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Macon, GA: August 4, 2005. Access Integrated Networks (AIN), one
of the Southeast's leading Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), today announced a new
network strategy, involving MetaSwitch and Occam Networks, Inc. (OTCBB: OCCM), designed to
provide its more than 30,000 customers with advanced digital network service offerings.
This new strategy will enable Access to offer new voice and data services to
more effectively serve its customers' growing data requirements. Access' customers include small
and medium size business, multiple-location enterprise business, small office / home office (SOHO)
and the residential market. To achieve this goal, Access has deployed a new MetaSwitch "Class
5 Softswitch". The softswitch will provide Access' customers with traditional "plain old
telephone service" (POTS) and PBX (T1 / PRI) trunks as well as advanced features such as
hosted PBX (IP Centrex), Voice VPN, Voice over IP (VoIP), distinctive ringing, simultaneous ringing,
and other subscriber services.
Additionally, Occam Networks' Broadband Loop Carrier BLC 6000 has been chosen
as the access equipment provider for the network. The BLC 6000 is a carrier-grade platform that
will maximize broadband and VoIP services of the new network, resulting in a broader IP service
offering at attractive customer price points. The equipment will be collocated in serving wire
centers across Access' nine State southeastern US region.
In 2004, the prospect of higher network costs - recently
confirmed by the Federal Communications Commission - as well as a desire
to expand its range of service offerings, led Access to consider changing
its network strategy.
Facility-based network arrangements offer companies like Access state-of-the-art
connectivity, environmental and security standards without having to constantly build their
infrastructure to meet the needs of their growing network.
"Our first priority of course was to maintain reliable service to our
customers," said Vincent M. Oddo, Access' President and Chief Executive Officer. "At the
same time, to ensure our long-term success, it was vital to lay a strong foundation for the future
that would allow us to control our own destiny."
"After close evaluation of several proposed vendor solutions," said
Chris Aversano, Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Access, "we quickly realized
that the field-proven MetaSwitch and Occam solution would provide the quality and responsiveness
our customers demand and deserve."
"MetaSwitch is rapidly establishing itself as the leading provider of
facility-based switching equipment for competitive service providers, based on our ability to
offer a true migration solution with enhanced applications," said Mike Ward, MetaSwitch Senior
Vice President of Sales. "We are excited to be part of Access' plans for network growth and new
services that will ensure the company's continued success."
"Occam is delighted to have been chosen by Access to transition its access
network to a simpler, more cost-effective IP-based network that can provide more revenue generating
services," said Russ Sharer, vice president of sales and marketing for Occam. "Our ability
to continue to add leading service providers like Access to our growing list of customers demonstrates
the increasing importance of Ethernet and IP technologies in the telecommunications industry."
About Access Integrated Networks
Access Integrated Networks provides a telecommunications alternative to small
business customers in more than 1,000 communities in the Southeast. Established in 1996, Access
Integrated is a profitable, privately held Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) headquartered
in Macon, GA. INC Magazine has recognized Access Integrated as a leading growth private company for
2004, achieving a ranking of #335. For more information
visit www.accesscomm.com.
About MetaSwitch
MetaSwitch is the industry's leading vendor of Class 4/5 softswitch and enhanced applications solutions
for packet and TDM networks. Its widely deployed call agent, media/signaling gateway and application server platform supports
over 100 Class 5 features including CLASS services, IP Centrex, Unified Messaging, E911, LNP, 1-800 and CALEA, and scales from a
few hundred to half a million subscribers in both integrated and distributed configurations. Customers include incumbent and
competitive local exchange carriers, as well as operators of broadband wireless, cable and fiber networks.
MetaSwitch is a division of established telecom technology provider Data Connection Limited (DCL). The
company is consistently profitable and privately held, with US locations in California, Virginia, Texas and Florida, and
European headquarters in London, UK.
About Occam
Occam® Networks Inc. develops and markets innovative Broadband Loop Carrier
networking equipment that enable telephone companies to deliver voice, data and video services. Based
on Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, Occam's equipment allows telecommunications service
providers to profitably deliver traditional phone services, as well as advanced voice-over-IP,
residential and business broadband, and digital television services through a single, all-packet access
network. Occam is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Additional information can be found at
www.occamnetworks.com.
Data Connection and MetaSwitch are trademarks of Data Connection
Limited and Data Connection Corporation. Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2008 Data Connection.
MetaSwitch is a registered trademark of Data Connection.
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