Excel's Integrated Signaling and Media Gateway Enhanced to Allow Any-to-Any Voice Network Connectivity; IMG 1010(TM) Provides a Migration Path to Add IP-Based Services to Existing TDM Networks.

HYANNIS, Mass. -- Excel Switching Corporation (www.ExcelSwitching.com), a worldwide provider of carrier-class, open services platforms, media gateways, and media servers today announced the immediate availability of SIP and ISDN functionality in an enhanced version of its popular IMG 1010(TM) integrated signaling and media gateway. For service providers that are planning to bridge TDM and IP networks, or connect two IP networks, the IMG 1010 provides new levels of density, integration and transcoding on a future-proof platform that can evolve as services evolve.

"The IMG 1010 media gateway is important because it provides TDM to IP conversion and IP to IP transcoding with integrated signaling, allowing service providers the ability to use it today and in next generation networks" said Becky Watson, program manager, convergence strategies & network architectures, Stratecast Partners.

A carrier-grade VoIP gateway that offers any-to-any network connectivity, Excel's IMG 1010 has been enhanced with SIP and ISDN functionality to enable service providers to quickly and cost-effectively add new VoIP capacity, while simultaneously providing a clear migration path to an all-VoIP environment. The IMG 1010 supports SIP, H.323, SS7 and ISDN simultaneously, all in one compact 1U design that can accommodate up to 768 channels, for the ultimate in flexibility. As a result, the IMG 1010 sets a new standard for simplicity, versatility and cost-effectiveness in the media gateway market, offering a solution that empowers service providers to seamlessly transition from first generation, network-based transport-oriented services to the subscriber-driven multimedia SIP applications found in next-generation IP-based services.

"Since its introduction earlier this year, the IMG 1010 has achieved significant market traction, and has been successfully deployed at service provider locations around the world," said Peter Vescuso, vice president, market development, Excel Switching Corporation and Brooktrout Technology. "For service providers evaluating VoIP for tandem replacement or to bridge TDM-IP networks, the IMG 1010 is an integrated media and signaling gateway that enables the delivery of SIP services into legacy SS7/PRI networks. For IP-to-IP network peering applications, the IMG 1010 supports IP-to-IP transcoding which complements the security/firewall requirements in session border control applications."

Ntera, a Miami-based new generation carrier that provides origination and termination services in the United States and major international cities, has successfully deployed the IMG 1010 as its VoIP media gateway platform of choice for its worldwide network.

"As a leading wholesale VoIP long distance provider that carries one billion minutes per month, we required a media gateway with SS7 and SIP connectivity from a trusted, experienced vendor," said Engin Yesil, CEO, Ntera Holdings, Inc. "As Ntera has successfully deployed Excel products and technology in our worldwide network for years, we quickly leveraged the power of the IMG 1010 to provide a unique opportunity for Ntera and its customers. The IMG 1010, with SIP and SS7 functionality, is operating flawlessly at Ntera POPs worldwide, and we look forward to additional IMG 1010 deployments in the coming months."

About Excel Switching Corporation

Founded in 1988, Excel Switching Corporation is a leading provider of carrier-class media gateways, media servers, signaling gateways, and enhanced service platforms for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers, and service providers. With more than 8,500 systems deployed in more than 80 countries, Excel addresses carrier demand for revenue-generating applications by delivering a family of platforms that bridge fixed, mobile, and IP networks. In October 2005, EAS Group, Inc., the parent company of Excel, acquired Brooktrout Technology, a leading supplier of media processing, network interface, call control and signal processing products that enable the development of applications, systems and services for both TDM and IP networks. The combined companies will continue their focus on investing in technologies that enable service providers and enterprise customers to develop new products, introduce new services and cost-effectively transition networks to VoIP. For additional information, please visit www.ExcelSwitching.com or www.brooktrout.com.

IMG 1010 is a trademark of Excel Switching Corporation.