Bell Atlantic Deploys Latest Siemens EWSD Solution to Upgrade SS7 Program in New Jersey.

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 1999--

Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc. said its EWSD system software Release 16.0 has been successfully deployed in Bell Atlantic's network. The new software upgrades Bell Atlantic's Signaling System 7 (SS7) network, beginning with New Jersey and eventually including Bell Atlantic's network in other mid-Atlantic states.

Key aspects of Release 16.0 include the SS7 A-Link re-homing feature and the OAM&P (Operations, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning) feature. Re-homing allows the EWSD switch to be cut over to a new Signal Transfer Point (STP) mated pair without interrupting service. As a result, Bell Atlantic can upgrade its SS7 signaling network without service interruption. OAM&P simplifies network administration in converging voice/data networks.

"With this latest software release, Bell Atlantic gains a millennium-ready switching system capable of delivering advanced features, while generating operational efficiencies and cost savings," said Terry Jennings, director of customer and sales support at Siemens. "In addition to the advanced SS7 capabilities, Bell Atlantic will benefit from other value-added features that will help strengthen its service offering."

The EWSD system offers a wide range of customer solutions for voice, video, data and wireless applications. Highlights of Release 16.0 include:

-- Business Features such as Electronic Key Telephone System (EKTS)/analog interworking capabilities that let users take advantage of the call-handling flexibility of ISDN.

-- Call-Handling Features to support Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) capability, and enhanced route selection to local number portability capable switches. Plus, this software release includes Government Emergency Telecommunications Services (GETS) in an end-office or access-tandem configuration.

-- Operations Features for line and trunk administration, translation verification and database table sizing, which should lead to considerable cost savings for service providers.

With 180 million ports deployed by more than 300 public network operators, the EWSD switch is the most widely used switching system in the world. And based on recent FCC switch downtime statistics, it is also the most reliable. The EWSD system offers a single platform for local, tandem and long distance applications.

The Information and Communications business group is part of Siemens, a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics with more than $66 billion in sales. Information and Communications consists of three groups: Information and Communication Networks (60,000 employees and $13 billion in sales). Information and Communication Products (33,000 employees and $11 billion in sales), and Siemens Business Services (17,000 employees and $4 billion in sales).

Information and Communication Networks is one of the world's leading suppliers of end-to-end solutions for voice, data and mobile networks. Information and Communication Networks provides products, systems, solutions, servicing and support for setting up, operating and maintaining complete corporate and carrier networks. It also offers ancillary services ranging from network planning and financial consulting through startup support to user training. Further information on this Siemens Group can be found on the Internet at http://www.siemens.com/ic/networks/.

Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. provides integrated voice, data and video communications networks to carrier and enterprise customers. Last year the company's 7,000 U.S. employees generated sales of nearly $2 billion. Its parent firm is Siemens, the pioneering electronics giant with more than 400,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.icn.siemens.com.

Siemens is a registered trademark of Siemens AG.

EWSD is a registered trademark of Siemens AG.