LAS VEGAS -- Minerva Networks and Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.) are enabling businesses and service providers to offer IP (Internet Protocol)-based on-demand video, e-learning, live television, traffic surveillance and entertainment services via the high-performance Optical Internet under a global sales and marketing agreement announced today at NAB2001, the annual conference of the National Association of Broadcasters.

The companies are co-marketing and implementing broadband IP video solutions, as well as solutions that enable businesses and service providers to offer bundled data, voice and video services to businesses and consumers. They also announced that Spring Independent School District (ISD) of Houston, Texas has become one of the first enterprise customers to implement a joint solution from Minerva Networks and Nortel Networks.

"This is an important step in accelerating delivery of toll-quality voice and broadcast-quality video over broadband networks," said Rod McPherson, vice president, portfolio integration, Nortel Networks. "By delivering next generation solutions to our mutual customers today, Nortel Networks and Minerva Networks are leading the deployment of video services over IP-based networks."

Nortel Networks Corp.