Cisco Delivers SS7 Solution for Advanced IP Network Access; With Signaling Controller 2200, Cisco Continues to Deliver on Commitment of Offering Scalable, Carrier-Class Solutions.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1998--Cisco Systems, Inc. today introduced the Cisco Signaling Controller 2200, an intelligent internetworking solution that provides a Signaling System 7 (SS7) interface for Cisco AS5X00 universal access servers and the Cisco AccessPath(TM) product line.

The Signaling Controller 2200 enables carriers to offload data from voice switches, rapidly enter new markets, realize new revenue opportunities, reduce operations costs and scale their networks cost effectively. The Signaling Controller 2200 is the first step in the deployment of a new control architecture for service provider dial-access and packet-voice networks.

Relieves Voice Network Switch Congestion, Enables Rapid Deployment in New Markets

By fully integrating dial access capabilities within the circuit switched network infrastructure, including the Intelligent Network (IN), the Signaling Controller 2200 enables service providers to offload data from Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) end-office switches, providing substantial relief to Internet access congestion problems.

Cisco's Any-to-Any programmable protocol capability provides support for all national and international variants of SS7 protocols. SS7 poses a unique challenge to vendors because each country has its own variant. Universal protocol support allows international carriers to enter new markets quickly, alleviating the worries and delays of developing new protocols. Furthermore, by deploying a single product, the Signaling Controller 2200, in global networks, carriers remove network and operations management burdens associated with managing different systems in a single network.

Cisco can deliver new SS7 protocols in as little as six weeks, allowing carriers to deploy networks in new markets, with new protocols driving new services ahead of competitors. By providing the equivalent of switch interfaces, competitive carriers can interconnect their access servers to other carriers as peers, lowering operating costs and improving the bottom line when entering new markets anywhere in the world. Cisco continues to build on its promise to enable new services and protect customer investments through a common operating system, Cisco IOS(R) software, and the Dial Access Stacking Architecture (DASA) across its platforms.

"We like the direction that Cisco is going with SS7," said H. Klotz, general manager of VossNet Communications GmbH, a German service provider. "Cisco's SS7 solution will allow us to scale our interconnections, cut operating costs and offer more new services across all of Germany as a competitive carrier. With deregulation in Germany, SS7 interfaces are critical to our future growth."

Increases Revenue Opportunities for Service Providers

The Signaling Controller 2200 enables a variety of new service capabilities that can be introduced over time to provide service providers with new revenue opportunities. These services include the creation of new Internet and intranet services, expanded Virtual Private Dial Networks (VPDNs), wholesale dial outsourcing and the integration of IN and voice capabilities in future releases.

"It appears that Cisco is heading in the right direction," said Robert Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Focal Communications Corporation, a nationwide facilities-based CLEC. "We see an increasing need to develop an improved 'gateway' between the two networks, and we are making plans for such devices as we deploy telecommunications infrastructure. As the technology matures and provides for a cost-efficient, reliable and scalable means of convergence, Focal will be first in line to embrace such technology."

Reduces Network Costs and Speeds Deployment

The time and expense of provisioning new PRI modules in end-office switches is a major cause of the scarcity and cost of PRI lines today. By deploying SS7 on dial access server POPs, carriers can connect access servers directly to the tandem network, removing the requirement for end-office switches to convert signaling to PRI for termination. The result is that carriers can achieve substantial capital savings and relieve the current congestion on the PSTN.

"By adding SS7 interfaces to its dial platforms, Cisco will help MegsINet cut its Internet access operational costs and improve service and profitability," said Mike Henry, president of MegsINet Inc., a facilities-based CLEC. "By the end of the year, MegsINet expects to combine Cisco voice-over-IP and SS7 technology to transport more than 125 million minutes each month of long-distance voice calls to MegsINet's own 27,000-mile national packet network with toll quality. The savings for our customers will be tremendous."

Comprehensive Management Enables Rich Service Offerings

With the Signaling Controller Configuration Management, authorized users can create, modify and delete system profiles that define how a particular system controller is configured and operated using the Java-based configuration tool. The Signaling Controller supports a comprehensive set of alarms, traffic statistics and call detail records.

Next-Generation Control Architecture

The software-based control architecture will be extended for universal deployment across Cisco's full range of carrier-class network solutions including both IP and ATM platforms - ensuring investment protection. "The deployment of a universal control architecture is a key component to delivering carrier-grade packet voice networks," said Lev Volftsun, vice president and general manager of the Telephony Internet Services unit at Cisco Systems. "With the launch of the Signaling Controller 2200, Cisco is delivering a platform that carriers can deploy today, and that will evolve to provide the next generation of fully integrated voice and data networks. It's a compelling vision that carriers embrace."

Cisco is committed to developing open interfaces so that customers can rapidly develop new services and lower costs. The flexible, open approach will allow carriers to utilize Cisco's control architecture in multiprotocol and multivendor networks.

Pricing and Availability

Signaling Controller 2200 software is available immediately and is priced at $125 per DS-0 port.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: AccessPath is a trademark, and Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

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