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Press Releases

MetaSwitch and Occam Networks Deliver Next Generation Switching and Access Solution for Service Providers

Partnership realizes vision of all-packet access network using Occam Broadband Loop Carrier and MetaSwitch Next Generation Class 5 Switch

ALAMEDA, Calif. – April 24, 2003 -- MetaSwitch and Occam Networks today announced the availability of a joint solution enabling the delivery of analog (POTS) telephone lines over a broadband access network. The combination of MetaSwitch and Occam Networks technologies allows carriers to converge their access networks without intermediate IP/TDM gateways, resulting in substantial reduction in capital and operating expenses while ensuring smooth, secure VoIP delivery with carrier class-quality of service. The solution, which combines the MetaSwitch VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch and the Occam Broadband Loop Carrier system, has recently completed interoperability testing and is starting trials with a number of service providers.

The MetaSwitch/Occam solution terminates traditional analog voice and DSL lines in the service providers' network, requiring no changes to the last-mile network or customer premises equipment. The solution also differs from a traditional digital loop carrier architecture in that it converges voice and data in the access network using the MGCP and RTP protocols for VoIP.

For service providers seeking a more evolutionary approach, both the MetaSwitch VP3500 and the Occam BLC system support the GR-303 protocol. This enables them to deploy a traditional TDM-based DLC network, with the reassurance that an upgrade path to a next generation network is available at any time, using installed equipment – not a vague promise in a roadmap presentation.

“Service Providers are looking for solutions that allow them to deliver ‘carrier-grade' telephony services and at the same time create a packet infrastructure that is less expensive to deploy and operate,” said John Lazar, MetaSwitch's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The successful testing between Occam Networks and MetaSwitch products marks a significant step in the circuit-to-packet transition for service delivery.”

"We are excited about this partnership, which unlocks the potential of both our companies' technologies and enables forward-thinking service providers to move steadily towards a next generation architecture, without risking their existing network operations,” said Russ Sharer, Vice President of Marketing at Occam Networks. "The combination of the MetaSwitch VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch and Occam Networks Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) enables carriers to profitably deliver POTS, broadband and IP services such as video from a single, converged all-packet voice and data access network. The economic advantages available to service providers with our combined solution are unsurpassed."

MetaSwitch Interoperability Partner Program
Testing was conducted at MetaSwitch's Alameda, California facility using MetaSwitch's rigorous test plan, This testing goes well beyond basic interoperability verification, to encompass stress testing, modem/fax calls and Class 5 subscriber features provided by the MetaSwitch VP3500. Partners must demonstrate continuing support for ongoing interoperability based on open standards, and commit to working co-operatively to resolve any customer interoperability issues.

Occam Networks' Open Packet Access Network (OPAN) Alliance
Occam Networks' Open Packet Access Network (OPAN) alliance is the telecommunications industry's first multi-company partnership program focused exclusively on delivering comprehensive, interoperable and easily supported next-generation local loop solutions.

About MetaSwitch
MetaSwitch, a division of Data Connection, is the result of 21 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 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.

About Occam Networks
Occam Networks Inc. develops and markets a suite of Broadband Loop Carriers, innovative Ethernet- and IP-based loop carrier platforms that enable telecommunications service providers to profitably deliver a variety of traditional as well as packetized voice, broadband and Internet Protocol (IP) services from a single, converged, all-packet access network. Occam is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Additional information can be found at www.occamnetworks.com.

Portions of this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Occam Networks. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any future performance suggested in such statements. Rapidly changing technologies and market conditions may require changes to Occam's products. Occam does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please also refer to the company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, including the S-4 registration statement filed in connection with the company's recent merger. These filings contain and identify other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.