singapore's attractiveness as a hub for a broad spectrum of high-end infocommunications innovation activities, ranging from R&D to system integration and deployment of new services and solutions for global markets. In addition, Singapore's strategic location, connectivity, and highly skilled workforce are major pluses. IPTC is within easy access of the company's potential Asia-Pacific customers, and can leverage skilled manpower.

The IPTC's presence here is also a major coup for Singapore's thriving infocommunications industry. "The convergence across IT, telecommunications, media and digital entertainment presents Singapore with new opportunities," says Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board. "And Singapore is well positioned to ride on this wave." It is a win-win situation for all involved.