AM Communications and Harmonic Partner to Increase Network Availability for HFC Environments
Collaboration Reduces Cost and Complexity of Monitoring Network Health From the Headend to the Node
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2002-- Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT - News) and AM Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:AMCM - News) have partnered to integrate Harmonic's broadband networking systems with the AM Communications Omni2000(TM) HFC Network Management System. This initiative, bringing together leaders from broadband access networking and network management, gives cable operators the ability to more completely monitor and manage their environment from the headend to the last mile. The initiative is designed to both reduce the complexity and cost of network management as well as increase network availability.
Through this relationship, AM Communications has added support for all Harmonic(TM) HFC headend and hub-based network transport equipment -- including the PWRLink(TM), MAXLink(TM) and METROLink(TM) transmission systems -- to the Omni2000 system. AM Communications is also providing an HMS-compliant transponder for managing Harmonic's PWRBlazer(TM) optical nodes and the devices they host.
The Omni2000 system's real-time monitoring capabilities and network-wide view give network operators the ability to quickly isolate and resolve problems, eliminating the cost of unnecessary truck rolls. Because network managers only need to learn one management system, overall training costs are also reduced. Furthermore, the ability to manage networks with a single, standards-based system -- rather than separate systems for each vendor's products -- reduces downtime and increases availability.
"To effectively provide reliable, uninterrupted service, operators must have a broad view of their entire network, no matter which vendor's products it contains," said Javad Hassan, Chairman of AM Communications. "As a leading provider of broadband optical networking solutions, Harmonic has a large installed base of systems, making support for their systems an important and logical next step. We already support nearly 300 brands and types of HFC network equipment. Adding support for Harmonic, which was greatly simplified as a result of their open standards-based approach, further strengthens our industry-leading management platform."
"Today's cable service subscribers have little tolerance for network outages," said Patrick Harshman, President of Harmonic's Broadband Access Network Division. "As operators continue to diversify their customer base and introduce more mission-critical services such as IP network access and lifeline telephone service, the network will need to deliver the highest levels of availability. More than 400 broadband data communications and HFC networks around the globe are monitored using solutions from AM Communications. Their expertise and customer orientation made them a natural choice for providing element management for Harmonic HFC products."
Harmonic provided equipment as well as technical resources to support the development and testing process, ensuring quality and compatibility with Harmonic solutions. Customers of AM Communications are already deploying the management platform and transponder supporting Harmonic systems.
About AM Communications
AM Communications, Inc., located in Quakertown, Pa., is a leading supplier of software-driven network reliability solutions for HFC broadband network enterprises. AM's advanced systems and service offerings employ leading-edge technologies that embody the company's 25-plus years of HFC experience and expertise. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, AM Broadband Services, Inc., AM provides technical services and solutions that are software optimized for the telecommunications industry. Services include design, infrastructure development, system activation and certification, network reliability and residential "last mile" fulfillment services. AM's world-class quality credentials include ISO9001 for engineering, business, and operations procedures. Through a strategic partnership with NeST Technologies, AM is the only systems and services provider in the broadband sector that has CMM Level 5 credentials for software development.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to cable, satellite, telecom and broadcast network operators. Harmonic's open standards-based solutions for the head end through the last mile enable customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high-definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.
Harmonic (Nasdaq:HLIT - News) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the benefits to cable operators of the Harmonic/AM Communications partnership and products, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in documents that Harmonic files with the SEC, including reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
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*************************Tuesday June 4, 10:45 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: AM Communications, Inc.
AM Communications Announces Acquisition of Nex-Link Communications
QUAKERTOWN, Pa., June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AM Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AMCM - News) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, AM Broadband Services, Inc. has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Nex-Link Communications Project Services, LLC, a privately held company located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Nex-Link Communications is engaged in the business of design, engineering, construction and installation of broadband networks throughout the United States.
Under the terms of the proposed merger, Nex-Link Communications will be merged with and into a wholly owned corporate subsidiary of AM Broadband Services, Inc., which subsidiary was formed for the purpose of completing the proposed merger. After the merger is completed, Nex-Link Communications will be a wholly owned, corporate subsidiary of AM Broadband Services and will operate under the name "AM Nex-Link Communications, Inc."
As a result of the merger, the principals of Nex-Link Communications will receive, in the aggregate, approximately $4.59 million in consideration for their outstanding limited liability company interests. Such consideration will consist of approximately $1 million payable in cash, a promissory note in the amount of $1 million (which is payable over three years and bears interest at the rate of 5 percent), and seven million restricted shares of AM Communications common stock (having an approximate market value of $2.59 million as of Monday's market close).
"We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of one of our competitors by our Broadband Services Unit. Nex-Link Communications brings a very attractive book of business, as well as a talented management team to add depth to our Company," said Javad (Jay) Hassan, Chairman of AM Communications.
"We believe AM Communications, with their innovative software-powered service solutions, is positioned to become a leading service provider to the industry. As it has been the main focus of Nex-Link and its employees to provide quality services and solutions to its customers, we believe joining the AM family will further our objectives," said Steve Nickel, President of Nex-Link Communications.
The closing of the proposed merger is expected to occur on or before July 1. However, it is subject to a number of contingencies, including, without limitation, the completion of customary due diligence by AM Communications, the receipt of all necessary government, regulatory, corporate and third party approvals and the negotiation and execution by the parties of other definitive transaction documents. Given the preliminary status of these transactions, and the number of contingencies to be satisfied prior to closing, there can be no assurance that the merger will be consummated on a timely basis, if at all.
AM Communications, Inc., located in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, is a leading supplier of software-driven network reliability solutions for HFC broadband network enterprises. AM's advanced systems and service offerings employ leading-edge technologies that embody the company's 25+ years of HFC experience and expertise. Through its exclusive and strategic relationship with NeST Technologies, Inc., AM has access to a skilled manpower pool of over 400 software and hardware engineers as well as 2000 operations support personnel. AM's world-class quality credentials include ISO9001 for engineering, business, and operations procedures, as well as CMM Level 5 for software development. Visit us at www.amcomm.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's financial performance and results of operations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including: competitive factors, technological developments, customer acceptance of the Company's products and services, general economic conditions, and market demand. Further information regarding these and other risks of the Company and its business can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including the Company's Reports on Forms 10-KSB and Forms 10-QSB. These documents are available at the SEC website: www.sec.gov.
CONTACT: Christine Mascaro, Manager, Investor Relations of AM Communications, +1-215-538-8729, or cmascaro@amcomm.com.
SOURCE: AM Communications, Inc. |
