Aculab (www.aculab.com) has announced the availability of an API extension for its SS7 stack to enable users to readily integrate essential maintenance features into the status and control framework of their SS7 applications. The new API provides user functions for the query and retrieval of essential MTP and ISUP state information, such as configured links and linksets and circuit-identification codes (CICs) with their call processing and block states. State information is obtainable from all distributed hosts where trunks carrying signaling links or bearer channels terminate. Aculab?s redundant, high-performance SS7 stack is available under a cost-free license for use with its digital network access cards and Prosody family of media-processing platforms.

Elma Electronic (www.elma.com) has announced the MicroBox 1U MicroTCA solution. The MicroBox features up to 10 modules (mid-size, single width) in a compact 45mm height x 465mm width x 210mm depth, and the five module bays can be filled with a wide range of module configurations in single or double modules or full, mid, or compact sizes. MicroBox features a side-by-side cooling configuration that dissipates 35W per module (midsize, single width), a 384W power module (PM), a JTAG switch module (JSM) from MicroBlade, and one MicroTCA carrier hub (MCH). It also features hot-swap pluggable fan trays and filters, while the backplane for the MicroBox includes slots for six AMC, one power module, one MCH, one JSM, and connections to two cooling units. Pricing for the MicroBox is under $3,000, depending on volume and options.