BroadSoft Announces IMS-ready Media Resource Function Server; MRF Brings Multimedia Features to VoIP Services.

GAITHERSBURG, Md; & LONDON -- BroadSoft Inc., the leading provider of VoIP application software, today announced the availability of a new Media Resource Function Server (MRF) for IMS environments. The first in a series of next generation enhancements to the BroadWorks Media Server, the new MRF builds on core features by enhancing them with IMS capability, permitting interoperability with other application servers and allowing service providers to quickly deploy a range of audio and video functions over an IP network to enhance existing voice applications.

As a fully IMS-compliant media server, the MRF links the control and transport layers of the network, processing requests for media services from the application server. Able to work with any application server, the MRF enables multiple media capabilities in the enterprise including audio and video IVR functions (i.e. record and playback), audio conferencing with ad-hoc and group calling, fax reception and forwarding and streaming (audio and video broadcast).

"In the new IMS world, providers will offer highly customized services that combine media such as IM and video, or video and e-mail," said Brian Partridge, Senior Analyst, Yankee Group. "These new services will require complex media processing capabilities beyond the largely voice-centric functions required today. Yankee Group is forecasting the MRF segment to average more than 50% growth during the next four years."

With no deployment location pre-requisites, the standalone format of the enhanced MRF means that it can be installed anywhere in the network to make full use of traffic characteristics. More cost-effective to service providers than hardware-based solutions, the software-based standalone MRF server preserves scalability, performance and reliability while offering service providers increased freedom to configure network infrastructure across business units and according to individual company needs.

Offering carrier-class redundancy and reliability that ensures media resources are always available even in the case of network failure, the MRF can be easily integrated with BroadSoft's partner's products in a plug-and-play style solution that brings business triple-play to life within an IMS framework.

"Now decoupled from the platform, the MRF offers the flexibility to derive maximum benefit from an IMS network by its ability to be deployed centrally. Where it excels however, is in processing capabilities that an isolated application server would never hope to achieve," said Scott Hoffpauir, chief technology officer for BroadSoft.

Network applications that can be built by using the MRF include:

--Video Mail and messaging

--Auto Attendant

--Video advertisement in call centre queues

--Play tones

The MRF can also be managed remotely and monitored externally. The MRF is generally available now.

About BroadSoft

BroadSoft's VoIP application software is revolutionizing the delivery of hosted telephony and multimedia services. Its flagship BroadWorks(R) technology empowers wireless and wireline carriers to deliver next-generation voice and multimedia applications and advanced features that increase revenue, enhance competitive differentiation and elevate customer satisfaction. BroadSoft's family of carrier-class software products delivers the scale, open architecture and reliability that the world's leading telecommunications companies demand to serve mission-critical enterprise and residential broadband customers. BroadSoft's customer base of more than 150 network operators, including BellSouth, Korea Telecom, Singtel, Telefonica de Espana, Telstra, T-Systems, Verizon and XO Communications, leads the industry with more than 1,750,000 lines deployed. Additional information is available at www.broadsoft.com.

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