Castle Networks Introduces CastleSentry EMS; Delivers New Service Management Capabilities to Integrated Voice and Data Networks.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1999--

New model for carrier service creation and integrated network 

management enables integration of diverse operations support system

(OSS) and business support system (BSS) platforms

Castle Networks(TM), an innovator in next generation central office-based communications technology and a Unisphere Solutions(TM) company, today introduced CastleSentry(TM) EMS, the management system for its C2100 Services Mediation Platform (SMP). Applying a breakthrough model for delivering new service management capabilities to converged voice and data networks, the CastleSentry EMS is a powerful, distributed JAVA-based platform for new service creation, provisioning, fault management, billing and traffic engineering. It allows carriers to easily introduce the C2100 into any public network, with the capability to centrally create and manage voice, video and data services -- a service level management capability that until today has not been addressed in the data-intensive service provider networks.

Designed to offer standard interfaces and open APIs, CastleSentry EMS with its JAVA-based capabilities allows service providers and third-party developers to create special-purpose applications - real-time billing agents, interactive customer care probes, and policy-based call control engines, for example - that can reside directly on the CastleSentry server. By building applications on the CastleSentry EMS, a carrier can allow end user customers to set up their own Quality of Service, monitor their usage and performance levels in real time and define their network configurations accordingly.

"Castle is one of the first vendors to recognize that the concept of service management isn't just a part of voice management architectures, but a hard buyer requirement. As data networking moves increasingly toward VPNs, data providers will face the same kinds of problems in creating and managing virtual services that voice providers have confronted in advanced voice offerings like software-defined networks," said Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corporation. "CastleSentry offers a data service management approach that can envelop a variety of core network technologies. For each, it offers a unique customer-driven view of provisioning, fault management, and performance management and planning. That benefits both the service provider and the user."

Deployed as an element manager, the CastleSentry EMS streamlines carrier operations at high-level service and business layers, as well as across different network elements. Its open design and distributed architecture make the CastleSentry EMS platform the first product to bring the benefits of service management - long a staple of voice network management - to providers of both voice and data services. This service management capability is a critical asset for market differentiation in a competitive carrier market.

"While the CastleSentry EMS addresses the element management needs of the C2100 SMP, this OSS provides a way to integrate strategic network and service management functions across multiple networks," said Karl Whitelock, Stratecast Partners' program director of OSS competitive strategies. "Service providers who label the CastleSentry EMS as just another element manager are missing the real competitive advantage they can gain from this flexible multi-function system."

Designed to accommodate a variety of user interfaces and management skill sets, CastleSentry EMS provides equal functionality and value whether deployed in a traditional data environment (such as an Internet Service Provider or Data Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) or a traditional voice network (such as a Regional Bell Operating Company). Because approaches to such routine tasks as service provisioning and fault management have evolved separately in the data and voice arenas, expertise applicable to one sector rarely applies to the other. With the CastleSentry EMS, operational costs are greatly reduced because many functions are automated and there is no need to dedicate technical staff entirely to specific network segments.

"Through acquisition, special-service network layers and legacy proprietary systems, many carrier networks are already a nightmare to manage," said Achmad Chadran, senior product manager at Castle Networks. "Rather than aggravate the problem, we designed CastleSentry to provide equally high levels of control and functionality regardless of the interface and irrespective of the experience base of our customers' staffs."

In addition to its powerful capabilities for service creation, provisioning, fault management and traffic engineering, CastleSentry EMS supports a suite of standard interfaces that facilitate integration with both legacy management protocols and practices (such as TL1 and AMA/BAF) and state-of-the-art approaches (such as Q.3 and CMIP). An integral component of this approach is the CastleSentry Alliance Program (see today's related announcement), a continuous process for teaming with best-in-class providers of operation support system (OSS) and business support system (BSS) software platforms. By teaming with world-class software developers, Castle can deliver to carriers end-to-end, comprehensive solutions while committing its internal focus on C2100 SMP development.

The CastleSentry Alliance Program will also augment network management, OSS and BSS solutions under active development at Unisphere Solutions. These solutions will bring together the products of Castle Networks, Argon Networks, Redstone Communications and Accelerated Networks under a single management and operation support umbrella.

Pricing and Availability

CastleSentry EMS will be available in the third quarter of 1999, and is available in configurations starting at US $20,000.

About Castle Networks

Castle Networks, a Unisphere Solutions company, designs next-generation central office-based communications platforms that address the cost-effective convergence of circuit switched voice networks and packet switched data networks. The company brings together voice and data expertise with top talent from telecommunications and networking companies including: Bay Networks/Nortel Networks, Cabletron Systems, Cascade Communications/Ascend Communications, Cisco Systems, Digital Equipment/Compaq Computer, Lucent Technologies and Telco Systems. Focused on delivering carrier class voice and data convergence equipment for 21st Century telecommunications networks, Castle Networks' mission is to transform telecommunications by migrating the PSTN to a high-performance, low-cost, multi-service network irrespective of where the user gains access. For more information, visit our web site at www.castlenetworks.com.

About Unisphere Solutions, Inc.

Unisphere Solutions, Inc., based in Burlington, Mass., designs, markets and services converged networking solutions to Service Provider and Enterprise customers. Founded in March 1999 by Siemens, the company brings together the know-how of over 500 people, concentrating assets from both Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group and several technology companies it has acquired in the United States to deliver end-to-end networking solutions for converged networks. The Company leverages its relationship as a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens to gain access to a channel of Siemens Information and Communication Networks' 26,000 sales and support people worldwide. Further information on Unisphere Solutions can be found on the Internet at www.unispheresolutions.com.

Castle Networks, Unisphere Solutions and CastleSentry are trademarks of Unisphere Solutions, Inc. All other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.