StrataCom
| Company type | Public (until acquisition) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications equipment |
| Founded | January 1986 in Cupertino, California, United States |
| Founder | 26 former Packet Technologies, Inc. employees |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Acquired by Cisco Systems |
| Successor | Cisco Systems Multi-Service Switching Business Unit |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Steve Campbell (first CEO), Dick Moley (CEO), Dave Sant (sales manager), Scott Kriens (recruit) |
| Products | High-speed WAN switching devices (ATM and Frame Relay), IPX, BPX, IGX |
| Parent | Cisco Systems (from 1996) |
StrataCom, Inc. specialized in supplying high-speed wide area network (WAN) switching devices utilizing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Frame Relay technologies. Established in January 1986 in Cupertino, California, by 26 former Packet Technologies, Inc. employees during that company's decline, StrataCom developed the first commercial cell switch, also referred to as a fast-packet switch. Throughout the 1990s, ATM played a crucial role as a foundational technology for worldwide communication infrastructures.
Origins of the IPX at Packet Technologies
The Integrated Packet Exchange (IPX) project at Packet Technologies was initiated with the involvement of internet pioneer Paul Baran, initially targeting packet voice services as an extension of advanced cable network systems. Following the inclusion of the IPX project, the company adopted the name Packet Technologies. (It is important to note that StrataCom's IPX system is distinct from Novell's IPX networking protocol.)
Originally named PacketDAX, the IPX integrated multiple innovations contributed by team members such as Baran, Charles Corbalis, Brian Holden, Jim Marggraff, Jon Masatsugu, David Owen, and Pete Stonebridge. StrataCom’s early ATM implementation utilized 24-byte cells rather than the standardized 53-byte cells that came later. Several ATM standard features, including CRC-based framing, were directly influenced by StrataCom’s technological advancements.
The IPX development
Initially, the IPX functioned as a 4-to-1 voice compression device employing Voice-Activity-Detection (VAD) and ADPCM, allowing 96 simultaneous calls within bandwidth typically allocated for 24. It later evolved into a comprehensive enterprise voice-data networking platform supporting global corporate networks. In 1992, Data communications magazine honored the IPX as one of the "20 Most Significant Communications Products of the Last 20 Years."
The beta testing phase took place at Michigan Bell covering Detroit suburbs such as Livonia, Plymouth, and Northville. The first commercial shipment connected The May Company’s department stores in San Diego and Los Angeles. The IPX notably served as the backbone for Covia/United Airlines’ flight reservation system and was deployed in corporate environments including CompuServe, Intel, and Hewlett-Packard. Both Covia and DEC acted as resellers of the IPX; DEC also made an investment in StrataCom in 1990.
IPX Frame Relay Development
The most prominent use of the IPX was as the pioneering Frame Relay networking product that formed the foundation for Frame Relay networks operated by AT&T and CompuServe. StrataCom played a significant role in advancing Frame Relay standardization efforts beginning in 1990. The Frame Relay Processor (FRP) card was introduced in 1991 and underwent further enhancements by 1992.
The IPX product
The initial 1986 IPX system comprised:
- The PCC — Processor Control Card — a shelf controller based on the Motorola 68000
- The VDP — Voice Data Processor — responsible for executing a VAD algorithm and managing voice packetization
- The VCD — Voice Compressor-Decompressor — utilizing ADPCM
- The TXR — Transmit Receive Card — providing a T1 interface with packet queuing capabilities
- The PIC — Protection Interface Card — facilitating interchange of T1 interfaces
The second generation introduced in 1989 included:
- The SDP — Synchronous Data Processor — supporting V.35, RS-422, and RS-232 data interfaces; one of the early adopters of Xilinx FPGAs, making StrataCom a major client
- The CDP — Circuit Data Processor — adding support for E1 lines alongside integrated echo cancellation
In 1991, the third generation brought:
- The FRP — Frame Relay Processor — integrating Frame Relay through the use of the SAR function powered by Motorola 56000 DSPs
Public Offering
StrataCom entered the public market in the autumn of 1992, trading under the ticker symbol STRM. Subsequently, three of its executives—Tae Hea Nahm, Ryan Floyd, and Sanjay Subhedar—went on to establish SToRM Ventures.
Development of the BPX
Introduced in 1993, the BPX improved upon Frame Relay technology by increasing speed and complexity. Unlike the IPX, which handled 24-byte cells, the BPX supported ATM’s 53-byte cells. This product was adopted by AT&T for use within their Frame Relay infrastructure.
Advancement to the IGX
The initial IPX model was upgraded with a bus adapter, resulting in its re-release as the IGX.
Cisco Systems Acquisition
In 1996, Cisco Systems purchased StrataCom for $4 billion. This acquisition led to the integration of StrataCom’s workforce into Cisco’s Multi-Service Switching Business Unit, broadening Cisco’s reach into carrier-grade equipment with high reliability, beyond its usual enterprise market.
Leadership at StrataCom
Steve Campbell served as StrataCom’s inaugural CEO before moving on to Packeteer. Dick Moley, previously with ROLM Corporation, held the CEO position for the majority of StrataCom’s tenure. Dave Sant initially managed sales and was responsible for recruiting Scott Kriens, who later became CEO of Juniper Networks. Bill Stensrud was the company’s first Vice President of Marketing and eventually became a managing partner at Enterprise Partners, a venture capital firm.
Company Locations
Originally headquartered at 10341 Bubb Road in Cupertino, StrataCom later relocated to 3175 Winchester Boulevard in Campbell, and subsequently to 1400 Parkmoor Avenue in San Jose. In 1996, a manufacturing plant was established in south San Jose; this facility was chosen in 2006 by Nanosolar for a significant solar cell production site.