The ATCA standard works as a guide for the construction of open, blade-oriented telecom equipment by specifying use of common, integrated elements to build backplanes, chassis and system management capabilities. The specifics of the standard cover switch fabrics, board dimensions, connections and interfaces, and power distribution, among requirements. MicroTCA, an application of the ATCA standard for gear with smaller form factors, also is increasing popular.
Now, in addition to the benefits ATCA holds in creating, maintaining and upgrading multivendor networks, it's also being looked at as environmentally progressive.
TMCnet tells how that benefit will be discussed at an upcoming "Green" event, and also has the story on a new MicroTCA offering from RadiSys.