MetaSwitch Unveils Enhanced IMS-Based Solution Set to Support Carrier Migration to Converged Fixed, Mobile and Cable Networks

IMS solutions vendor expands value proposition with key feature enhancements, HSS capabilities, Tier 1 carrier back office system integration and expanded professional services program

 

Chicago (GLOBALCOMM): June 5, 2006. MetaSwitch, a leading vendor of next-generation carrier switching and application solutions, today announced a range of new technologies as part of its Multimedia-Enhanced Telephony Architecture (META) strategy, targeted at carriers migrating to converged multi-service networks. The addition of Home Subscriber Server (HSS) support delivers a key component in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks, to create an efficient service creation and delivery program for different services and different types of access networks. Additionally, MetaSwitch announced functionality for core trunking / tandem switching applications, enhanced operational and network management capabilities, as well as an expanded professional services program.

"Carriers are aggressively moving toward IMS-based architectures to support advance IP services and MetaSwitch is committed to enabling our customers to make this transition smoothly and cost effectively," said John Lazar, MetaSwitch CEO. "This success-based migration is enabled by the combined features within MetaSwitch's unique single solution set that now ranges from core network switching to powerful multimedia-enhanced applications. With the enhancements we are announcing today, we are able to offer carriers a stand-out solution with a solid reputation for reliability and carrier-grade performance."

"MetaSwitch core switching solutions enable CTC to better capitalize on the phenomenal growth in carrier-based IP services, allowing us to create a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace," said Russell Oliver, Chief Technology Officer, CTC Communications. "Their commitment to our success makes MetaSwitch an ideal partner for CTC as we enter new markets, expand our relationships with existing customers and introduce new advance IP-based services."

Technology Introductions

MetaSwitch announced several key technology and feature enhancements designed to provide the linchpin for a carrier's ability to successfully embark upon their migration to an IMS-based architecture. Carriers can now leverage standard functions defined by IMS for access to subscriber information in a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) with an open interface that enables application servers to add, retrieve and update service profile information held for each subscriber, using the IMS standard XML schema. Opening up access to external application servers in this way will enable third-party developers, including carriers themselves, to rapidly create new services that integrate seamlessly with the MetaSwitch IMS switching platform.

MetaSwitch also unveiled new core switching capabilities during GLOBALCOMM 2006 designed to enable carriers to collapse traditional hierarchical Class 4 / Class 5 networks to a flat network architecture based on a centralized session control function. With support for a broad range of traditional trunking protocols, packet tandem functions and intelligent, flexible routing control, these new capabilities provide significant advantages for regional and national service providers—setting the stage for a cost-effective, revenue-based migration to IMS-based services.

Network Operations Integration to Support Tier 1 Carrier Network Programs

In order to help its carrier customers create a seamless integration into their existing service infrastructure, MetaSwitch recently completed the IBM/Micromuse Netcool® certification process, which enables carriers to integrate MetaSwitch platforms into any Netcool-managed network, and ultimately allow for real-time, end-to-end network management. Netcool solutions are widely deployed by wireline, wireless and cable operators, including the world's largest 20 carriers.

In addition, MetaSwitch has formed a partnership with TeleSciences based on the proven interoperability with TeleSciences 600i Mediation Platform and MetaSwitch's multimedia-enhanced telephony solutions. This partnership enables network operators to maximize revenues and increase customer satisfaction with accurate, blended billing across multiple wireline, mobile and cable services delivered in an IMS framework.

MetaSwitch Professional Services Organization

To meet the needs of its growing customer base, MetaSwitch has built a substantial professional services organization that rivals those of major vendors for its expertise in delivering complete turnkey deployments, project management and technology consulting services. Many of MetaSwitch's larger customers are leveraging these capabilities to increase efficiency, reduce time-to-revenue for new market initiatives, or smoothly migrate hundreds of thousands of subscribers in a short time period.

Carriers and service providers can learn more about MetaSwitch solutions by visiting Booth #67080 at GLOBALCOMM. MetaSwitch executives and customers will also be speaking on several panels as part of the Telephony Magazine IP Summit, Telecommunications Magazine Telecom U, OSP Expo, and IEC Communications Forum conference tracks.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is an industry-leading vendor of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) switching and applications solutions for both packet and circuit-switched networks. Its widely deployed call agent, media/signaling gateway and application server platform supports a full range of legacy Class 4/5 capabilities and hosted unified communications services, and scales from a few hundred to millions of 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. The company is consistently profitable and privately held, with main U.S. offices in California and Virginia, and European headquarters in London, U.K. For more information: www.metaswitch.com.