MetaSwitch Upgrades With SIP

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- MetaSwitch, a leading vendor of Class 5 VoIP solutions, announced today at the Spring 2004 VON Conference & Expo that the latest software release for its VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch includes support for IP Centrex and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) v2.0. Support for SIP extends the MetaSwitch VP3500's interoperability to a wider range of devices including SIP phones and SIP-based feature servers. A text-based IETF protocol, SIP is based on the HTTP model, which fuelled the runaway success of the World Wide Web. Due to its flexible architecture, SIP is widely acknowledged as a major component in next generation converged networks, particularly for intelligent endpoints such as IP phones, 'softphones' and IP PBXs. It is also being adopted as the protocol of choice for interconnecting applications in the core of the network, such as softswitches and feature servers.

"SIP is the key enabling technology for next generation networks," said Jeff Pulver, founder and CEO of pulver.com and the visionary behind the VON Conference. "We are currently witnessing a revolution in telecom as carriers rush to adopt SIP for hosted VoIP services, inter-carrier interconnection and replacement of TDM-based infrastructure, leading to new revenue sources and operational efficiencies. Our 'Pulver 100' list recognizes those privately-held companies, including MetaSwitch, that are leading this VoIP revolution with significant applications and deployments."

MetaSwitch's SIP softswitch implementation provides back-to-back user agent (B2BUA) and registrar functionality integrated with an SS7 signaling gateway and media (trunk) gateway with ATM, IP and TDM interfaces. The MetaSwitch VP3500 already supports a full range of IP Centrex and VoIP subscriber services over industry-standard MGCP and NCS gateway control protocols. The addition of a SIP feature server interface allows these to be augmented by custom-developed features or off-switch services. MetaSwitch is working on pre-integrating solutions with a range of such feature servers, including Data Connection's MailNGen unified messaging and MeetingServer conferencing applications, and IP-based platforms for traditional services such as pre-paid calling.

"Next generation networks will include a variety of protocols, including MGCP and H.248, as well as SIP - not forgetting CableLabs' NCS in cable networks," said Chris Mairs, MetaSwitch Vice President of Product Management. "MetaSwitch's major strength, as a division of one of the industry's leading VoIP stack providers, is that we have expertise in all these protocols and more. We are therefore able to deliver a carrier-class platform that seamlessly delivers service to, and can simultaneously switch between, subscribers on any type of access network - be it POTS, T1/PRI, VoATM or VoIP. No other vendor has this level of proven protocol support and Class 5 services today."

In a separate release:

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2004--MetaSwitch, the leading provider of broadband Class 5 switching solutions, today announced that Arrival Communications is deploying the MetaSwitch VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch to deliver broadband voice service to business customers. The MetaSwitch solution will complement Arrival's legacy Lucent VCDX Class 5 switching system in its existing markets, and also enable more flexible expansion into new markets. Arrival has over 12,000 subscriber lines serving small and medium-sized businesses in Tier 2 and 3 markets in California.

After a lengthy review of switch vendors, Arrival selected MetaSwitch because the VP3500 supports Voice over Broadband natively without external gateways and delivers true next generation services such as Web Self-Care. In addition, MetaSwitch's exceptional customer support was a deciding factor in the final decision.

"We believe that MetaSwitch offers an excellent next generation Class 5 switch solution, and they can meet Arrival's stringent requirements for reliability while providing a cost-effective model for growth," said Kidd Filby, Director of Network Engineering and Planning at Arrival Communications. "MetaSwitch is the vendor we believe is most capable of providing the full set of services our small business customers require, with a carrier-grade voice over broadband architecture. Initially, we looked at MetaSwitch for their impressive technology, but we have since come to appreciate the quality of support that they offer."

"We are very pleased to be selected by Arrival, one of the region's leading CLECs with a very successful business model," said John Lazar, MetaSwitch CEO. "Arrival is now in a position to streamline their access network and grow their business, without risking their reputation for network reliability and excellent customer service."

MetaSwitch

Arrival Communications