Get hardware, software and technical support from major ATM switch vendors

Many major purveyors of carrier-grade ATM switch hardware have upgraded their platforms to support Gigabit Ethernet and other next-generation services. Yesterday's ATM network switch is today's next-gen platform on the same architecture. Network providers and end-users relying on ATM can relax because many ATM switch suppliers can deliver low cost hardware and technical support for your existing infrastructure.

I recommend: Contact Nortel, Alcatel-Lucent and Cisco directly for good deals on ATM switch hardware. These major vendors are also open to discuss support contracts for older ATM networks at competitive prices.

Discover the truth about legacy ATM networks--not everyone is GigE

Local exchange carriers continue to provide business grade ATM services directly to enterprise customers. Many wireless companies still use ATM in their backhaul networks today even as they spend millions of dollars installing GigE backbones for the future. ATM still means a lot more than the place where you get cash.

I recommend: Contact AT&T for high-throughput business services. Get a free consultation with Verizon and see how ATM can cost-effectively carry your voice, data and video traffic.

Decide on the best support source: ATM switch manufacturers or the gray market

Despite the radical drop in the cost of ATM switch hardware pricing by ATM switch manufacturers, there is another place to shop for ATM networking needs: the gray market.

I recommend: eBay has an active gray market for used ATM switch hardware. However, you can buy ATM switches fully refurbished from CompuVest.com. Want more? Network Liquidators lets you buy ATM switches at a great price that includes inspection, testing and refurbishing. Don't forget to take advantage of their lifetime warranty.