"Carriers are increasingly realizing that service brokers are key to their ability to safely and cost-effectively evolve their business models to IP," said Kevin DeNuccio, Metaswitch CEO. "AppTrigger has played an instrumental role in defining this market, delivering the most robust, feature rich solution, and demonstrating its ability to scale with deployments processing billions of calls per month. This technology not only expands the set of solutions we can deliver to our customers, but supports our global growth strategy particularly in the rapidly-evolving mobile application space."

A purpose-built, reusable software network element, a Service Broker efficiently manages service interaction and service composition and resides between the service layer and the converging network. AppTrigger pioneered the Service Broker concept with its Ignite platform, which is today deployed in multiple tier one networks worldwide. Ignite can be rapidly deployed due to its unique support for a range of 17 pre-defined application interworking solutions from non-geographical number and local number portability (LNP) to wireless prepaid and network IVR.

"The Metaswitch acquisition of AppTrigger continues the overall momentum of the Service Broker market," said Joe McGarvey, principal analyst of Current Analysis. "Adding this technology to Metaswitch’s existing product portfolio strengthens its position as a market leader in IP transformation by providing a broader set of solutions and services to enable service providers to better utilize their resource infrastructure and achieve CAPEX savings."

Metaswitch’s carrier solutions encompass session control, application/feature servers and media and signaling gateway elements that support a range of network architectures from legacy/TDM to NGN and full IMS. The addition of the AppTrigger Ignite platform to the Metaswitch product line-up will enable the company to provide standalone Service Broker solutions, as well as accelerate adoption of its switching and applications product lines in fixed-line and wireless networks in multiple geographical markets.

"We considered many options for taking the business forward, including continuing to stay independent. Becoming part of Metaswitch represented the most exciting route for us to scale our business globally and make the greatest impact on the market," said Chris Todd, AppTrigger CEO. "Throughout the process, we have experienced a strong cultural fit and shared vision for the market that we believe will enable a smooth integration."

Bowen Advisors acted as financial advisors and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as legal advisors to AppTrigger. Metaswitch was advised by Shearman & Sterling LLP. Closure of the acquisition is subject to standard contractual conditions and expected by the end of the month.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of the technologies and solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, next-generation architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its reliable, scalable carrier systems solutions, while its high performance, fault-tolerant software technologies are licensed by all the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit www.metaswitch.com.

About AppTrigger

With deployments worldwide, AppTrigger is dynamically changing the telecom application delivery marketplace by empowering its customers to insulate their revenue-producing applications from the challenges of the ever evolving fixed-line, mobile, and IP networks. AppTrigger’s Service Broker provides a purpose built unique combination of media, signaling, call control, and a family of APIs for multi-network, converged application deployments. Supporting over 200 million subscribers worldwide, the Ignite™ service broker enables the preservation of application investment, reduction of application deployment costs and optimized application connectivity across multiple and disparate networks. For more information, visit www.apptrigger.com.

Welcome to the latest edition of Metaswitch eNews. As your new editor, I'll start by thanking my predecessor, Gary Kim. Gary has moved on to be editor in chief of our exciting new media project, Carrier Evolution – a mash-up of current news and unique content on the fascinating changes that continue to take place in the world of telecommunications. You can read more about Carrier Evolution here.

There's been an awful lot happening at Metaswitch of late, and it would be foolish to try to capture it all in one newsletter. So my commitment for 2010 is to send a relatively slim newsletter on a more frequent basis. In this month's edition, we interview Metaswitch’s new CEO, Kevin DeNuccio, showcase a series of new video vignettes that highlight the many capabilities of our CommPortal product, introduce www.carrierevolution.com and give you a behind the scenes look at one of new customers in the Philippines. We've also made available a new "Built on Metaswitch" logo for the many customers that have been looking for such a badge to place on their own websites and marketing collateral.

I look forward to keeping you updated in the months ahead. Of course, for the ultimate Metaswitch experience, please register for our Forum 2010. It's going to be 4 days of killer content and the chance to truly explore all parts of our business, our partners and our broad customer base. It would be great to see you there.

Steve Gleave, VP Marketing CSD, Metaswitch Networks.

Also in this issue:

• Letter from the Editor
• Interview with Kevin DeNuccio
• Carrier Evolution
• Eastern Promise
• Video Vignettes
• AdvaTel
• Built on Metaswitch
• Metaswitch Forum 2010

"INTERNET TELEPHONY is proud to present Metaswitch with a 2009 Product of the Year Award for their SIP Trunking Solution. Metaswitch has proven its continued commitment to quality and excellence while addressing real needs in the marketplace," said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. "We're happy to recognize and honor Metaswitch for their development of IP communications technology. We look forward to more innovative solutions from them in the future."

Metaswitch's SIP Trunking Solution, Business IP Trunking, with its unique and innovative capabilities, allows legacy TDM-trunking PBXs, Key Systems and IP PBXs to use IP network access trunks. The solution also supports hosted voice services, allowing service providers and customers to achieve mix and match options as their needs evolve, all while sharing common dialing plans and features.

In 2009, Metaswitch further enhanced its SIP Trunking solution to add:

• Voice Quality Monitoring (VQM) - a powerful feature that allows service providers to proactively monitor the quality of service in their IP network.
• Emergency Standalone for SIP Trunks - if connection is lost between the edge media gateway and the network signaling core, individual Metaswitch Media Gateways can take over call control and provide call features to the SIP Trunking customer.
• Advanced PBX self care features - Metaswitch's CommPortal interface now provides an intuitive Web interface for customers to configure network-based services on their SIP trunks; helping service providers to lower maintenance costs and encourage increased adoption of advanced revenue generating services available through the same CommPortal window.
• Service Assurance Server - records all signaling flows on SIP trunks to a high-performance database and provides Web-based access to detailed traces of all calls, enabling service providers to more easily troubleshoot interoperability issues and resolve problems and disputes.

Together with Metaswitch's existing proven broad SIP interoperability, these enhancements result in a comprehensive SIP Trunking solution that sets a new bar for manageability, scalability and reliability.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of the technologies and solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, next-generation architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its reliable, scalable carrier systems solutions, while its high performance, fault-tolerant software technologies are licensed by all the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit www.metaswitch.com.

About INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine

INTERNET TELEPHONY has been the IP Communications Authority since 1998™. Beginning with the first issue in February of 1998, INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine has been providing unbiased views of the complicated converged communications space. INTERNET TELEPHONY offers rich content from solutions-focused editorial content to reviews on products and services from TMC Labs. INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine reaches more than 225,000 readers, including pass-along readers. For more information, please visit www.itmag.com.

About TMC

Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) is a global integrated media company helping our clients build communities in print, in person and online. TMC publishes Customer Interaction Solutions, INTERNET TELEPHONY, Unified Communications, and NGN magazines. TMCnet, TMC's Web site, is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. TMCnet is read by two million unique visitors each month on average worldwide, according to Webtrends. TMCnet has ranked within the top 3,500 in Quantcast's Top U.S. sites, placing TMCnet in the nation’s top .03% most visited Web sites. In addition, TMC produces INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO (ITEXPO); 4GWE Conference and M2M Evolution (in conjunction with Crossfire Media); Digium|Asterisk World (in conjunction with Digium); and Smart Grid Summit (in conjunction with Intelligent Communication Partners). For more information about TMC, visit http://tmcnet.com/.

"As the economy eases out of recession, Metaswitch is poised to emerge as a significant player with global scope. This is a tremendously exciting prospect – but also a challenge for us as an organization to manage that growth and make the most of the opportunity," said Lazar. "The board, including myself, unanimously agreed that Kevin’s extensive CEO experience, supported by my ongoing close involvement as chairman, will create the best possible leadership team for this next phase in the company’s evolution."

A veteran of Redback Networks (now Ericsson, NASDAQ:ERIC), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) and Bell Atlantic (now Verizon, NYSE:VZ), DeNuccio has demonstrated multiple times his ability to turn promising early and mid-stage businesses into multi-billion dollar global players. At Redback, as CEO, he oversaw the company’s transformation into the fastest growing edge router vendor and subsequent acquisition for $2.1 billion. At Cisco, as senior vice president, he grew the worldwide service provider division from a $500 million, 500-person organization to $4 billion and 4,000 employees in the space of four years.

DeNuccio comes into the role with intimate knowledge of the company having been an independent director on the board since December 2008. In addition to Metaswitch, he also serves on the boards of SanDisk (NASDAQ: SNDK) and Catholic Charities.

"I have spent much of the last 12 months thinking deeply about where the industry is headed," said DeNuccio. "One major issue is that over the last decade, established vendors with multiple shrinking revenue streams have cut back on R&D, and lost the formula, people and agility to deliver the continuous rapid innovation the industry and carriers need.

"I soon realized Metaswitch had a quite extraordinary combination of talent and technology – traditional telephony and exciting new mobile, IP-based applications – that could fill this innovation gap, and propel it into the ranks of the major vendors worldwide. So, when the opportunity arose to help drive that strategy from the inside, I jumped at it. The timing just worked out perfectly, and I’m thrilled and excited to be helping the board and senior management team execute on our shared vision, and to working closely with our existing customers to innovate and deliver the solutions they need today and for the future."

Metaswitch Founder and former Chairman Ian Ferguson is also extremely enthusiastic about the changes, and remains on the board in his capacity as chairman of the company’s Employee Benefit Trust.

Live Conference Call for Press and Analysts

Press and analysts are invited to a live conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time today to discuss the announcement, including Q&A with Kevin DeNuccio and John Lazar. The conference call may be accessed in the United States by dialing 1-888-217-4032 and using access code 627 473 74. The conference call may be accessed internationally by dialing +1-617-614-2737.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of the technologies and solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, next-generation architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its reliable, scalable carrier systems solutions, while its high performance, fault-tolerant software technologies are licensed by all the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit www.metaswitch.com.

Maui Sanford serves as president of the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA), a non-profit organization representing the interests of small island nations in the Pacific Region. Sanford is also heading a team from OPT French Polynesia during the Honolulu PITA and PTC events, promoting major improvements in transpacific telecommunications illustrated by HONOTUA, a $110 million undersea fiber optic program linking French Polynesia to the west coast of the United States and to Australia and New Zealand's Southern Cross Cable System. Back home with OPT French Polynesia, Sanford is busy modernizing the local and national networks with a Metaswitch solution that will bring new services throughout the islands. "We wanted a scalable, flexible system with services that will evolve as the network changes over time," said Sanford.

Another leader in the Asia Pacific region is Benjamin "Bing" Garcia, vice president and COO of Marbel Telephone Systems in Koronadal City, Philippines and active member of PAPTELCO, a 48-member advocacy group of private Philippine telephone companies. Initially established as an ILEC serving southern Mindanao, the company recently bought a Metaswitch VP2510 to power its new CLEC business that will expand the company's serving area to a neighboring province and also add IPTV to the portfolio of Marbel Telephone down the road.

For MCV Broadband in Guam, the pace picked up with the arrival of Craig Thompson, CEO and president. In a few short years he has not only brought current, quality broadcasting to MCV subscribers but also a very competitively priced quadruple play of Cable TV, Internet, Wireline and Wireless services. Serving over 50,000 subscribers on four islands, in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, the company is transitioning from wholesale voice services to their own facility-based services using a Metaswitch VoIP application and infrastructure solution. "In-region support, exceptional references and a right-sized solution led us to Metaswitch," said Thompson.

In Hawaii, two successful operators recently combined to form Hawaii Dialogix Telecom, providing traditional, hosted PBX and triple play services to business and MDU customers. Having deployed a Metaswitch VP2510 in 2008, the company plans to add a second system for expansion later this year. Key to selecting Metaswitch was the exceptional cost saving in cooling and energy conservation.

"These operators are truly leaders within the region," said Jeff Lattomus, area vice president for Metaswitch. "They are committed to keeping pace with technology advances, bringing benefits to their communities, and serving as great examples of what Metaswitch is starting to achieve throughout Asia."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The landmark "customer 500" is in the Philippines: Misamis Oriental Telephone System Inc. This progressive incumbent provider is ready to leave the decades of TDM behind for today's cost-saving benefits and advanced application capabilities of an IP telephony solution. Metaswitch continues to win business and expand into the Asia Pacific region, building on its market leadership in North America. In the most recent Service Provider VoIP Equipment and Subscribers Q3 2009 report from Infonetics Research, Metaswitch maintained the number one position in North America with a 59.9 percent market share in Class 5 softswitch licenses, while also holding a 24.4 percent share worldwide.

Celtro became the 250th customer of the Network Protocols Division. Celtro selected Metaswitch MPLS and IP Routing protocol suites to power their mobile backhaul switching solutions.

Also stimulating the new decade is the December announcement that the US government has finally started distributing funds as part of the $7.2billion Recovery Act broadband grant and loan programs. Among the early recipients, Slic Network Solutions, a subsidiary of Nicholville Telephone Co., will use part of its Broadband Stimulus grant to purchase Metaswitch equipment and bring VoIP phone service to consumers and business owners in Franklin County, in rural northern New York state.

Completing a strong finish to the decade, Metaswitch was chosen as the Telecommunications Company of the Year (UK) by ACQ Finance magazine. Selected for its three decades of profitability and revenue growth, Metaswitch was also recognized for consistently being listed as one of the top places to work in the UK.

"It's been a truly defining decade for Metaswitch," said John Lazar, CEO. "From product conception to 500 customers in our Carrier Systems Division, matched by continued success with our Network Protocols Division, we thank all of the customers that have put their trust in our solutions."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The secret sauce inside Phone Power's marketing success is an all-IP network infrastructure that delivers aggressively priced service bundles with a wide range of advanced features included at no additional charge. Compared to a traditional telephone company model, the Phone Power offer is hard to beat: With a two-year contract, consumers pay as little as $14.95 per month. Businesses can choose from a range of competitively priced offers, including hosted services. In addition, a recent deal inked with Best Buy to offer the Phone Power residential package in all its stores nationwide has broadened Phone Power's reach.

The model has worked well to both attract and retain increasingly demanding and cost-conscious customers. "Today's customers have high expectations when it comes to features, especially things like call routing," said Jim Murphy, president of Phone Power. "Call forwarding is not enough. Today's consumers expect sophisticated find-me follow-me features that they manage themselves on the web. More than thirty percent of our new customers come from referrals, and referrals are only made by people who love your service, your features and your price."

Founded in 2005, Phone Power has built a substantial base of VoIP subscribers through organic growth and acquisitions. To accommodate the company's needs for a scalable solution that can handle the addition of 100,000 subscribers, Phone Power works with Metaswitch Networks to build their all-IP core service infrastructure. "We selected Metaswitch's MetaSphere solution for our killer service bundles because it provides the most comprehensive range of innovative voice features compared to any other vendor we evaluated," highlighted Murphy.

As Phone Power grows, so the network grows. And while subscribers love the low cost and highly featured phone service, Phone Power keeps customer churn well below the industry norm by providing great support and equipment reliability.

About Phone Power

Phone Power is a next-generation telecommunications company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. A privately-owned company founded in 2005, they provide telecommunications service to the continental US, and Canada. All customer service is based in the USA. Phone Power customers range from single-line residential service all the way to corporate call centers. For more information about Phone Power, visit www.PhonePower.com.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Metaswitch is providing Huawei with Metaswitch's unicast and multicast routing, packet MPLS, and VPN / PWE support. Huawei will also take advantage of Metaswitch's integrated control plane components that bond together the protocol stacks to deliver a fully integrated solution.

The original relationship between Huawei and Metaswitch goes back to 2002 when Metaswitch provided control plane software for Huawei's optical networking platforms. This new agreement significantly expands the relationship to include a much broader set of Metaswitch protocol products to be deployed on a new set of Huawei packet platforms.

"An essential ingredient of our success in recent years has been Metaswitch's quality engineering and exceptional support," said Jeffrey Li, Director of Software Department in Huawei's Network Business Unit. "They have provided a rock-solid foundation for our optical products, and have allowed us to focus our engineering resources on the value-added features that distinguish us in the market. This has been a very successful partnership so far, and we are confident of continued success going forward."

"Licensing a significant package of network protocol software to one of the top providers of networking equipment in the world, not to mention the largest supplier of telco equipment in China, speaks volumes for our software and support," said Phil McConnell, General Manager of Metaswitch's Network Protocols Division.

Metaswitch has developed portable network protocol source code based on its N-BASE portability technology for over 25 years. The company's industry leading MPLS and IP Routing solutions, which include unicast and multicast protocols, are architected to handle the scale and reliability requirements of the most demanding applications while providing the extensibility and full feature set to support IP VPNs, QoS, traffic engineering, and optical control plane function. The portability and robustness of the N BASE protocol products, plus superb engineering and exceptional support, provide telecommunications equipment manufacturers with an unrivaled technical solution that reduces engineering cost and greatly improves time to market.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Both Range Telephone Cooperative and 3 Rivers Communications have recently teamed up with Metaswitch. With over 1,000 miles of fiber, connecting nearly all of the Range family’s 39 exchanges, plus current and future builds to homes and businesses in those areas, Range was well suited to deliver Metaswitch’s sophisticated telephony applications to over 28,000 subscribers throughout southeastern Montana and Wyoming. 3 Rivers Communications will replace its legacy Nortel equipment with a Metaswitch solution to power its core network infrastructure.

The need for a scalable, reliable and highly-featured voice over IP platform drove Ron Warnick, the director of technology and network operations for 3 Rivers Communications, to take a closer look at Metaswitch. "Not only can we start to replace our legacy switching equipment, but their MetaSphere platform also allows us to cost-effectively deliver a staggering range of business and residential services to our customers. These applications and services are usually only found in large metropolitan areas."

Metaswitch’s distributed switching architecture was an important factor for the Range family once it came time to choose a vendor. According to chief technology officer, Tim Green, "The Metaswitch distributed architecture will allow Range to collapse three independent legacy networks into a single corporate switching network allowing for an easy transition from its current host-remote scenario to a next generation switching architecture."

This is no small feat in Big Sky Country. America’s fourth largest state, Montana ranks only 44th by population, with average customer density less than three access lines per mile. The impressive broadband penetration across such a challenging geography has been achieved before any stimulus funding, further highlighting a keen focus on cost-effective deployments with long term viability. It seems as though Metaswitch meets those requirements regularly. Citing over 200 independent operating companies as customers, Metaswitch is helping a large portion of the rural telecom community reduce costs in the central office while providing their customers with the most advanced telephony applications.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

• MetaSphere Firebar
• MetaSphere Mass Announcement Service
• MetaSphere PSTN Emulation Services
• VP3510 Integrated Softswitch
• VP2510 Integrated Softswitch
• MG3510 Universal Media Gateway
• MG2510 Universal Media Gateway
• UX4510 Disk Array
• UX9024 Server
• PB3100 Universal Media Card
• PB4000 Universal Media Card
• PB4500 / PB5000 Universal Media Card

Updates to existing brochures:

• Carrier Systems Division Brochure
• Carrier Systems Division Factsheet
• MetaSphere CommPortal
• MetaSphere CommPortal Web
• MR2510 Media Resource Server
• Blade Server System
• UX4410 Server

The following major components of the Metaswitch product portfolio can be leveraged to enhance services and operations and, in turn, bolster one’s ranking in the Broadband Stimulus evaluations:

• MetaSphere™, the industry's broadest suite of voice and telephony applications.
• CommPortal™, the Web 2.0 platform that delivers rich visual user interfaces to MetaSphere applications across all types of devices.
• Universal Media Gateways, designed to support Meta- Sphere applications over legacy access and trunk network connections.
• Integrated Softswitch, a compact, self-contained solution for switch replacement or VoIP service delivery.
• Media Resource Server, complementing CommPortal by supporting the telephone user interface services to MetaSphere applications.
• MetaView™, the solution for network management across the entire Metaswitch product line.

A leading provider of carrier systems and communications software solutions, Metaswitch was selected for the legacy switch migration and rollout of IP-based services, which will allow RCN to reduce costs and operational complexity and to provide enhanced products across its customer base. The company's successful track record of managing complex network migrations and the demonstrated competence of its professional services team will help RCN to deliver on its vision to provide cutting edge, converged services, aided RCN in its selection of Metaswitch.

"We need to continue to invest in our voice network to stay ahead of the competition," said Rick Swiderski, Vice President of Engineering for RCN. "After an in-depth selection process, we identified MetaSphere as the strongest IP voice platform, based on its advanced features, flexibility, and powerful, easy-to-use network management tools. It will enable us to deliver the absolute best quality of experience to our customers."

RCN will leverage Metaswitch's distributed IP architecture to launch dynamic product and service offerings quickly and efficiently to fuel company growth. The company will offer SIP-based hosted unified communications services for businesses, tailored to their specific needs, as well as a consumer VoIP solution for residential customers.

"RCN is widely recognized as a technology leader among the largest cable operators," said John Lazar, CEO of Metaswitch. "They demand product reliability, innovation and first class support from their vendors, and we are committed to helping RCN achieve their goals."

Metaswitch at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2009

Metaswitch will be exhibiting at booth #16067 at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2009 in Denver from October 28-30.

About RCN Corporation

RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI), www.rcn.com, is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The Strategic Support and Solutions category is judged by a select group of industry-leading consultants, journalists and service providers, and presented to a vendor who demonstrates outstanding strategic support of a specific customer. Metaswitch was recognized for its partnership with Bresnan Communications, a broadband telecommunications company, to develop a hosted unified communications solution for Billings Public Schools.

"Metaswitch fully deserves to win this award," said Don Helms, vice president of commercial telephone services for Bresnan Communications. "From the executives to the support team we work with on a daily basis, Metaswitch has demonstrated its commitment to work with us as a true partner."

"This award reflects the investment we make in our support organization, which is staffed by top-class engineers who deliver terrific service with passion, enthusiasm and commitment," remarked Graeme MacArthur, general manager of the carrier systems division at Metaswitch. "Our excellent retention of such dedicated, quality staff, and the long-term trust and respect they build with our customers, is at the very heart of Metaswitch's continued growth, success and brand."

SUPERCOMM attendees interested in finding out more about the Metaswitch-Bresnan partnership are encouraged to attend the conference session on "Business Voice and Beyond", on Wednesday, October 21 at 2.15pm, with Don Helms and John Lazar, Metaswitch's CEO. Metaswitch will also be exhibiting at booth #1514.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The Metaswitch Innovators Community is uniquely positioned as a social networking site for VoIP application development. The site is built to promote constant interaction between Metaswitch engineers, customers and third party developers, where members share in-depth technical information and experiences, APIs, completed code and applications, interactive tutorials, evaluation tools, blogs and discussion forums.

"This was never about granting limited access to a few APIs and some of our documentation," said John Lazar, CEO of Metaswitch. "What we have done in fact is to give direct access to the Metaswitch engineering team and our community of collaborative third parties, creating a highly focused, social networking environment. As a result, the level of interaction, learning and output has been staggering."

New York competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) Public Interest Network Services (PINS) is typical of the community members. PINS posted open source code that allows Metaswitch administrators to aggregate diagnostic call logs so that they can be parsed quickly and easily.

"Whether through the annual Forum events, User Group, or more regional meetings, I think every Metaswitch customer feels part of a strong community," said David Birnbaum, CEO for PINS. "The Innovators Community extends that feeling online, and enables true collaboration – with real benefits for the business bottom line, and for subscribers who gain new applications. It really is a win-win-win."

Neil Collins, director of the Innovators Community at Metaswitch, adds, "With the Metaswitch Innovators Community, we are taking the relationship between the vendor and the customer to the next level... We're not working together as a simple commercial relationship, but rather as a community."

See Neil and other collaborators in a video overview: www.metaswitch.com/Innovators.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

One of the nation's largest, and most forward-thinking, integrated communications providers, SureWest serves roughly 150,000 residential subscribers and 15,700 business customers in the Kansas City and Sacramento regions. In deploying MetaSphere, SureWest joins the growing number of carriers who have chosen MetaSphere to deliver enhanced services that drive competitive advantage in the hosted business services marketplace.

"We were tasked with coming up with the feature server platform in order to offer hosted IP PBX and advanced business services," said Carl Murray, Strategic Technologies Director for SureWest Communications, in a video interview available at www.metaswitch.com/SureWest. "So we evaluated the price, the features, the functionality and also the fit with SureWest - how it fit in our long term plans. With that, MetaSphere came out on top."

To serve the critical business segment, which represents about a third of its revenues today, SureWest needed a feature-rich, manageable and scalable platform. MetaSphere delivers a suite of compelling value-added services that includes unified messaging, auto-attendant, incoming call manager, live message screening and intuitive Web-controlled voice conferencing.

"A key part of our expertise lies in delivering applications that can generate real revenue for service providers and real benefits for their customers," said Andrew Randall, senior vice president of marketing and business development for Metaswitch. "SMBs are demanding hosted IP PBX services to reduce their costs while also gaining immediate access to compelling new applications."

Video Interview

Key SureWest decision-makers share more about their partnership with Metaswitch in a video available for viewing at www.metaswitch.com/SureWest.

Metaswitch at SUPERCOMM

Metaswitch will be exhibiting at booth #1514 at SUPERCOMM09 in Chicago from October 21st - 23rd. John Lazar, CEO for Metaswitch will be speaking on "Business Voice and Beyond", on October 21st at 2:15pm.

About SureWest Communications

SureWest Communications (www.surewest.com) is one of the nation's leading integrated communications providers and is the bandwidth leader in the markets it serves. Headquartered in Northern California for more than 95 years, the company expanded into the Kansas City region in February 2008 with the acquisition of Everest Broadband, Inc. and offers bundled residential and commercial services that include IP-based digital and high-definition television, high-speed Internet, Voice over IP, and local and long distance telephone. SureWest was the nation's first provider to launch residential HDTV over an IP network and offers one of the nation's fastest symmetrical Internet services with speeds of up to 50 Mbps in each direction on its fiber-to-the-home network.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

"Since the last major test round at UNH-IOL, the standards have been evolving, and we have been adding features and additional support to our products. Our customers – including every major equipment vendor in the industry – look to us to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest industry specifications, so that their products, in turn, are ready for deployment in the real world," said Jon Berger, Core Development Manager in Metaswitch's Network Protocols Division. "Our collaboration with UNH-IOL is therefore important for the industry as a whole, as it provides an important validation of our technology in an independent, vendor-neutral environment."

"IP Routing protocols, both unicast and multicast, are crucial to the successful operation of service provider networks, and the service providers need to feel confident that products from multiple suppliers will interoperate," said Timothy Winters, University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory's Senior IP Manager. "We provide assurances about interoperability, and Metaswitch successfully completed our stringent testing to thoroughly validate its code with the standards."

Metaswitch has developed portable network protocol source code covering a wide range of technologies for over 25 years. The company's industry leading MPLS and IP routing solutions, which include unicast and multicast protocols, are architected to handle the scale and reliability requirements of the most demanding applications while providing the extensibility and full feature set to support IP VPNs, QoS, traffic engineering, and packet and optical control plane function. The robustness of the products plus superb engineering and exceptional support provide telecommunications equipment manufacturers with an unrivaled technical solution that reduces engineering cost and greatly improves time to market.

About the UNH-IOL

Founded in 1988, the UNH-IOL is one of the networking industry's premier third-party proving grounds for developing technologies. Approximately 200 companies use the UNH-IOL's 32,000+ sq. foot facility to extend their development and quality assurance efforts by testing and fine-tuning technologies, protocols and products for multi-vendor interoperability and conformance to standards. For more information, visit http://www.iol.unh.edu.

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Building on the company’s enviable success replacing more than a hundred legacy Class 4/5 switches, the MetaSphere application server now includes a PSTN Emulation Server (PES) for full legacy feature equivalence, resolving the many corner cases experienced when attempting to recreate plain old telephony services in IP environments. The MetaSphere platform, including all PES call features and advanced services (such as unified messaging), can also now be deployed in conjunction with a third party IMS core.

"Carriers are keen to embrace IMS as the necessary foundation for the rapid generation and delivery of exciting, customer-retaining, IP-based services," said John Lazar, CEO of Metaswitch. "But they are moving at different speeds and in different ways. For many, it has been impossible to elegantly meet the goal of adopting IMS while simultaneously supporting the existing installed base and network infrastructure. Our MetaSphere platform solves this dilemma."

Metaswitch has long been recognized for its ability to integrate VoIP services into legacy voice networks, and classic telephony endpoints into softswitch and pre-IMS architectures. With this enhancement of the MetaSphere application server, service providers can now include legacy telephony endpoints in their IMS architectures. The significant upshot is that carriers can deploy any or all Metaswitch solutions – including legacy switch migration, hosted PBX, Business IP Trunking, and consumer VoIP – in any kind of network architecture, whether legacy TDM, pre-IMS/NGN or full IMS.

"IMS is the vision for many carriers," adds Diane Myers, Directing Analyst, Infonetics, "but co-existence has been the reality. Most carriers have pursued a twin-track approach, with VoIP services overlaid on top of the existing network. This is costly and inefficient. The enhancement to MetaSphere is a practical standards-compliant solution that addresses both network infrastructure evolution and new service innovation."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The Metaswitch Business IP Trunking solution interoperates with a wide range of IP-PBX products while simultaneously supporting a rich, complementary set of hosted features that include voicemail, auto-attendant, find me follow me, and conferencing services.

A Metaswitch customer since 2005, Birch Communications is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) offering voice and broadband communications services to businesses in 31 states. Birch Communications is using the Metaswitch Business IP Trunking platform to reduce trunking costs and lay the foundation to offer feature-rich services that were not possible in a legacy environment. Over the next 12 months, Birch Communications will complete its Metaswitch network migration to support SIP trunks for up to 80,000 lines.

"As a carrier operating multiple networks, Metaswitch allows us to derive maximum value from our extensive communications network to remain competitive," said Tom Stachowiak, vice president of Engineering for Birch Communications. "By deploying SIP trunks to consolidate traffic, we are able to be more agile and provide greater value to our customers."

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer voice services are also benefitting from Metaswitch's Business IP Trunking. Lightbound, the largest ISP in Indianapolis, uses SIP trunking to offer enterprise-class VoIP and disaster recovery services to healthcare organizations and commercial customers. Fibernetics, originally an ISP and now the fastest growing CLEC in Canada, recently completed a new build to specifically market voice services. Now in its fourth year with Metaswitch, Fibernetics offers SIP trunking services to enterprise end-users and wholesalers, with many customers receiving a positive return on investment in only eight months.

"Carriers looking for competitive ways to add value for their business customers are embracing SIP trunking as a key service offering," said Brian Searl, Metaswitch's Vice President of Product Marketing. "Metaswitch Business IP Trunking provides fast and painless service turn-up, a low cost of ownership and the ability to terminate these services with the full range of new IP or legacy telephony endpoints."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Stefan Knight is responsible for developing new alliances and maintaining partnerships that will deliver ongoing innovation, multi-vendor solutions, and long-term value for customers. Knight brings 18 years of experience, most recently at Ericsson, driving product requirements and commercial strategies for telecom equipment manufacturers. Prior to Ericsson, Knight led product management, marketing and business development teams at Virata, CopperCom and Entrisphere.

Steve Gleave has assumed the principal marketing role for the Carrier Systems Division and will bring greater focus on driving continued expansion of the complete portfolio of Metaswitch solutions. Gleave brings more than 20 years of marketing experience working with high-growth companies in the network technology sector, including senior marketing roles at Endace, SS8 Networks, Ubiquity Software and Jetstream Communications.

Andrew Randall, who previously held the role now occupied by Gleave, continues as a key member of the executive team, moving into a corporate-level position as senior vice president for marketing and business development. Speaking of the appointments, Randall said: "We are tremendously excited to be bringing this exceptional talent into our executive team. Together, Steve and Stefan will enable us to build more strategic relationships with partners and customers, and grow our business in new markets."

"Metaswitch has, with little fanfare, built a position as a worldwide leader in carrier VoIP solutions over the last 9 years, based on its demonstrated commitment to engineering quality, reliability, exceptional support and innovation," said Gleave. "It is my job to get word out about that success, accelerate the company's growth and ultimately enable the creation of the industry's next major global player."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The company's Carrier Systems Division business was primarily driven by tier one incumbent operators and major regional competitive providers, as smaller operators' spending slowed amid uncertainty about market conditions and the timing of federal broadband stimulus funds. With the addition of recent customer wins, 8 of the top 10 incumbent operators in North America now rely on Metaswitch for carrier VoIP infrastructure, while independent analysts reported that the company moved into the lead position in the Class 5 segment of the global carrier VoIP market.

The company's Network Protocols Division (NPD), previously known as Data Connection Limited (DCL) but now incorporated under the company's main Metaswitch brand, also saw impressive results. With a balanced mix of business across its MPLS, Routing, VoIP and Session Border Controller product lines, the NPD maintained its leadership position as the protocol development partner of choice with communications equipment vendors worldwide. With all of the top 10 communications equipment vendors worldwide now using Metaswitch Network Protocols Division software to power their networking products, the company expects the division to continue to contribute strongly to its overall growth going forward.

"We are extremely pleased with these results, especially in the light of market conditions which have seen carrier VoIP spending down by more than 30% according to industry analysts," said John Lazar, Metaswitch CEO. "Continued profitability sustains our substantial investment in R&D across both Carrier Systems and Network Protocols Divisions. This has enabled us to carefully grow headcount over the year, and widen the gap between our products and services and those of our competitors who have been forced to make deep cuts."

"Bringing the company's two divisions together under a single corporate brand is a logical move for Metaswitch," said Joe McGarvey, Principal Analyst, IP Services Infrastructure at industry research firm Current Analysis. "As these positive results show, it is the combination of the carrier systems and network protocols businesses that makes for a successful, resilient company, and demonstrates technology leadership on multiple levels within the industry. By presenting a single corporate image to the market, Metaswitch stands to gain from increased awareness among vendors and carriers alike."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

MetaSwitch makes it possible for municipal service providers to deliver fiber optics in a passive optical network and provide carrier-class reliability, new services, and cost savings to its customers. By leveraging the industry-leading VoIP architecture from MetaSwitch, LUS Fiber has access to the open protocols and interfaces that will accommodate advanced services and meet the demands of its customers now and in future.

"Thanks to LUS Fiber and MetaSwitch, Lafayette is the first place in Louisiana to have municipal VoIP over FTTH available to the entire community," said Terry Huval, director of Lafayette Utilities System. "The combination of ultra-fast broadband and cutting-edge telephony services provides the means to an improved quality of life and will create greater opportunities for economic development. In the future, MetaSwitch will allow us to increase flexibility and leverage our fiber assets to accelerate innovation and improve return on investment for our customers."

As a greenfield deployment, LUS Fiber will rely on MetaSwitch as its VoIP core to deliver voice services across the fiber network expected to span more than 83,500 glass miles. When the system is established in the coming months, LUS Fiber will feature interactive applications based on the MetaSphere application suite. MetaSphere will help LUS Fiber maximize network resources and anticipate new services and feature enhancements while delivering the high demand applications LUS Fiber customers require.

"We see no let-up in the trend for communities to take their economic development into their own hands, by deploying the latest broadband and telephony services," said Bob Harvey, vice president of sales at MetaSwitch. "The provision of 21st century telecommunications helps define successful communities just as good water, power and transportation have defined quality of life for decades. MetaSwitch is providing the backbone for many communities like Lafayette to build the network of the future that is not only faster and more economical but also simpler and smarter."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The community provides

• Sample Code
• Open Source Projects
• API Help and Documentation
• A Sandbox Test Environment
• Discussion Groups
• Blogs

Most importantly, though, the community provides a place where developers can share and discuss ideas and code.

Backed by an experienced team and an array of support resources that promote a smooth migration, MetaSwitch is enabling carriers like TEC, One Communications and ENMR Plateau to simultaneously reduce operating costs and offer a host of new services and features that were not previously possible.

These new services are increasing customer loyalty while at the same time creating new revenue streams in new markets. By better positioning themselves to meet the evolving needs of their customers, both incumbent and competitive service providers can grow and thrive within a viable, future-proof, long term business model.

"Investing in IP communications is a key element in our ability to respond to our customers' needs. What really made the business case add up was the ability, with MetaSwitch, to deploy a single platform that would allow us to cap, and in some cases, replace our existing legacy switches and to introduce new services," said Lou Sommi, senior vice president of marketing at Cavalier. "With our core IP communications platform from MetaSwitch in place, SMBs can enjoy new feature-rich communications while we reduce our costs for operations, administration and maintenance."

Through this network evolution currently underway, Cavalier is able to use standards-based, IP-oriented infrastructure from MetaSwitch to bring to bear the latest in IP telephony and other feature-rich services in a proven hosted platform. Based on MetaSwitch technology, Cavalier is providing access to the IPeer Hosted PBX platform to SMB customers throughout its mid-Atlantic footprint, with plans to expand further.

The MetaSphere Enhanced Application Server is deployed in a central data center and is complemented by nine MetaSwitch MG3510 media gateways deployed throughout the Cavalier service territory. This allows Cavalier's business customers to have immediate access to new features and applications without the need to update any software or hardware on-site, avoiding the high capital expenditure of premises-based equipment.

Based on the MetaSphere application suite and CommPortal Web services, IPeer puts the customer in control with features that are particularly useful for remote workers who want to manage their calls and enable mobility while working outside of the office. SMBs will also benefit from unified messaging tools including the ability to click-to-dial right from Microsoft Outlook, access advanced voicemail features and manage fax, e-mail and call forwarding through a Web-based portal.

"MetaSwitch is helping carriers to deliver productivity-enhancing services for their subscribers," said Graeme MacArthur, general manager of MetaSwitch's Carrier Systems Division. "Our evolutionary approach allows Cavalier to expand the value of its network investment while also increasing revenues with its business customers."

About Cavalier

Cavalier, headquartered in Virginia, is a full-service provider of reliable and efficient telecommunications solutions for business, consumer, and government customers. Using its owned and operated fiber optic network, the company serves hundreds of thousands of customers throughout the eastern United States. From landline voice to managed network services, customers depend on Cavalier for a wide range of communications products that drive their businesses and simplify their lives. We strive to combine technology with customer commitment to deliver the best value available. For more information, please visit: http://www.cavtel.com

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Long a buzzword within the industry, evidence now shows compelling reasons to move to an IMS architecture. Carriers may be motivated by many different reasons:

• The architectural advantage of being able to provide one single common platform for delivering voice and multimedia services to both fixed and mobile endpoints.
• A long term strategic desire to reduce network operational costs through managing just a single infrastructure.
• The prospect of a platform capable of rapid innovative service deployment, in a manner that would never be financially viable in other architectures.

White Paper in PDF format, 869KB.

Mr. Halstead brings 19 years of operational and financial experience, the last 10 of which he has spent in telecommunications in both public and privately-held companies. Most recently, as co-founder of Heart Telecom Ltd, he established one of the UK's most innovative B2B service providers. There he built on his prior experience as director of operations and finance at Toucan Telecom where he played a key role in the company's acquisition by Pipex, having made a major contribution to building the company from start-up to over £50 million annual turnover in four years. Previously Stephen was the CFO of Host Europe Plc, an AIM-listed internet hosting company, which survived the dotcom boom and bust to become the UK's leading SME web hosting provider.

Commenting on the significance of the appointment for MetaSwitch, John Lazar, chief executive officer, said: "We are at a phase in our organizational growth where the experience of a seasoned CFO is critical for our future success. I see in Stephen the right combination of business and financial acumen, together with a deep understanding of our industry, that will enable us to execute on our business plan."

"MetaSwitch's record of continuous growth and consistent profitability over the last 28 years has been truly astounding," commented Mr. Halstead. "I am proud to be joining such an accomplished team, and look forward to making a positive impact on the company's operations."

Mr. Halstead qualified as a Chartered Accountant while at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), and holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Cambridge.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

The new customers consist of leading edge ILECs including Telephone Electronics Corporation (TEC) based in Jackson, Miss.; Rural Telephone located in northwest Kansas; and Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative serving multiple counties in Tennessee. These ILECs are among the growing number of service providers choosing to work with MetaSwitch to address today's most pressing challenges, such as improving overall network management and bandwidth efficiency while increasing revenue-generating opportunities.

"We are pleased to be working with these flagship regional carriers across North America," said Graeme MacArthur, General Manager, MetaSwitch Carrier Systems Division. "Despite the economic difficulties facing everyone, we are still seeing a growing commitment to move forward with carrier VoIP infrastructure projects, based on our strong track record for quality engineering, exceptional support, innovation, and the reliability and stability of a profitable, growing company."

TEC, a privately-owned telecommunications carrier, manages a network of about 10 subsidiaries in areas of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, serving nearly 50,000 subscribers, and is now one of the largest independent operating carriers (IOCs) in the region. TEC is in the process of rolling out MetaSphere Unified Messaging, which it will provide as TEC Track and TEC Message, enabling residential customers to manage home phone, cell phone, e-mail and voicemail through CommPortal, a Web-based portal. TEC plans to roll out similar integrated messaging functionality to business customers in the coming months.

"The ability to create new revenue streams with TEC Track and TEC Message and provide a highly cost-effective solution for modernizing legacy services such as voicemail is critical to maintaining our competitive advantage," said Lisa Wigington, director of LEC and video operations for TEC. "We have been particularly pleased with how MetaSwitch has supported our marketing efforts as well as the technical aspects of our deployment."

Rural Telephone, the largest IOC in Kansas with 20,000 access lines, needed to consolidate its switching capacity, create geographic redundancy and create an IP-access network. Rural Telephone selected a total MetaSwitch solution for its core network as well as to deliver a wide range of VoIP, legacy TDM and next-generation telephony services. Rural Telephone will split the MetaSwitch call agents to provide services across two towns to 41 exchanges, with a phased migration that has been underway for the last year and should be completed by February 2010.

"As a company eager to adopt new technologies, the superior industry experience and technology that MetaSwitch offers made it the compelling choice to support our ambitious strategy," said Shane Broyles, central office manager for Rural Telephone. "MetaSwitch proposed a clean and simple network design that provided more cost-effective geographic redundancy than was possible with traditional switches or other vendors' next-generation solutions."

Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative opted to migrate from its Nortel legacy network to support growth and expansion plans. Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative is replacing its Nortel DMS100 with a more cost-effective MetaSwitch-based solution to cover more than 42,000 access lines.

"Now as one of the largest IOCs in the state, one of our strategic priorities is to increase the value of our existing product offerings plus expand our portfolio," said Ray Cantrell, chief technology officer at Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative. "We like the fact that MetaSwitch offers a solution set that addresses the largest carriers' needs but also scales down for small independent telcos. This enables us to evolve our network on a future-proof platform, and remain competitive."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Curaçao, with a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, is the largest and most populous island in the Netherlands Antilles. The Santa Barbara Plantation is a master planned mixed-use resort located on the southeastern side of Curaçao. A state-of-the-art telecommunications system is being developed for the ultimate convenience of hotel guests and resort residents. This advanced IP-based fiber to the home system (FTTH), will deliver a Triple Play of high-speed internet access and television along with residential and business telephony services from MetaSwitch, including voicemail and unified communications.

"We searched the market for the best system to provide the latest in service and convenience for hotel guests and residents at the Santa Barbara Plantation," said Bert Perez, Director, from Santa Barbara Utilities. "We chose MetaSwitch because they offer the most complete, advanced and reliable technology for our current needs and future plans."

"We are proud to play a key role in one of the most prestigious and futuristic projects in the entire region," said René Méndez, vice president of sales for the Caribbean and Latin America at MetaSwitch. "We are committed to ensuring that Santa Barbara is able to deliver carrier-class communications services that are essential for a project of this caliber."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Through this relationship, MetaSwitch and Technology Bureau will join forces to enable local operators to benefit from the operational efficiencies of IP infrastructure as well as offer advanced voice services to residential and business subscribers. The companies announced their joint sales strategies during their seminar program entitled "VoIP – Carrier Class, Next Generation Converged Solutions," which took place on July 1st and 2nd in Buenos Aires.

With years of experience deploying voice over IP solutions to over 400 customers in North America and the Caribbean, MetaSwitch wanted a strong local partner to work with in Argentina. Technology Bureau fits the bill and will handle provisioning, installation, maintenance and support, as well as a range of professional services from network engineering and training to turn-key solution deployment.

"Through our close relationships with many regional network operators, we are hearing that there is strong demand for proven, high quality carrier VoIP solutions from stable, reliable vendors," said Adrián Zamel, president of Technology Bureau. "As we studied this market, it became clear that MetaSwitch is uniquely positioned for success and an ideal partner for us."

"We are confident that Technology Bureau's track record, expertise and penetration in the region will help us to quickly build our presence," said René Méndez, MetaSwitch's vice president of sales for Latin America and the Caribbean. "Their sound support and integration capabilities complement our industry-leading products and services and will allow customers to confidently migrate their networks and deploy new voice services quickly, efficiently and successfully."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

About Technology Bureau

Technology Bureau is an ISO 9000-2000 certified company that offers integrated telecommunications solutions. It has presence throughout Argentina and other countries in Latin America. Technology Bureau is recognized by carriers as an experienced supplier of technology and integrator of connectivity solutions. Its value added comes from the introduction of solutions that cover equipment as well as engineering, installation and maintenance services in a variety of technologies, including terrestrial and satellite access, transmission, switching, networking, security and network management products.

EUTEL selected MetaSwitch in order to reduce operating expenses as well as provide state-of-the-art communications services to all subscribers on the island of St. Eustatius. The MetaSwitch VP2510 Integrated Softswitch, which combines all core IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) functions in an easily-deployed system, is replacing EUTEL's legacy Nortel DMS switch. The small footprint and reduced power and cooling requirements of the new MetaSwitch solution mean significant savings to the bottom line in the tropical climate of St. Eustatius.

In addition, the MetaSphere Enhanced Applications Server will enable EUTEL to offer Hosted IP PBX to business customers, along with enhanced services such as CommPortal for Web 2.0 communications tools, including an easy-to-use Web portal as well as widgets for access to voice messages, call and contact management.

"We chose MetaSwitch because of the company's experience and global market leadership," said Gerald Berkel, Managing Director of EUTEL N.V. "By partnering with MetaSwitch, we are reaffirming our commitment to offer the latest in telecommunications services to our subscribers. As the first operator with an IMS-ready network in the Eastern Caribbean, EUTEL and the island are positioned well for the future."

"MetaSwitch installed the equipment exactly as planned and on our schedule," continued Berkel. "We were very pleased that the equipment was shipped promptly, installed quickly and turned up per our expectations."

"EUTEL really wants to bring the latest services to the island, and we are excited to be part of their vision," said René Méndez, vice president of sales for the Caribbean and Latin America. "This deployment demonstrates that MetaSwitch's core values - quality engineering, exceptional customer support, reliability and innovation - are resonating with carriers across all geographic regions."

About EUTEL

EUTEL N.V. is the telecommunication service provider of the island of St. Eustatius in the Netherlands Antilles. Established in 1976, this government-owned organization provides a variety of telecommunication products and services to its local clients. EUTEL's mission is to provide a high quality of service at reasonable rates, which it accomplishes through strategic alliances with regional, nation and international service providers. With the focus on remaining competitive in a growing telecommunication market, EUTEL has the latest infrastructure as well as a progressive, efficient staff whose main focus is providing high quality service to its clients.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

MetaView CSR provides your customer service representatives with a simple web-based interface to subscriber records and diagnostics without requiring the installation of any software on their PCs. Dedicated specifically to your CSRs, it allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to the most common customer inquiries and requests.

Today, your subscribers expect their network provider to push new applications and enhanced features to their mobile handsets. Now MetaSwitch makes it possible to deliver an integrated suite of applications directly to the screens of their IP phones.

High speed fixed lines typically offer greater bandwidth than their wireless counterparts. Combined with the rapid evolution in the functionality of SIP devices, this creates a very high-potential system for delivering value-added applications to subscribers.

Further enhancing the revenue-generating services you can offer your business subscribers, Easy Attendant incorporates a rich set of features, yet is specifically designed to minimize your deployment and support costs.

White Paper in PDF format, 1.9MB.

"Our latest research confirms that MetaSwitch plays a significant role in the VoIP market, driven primarily by the leadership it has demonstrated with softswitch shipments in North America," said Diane Myers, directing analyst, service provider VoIP and IMS, Infonetics Research. "More than ever, carriers are looking closely at vendors' financial stability and market leadership. MetaSwitch is in a strong position on both fronts."

As service providers seek ways to reduce the high operational costs of legacy networks, many are migrating to packet-based architectures, with IP session control, call feature servers, and media gateways playing a key role in this transition. Others are introducing new revenue-generating services alongside existing legacy switches. MetaSwitch's strategy of delivering a range of core VoIP infrastructure and innovative IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) application solutions enables it to address a broad set of market requirements and maintain a strong leadership position.

"This latest report validates MetaSwitch's commitment to providing value to the service provider market with a broad range of next gen switching, applications and IMS services, as well as our leadership role in the industry," said John Lazar, CEO of MetaSwitch. "The cornerstone of our success is continued investment in quality engineering, exceptional customer support, reliability and innovation."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division, marketed under the Data Connection brand (www.dataconnection.com), develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.