Alcatel and IBM partner for network product development

Suzanna Kerridge, Paris correspondent

Alcatel and IBM have joined forces to develop network products for application service providers and ISPs. The companies will create Internet Data Centres linking IBM's IT infrastructure with Alcatel's networking and communications software. In addition, IBM Global Services will integrate a consultancy practice into Alcatel's Enterprise Solutions division to provide US and European organisations with outsourcing and integration advice. Alcatel's current agreement to provide services for Newbridge and its networking products will continue, a spokesman said.