CPLANE Unveils Carrier-Class Software That Combines Service Activation With Network Optimization.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2001

IgnitionControl Allows Service Providers to Minimize Service Delivery Time, While Maximizing the Performance of Underlying Network Resources

CPLANE, Inc., today emerged from "stealth mode" by launching its first set of service network control solutions for service providers. The solution set includes IgnitionControl, the company's new flagship software platform for service network control, plus three new applications that automate service creation and activation.

IgnitionControl is the only solution available that offers comprehensive control of both service and network resources, enabling service providers to rapidly create and activate new revenue-generating services, while simultaneously optimizing the performance of the complex multi-vendor, multi-technology networks that drive their business and support all customers and services.

"There is a very dynamic and complex performance relationship between the service and the network that is difficult to control," said Deb Mielke, vice president of Treillage Network Strategies. "Because CPLANE is taking a holistic view of service network control, it is able to help service providers ensure not only fast delivery of services, but also optimal performance of both service and network resources."

The IgnitionControl solution includes Ignite service applications, the core IgnitionControl engine, and Network Ignition Adapters (NIAs) that provide intelligent connectivity and control of vendor-specific network elements. Because IgnitionControl is based on a flexible, adaptive architecture, it is capable of automating the activation of virtually any revenue-generating service and providing connectivity to virtually any network element.

IgnitionControl will initially be available with three new service applications:

-- Ignite TLS -- layer 2 VLAN connectivity and MPLS support

-- Ignite VPN -- secure layer 3 connectivity and support of both IPsec and MPLS


-- Ignite IP Bandwidth -- premium layer 3 Internet access with bandwidth
control

Using one of the Ignite service applications, a service provider can quickly define the connectivity attributes of a service (bandwidth, response time, etc.) without binding the service to underlying network elements. IgnitionControl then determines the optimal way to build and activate the service, based on an understanding of network topology, resource utilization, and service network policies. The service request is then activated through the Network Ignition Adapters, which determine the best way to leverage the features of each specific element to satisfy the requirements of the service. The result is a service request that can be activated and optimized in real-time across a multi-vendor network.

"CPLANE's architecture enables service providers to define customer service requirements independently of underlying network resources," said David Passmore, research director at The Burton Group. "This top-down approach gives providers the flexibility to define services that are appropriate for their customers without getting bogged down in network equipment details."

The combination of the IgnitionControl platform and Ignite service applications delivers several key benefits to service providers:

-- Service Creation -- reduces time-to-market, by defining new

revenue-generating services independent of the underlying

network infrastructure

-- Service Activation -- improves operational efficiencies and

customer response time by automating time-consuming, manual

service provisioning tasks

-- Network Optimization -- optimizes use of network resources to

maximize both service performance (SLAs) and network

profitability

"CPLANE recognizes that a service provider's most important strategic asset is the service network," said Nelu Mihai, CEO and president, CPLANE, Inc. "Our mission is to empower them with the ability to regain control of their network and extract maximum business value from those assets to help drive continued growth and profitability. In short, the more control they have of their service network, the more control they have of their business."

IgnitionControl and the three Ignite service applications are all available now from CPLANE. The solution is currently in customer trials with first customer deployment expected later this year. Pricing for the complete IgnitionControl solution is dependent on each customer's service requirements and network resources.

About CPLANE, Inc

CPLANE, Inc. is a software company delivering a service network control platform that empowers service providers with the ability to accelerate the creation of revenue-generating services, while optimizing the delivery of those services across a multi-vendor, multi-technology network infrastructure. The result is a solution that minimizes service delivery time for customers, while maximizing network performance value and profitability for the service provider. Founded in 1999 and based in Sunnyvale, Calif., CPLANE is privately held and has received more than $35 million in investment capital from Amerindo's Private Equity Group, CMEA Ventures, ONSET Ventures, Pequot Private Equity, Sun Microsystems, and Woodside Fund.