Setbacks in the provider backbone transport (PBT) market, which competes with MPLS, are creating troubles for vendors that rely on the sector.
Perhaps the most prominent PBT supplier, Soapstone Networks (SOAP), was hit hardest by the slowdown. The company reported a $5.1 million loss in 2008’s fourth quarter and had to lay off 10 percent of its workforce, it announced late last week.
Soapstone is counting on continued interest in PBT to fuel its success, although executives noted PBT efforts are being delayed.
