Calix and MetaSwitch Promote H.248 Interoperability to Speed Transformation of Voice Network to IP

Chicago, IL: June 7, 2005. Calix and MetaSwitch announced today that, under the auspices of the CalixCompatible and MetaSwitch Interoperability Partner programs, the two companies are working closely to speed the transformation of carrier networks to voice over IP (VOIP). As traditional wireline carriers of all sizes face intensified competition from cable operators, migrating traditional circuit-based voice services to an open packet-based softswitch architecture can substantially reduce operating expenses and enhance flexibility. Employing softswitches from MetaSwitch and ultra-broadband fiber- or copper-based access infrastructure from Calix enables service providers to quickly and easily migrate to pure IP networks - while maintaining traditional network-powered Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) to end users.

Yelcot Telephone, based in Mountain Home, Arkansas, is one of a growing number of service providers that are moving to a softswitch-based service delivery architecture. "Having selected Calix and MetaSwitch as the best-of-breed suppliers, we welcome the fact that they are working closely together on next generation standards and capabilities that will allow us to compete in a fast-changing telecom environment," said Dave Marberry, Asst. Plant VP at Yelcot Telephone. "Our initial cut-over of 4,000 lines is just the start: we are really excited by the potential for new revenue-generating services and reduced management costs that the joint Calix-MetaSwitch solution enables."

The Calix C7, a 200 Gbps multiservice access platform (MSAP), employs a pure-packet fabric, thereby making the transformation to H.248-based voice signaling a logical extension. Working with softswitch providers like MetaSwitch, Calix ILEC customers are able to transition their TDM access network and voice switching infrastructure to VOIP through the simple addition of a VOIP gateway processor in existing systems.

According to Frank Wiener, Calix vice president of field marketing, "our customers have been resoundingly clear: along with the deployment of new revenue generating services, they know they will need to migrate their networks to IP so they can reduce the costs of delivering legacy services. Providing interoperability with leading telephony switch suppliers such as MetaSwitch facilitates a simple migration to VOIP with H.248 for service providers, giving them a clear path to IP."

The MetaSwitch product line includes a range of options for carriers to deploy packet and/or TDM-based services either as a replacement for, or alongside, existing Class 5 and Class 4 switches. An open distributed softswitch architecture, including call agent, application server, media gateway and signaling gateway components, ensures network flexibility and scalability. MetaSwitch exclusively employs industry standard protocols such as SIP and H.248 for maximum interoperability with a range of next generation devices including IP-based access equipment such as the Calix C7.

"The majority of our 120+ deployments include the delivery of Class 5 services over a packet access infrastructure," noted Chris Mairs, MetaSwitch senior vice president of product management and business development. "We therefore know from extensive field experience that simply claiming support for a particular standard, or performing basic functional testing, does not guarantee that a solution will work in the real world. That is why engineering-led initiatives such as the MetaSwitch Interoperability Partner Program, and Calix's CalixCompatible program, are so important to our customers' successful migration to softswitch-based networks."

About Calix

Calix is a leading supplier of telecommunications solutions designed to simplify all aspects of voice, data, and video service delivery to business and residential subscribers for local exchange carriers of all sizes. Providing extensive optical and metallic density, unprecedented access capacity and functional headroom, advanced management and provisioning capabilities, and broad service flexibility, the packet-based Calix C7 platform has been deployed in over 150 service provider networks throughout North America. More information about Calix can be found at www.calix.com.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is the industry's leading vendor of Class 4/5 softswitch and enhanced applications solutions for TDM and packet 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 (DCL). The company is consistently profitable and privately held, with US locations in California, Virginia, Texas and Florida, and European headquarters in London, UK.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations.

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.