To: $Mogul who wrote (4 ) 11/13/2000 3:19:58 PM From: Tech Master Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 29 Monday November 13, 7:04 am Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Advanced Switching Communications Inc. Qwest to Deploy ASC's A-4000 for High-Speed Access to Optical Internet Network VIENNA, Va., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Switching Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: ASCX - news), a leading provider of broadband access platforms, and Qwest Communications International Inc. today announced a multi-year agreement that will support Qwest's deployment of packet-based networks for next-generation broadband access. Qwest has agreed to purchase ASC's access network products, which will serve as high-speed on-ramps to Qwest's optical broadband Internet network. The ASC solution will be part of Qwest's access initiative to rapidly and cost-effectively extend broadband Internet and corporate network services to a wide spectrum of customers in markets of all sizes. Qwest is deploying ASC's products to improve provisioning time, service flexibility and bandwidth capacity by consolidating multiple technologies and equipment into ASC's compact, multi-service solution. The ASC deployment will significantly reduce operational complexity and costs by bringing network intelligence and faster packet technology closer to customers without requiring additional investment in traditional TDM-oriented technology. ``ASC's line of access products will help us extend our broadband Internet communications network closer to the customer,'' said Mike Perusse, Qwest's senior vice president of engineering and technology. ``The speeds and efficiencies we are reaching in our global network can now be extended to customers directly at the local level.'' ASC's A-4000 features high-density aggregation and interworking to provide a high-speed on-ramp to Qwest's global fiber-optic network. Qwest will leverage ASC's exclusive MultiStream(TM) software technology to streamline provisioning and bring new services and bandwidth speeds to end-user customers. ASC's MultiStream technology enables port-by-port configuration through software to support and interwork multiple protocols. This software flexibility simplifies network provisioning and enables the introduction of new network protocols through software instead of hardware. ``As a leader in broadband communications, Qwest recognizes that customers will continue to demand access at greater speeds. Improving performance in the access portion of their network will accelerate the delivery of new broadband services to more end-users,'' said Asghar Mostafa, ASC's president and CEO. ``With ASC's high-speed optical on-ramps in place, Qwest can now extend high-speed access directly to their customers.'' About ASC Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Advanced Switching Communications Inc. is a leading provider of next-generation broadband access platforms for telecommunications and Internet service providers. ASC's architecture provides flexibility and scalability that enables service providers to deploy broadband services aggressively. ASC products are NEBS Level 3 certified and interoperable with the industry's leading telecommunications equipment providers. More information about ASC is available online at www.asc.com . SOURCE: Advanced Switching Communications Inc.