IDF picks Alcatel Lucent switchboards

Sources inform ''Globes'' that the IDF has chosen Alcatel Lucent SA (NYSE; Euronext: ALU) and Taldor Computer Systems (1986) Ltd. (TASE: TALD) to replace its Tadiran Telecom Ltd. switchboards. Alcatel Lucent will supply the large switchboard for handling more than 300 extensions, and Taldor will install them. The tender is reportedly worth tens of millions of shekels.

The tender is a long-term project, as large organizations replace IDF switchboards only every 7-10 years. The IDF will continue to use small Tadiran Telecom switchboards.

Tadiran Telecom recently became a distributor for Alcatel Lucent. Tadiran Telecom recently changed its strategy, after acquiring the factory that manufactured its switchboards, and it now markets a full range of products from a range of vendors.

Alcatel Lucent is a new player in the Israeli business switchboard market, and has won several large tenders, including from Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1).

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 16, 2011