Agilent Technologies to be Primary Test Equipment Provider for telecom technologies INIP Powered Lab.

Business/Technology Editors

RICHARDSON, Texas and PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2000

Network Testing Equipment Will Assist in Interoperability Testing

for Partners in INIP Powered Program

telecom technologies, inc., The Softswitch Source(SM), and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), today announced that Agilent has joined the INIP Powered(SM) Program and will be the primary test equipment vendor for the program's INIP Powered Laboratory.

The INIP Powered Partner Program is designed to accelerate the deployment of next generation, multi-service networks by integrating standards-based softswitches, media gateways, and unified voice and data applications. The program, centered on the INIP Powered Lab, is the first of its kind in the communications industry and offers its partners a well-defined pathway to integrate their software or hardware into the end-to-end solutions that service providers increasingly are seeking. The resulting integrated solutions will offer carriers a bridge between established network infrastructures and new technologies, giving them a way to add cutting-edge services while controlling the costs of managing diverse networks.

The INIP Powered Program has grown very quickly to include more than 26 companies since an industry-wide initiative was launched in November of 1999.

Agilent, which is based in Palo Alto, Calif., will provide test equipment to the INIP Powered Laboratory in Richardson, Texas. The Agilent FASTest(R) Automation System will be deployed in the lab. Other Agilent test products, including the Agilent Internet Advisor for troubleshooting high-speed LAN/WAN/ATM internetworks, and the Agilent Telegra(TM) VQT for objective, end-to-end voice quality testing, will be integrated into the lab at a later date.

Agilent's test and measurement business is the largest of its kind in the world. It provides standard and customized test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and software. Product demand stems from a rapid proliferation of networks for enterprise computing, strong growth in the communications industry and increasing need for bandwidth in the fiber-optic, wireless, data and Internet markets.

"We have long enjoyed a special relationship with Agilent and its parent, HP," said Mike Eastep, chief operating officer of telecom technologies. "Agilent's products help ensure that INIP Powered Partners' products interoperate at the highest possible quality levels."

"Agilent is committed to helping customers develop and deploy next generation network products and services in a timely manner," said Steve Bates, general manager, Agilent's Service Verification. "telecom technologies' INIP Powered Partner Program is a highly useful program that allows partners to work in concert to accelerate the development of advanced end-to-end solutions."

Agilent's FASTest Automation System is a network testing management and execution system that provides comprehensive multi-layer access throughout an entire network or laboratory. The system's tools facilitate inter-working and interoperability testing of the new generation of equipment that enables commercial Internet telephony services.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A), is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With approximately 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

About telecom technologies

telecom technologies, inc., has developed and markets a unique trio of products and services for the telecommunications industry. First, the company is the leading supplier of the most advanced softswitch technology which addresses the challenges of network and service providers who need end-to-end solutions for next generation, carrier-grade multi-service networks. Second, telecom technologies is the originator of the unprecedented INIP Powered Partner Program (www.inippowered.com), designed to make its softswitch interoperable with hardware/media gateway, applications and other softswitches and thus to accelerate to market fully integrated, end-to-end multi-service technology solutions. Third, telecom technologies' services group brings unparalleled expertise in design and deployment of intelligent, converged networks. Together, telecom technologies' products and services enhance system performance, lower operating costs and furnish new revenue opportunities for CLECs, ILECs, IXCs and ISPs.

Headquartered in the Telecom Corridor(R) in Richardson, Texas, telecom technologies has offices worldwide and is accessible via the Internet at www.telecomtechnologies.com or by phone at 972/301-4900 or 1-888-FONE-TTI.

The telecom technologies logo, the INIP Powered logo and the INIP Powered Program name are service marks of telecom technologies, inc. INtelligentIP is a trademark of telecom technologies, inc. Telecom Corridor is a registered trademark of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. All other service marks, trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies.