Axerra Networks' Pseudo-Wire Solutions Deployed by Kenya Data Networks for Multiple Business Services; Enabling A Complete Portfolio of Business Services Plus Mobile Wireless Backhaul Over Next-Generation Layer 2 Access Networks.

NAIROBI, Kenya & BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Axerra Networks, "The Pseudo-Wire Company(TM)" and the leading provider of circuit emulation and service emulation solutions, announced that Kenya Data Networks (KDN), a subsidiary of Kenya's Sameer ICT Group, has successfully deployed Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solutions, delivering a complete portfolio of business services over a Carrier Ethernet access network. In addition, Axerra's solutions enable Kenya Data Networks to target the growing and lucrative mobile backhaul market.

Kenya Data Networks, a communications carrier established following the recent liberalization of the Kenyan market, is using Axerra's AXN Pseudo-Wire Gateways and Access Devices(TM) to become the first new operator to provide Leased Line, Frame Relay, and IP data services in Kenya. KDN uses a combination of optical Ethernet and broadband fixed wireless to serve Kenya's major ISPs, banks, universities, multinational corporations, and small- to medium-sized businesses. Currently, KDN has installed fiber with Carrier Ethernet to 60 office buildings in Nairobi, and reaches several hundred additional sites with Carrier Ethernet over broadband wireless radio. In addition, KDN plans to offer cost-effective backhaul services to mobile operators, leveraging Axerra's proven ability to reliably carry all generations of mobile voice and mobile data.

Axerra's solution provides the most comprehensive set of Pseudo-Wire services in the industry, including Circuit Emulation Pseudo-Wire with dynamic bandwidth options, Frame Relay and HDLC Pseudo-Wires, ATM Pseudo-Wires, Ethernet Pseudo-Wires, and Legacy + IP aggregation with Layer 2 separation, security, and QoS/COS over next-generation Layer 2 access networks. Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solutions enable the widest range of traditional business services and maps them onto MPLS / Carrier Ethernet, Cable HFC, and WiMAX, creating a full-service alternative to TDM access.

"We first began using Axerra's solutions to carry live traffic almost two years ago. The business services deployed from the Axerra Pseudo-Wire platform have proven very reliable, and the continued evolution of their solution now enables us to significantly expand our network and the commercial services we offer," states Mr. Kai Wulff, Managing Director of KDN. "In addition to expanding our network to offer emerging and traditional business services in Kenya and, in fact, to all of eastern Africa, we are excited about the opportunity to serve the mobile backhaul market which continues to expand as bandwidth-hungry 3G services are added."

"KDN understands the power that Pseudo-Wires bring to their network," says Denis Bambury, VP Sales - EMEA for Axerra Networks. "Utilizing Axerra's AXN Pseudo-Wire Gateways and Access Devices over next-generation L2 access, KDN can now boast one of the most advanced networks in the world. In addition, the ability to offer a full portfolio of business services and to address the lucrative mobile backhaul market provides KDN with substantial opportunities for revenue growth."

KDN and Axerra Networks are working with Adwest Communications, a leading systems integrator for next-generation networks in the East and Central Africa regions, to facilitate the roll out of new services and capabilities.

About Kenya Data Networks

Kenya Data Networks (KDN) is a public data network operator in Kenya. KDN was established early in 2003 in the wake of the liberalization of the Kenyan telecommunications market by the Sameer Group, a major Kenyan conglomerate and a pioneer provider of affordable, mobile, telephone services in Kenya. For more information, see http://www.kdn.co.ke.

About Axerra Networks, Inc.

Axerra Networks is the leading provider of circuit emulation and service emulation solutions over packet access networks. Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solutions enable mobile wireless operators, cable MSOs, competitive service providers, and incumbent carriers to extend IP + legacy voice and data services in native format over Ethernet, IP, and MPLS networks. The result is greater operational efficiency, new revenue opportunities, and a smooth migration strategy to a single converged network, without stranding any revenue streams from profitable legacy services. With Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solutions, service providers can convert any packet access network (Carrier Ethernet, broadband wireless including WiMAX, cable HFC, etc.) into a full-service alternative to TDM access. For more information, please visit: http://www.axerra.com.

About Adwest Communications

Adwest Communications is a telecommunications solutions provider for telcos, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cellular Operators and Corporates in the East African region. Please visit: http://www.adwest.net.