CrossKeys Resolve Latest Product Release To Support Leading Network Management Systems.

KANATA, ONTARIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 1998-- CrossKeys(NASDAQ:CKEYF)(TSE:CKY.) Resolve 2.1 introduces new standards-based Multivendor Framework--critical step in business strategy diversifying CrossKeys Resolve(tm) market and addressing more carriers' needs.

CrossKeys Systems Corporation (NASDAQ:CKEYF; TSE:CKY), a leading supplier of service, network and element management applications software for telecommunication carriers, today announced a major enhancement to its Resolve product portfolio. Resolve's Multivendor Framework enables the product to capture, interpret and consolidate network performance data from leading network management systems (NMS). This enhancement, coupled with Resolve's existing multi-technology (ATM, TDM and Frame Relay) capability, makes the Resolve service management solution accessible to more telecommunication carriers worldwide and lays the groundwork for IP, SONET and SDH service support in 1999.

"Our customers want to apply Resolve's features to a broad array of networks and technologies. Few networks are single-vendor, and ongoing industry consolidation make multi-vendor networks more prevalent," says John Selwyn, President and CEO, CrossKeys. "Telecom carriers can now benefit from Resolve's outstanding service level management capabilities, including SLA management, regardless of their existing or future NMS investments. For CrossKeys, it means Resolve can manage network service independent of the platform and access new market opportunities. This is a critical step in our strategy to diversify our business," Mr. Selwyn says.

The Multivendor Framework is an 'off-the-shelf' software library. This library enables CrossKeys or other systems integrators to develop an interface between Resolve and a network management system quickly. The Framework provides an intelligent gateway between network data (provided by each NMS) and the network and service management functionality offered by Resolve. CrossKeys is now using the enhancement to build additional NMS interfaces to leading management systems.

With the Multivendor Framework, Resolve can access the necessary data produced by multiple network management systems. Resolve translates and normalizes the data to deliver integrated management of a multivendor network. Through this integrated management, carriers receive valuable information for their operations, sales, marketing and other customer-facing delivery requirements.

The Multivendor Framework wraps around Resolve's CORBA-based 'software bus'. CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), a recognized industry standard, provides a common infrastructure over which applications can communicate, no matter where they are located in a network or who has designed them.

CrossKeys has applied for a patent based on the software architectural enhancements to Resolve arising from the Multivendor Framework. The Multivendor Framework functionality is available now. Resolve's next release (Resolve 2.2) will be introduced October 1998.

About Resolve

Resolve is a portfolio of network and service management applications used by the leading carriers around the world. It offers carriers the means to provide service performance-oriented and customer-focused information about the network to their corporate customers. Carriers use this facility to mine valuable information from their networks and Operational Support Systems (OSS), streamline operations, launch advanced services, and provide unequaled customer care.

By offering this customer and service-oriented view, Resolve enables highly effective monitoring of key differentiators, such as service level agreements (SLA) and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. By placing customers and users at the center of performance monitoring and reporting, Resolve gives a carrier's operations, marketing, sales and customer care departments the tools they need to deliver on usage and availability-based SLAs.

About CrossKeys

CrossKeys Systems Corporation (www.crosskeys.com) is a leading developer of service, network, and element management solutions for telecommunication carriers, 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 m