Ascend MultiDSL Enables NAS to Offer Flexible xDSL Service, NAS Also
to Deploy Ascend WAN Access ATM and Frame Relay Switches
Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND), the leading provider of wide area networking
(WAN) and Intelligent Networking (IN) solutions for providers and users of the next-generation public
network, today announced that Network Access Solutions (NAS) is adopting Ascend's MultiDSL(tm)
solution to deliver xDSL services. Ascend's MultiDSL solution combines the only integrated xDSL
product line with complete management and security functions needed to provide reliable end-to-end
high-speed data services using IDSL, SDSL or ADSL technology. A Competitive Local Exchange Carrier
(CLEC) based in Virginia, NAS will deliver business class xDSL solutions throughout the East coast.
NAS is deploying the xDSL services through the company's CuNet family of services. In bringing these
services to market, NAS is building a hybrid Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)/ WAN network with
Ascend carrier-class equipment including: the MAX TNT(tm) WAN access switch, the CBX 500
Multiservice ATM switch and the B-STDX(tm) 9000 Multiservice Frame Relay WAN switch.
"We've chosen Ascend for several reasons - its MultiDSL approach supports multiple requirements
including ADSL, SDSL and IDSL, which gives us powerful flexibility," said Jon Aust, CEO of NAS.
"And, Ascend's ATM and Frame Relay switching technologies are exceptionally solid. Their access and
switching solutions are a winning combination for us."
NAS has currently deployed CuNet in 65 central offices in Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia,
Richmond and Washington D.C., and expects to add another 30 central offices by April 1999. DSL
service rollout to businesses has begun in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and will expand in the next
two months to include Baltimore, Boston, New York and Richmond. CuNet includes symmetrical and
asymmetrical high-speed data services and applications with speeds ranging from 128Kbs up to 2Mbs
symmetrical and up to 7Mbs/1Mbs asymmetrical as well as channelized T1 replacement product.
NAS is the first CLEC to sign an interconnect agreement with Bell Atlantic specifically for xDSL
services, and is utilizing its extensive knowledge and insight into the region's network during the roll-out
of CuNet's xDSL services. These services will be targeted to enterprises with MAN/WAN needs
including telecommuting solutions as well as small and medium-sized businesses looking for a scalable
and affordable alternative to conventional broadband access. ISPs looking for opportunities to expand
their network reach as well as add new products to their portfolio will also be targeted.
"NAS is very happy to be working with Ascend in the launch of xDSL throughout the East coast and
beyond" said Aust. "We've been extremely impressed with the advanced technology Ascend provides to
help us deliver flexible solutions to our enterprise and ISP customers. Based on our evaluations as well
as the years of experience in the field we've had with Ascend, we know they provide true business class
solutions."
NAS performed extensive testing of a wide variety of DSL solutions providers. Based on those tests,
Ascend excelled in meeting the needs of NAS, including the comprehensive support of various xDSL
options to the flexibility of egress, T1, framed and unframed asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
technologies. Ascend complete MultiDSL offering includes central office equipment (COE), the DSLTNT
and MAX TNT, and customer premises equipment (CPE) the DSLPipe.
"Our MultiDSL approach - which ensures Ascend equipment supports multiple options including
ADSL, SDSL and IDSL - is a strategic advantage for Ascend in working with CLECs and other
competitive access providers," said Ashok Dhawan, general manager, High Speed Access Products,
Ascend Communications. "NAS is leading the way in the Bell Atlantic region with its innovative CuNet
solution."
NAS has created a scalable enterprise offering that is both symmetrical and can be customized.
Connection Options:
128 Kbs at $99/month
384 Kbs at $132/month
512 Kbs at $161/month
168 Kbs at $189/month
1 Mbs at $209/month
1.5 Mbs at $264/month
2 Mbs at $318/month
Other options such as Internet access and telecommuting-specific solutions can be added to the service
cost as "line items" on an "as needed" basis.
About Network Access Solutions
NAS was founded in 1994 as a single source solutions provider for enterprise networks focused
specifically on corporate WAN requirements. With more than 300 enterprise customers, NAS is a leader
in the data transport services industry.
NAS prides itself in providing total wide area networking solutions to its corporate and ISP customers.
NAS has designed and built with the highest standards and quality to ensure maximum efficiency and
reliability. Visit www.nas-corp.com for more specifics on CuNet services and deployment.
About Ascend Communications
Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND) develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area
networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers
worldwide.
For more information about Ascend and its products, please visit the Ascend Web site at
www.ascend.com, or send e-mail to info@ascend.com. For Investor Relations, please call our
communications hotline at 800-648-3059 or 760-704-4423 (outside the U.S. & Canada). Additional
investor information can also be accessed on our Web site at: ascend.com. Ascend
is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, Calif. 94502; phone is
800/ASCEND4 and fax is 510-814-2300.
The foregoing statements may contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations
and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations as a
result of factors including, but not limited to, the Company's success in developing, introducing or
shipping new products, competition, the mix of distribution channels employed, the Company's
dependence on single or limited source suppliers for certain components used in its products, risks
inherent in international sales, seasonality and general economic conditions. These and other factors are
discussed in Ascend's 10-K, 10-Q and other filings made periodically with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. |
