CrossKeys Adds Internet Protocol Support to Resolve Service and Network Management Software.

KANATA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 1999--CrossKeys Systems Co (Nasdaq:CKEYF) (TSE:CKY.)

Quallaby and CrossKeys sign agreement to integrate Quallaby Proviso as part of CrossKeys Resolve application, providing IP management to service providers.

CrossKeys Systems Corporation (NASDAQ:CKEYF; TSE: CKY), a leading supplier of software for telecommunication service providers, today announced that it has added the capability to integrate Internet Protocol (IP) data into its CrossKeys Resolve(TM) portfolio of service and network management software. This capability results from an Agreement signed between US-based software firm Quallaby Corporation and CrossKeys.

CrossKeys has incorporated Quallaby's Proviso(TM) product line into CrossKeys Resolve software. CrossKeys is leveraging the Quallaby product to collect and analyze data for TCP/IP network elements. The IP support for CrossKeys Resolve software is available immediately to service providers worldwide.

CrossKeys is expanding multivendor service and network management from its strength in the wide area network (WAN) into the local area network (LAN) and internetworking solutions. CrossKeys Resolve software has extended its capabilities to provide end-to-end service assurance for network devices such as routers, hubs and servers, as well as Frame Relay and ATM switches. CrossKeys now supports hardware devices and probes from a comprehensive list of vendors, including Cisco, Bay Networks (Nortel), Cabletron, 3Com, and Fore, as well as Newbridge, Siemens and Ascend.

"The enhanced capability of CrossKeys Resolve matches the increasing importance of IP in telecom networking and the emerging needs of service providers for end-to-end solutions," says Elisabeth Rainge, Research Manager, International Data Corporation. "Service providers are offering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), built on IP, to meet the growing demand for more cost-effective links. With this agreement, CrossKeys is better positioned to take advantage of this dynamic market."

CrossKeys Resolve software is now able to access data from the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-managed devices. These devices are used to provide IP-based services, such as VPNs. IP data is incorporated with the network statistics and business process metrics currently gathered by CrossKeys Resolve software. This provides a more comprehensive service and network management picture for the service providers and their end-customers.

"This agreement complements the existing technologies supported by CrossKeys Resolve software-ATM, Frame Relay and TDM-with IP management. It solidifies CrossKeys position as the leader in multi-technology, multivendor network and service solutions for the carrier class," says John Selwyn, President and CEO of CrossKeys. "CrossKeys Resolve with IP gives service providers a robust service management solution that far exceeds other offerings."

Through the Agreement, CrossKeys will incorporate Quallaby Proviso into the CrossKeys Resolve suite. The strategic OEM Agreement also allows CrossKeys to help shape the product development direction of Quallaby Proviso. Proviso is an award-winning service management software application that was introduced in May 1998.

"Through this announcement we have greatly expanded our market and opened up a new revenue source for CrossKeys," says John Selwyn. "Service providers need IP capability and we are delivering it to them. Having analyzed comparable products in the marketplace, we found that only Quallaby Proviso had the flexibility and scalability necessary to address not just the smaller, new entrants but also the largest service providers in the world."

"CrossKeys, with over 170 telecommunication service provider customers, represents a strong partner for Quallaby," says Greg Ferguson, CEO, Quallaby Corporation. "We are committed to working closely with CrossKeys to ensure that this integrated solution meets the needs of the world's leading service providers." About Quallaby

Internationally headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Quallaby Corporation is a provider of adaptive service level management software. Quallaby's flagship product, Proviso, uniquely meets the needs of carriers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide sophisticated service level management for corporate customers worldwide. For more information, visit Quallaby's web site at www.quallaby.com. About CrossKeys

CrossKeys Systems Corporation (www.crosskeys.com) is a leading developer of service, network, and element management solutions for over 170 of the world's telecommunication service providers, helping them gain a competitive advantage in deregulated markets. CrossKeys combines a commitment to research and development with experience in the world's most demanding telecommunication markets to deliver highly advanced software applications. A leading supplier to Newbridge Networks Corporation, Compaq, and Siemens AG, CrossKeys products help service providers deliver differentiated services, implement new technologies, and manage multiple vendor networks. CrossKeys has been ISO 9001 certified since 1995.

CrossKeys Systems Corporation is a public company whose common shares are listed for trading on NASDAQ (CKEYF) in the United States and on The Toronto Stock Exchange (CKY) in Canada.

CrossKeys and logo are registered trade marks of CrossKeys Systems Corporation. All other trade marks are the property of their respective holders and are acknowledged by CrossKeys Systems Corporation.