MetaSwitch Appoints John Lazar as CEO for both Carrier and Network Protocols Divisions

MetaSwitch Forum 2009, Las Vegas, NV: April 7, 2009. MetaSwitch, the leader in reliable, high quality communications software and systems, today announced that John Lazar, formerly President and COO of the company's Carrier Division, has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer, taking over executive responsibility for the entire company from founder Ian Ferguson, who continues as Chairman.

In his new role, Lazar will oversee the company's Network Protocols and Carrier Divisions, while Phil McConnell and Graeme MacArthur, respectively, continue as General Managers of the two divisions. Over the coming months, the company plans to consolidate all its products and business operations, including the Network Protocols Division, under the MetaSwitch brand. Until that transition is complete, the network protocols business will continue to operate as Data Connection (DCL).

Commenting on the appointment, Lazar said: "It is an honor to lead the organization to which I have dedicated the last 22 years of my career. The opportunities ahead of us are truly exciting, and I am indebted to Ian Ferguson for building the culture, management team and strategy that have put us in such a strong position today."

"We have recognized over the last year that the company needed a CEO with the strategic vision, management capability, and stamina to see us into the next phase of our growth," said Ian Ferguson, Chairman of the Board at MetaSwitch. "We were exceptionally fortunate to have that talent within our own management ranks, and the entire Board unanimously agreed that John was right for this key executive post."

John Lazar's career spans roles in engineering, support, sales, marketing, and general management. He was a key member of the founding team that established the company's carrier division in North America in 2000, and he serves today on the company's Board. Prior to joining MetaSwitch, he graduated from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, with a Master's degree in computer science and a doctorate in history.

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 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.