MetaSwitch Expands VoIP Capabilities with SIP and IP Centrex

Santa Clara, CA: March 29, 2004. MetaSwitch, a leading vendor of Class 5 VoIP solutions, announced today at the Spring 2004 VON Conference & Expo that the latest software release for its VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch includes support for IP Centrex and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) v2.0. Support for SIP extends the MetaSwitch VP3500's interoperability to a wider range of devices including SIP phones and SIP-based feature servers.

A text-based IETF protocol, SIP is based on the HTTP model, which fuelled the runaway success of the World Wide Web. Due to its flexible architecture, SIP is widely acknowledged as a major component in next generation converged networks, particularly for intelligent endpoints such as IP phones, 'softphones' and IP PBXs. It is also being adopted as the protocol of choice for interconnecting applications in the core of the network, such as softswitches and feature servers.

"SIP is the key enabling technology for next generation networks," said Jeff Pulver, founder and CEO of pulver.com and the visionary behind the VON Conference. "We are currently witnessing a revolution in telecom as carriers rush to adopt SIP for hosted VoIP services, inter-carrier interconnection and replacement of TDM-based infrastructure, leading to new revenue sources and operational efficiencies. Our 'Pulver 100' list recognizes those privately-held companies, including MetaSwitch, that are leading this VoIP revolution with significant applications and deployments."

MetaSwitch's SIP softswitch implementation provides back-to-back user agent (B2BUA) and registrar functionality integrated with an SS7 signaling gateway and media (trunk) gateway with ATM, IP and TDM interfaces. The MetaSwitch VP3500 already supports a full range of IP Centrex and VoIP subscriber services over industry-standard MGCP and NCS gateway control protocols. The addition of a SIP feature server interface allows these to be augmented by custom-developed features or off-switch services. MetaSwitch is working on pre-integrating solutions with a range of such feature servers, including Data Connection's MailNGen unified messaging and MeetingServer conferencing applications, and IP-based platforms for traditional services such as pre-paid calling.

"Next generation networks will include a variety of protocols, including MGCP and H.248, as well as SIP - not forgetting CableLabs' NCS in cable networks," said Chris Mairs, MetaSwitch Vice President of Product Management. "MetaSwitch's major strength, as a division of one of the industry's leading VoIP stack providers, is that we have expertise in all these protocols and more. We are therefore able to deliver a carrier-class platform that seamlessly delivers service to, and can simultaneously switch between, subscribers on any type of access network - be it POTS, T1/PRI, VoATM or VoIP. No other vendor has this level of proven protocol support and Class 5 services today."

The MetaSwitch VP3500 SIP-enabled software release is available now, and many of MetaSwitch's 40+ deployed switches have already been seamlessly upgraded. Several MetaSwitch customers are starting or planning field trials and deployments using the new SIP capabilities.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch, a division of privately held Data Connection, is the result of over 20 years of experience supplying leading-edge technology to the telecommunications industry. Data Connection's track record of consistent profitability ensures long-term commitment to product development and customer support. The widely deployed MetaSwitch VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch offers service providers an immediate solution for broadband (VoIP and/or VoATM) and POTS service and a future-proof "softswitch" architecture for enhanced applications.

MetaSwitch has offices in Alameda, CA, Dallas, TX and Reston, VA in the US and London, Chester and Edinburgh in the UK.

For more information, see www.metaswitch.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.