Sonus Unveils New NBS

CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- Sonus Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS - News), a leading supplier of service provider Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, announced today the general availability of a new Network Border Switch (NBS) designed specifically to provide carrier-class IP-peering and security capability to both smaller IP-based voice networks and to less-densely populated regions of larger IP-based networks. This latest product introduction expands the breadth of Sonus' award winning IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-ready architecture, offering new and existing customers more flexibility in their network design and the ability to deploy compact solutions without sacrificing the carrier-class functionality that is the hallmark of Sonus solutions.

"Sonus has always led the innovation curve, delivering sophisticated products that help network operators follow the migration path towards an all-IP network infrastructure," said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. "Today, network operators have embraced the value of IP and are looking for ways to grow their IP-based networks seamlessly and securely. As our customer base becomes more diverse, we're committed to delivering a broader range of solutions that meet the requirements specific to their size and growth strategies. The latest NBS product does just that, enabling network operators to deploy a carrier class solution that protects the integrity of their networks when connecting via IP to either enterprises or other IP-based networks."

Unlike traditional peering and security products such as Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Sonus' NBS delivers a unique solution that combines session control, PSTN gateway services and security into a single, high performance, carrier-class system. Sonus' NBS is a purpose-built IP-based solution that allows network operators to leverage the system's sophisticated media handling functionality; extensive IP signaling options that include SIP, SIP-T and H.323; network address and port translation features that protect the privacy of the internal private network topology; session-based firewall functionality; and advanced traffic control features. Supported by Sonus' GSX4000, the industry's first carrier-class compact media gateway, the newly introduced NBS is based on the field-proven technology of Sonus' NBS product line, which has been shipping since 2003.

The smaller form factor NBS enables new customers to enter the market at a lower price point, deploying a solution that can scale seamlessly as demand grows. Because all of Sonus' solutions are standards-based and leverage the distributed principles that are the foundation for IMS, existing Sonus customers can easily integrate the new NBS into their existing networks to support regions that do not require the capacity and density of a more robust solution, while at the same time leveraging existing provisioning, policy and reporting features already deployed in their network. For either new competitive network operators or incumbent network operators that are looking to scale their networks into new geographies, deploying the NBS will result in increased operational and CAPEX efficiencies, expanded revenue opportunities through media transcoding, and the critical signaling and media security functionality that is a prerequisite to ensure the integrity of the network.

"As the IP-based voice market continues to grow, telecom solutions vendors that excel at delivering carrier class and flexible, right-sized solutions are poised for success," said Brian Partridge, senior analyst with Yankee Group. "The newest IP peering solution from Sonus will enhance their ability to address one of the more exciting opportunities in the next generation voice market."

Sonus Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS)