Versatel Networks Awarded Patent for Intelligent Edge Platform

Unique Architecture Uses Off-the-Shelf Hardware to Provide Carrier-Class System

GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- 12/02/2004 -- Versatel Networks, the leading provider of intelligent media gateways, announced today the receipt of a patent from the United States Patent & Trademark Office that challenges the dominant proprietary hardware platforms, and makes highly reliable telephony platforms affordable to the growing number of VoIP service providers. The patent specifically covers the use of off-the-shelf hardware, line interface cards and chassis to create a redundant and fault tolerant call-processing platform. Versatel Networks customers can enjoy the benefits of a carrier class system with the economies of using commonly available computing resources. All of Versatel Network’s platforms include this patented technology.

“We filed our patent knowing what we were doing was unique and valuable,” said Daniel Biage, VP Engineering at Versatel Networks. “Our patent protects the architecture of the EdgeIQ media gateway product; specifically the interconnection scheme used between its modules. Versatel Network’s EdgeIQ exploits standard technologies and protocols for interconnection between hardware and software elements, and also utilizes a dual Ethernet link with service provider standard TCP-IP for intercommunication between modules. This enables Versatel to provide a carrier grade level of system reliability at a lower price point than a proprietary hardware solution. Using standard technologies also enables us to offer the latest and best industry performance. This architecture is about giving our customers the best of both worlds.”

Since service providers can choose off-the-shelf processor cards, they can more quickly and cost effectively leverage performance improvements in the general computing market. This improvement is critical for next-generation intelligent media gateways, where revenue is tied to the number of applications a platform supports. In the absence of this improvement, service providers are forced to wait for updated hardware supplied by the vendor, often resulting in unacceptable service delivery delays.

This unique architecture has the additional benefit of enabling service providers to deploy a distributed system where an IP link is used to connect servers and media gateways residing in disparate geographic locations. An example of a distributed system is the placement of the media gateway in a collocation facility, and the application servers in another part of the world. The benefit of a distributed architecture to the service provider is that it minimizes co-location fees and day-to-day maintenance of applications servers. The Versatel EdgeIQ patented architecture supports a distributed system that meets the high reliability standards of telephony solutions providers.

“We are very pleased to receive this patent,” said Robert Mimeault, CEO of Versatel Networks. “Our customers know that our solutions are carrier class out of the box.”

The Patent, entitled “Bus architecture for high reliability communications in computer system,” patent number 6,725,312, can be read in full at the US Patent & Trademark Office website (http://www.uspto.gov). The patent was issued April 20, 2004.

About Versatel Networks

Versatel Networks, a spin-off of CML Technologies, has decades of experience building voice centric mission critical platforms and applications.

Versatel Networks builds Intelligent Media Gateways that drive service provider growth and wow end-use customers. Versatel platforms integrate seamlessly with existing network investments and scale effortlessly. Versatel quality means rock solid carrier-class reliability, and the industry’s lowest operating costs.

Versatel solutions help service providers achieve sustainable growth in VoIP by seizing new markets through unique features and service offerings.

Service providers achieve a return on investment in months, not years. In fact, our world-leading VoIP engineers pioneered the ingenious service architecture that situates Versatel applications at the network’s edge, minimizing bandwidth use, and assuring reliability. “Zero-fault” carrier grade quality is at the core of Versatel’s mission.

Versatel Networks’ headquarters is located in Canada’s National Capital Region, the “telecommunications corridor” (Ottawa/Hull). The company is led by a seasoned and experienced management team from such industry leaders as Nortel Networks, Mitel and Newbridge Networks.

Contact Information

Brooke Greenwald

Versatel Networks Media Contact

Cornerstone Communications, LTD

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