Conversent Selects Granite Systems for Network and Service Resource Management; Xpercom Provides a Solid Foundation For Conversent Communications' Growth.

Business/Technology Editors

MANCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2000

Granite Systems, a provider of network and service resource management solutions for service providers, today announced that Conversent Communications has chosen Granite Systems' Xpercom(TM) solution to facilitate and manage its network's growth. Conversent Communications, LLC, an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP), will replace an internally developed application with Xpercom to support its growing inventory management needs. Xpercom's superior scalability and rapid implementation were cited as reasons that Conversent Communications chose to work with Granite Systems.

Granite Systems' Xpercom platform is a next generation network and service resource management solution for telecommunications service providers worldwide. Xpercom's object model enables carriers to manage technologies from wireline to wireless, circuit to packet and advanced optical networks from a single common platform. Xpercom gives network managers the tools they need to:

--Manage current inventories of network resources and capacity, down to a port and channel level.

--Develop network configurations for complex equipment and circuit layout records.

--Order and schedule future resources to meet expected demands.

--Provide a database of record to other operational support systems (OSSs). Xpercom's overview of network assets enables service providers to optimize their assets' utility.

"As we continue our network's rapid growth, it is imperative that our network and service resource management system keep up with that growth," said Rob Shanahan, president and COO of Conversent Communications. "Granite Systems' Xpercom was the clear choice for us, providing the features and scalability we needed in the time frame we wanted. As we continue to expand our network footprint through organic growth and mergers and acquisitions, Xpercom will help us stay on top of our network."

"We are pleased to be a part of Conversent Communications' growth," stated John E. P. Borden, Jr., president and CEO of Granite Systems. "We know what a challenge it is to keep up with such a rapidly expanding business and we are delighted that Xpercom can play a role by giving Conversent a single network image to guide provisioning, maintenance and engineering."

About Conversent Communications

Conversent Communications (www.conversent.com) designs customized communications solutions and products that meet the specific needs of individual businesses, no matter what the size. Conversent provides local and long distance service, as well as a full range of high-speed data, Internet, DSL, VPN and information services. To ensure convenience, efficiency and value, Conversent provides customers with additional benefits such as consolidated monthly billing and one-point contact for sales and customer service. Conversent is expanding rapidly throughout the Northeast offering service in 7 states from Maine to New Jersey.

About Granite Systems

Granite Systems provides network and service resource management software for carriers with wireless, wireline, optical and packet technology networks. Utilizing Granite Systems' Xpercom(TM) product suite, carriers can manage inventories of network resources and capacity, define network configurations, order and schedule resources and provide a database of record to other operational support systems (OSSs). One of Deloitte & Touche's Fast 500 companies, Granite Systems enables clients such as AT&T Wireless, ConnectSouth and Verizon to maximize return on their network capital by eliminating resource redundancy, improving network reliability and speeding service deployment. Founded in 1993, Granite Systems is headquartered in Manchester, NH with regional offices across the U.S. and in Europe and Latin America. Additional information about Granite Systems and its Xpercom product suite may be found at www.granite.com or by contacting [phone].

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