Cisco Systems First to Adopt MSF'S Architecture Implementation Guidelines; Program Recognizes Support for Interoperable Switching Architecture.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2002

The Multiservice Switching Forum (MSF) announced today that Cisco Systems is the first systems supplier to adopt the Forum's MSF Release 1 Architecture Implementation Guidelines. The Guidelines were created to help service providers and systems suppliers evolve their network solutions toward the MSF Multiservice Switched Network target architecture. Following Cisco's lead, LG Electronics, Marconi and MetaSwitch have announced that they have also adopted the Guidelines. As members of the MSF and supporters of the Guidelines, the companies are entitled to use the MSF's Support for MSF Release 1 Architecture(TM) logo.

"Adoption of the Release 1 Implementation Guidelines makes a statement about these companies and their support for a truly interoperable switching architecture," said Roger Ward, of BTexact Technologies and president of the MSF. "Forward-looking companies recognize that, as the industry moves beyond the current economic downturn, carriers will be looking for interoperable solutions. We feel that equipment that conforms to the MSF Release 1 Architecture will have a head start in the race for new customers."

"Cisco has always been committed to developing and promoting open-architecture, and continued to do so with our recent announcement of the Cisco Advanced ATM Multiservice Portfolio" said Kambiz Hooshmand, VP/GM of Carrier Systems Group. "The Cisco Virtual Switch Architecture adoption of MSF Release 1 Guidelines will help our service provider customers deliver new services faster with a multi-plane system offering the highest application density while reducing the total cost of ownership."

The MSF Release 1 Implementation Guidelines provide the first set (Release 1) of guidelines that service providers and their suppliers can use to enable the evolution of their networks toward a multivendor, multiservice switched network as documented by the MSF. The MSF expects to release revised sets of guidelines as the industry matures and successive Implementation Agreements (IAs) are deployed.

About the MSF Release 1 Implementation Guidelines

Determining the right to use the Support for MSF Release 1 Architecture(TM) logo and trademark is self-determined by each company based on the guidelines provided by the MSF. The MSF Release 1 Implementation Guidelines and a usage checklist can be found on the public side of the MSF website at http://www.msforum.org/techinfo/approved.html. Both the Logo and Trademark can be found on the MSF Website at www.msforum.org. To download either the Logo or Trademark, companies must first read and sign a licensing agreement. After clicking on the "I Agree" button, MSF members may download both the Logo and Trademark - non-members will be permitted to download only the Trademark.

To view products in support of the MSF Release 1 Implementation Guidelines go to http://www.msforum.org/techinfo/product_list.shtml.

About the MSF

The Multiservice Switching Forum (MSF) is a global association of service providers and system suppliers committed to developing and promoting open-architecture, multiservice switching systems. Founded in 1998, the MSF is an open-membership organization comprised of the world's leading telecommunications companies. The MSF's activities include developing implementation agreements, promoting worldwide compatibility and interoperability, and encouraging input to appropriate national and international standards bodies. For more information about the MSF and its members, visit the MSF web site at http://www.msforum.org.