Excel Switching Accelerates Wireless Application Development and Deployment.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HYANNIS, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2003

Simultaneous Support for IN, SIP, and SS7 Delivers Profitable Services Across 2G, 3G and WiFi Networks

Excel Switching Corporation, the leading provider of carrier-class, open services platforms for communications networks, today announced the introduction of comprehensive wireless capabilities for the Converged Services Platform (CSP). With the addition of full Intelligent Network (IN) wireless protocol support, Excel offers the only application enabling platform that can span across 2G, 3G, and WiFi networks. With these capabilities, Excel removes the complexities of developing wireless applications across SS7, SIP, and wireless protocol signaling.

Excel offers application developers and service providers a solution to easily support both proprietary models such as Service Node and standards-based models such as IN. This support both reduces service provider and application developer costs and increases flexibility. With the introduction of these capabilities, Excel is bringing to market the first solution that allows for rapid wireless application development across any wireless network.

"With Excel's wireless capabilities service providers and application developers gain access to a single platform to offer current revenue-generating wireless services such as messaging, prepaid, and operator services, as well as potential high-growth offerings including gaming, voice chat, and video," said Teresa Mastrangelo, program director, RHK. "The speed of development and deployment of wireless applications is a very attractive feature for Excel customers and partners."

Wireless Protocol Support

The Excel CSP now offers the most comprehensive IN protocol support including:

-- ANSI-41: a TIA/ANSI standard messaging protocol used in CDMA 

and TDMA wireless networks primarily in the Americas and parts

of Asia. ANSI-41 is used among network elements (MSC, HLR,

VLR, EIR, SMSC) to support inter-system handoff, automatic

roaming, authentication, and supplementary call features.

-- Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN): a TIA/ANSI standard

messaging protocol that enables subscribers in ANSI-41 based

mobile networks to use intelligent network services and

capabilities in systems into which the subscriber roams.

-- Advanced Application Networks (AIN): Telcordia standards for

wireline networks that separate service logic from switching

equipment, allowing new services to be added without having to

redesign the CSP to support the new services.

-- Mobile Applications Part (MAP): an ETSI standard messaging

protocol used in GSM wireless networks to communicate among

network elements (MSC, HLR, VLR, EIR, SMSC) to support user

authentication, equipment identification, and roaming.

-- Customized Applications for Mobile Networks Enhanced Logic

(CAMEL): an ETSI standard messaging protocol for including IN

functions into GSM mobile networks. CAMEL is used when roaming

between networks, allowing the home network to monitor and

control calls made by its subscribers.

-- Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP): ITU-T standards

for information flow format between different functional

entities in wireline Intelligent Networks to execute the

entire service logic in distributed systems.

Taking Wireless Application Development to the Next Level

With these capabilities, application developers will have a multi-function, multi-protocol platform with a robust and easy-to-use development environment to easily create and localize a host of wireless services for 2G, 3G, and WiFi networks including:

-- Prepaid Calling

-- Mobile Centrex

-- Personal Access/Follow Me

-- Short Messaging Service (SMS)

-- Color Ring Back Tone (CRBT)

-- Presence

-- Operator Services

-- Intelligent Call Screening

"Using Excel has sped the delivery and increased the depth of services we are able to offer our wireless customers," said Mats Plahn, chief technology officer of Trio AB. "It is the only enabling platform that provides the required flexibility and scalability for us when building SS7 based applications for mobile operators that use service node and IN technology."

Additionally, service providers now have a platform to target new customers and to increase usage, interconnect with PSTN and IP infrastructures, and minimize risk while offering proven wireless services, and ensuring the investment made is future-proofed by the CSP's ability to support new protocols and applications.

"With the addition of our wireless capabilities on the CSP, we continue to lead the market with a platform that transforms how applications are developed and deployed across multiple networks," said JC Murphy, president of Excel Switching Corporation. "The wireless industry is at a very exciting point, on the verge of enabling applications and services never before imagined. Excel is the only company with the expertise and product architecture to continue to lead this evolution."

The Excel CSP with wireless functionality is available today.

About Excel Switching Corporation

Founded in 1988, Excel Switching Corporation is a leading provider of carrier-class, open services platforms for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers, and self-developing service providers worldwide. As a profitable company with over 125 customers worldwide, Excel provides the Converged Services Platform (CSP), the first open services platform that addresses carriers' needs for profitable applications by bridging the existing wired and wireless networks, as well as IP networks. By working closely with its application partners, Excel provides customers with highly reliable, localized solutions designed to meet their immediate and future needs. For more information, visit www.xl.com.