Accelerated Networks Introduces AccessPilot EMS.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 1999--

Carrier Class Element Management System First to Bring OSS Management

Discipline to Integrated Broadband Access Networks

Accelerated Networks Inc., innovator of integrated broadband access solutions, Tuesday announced AccessPilot(TM), a CORBA-compliant, carrier-class element management system (EMS) that simplifies multi-service provisioning for competitive local access providers such as CLECs and integrated communications providers (ICPs).

AccessPilot(TM) addresses the n-squared scaling issues that result when service providers deploy integrated access devices (IADs) to deliver bundled voice and data services to business customers. This deployment, well underway by aggressive ICPs, expands the number of managed devices within the carrier network by as much as a factor of 1,000. Traditional management systems for customer located access devices are developed along enterprise management models and lack the scale, OSS interoperability, accounting and billing, and distributed implementation of carrier management systems.

According to Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corp., "The total number of actively managed data devices in carrier networks will grow from the present level of less than 100,000 to over 22 million by the year 2010. Few service providers or equipment vendors have considered the impact of this kind of growth on the cost of maintaining the network. Accelerated Networks is one of the few vendors to propose a management architecture that is both capable of scaling to meet the new demands of integrated access and broadband access consumers, and able to create the customer-to-carrier service management relationship that will be critical to ensure ongoing user satisfaction with their new services."

AccessPilot(TM) from Accelerated Networks is the first carrier-class EMS to extend management to the customer premises while adding the CORBA interfaces required for integration with existing OSS infrastructure. In addition, Accelerated's unique directory-enabled provisioning (DEP) configuration model vastly improves the scaling characteristics of integrated broadband access networks by eliminating the need to manually configure customer located integrated access devices (IADs). As new IADs are added to the network, they self-configure by requesting and using information stored in directory infrastructure. In addition, IADs will notify a central network administrator of any anomalies encountered during startup or operation.

Support for RADIUS and LDAP allows subscriber profile and device configuration information to be extracted from physically distributed, logically centralized directories and allows billing information to be exported in a standard format. The AccessPilot architecture also allows subscribers to dynamically select services and view service level agreement (SLA) information using a standard web browser. This subscriber-service interaction results in quicker revenue streams for the service provider, and contributes to increased customer satisfaction and reduced customer churn.

"AccessPilot incorporates IT management features, such as directory integration and a distributed client-server architecture, in order to better address management scaling issues," stated Fima Vaisman, assistant vice president of product management for Accelerated Networks. "But more importantly, it gives service providers the control and automation they need to manage the explosive growth of their access networks, while still driving profitability."

Pricing and Availability

AccessPilot will be available in the third quarter of 1999, and is available in configurations ranging from $4,995 to $39,995.

About Accelerated Networks

Accelerated Networks Inc., a privately held company based in Southern California, develops integrated broadband access solutions for local access providers. These systems enable providers to offer a full complement of bundled voice and data services over a single, low-cost access line. Its Accelerator products include both customer-located Integrated Access Devices (IADs) and central office-based Multi-Service Access Platforms (MSAPs) -- the first complete integrated broadband access solution in the industry.

In addition to allowing providers to offer enhanced services and generate additional revenues, Accelerated's products dramatically reduce the costs of provisioning and operation, and allow service providers to reduce their time to market. Since its introduction, Accelerated Networks has garnered four prestigious industry awards, including Best of Category and Best of Show at NetWorld+Interop Atlanta 98, Data Communications' Top 25 Startups and a 1999 Hot Product of the Year.

The company received funding from New Enterprise Associates, US Venture Partners, ONSET Ventures, Walden International Investment Group, and Siemens AG. More information on Accelerated Networks and its product line can be found at www.acceleratednetworks.com.