Bellcore Demonstrates Open-Standard Call Agent Software; New Software Proves Functionality Between Multiple Gateways Using the Simple Gateway Control Protocol --SGCP--.

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1998--Bellcore today announced a further step in its Next Generation Network plans with the development of its call agent software that offers unparalleled interoperability with a variety of Simple Gateway Control Protocol (SGCP)- and Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)- compliant gateways. Bellcore is showcasing this technology utilizing Cisco Systems and Mediatrix Telecom, Inc. gateways at CableNET, Booth 4488 at this week's Western Cable Show. The demonstration will also include its mediation system interfacing to Solect Technology Group's billing system, for near real-time display of invoicing information for just completed calls.

Bellcore's call agent software will act as both a local and toll office virtual switch, providing intelligent call control features and end-to-end signaling for various equipment vendors' IP gateways using SGCP. Telephone numbers are dialed from existing telephones just as it is done today. The call agent establishes the call and translates the dialed digits into IP addresses. Analog voices on the telephone are compressed, digitized and packetized by the gateways for transmission over the network with the receiving gateway reversing the process, presenting the listener with an analog voice.

"Bellcore is promoting an open communications architecture with the development of SGCP and our call agent software," said John Boese, Vice President and General Manager for Advanced Network Systems at Bellcore. "We see next generation networks, the convergence of voice, video, fax and data all on a single line, as the opportunity of the future and are working to make it possible for anyone to build enhanced services and applications in this new environment. We also see customers being able to have more direct control over their voice and data services in activating, controlling and monitoring."

Bellcore's solution utilizes the SGCP protocol to facilitate network intelligence in the core call agent reducing edge maintenance and upgrade costs while planning for single stage dialing for on/off net calls using the SS7 network. Since it is a modular, component-based system, scalability is achieved through the addition of call agent processors with virtually no upper limit to sizing.

The call agent software is part of Bellcore's Next-Generation Network solution offering which also includes operation support systems (OSSs) and professional services. Next-Generation Networks (NGN) integrate the latest high performance hardware and software networking technology to deliver high-speed broadband services to blend video, voice and data traffic over common packet-based network infrastructure. Using SGCP, Bellcore's NGN solution can now be coupled with multiple vendors' equipment and gateways for a cost-effective, end-to-end solution. Based on Bellcore's years of experience constructing signaling intelligence and technologies which are the core of today's networks such as SONET, DSL, ATM, SS7 and the toll free numbering system, Bellcore is making networks of the future as reliable as networks of today.

In a related announcement on October 26, 1998, Le Groupe Videotron Ltee, Canada's second largest cable television company, announced that it has selected Bellcore and Cisco Systems to deliver a complete end-to-end NGN solution. This solution will enable Groupe Videotron to provide advanced data, voice and video services over a single network across the province of Quebec.

About Bellcore

Bellcore, a SAIC company, is a leading provider of communications software, engineering, and consulting services based on world-class research. Bellcore creates business solutions that make information technology work for telecommunications carriers, business, and governments worldwide. More information about Bellcore can be found at http://www.bellcore.com or by calling 1-800-521-CORE.