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Tuesday December 15, 1:38 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Formidable Strategic Alliance Announces
Production of Advanced Telecommunications
Services On Demand Network
On Demand Network to provide new interactive broadband experiences for customers
RENO, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 1998-- SourceNet Corporation today announced that it has forged a
strategic alliance with technology leaders to develop and produce a complete end-to-end Advanced Telecommunications
Services solution called the On Demand Network™ (ODN™). SourceNet has brought together, and formed formal
relationships with, Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCI - news), Efficient Networks, Inc., Minerva
Systems, Inc., Newbridge Networks (NYSE:NN - news; TSE:NNC - news), nCUBE, and Stellar One Corp.
''The alliance of companies participating in the On Demand Network represent the best-of-the-breed,'' said Tony Atwater,
Chief Executive Officer at SourceNet. ''We field-tested many products. It is this group, however, that has been able to
provide the scalability, features, performance and value needed to make the On Demand Network a commercial success.
The alliance recognizes that an aggressive development and marketing posture is required to capture the potential market.
This posture must be established with careful investment of time and resources, with special attention paid to an acceptable
return on investment for all parties concerned. We believe we have created the right business models and brought together
leading edge technology in order to make this happen. What this means to the consumer is access to some very new and
exciting interactive experiences on their TV and or PC.''
''While many in the industry are dipping their toes into the waters of broadband services, Source Net has taken the plunge,''
says Gerry Kaufhold, analyst with Cahners In-Stat Group. ''They've put together a working interactive network using
equipment that is available today from six leading companies.''
The On Demand Network provides high-speed ''always-on'': Internet access and data transport, true Video on Demand,
Multichannel Broadcast Video, Pay-per-View, and voice service over a single copper-pair connection to the home. Service
can be delivered from a central office ATM device, or from a remote subscriber location via the Advanced Fibre
Communications UMC 1000 multi-service access platform. Although the ODN is media independent, the initial focus will
be Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology.
Alliance members providing key components for the On Demand
Network are:
Advanced Fibre Communications Inc., of Petaluma, CA., for DLC access multiplexer functionality
Efficient Network Inc., of Dallas, TX., for customer premises DSL equipment.
Minerva Systems, of Mountain View, CA., for video encoders utilizing the MPEG-2 format.
nCUBE, of Foster City, CA., using the Oracle Video Server software solution, for broadcast-quality MPEG video
servers.
Newbridge Networks Inc., of Kanata, Ontario, Canada, for ATM switching and DSLAM.
Stellar One, of Redmond, WA., for the broadband set top box.
Pre-Deployment Testing in Homes Already in Progess
The ODN is currently deployed in a 48-customer test application that offers ''always on'' high speed Internet access at
several speeds up to committed T-1 rate, true Video on Demand, multichannel Broadcast Video, and voice service over
twisted pair copper telephone cable plant. The customer devices, either interactive broadband TV set-tops or personal
computers, are already deployed in the customers' homes. Existing telephones, televisions, and personal computers are all
compatible with the ODN. The complete On Demand Network entertainment package includes popular movie titles,
educational programming, network programming, syndicated shows, and music.
SourceNet Corporation, of Reno, NV., is the system integrator for the On Demand Network, and also provides
proprietary software that implements key features of the ODN, such as VOD ordering and delivery, channel changing
capability for broadcast video, administration and billing from user friendly customer interfaces.
Although any access network may be used, SourceNet's initial deployments will be over Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
technology. ''SourceNet's lightning-fast DSL implementation will put homes on-line at warp speed,'' said Greg Langdon,
Vice President of Marketing at Efficient Networks. ''Today, Internet browsing just got a major performance boost.''
ATM provides the core of SourceNet's access network. Unlike the typical approach for phone calls, where the
conversation ties up the entire line, ATM packet switching over DSL allows a phone conversation, multiple video on
demand and broadcast video channels, and Internet browsing, all on the same shared line. ''SourceNet looked to us to
deliver much more than an ADSL transport system,'' explained Conrad Lewis, Chief Technology Officer and Executive
Vice President, Access Products Group, Newbridge Networks. ''It is a powerful, integrated system that opens additional
revenue streams for service providers, and is highly affordable from a total cost of ownership perspective. We look forward
to working with SourceNet and other companies that are looking to leverage the opportunity to integrate xDSL in a
multiservices setting to provide real ROI for customers.''
Minerva real time MPEG II video encoders provide high quality digital television channels for the ODN system.
''SourceNet is the first company to integrate all the pieces for a true IP based, broadcast quality delivery solution'', states
Reed Majors, Director of Video Networking Products at Minerva Systems. ''We are very excited about the project, and
pleased SourceNet has selected VNP for the encoding platform. Minerva looks forward to continuously providing the latest
in MPEG network technology for the On Demand Network.''
nCUBE's video servers are the only proven systems that are configurable to deliver up to 20,000 broadcast quality MPEG
video streams with a single system. Product features include support for the major network architectures of the video
market, including ATM/STM-1, 10 or 100BaseT Ethernet, QAM, DVB, and ADSL. ''We've worked closely with
SourceNet to deploy broadcast quality video programming utilizing nCUBE's highly scalable video server technology,'' said
Ian Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer at nCUBE. ''SourceNet's new platform creates a revolutionary path for delivering a
wide variety of first-rate video entertainment to the home.''
nCUBE video servers incorporate Oracle Video Server software. The Oracle® Video Server, with other Oracle products
and services, is an end-to-end video solution used in the broadcast and interactive television markets providing telephone
companies, broadcasters and cable TV operators a safe, reliable, step-by-step approach towards realizing new revenue
through broadcast digital television services. In addition, Oracle Video Server offers a practical, cost-effective transition
from analog to digital while meeting broadcasters and cable TV operators' need for reliability, speed, and quality. The
recently released Oracle Video Server 3.0 includes mission-critical features such as real-time video feeds and real-time
encoding, increased scalability, logical content management, a broadcast scheduler for near-video-on-demand services, and
VCR functionality.
SourceNet also utilizes Oracle database management software in deploying the On Demand Network. This allows
comprehensive customer services that include movie ordering and delivery, channel-changing capability for broadcast video,
subscriber information, and administration and billing through user-friendly on-screen program guides.
''Stellar One is seeing an incredible amount of activity from the Local Exchange Carriers who are doubling up their efforts in
this area to differentiate themselves from other network owners,'' said Steve Voit, Executive Vice President, Sales and
Marketing for Stellar One. ''Stellar's open systems approach with NETRIS 3000 broadband set-top terminals makes it
easy for these aggressive network operators to provide new broadband services over any network.''
For further information, contact ODN at 503-612-4444.
About SourceNet
SourceNet Corporation of Reno, NV., is a privately funded, privately held company specializing ins seamlessly integrated
narrowband and broadband network solutions for voice, data, and video services. SourceNet is the system integrator for
the On Demand Network. SourceNet provides proprietary software that implements key features of the ODN, such as
VOD ordering and delivery, channel changing capability for broadcast video, administration and billing from user-friendly
customer interfaces. SourceNet currently offers Internet access services and software solutions for businesses that want
high-speed data access, as well as the ODN system.
About Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc.
Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of telecommunications systems for the ''local loop''
between telephone service users and public telephone networks worldwide. AFC has pioneered a single platform that
supports any network, any transport, and any service. AFC's flagship product the UMC 1000 3rd Generation Digital Loop
Carrier provides any service from POTS to xDSL over copper, fiber, and wireless transport media. Additional information
about AFC can be found on the Internet at fibre.com.
About Efficient Networks, Inc.
Efficient Networks, Inc. is a premier supplier of ATM over DSL customer premises equipment (CPE) to the worldwide
data and telecommunications markets. The company's SpeedStream product line includes a broad range of internal and
external modems all designed for simple installation. As a recognized leader in ATM technology, Efficient Networks is a
member of the ATM Forum, the ADSL Forum, and the Universal ADSL Working Group. With headquarters in Dallas,
Texas, Efficient Networks also has offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, Walnut Creek, Calif., and Arlington, Virginia. Efficient
Networks will provide customer premises DSL equipment for the ODN project. Efficient's SpeedStream cell-based DSL
CPE products are designed for network service providers to enable deployment of a new class of remote access
applications, including high performance Internet access, image distribution, video conferencing and other multimedia
applications. Efficient has leveraged its existing, proven ATM technology to provide a high degree of integration and
interoperability for its DSL CPE products. SpeedStream ATU-R products are differentiated through the use of
industry-tested silicon and software technology, with an emphasis on simple installation and configuration to minimize
management and support costs. For more information, see Efficient's World Wide Web home page at www.efficient.com.
About Minerva Systems, Inc.
Minerva Systems, Inc., founded in 1992, is the leading supplier of high-quality MPEG-based digital video publishing and
distribution solutions. Minerva's products are used in telephone and cable television network facilities, educational
institutions, advertising agencies, post-production facilities, and corporations worldwide. Minerva is backed by leading
venture capital firms, including Accel Partners, Kodak Corporation's Aperture Fund, Merrill Pickard, Anderson & Eyre,
U.S. Ventures, and ETF. Minerva Systems is headquartered at 1585 Charleston Road, Mountain View, CA, 94043. Tel.:
650/940-1383 Fax: 650/940-1450. Address on the World Wide Web: minervasys.com
About nCUBE
Founded in 1983, nCUBE is a privately held company specializing in broadcast-quality video delivery systems. nCUBE's
expertise and unique system scalability has made it the video server of choice in the world's leading video-on-demand trials
and deployments. As an Oracle Alliance(SM) Program Partner, nCUBE is solidly positioned to meet the demands of a
rapidly expanding interactive multimedia marketplace. The company is based in Foster City, Calif., with offices worldwide.
For more information about nCUBE, please call 800-654-2823 or visit our Worldwide Website at ncube.com
About Newbridge Networks
Newbridge Networks designs, manufactures, markets and services networking solutions to organizations in more than 100
countries. The Company leverages its relationship with a growing family of Newbridge Affiliate companies and strategic
alliances with Siemens and 3Com Corporation to deliver seamless, end-to-end solutions. Newbridge customers include the
world's 300 largest telecommunications service providers and more than 10,000 corporations, government organizations,
and other institutions. Founded in 1986, the Company employs more than 6,000 people on five continents. For more
information on the Newbridge ADSL solution, visit us at newbridge.com. News and information are available at
newbridge.com
About Stellar One
Stellar One is a leading provider of interactive broadband set-top devices and broadband systems integration services.
Stellar One is making it possible for people to send and receive Internet, video, audio, business information, and PC data
over broadband, high-speed switched-digital networks. This information ends up on your TV screen for you to interact
with, in real time, on demand. Stellar One's new NETRIS™ 3010 line of Set-Top Devices offer much more than a cable
''Set-Top Box'' including, high-speed, high quality audio and Video-on-Demand, Internet access and E-mail -- through one
device to the end user. The NETRIS 3010 brings television into the future, turning the TV into a dynamic, useful and
powerful tool. The Company also provides systems integration and consulting. For more information, hit us at
www.stellar.com
Note to Editors: 3GDLC and 3rd Generation Digital Loop Carrier are trademarks, and Advanced Fibre Communications,
AFC, the AFC logo, Universal Modular Carrier, and UMC 1000 are registered trademarks of Advanced Fibre
Communications Inc. SourceNet, On Demand Network, and ODN are trademarks of SourceNet Corporation. Speed
Stream is a trademark of Efficient Networks, Inc. nCUBE is a registered trademark. Oracle is a registered trademark, and
Oracle Alliance is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. STELLAR is a registered trademark and
NETRIS is a trademark of Stellar One Corporation. VNP is a trademark of Minerva Systems. All other brand or product
names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts:
SourceNet/ODN Jack Pendleton 503-612-4444 jp@source.net
Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc. Christine Koontz, 707-794-7651.
Efficient Networks, Inc. Lori Hicks 972-991-3884 lori@efficient.com
Charles Sommerhauser Sommerhauser Public Relations for Efficient Networks, Inc. 925-417-5227 charles@trivalley.com
Minerva Systems, Inc Reed Majors 650-940-138 rmajors@minervasys.com
nCUBE Bob Kehoe 503-690-6306 bkehoe@ncube.com
Newbridge Networks Media: Catherine Wright-Cadieux 613-591-3600 cwrightc@newbridge.com
Financial Analyst: John Lawlor 613-591-3600 jlawlor@newbridge.com Industry Analyst: Paul Goyette 703-736-5740
pgoyette@newbridge.com |
