Ishoni to launch integrated gateway platform: secures $8.5m investment

Cyber News Service

BANGALORE: Ishoni Networks, a developer of broadband communication gateway technology, is all set to launch next-generation, integrated gateway platform from which any system vendor can build gateway products that provide easy voice and Internet services over a single broadband connection. Broadband gateways allow end-user customers to combine high speed Internet accesses with their voice service and content over a single connection.

With the seed capital from CEO of the company, Prakash Bhalerao, the company has secured $8.5 million of venture funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, Infinity Capital Information Technology Ventures and Invesco. The funding will be used to complete the initial product development in the US as well as in Bangalore and to expand related marketing and support functions. The new platform will be introduced in the second half of this year.

Ishoni will provide OEMs with a solution that includes system on a chip, system and application software with protocol stack, real time operating system and a fully functional reference design. Speaking about the platform, Satish T.S., Managing Director, Ishoni Networks, said, "Ishoni platform will allow third party OEMs to significantly shorten their time-to-market with integrated access devices and residential broadband gateway products.

The Ishoni platform will combine technologies such as xDSL, cable modems, voice over IP, home networking over phonelines and wireless HomeRF technologies, to provide shared Internet access throughout the small business or home. He said, "Today, there are some early attempts to integrate voice and networking into a single device, but they cost about $1000 each and they are fixed xDSL or cable products using one of several proprietary voice technologies."

Formed in May 1998, ishoni Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a development site in Bangalore, India. The company has 100 employees, with about half the total located at each site.