Armstrong Cable Deploys RiverDelta Networks Broadband Services Routers for Tiered Data and Voice Services.

Business/Technology Editors

TEWKSBURY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2001

-- Intelligent Carrier-Class Routing and Quality of Service Control

Enables Rapid Rollout of Value-Added Services --

RiverDelta Networks, Inc., a leading provider of carrier-class broadband routing, switching, and service management solutions, today announced that Armstrong Cable Services, an independent multiple cable system operator, is deploying the Broadband Services Router(TM) 1000 (BSR 1000) throughout its service areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. Armstrong is also testing the Broadband Service Router 64000 (BSR 64000) for future deployments as a Carrier Class Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS).

Armstrong Cable is using the RiverDelta Networks equipment to deliver tiered data services and in the future will add voice services to its offerings. Armstrong Cable has been delivering best-effort data services over its network and now is moving to introduce next-generation services that require extremely high network availability as well as control of each subscriber's traffic to the application level. The BSR 64000, the industry's first carrier-class broadband services router designed for large-scale deployment of Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification 1.1 (DOCSIS(TM) 1.1) based services and applications, and the BSR 1000, a cost effective solution for low-density deployments, were selected after over six months of rigorous testing in Armstrong Cable's labs.

"We build our HFC Networks with many hubs that service less than 5,000 homes passed. The BSR 1000 enabled us to take Next Generation Routing CMTS right to the edge of our network at an affordable price," said Mike Giobbi, Vice President of New Technologies of Armstrong Cable Services. "The BSR 1000 and BSR 64000 are at the heart of our PacketCable Telephony trial that has now moved into employees homes. To deliver the multiple levels of service required for real-time applications running on a shared media requires extensive QoS control and that is exactly what RiverDelta brings to the network with the BSR and its SmartFlow(TM) technology. In addition, the team at RiverDelta demonstrated a superb commitment to customer support -- getting the job done fast and getting it done right - which is exactly what we look for in our long-term partners."

RiverDelta Networks SmartFlow Quality of Service (QoS) technology runs on the BSR platform to deliver broad multiservice support and enable Armstrong Cable to swiftly generate incremental revenue streams from valuable new services. High-performance, content-aware packet classification and forwarding at wire speed provides unmatched abilities to offer customized QoS levels and guaranteed Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The BSR with SmartFlow allows Armstrong Cable to support multiple services from a single provider or to allow multiple providers to deliver multiple services.

"Our goal has been to lead the evolution of today's broadband networks into more intelligent and content-aware network facilities that will enable broadband service providers to rapidly and cost-effectively introduce valuable new services to their subscribers," said Dave Callan, President and CEO of RiverDelta Networks. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Armstrong Cable to build a next-generation network that leverages their existing cable plant to create highly differentiated solutions which increase revenues and customer satisfaction."

RiverDelta Networks met Armstrong Cable's stringent requirements with the unique BSR platform that combines integrated broadband access with carrier-class routing. High availability is provided on its completely redundant platform. With its high per port density, the BSR can deliver more data flows to more subscribers than any other Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) and still provide the guaranteed delivery that value-added voice and data service users require.

About Armstrong Cable Services

Armstrong(R) Cable Services is an independent multiple cable system operator, serving communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky. The Armstrong Group of Companies began in 1947 as a line construction company contracting work for utility companies. Over the years Armstrong has ventured into several more diverse areas of business. Along with Cable Television, Armstrong owns and operates 6 independent telephone companies and Guardian Protection Services, a leader in home security.

About RiverDelta Networks

RiverDelta Networks, based in Tewksbury, MA, designs, develops, and markets solutions for broadband service providers building carrier-class networks for delivering voice, data, and video services for consumers and businesses. RiverDelta Networks received CableLabs(R) DOCSIS 1.0 qualification in record time and has built upon and extended the DOCSIS 1.1 Quality of Service specifications with its SmartFlow(TM) per-flow processing. RiverDelta Networks has received $46 million in funding from Pequot Capital Management, Battery Ventures, and Charles River Ventures. Additional company information can be found at www.riverdelta.com.

Note: RiverDelta, BroadBand Services Router, and SmartFlow are trademarks of RiverDelta Networks. Armstrong is a registered trademark of Armstrong Cable Services. DOCSIS is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.