Clarent Attacks the Local Loop With Launch of VoIP Local Access Solution; Clarent OpenAccess Brings VoIP from the Core to the Edge of Converged Networks.

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PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2001

Clarent(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:CLRN), a leading provider of Internet Protocol (IP) communications solutions, today announced availability of the Clarent OpenAccess(TM) solution.

This software-driven Voice over IP (VoIP) solution enables service providers -- including both traditional telecommunications carriers and alternative service providers such as CLECs, cable operators, ASPs and others -- to offer traditional and advanced telecommunications services over the "last mile" of any communications network, independent of the network type.

Comprehensive and ready-to-deploy, the Clarent OpenAccess solution enables service providers to integrate and manage voice and data transmissions over a single network, providing new sources of revenue while reducing capital investments, deployment time, and operating and service costs. For those service providers who have already deployed VoIP solutions in the long distance portion of their networks, Clarent OpenAccess provides a natural extension of their services directly to end users.

"Packetized voice is now a compelling alternative to the traditional, circuit-switched voice network," said Christin Flynn, program manager, Carrier Convergence Infrastructure, Yankee Group. "Clarent has clearly articulated a vision for how the VoIP market is evolving, and with the launch of its OpenAccess solution, the company is executing on that vision."

The Clarent OpenAccess Solution

More than any other VoIP solution on the market today, Clarent OpenAccess combines VoIP software, hardware and professional service elements to create a complete solution, spanning the network from its core to the edge. The Clarent OpenAccess solution has three principle elements:

-- Clarent softswitch -- A combination of the Clarent Call Manager and the
Clarent Command Center, Clarent's softswitch provides a highly scalable,
standards-based service and application platform with the essential elements of
a traditional Class 5 telecommunications switch. The softswitch also includes a
comprehensive set of tools to enable the development of next-generation service
applications by third parties. The Clarent softswitch authenticates
subscribers, initiates call set-up and tear down, establishes call rates for
billing, and provides call routing -- all essential functionalities for any
voice network. This softswitch is ready for deployment of live service today.

-- Clarent CPG(TM) -- The OpenAccess solution provides a wide variety of
customer premise gateways (CPGs) that connect business and residential users to
the converged network. The Clarent CPG connects directly to an Ethernet, cable
modem or DSL connection in the subscriber's location and provides voice
services to two, four or more standard telephones. The CPG has standard RJ-11
interfaces, and offers access to an array of telephony, data and fax
applications and enhanced services.

-- Clarent Trunking Gateway -- The OpenAccess solution also utilizes Clarent's
high-capacity VoIP gateways for connecting telephone voice, fax and modem data
calls over the Internet or a TCP/IP Intranet. These gateways, designed for
deployment at the core of a carrier's network, have the capacity to handle up
to 360 simultaneous voice, fax and data transmissions.

"We believe solutions like Clarent OpenAccess will not only help us provide traditional phone and data services to our customers at a lower cost, but also will allow us to anticipate and meet the growing demands for innovative communications services," said Zalmen Ashkenazi, president and chairman, Vitcom Corporation. "To get a leg up on our competition, it is critical that we can scale and deploy these new services rapidly."

Clarent is committed to driving the development of innovative and advanced IP communications services, offering standards-based, open architecture features that enable service providers to easily launch new services across entire networks. Third-party application developers can quickly create and deploy new applications -- such as Internet call waiting and IP-based audio conferencing -- and offer global number portability on the Clarent OpenAccess platform. End users will benefit from these enhanced services, while service providers will have the opportunity to capitalize on new revenue streams.

"Clarent is ahead of the game in terms of offering a complete and truly deployable local access solution. Our flexible architecture has been installed in carrier networks for more than three years, and has had the benefit of being tried and proven," said Daniel Fung, president, Local Access Business Unit, Clarent Corporation. "The delivery of this technology into the hands of our service provider customers, coupled with our support of application development, reinforces Clarent's commitment to leading the charge in the communications revolution."

Support for Industry Standards

Clarent has a standards and architecture team dedicated to working with industry standards groups, participating in study groups and enforcing standards-based approaches in Clarent's software development. The OpenAccess solution is designed to be compliant with all important communications standards, including MGCP, H.323 and SIP. The solution also adheres to the CableLab's PacketCable recommendations for providing voice services over cable operator's hybrid fiber-coax plant.

Pricing and Availability

The Clarent OpenAccess solution is available immediately. Pricing for service providers can range from $150 to $350 USD per subscriber, depending upon a service provider's specific needs and configuration.

About Clarent's Local Access Business Unit

Clarent's Local Access Business Unit leverages and extends the strength of Clarent's carrier and enterprise products by offering solutions that enable carriers to provide traditional and advanced telecommunications services over the last mile of any communications network, independent of the network type (copper, fiber, hybrid fiber-coax, wireless, DSL etc.). The business unit also leverages and extends the proven strength of Clarent's carrier and enterprise products.

About Clarent

Clarent Corporation (Nasdaq:CLRN) is a world leader in providing intelligent, software-driven products for new generation, IP-based communications networks. Clarent solutions enable interconnection among communications service providers' disparate networks and foster the creation of global footprints for more than 300 telecom service providers worldwide, including AT&T, NTT and China Telecom. Clarent's software platform and softswitch encourage innovation by allowing carriers to develop multiple new features for consumers and enterprises. Founded in 1996, Clarent is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif. and has offices in Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. To learn more about Clarent, visit its Web site at www.clarent.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements about the expected development of the communications market and the rate and extent of acceptance of IP-based local access communications solutions. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including market acceptance of Clarent's OpenAccess solutions, the successful development of enhanced IP-based communications services and features, the rate and extent of consumer acceptance of these services and features, as well as potential issues relating to interoperability, ability to retain customers, changes in market conditions, technological changes, and other factors which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described further in the risk factors discussed in Clarent's periodic filings with the SEC.

Trademarks

Clarent, the Clarent logo, Clarent OpenAccess, NetPerformer, DynaStar, Clarent Command Center, Clarent ThroughPacket, Clarent CPG, Clarent OpenAccess, PowerCell, SkyPerformer, ACTview and ServiceXchange are trademarks or registered trademarks, and "The Clearer. The Better" is a service mark of Clarent Corporation in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

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