Convergent Networks and TeraBridge Technologies to
Demonstrate Interoperability in End-to-End ATM Voice/Data
Network at COMNET
TeraBridge Technologies is NN/TeleHub JV
ATM Local Telephony Alliance (ALTA) members to show "decoupled"
architecture of next-generation network
LOWELL, Mass. and GURNEE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 2000-- Convergent Networks, a provider to carriers of packet-based, telephony
grade switching and signaling solutions, and TeraBridge Technologies Corp., leading developer of call and connection control software for broadband
networks, today announced they will jointly demonstrate interoperability between the companies' respective technologies at the COMNET tradeshow
in Washington, D.C. The demonstration, which will take place between Jan. 25-27, marks the first time that ATM-based convergence, or broadband
central office, devices from two different vendors have been integrated and proven to be interoperable in an end-to-end ATM-based voice/data network.
TeraBridge will be in booth No.1706 and Convergent Networks will be in booth No. 1646.
In addition, as members of the ATM Local Telephony Alliance (ALTA), Convergent Networks, TeraBridge and the other participating vendors will
seek to use the demonstration as a means to foster ALTA's core mission of promoting the interoperability of software and hardware solutions by using
ATM as the next-generation telephony technology. Other ALTA members providing equipment used in the joint demonstration include Advanced
Switching Communications (booth No.575), Flexion (exhibiting in TeraBridge's booth), VINA Technologies (booth No.1762), and Woodwind
Communications. More information about ALTA can be found at COMNET (booth No.1182) or on the web at www.altainfo.org.
``This demonstration is about opening the infrastructure of the new public network to multiple vendors and allowing carriers to select `best-of-breed'
technologies that enable specific service offerings,' said Sally Bament, vice president, marketing for Convergent Networks. ``We are showing the
industry that by using ATM-based technology today, carriers can decouple the switching and service intelligence, accelerating the movement to
next-generation voice/data networks.'
``Through this demonstration, we are proving to the industry that in next-generation networks, ATM-based switches, and other devices, from multiple
vendors can interoperate to service a connection request, which in this case is a standard voice call,' said Don Swartz, senior vice president of product
development for TeraBridge Technologies. ``This development enables carriers to diversify service capabilities and investments in next generation
technologies. Most importantly, it also breaks the bundling of proprietary hardware and software solutions prepackaged by a single vendor.'
About the Demonstration:
The demonstration will show that all the necessary elements of an ATM-based next-generation network can interoperate, including switches provided
by multiple vendors. TeraBridge and Convergent's booths will be interconnected via T1 inter-machine trunk and visitors to either booth will be able to
place a standard voice call over ATM, using SS7 protocol. In the Convergent booth, calls will be handled by the Integrated Convergence Switch
(ICS2000), with signaling support provided by the company's Service Management Gateway. In the TeraBridge booth, calls will be fielded by the
PathMinder(TM) software suite from TeraBridge, which will manage the call over a 36170 MainStreetXpress(TM) switch from Newbridge Networks
housed in TeraBridge's booth. In both booths, additional equipment from the companies named above will be used to complete the calls.
About Convergent Networks
Convergent Networks is a leading provider of packet-based infrastructure solutions that allow carriers to advance the delivery of innovative, integrated
voice and data services. The company's Service Enabling Architecture - which combines its Integrated Convergence Switch (ICS) and Service
Management Gateway (SMG) - provides the framework for next-generation and incumbent carriers to rapidly deliver high-value, high-margin end
user services. The ICS provides interworking and adaptation between traditional TDM and next-generation, packet-based networks. The SMG delivers
highly scalable call management with support for multi-protocol signaling, such as SS7. Convergent Networks' management team brings together
seasoned executives from Lucent, Nortel, Cisco, Siemens, Ascend and FORE Systems. To date, the privately held company has secured $57 million in
venture funding from Battery Ventures, Matrix Partners, North Bridge Venture Partners, Vantage Point Venture Partners and Worldview Technology
Partners. More information about the Lowell, MA-based company can be found on the web at www.convergentnet.com.
About TeraBridge Technologies Corporation
Privately held and located just outside of Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois, TeraBridge Technologies develops the PathMinder(TM) software suite to
provide cost-effective intelligent networking solutions for the telecommunications carrier, switching and private line service markets. Through direct
selling and an OEM distribution agreement with Siemens' Information and Network Services Division, PathMinder is positioned to redefine the
economics of how communications are exchanged and become the industry standard for call control services management. For more information, call
TeraBridge at 1-847-782-2000 or visit our website at www.terabridge.com. |
