Minerva Networks Introduces iTVManager and Offers First End-to-End Solution for the Delivery of Television Services Over Broadband Internet Protocol -- IP -- Networks.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

Minerva iTVManager Enables Broadband Network Operators to Offer

Bundled Video, Voice and Data Services

Minerva Networks(R), a leading provider of video networking products and services that enable the convergence of Television and the Internet, today introduced the Minerva iTVManager(TM), a complete software solution for the management and delivery of television services over broadband IP networks (IP Television). iTVManager enables broadband network operators to offer bundled video, voice, and data services to their subscribers. The administration component of iTVManager provides all of the features required to manage television services, such as billing, subscription management, scheduling, electronic program guide (EPG) generation, channel creation, and advertisement insertion. The client component of iTVManager enables consumers to access a variety of video services including video-on-demand (VOD), near video-on-demand (NVOD), live television, interactive television, and interactive games. Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Business Local Exchange Carriers (BLECs), Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), Post Telephone and Telegraphs (PTTs), and other broadband service providers worldwide will use the Minerva iTVManager to increase revenues by providing new services over their existing network infrastructure.

"With the introduction of the Minerva iTVManager we can now offer the first end-to-end solution for the delivery of advanced television services over broadband IP networks," said Mauro Bonomi, founder and CEO of Minerva Networks. "Together with our strategic partners, we are enabling the convergence of television and the Internet."

The worldwide deployment of broadband networks, based on technologies such as xDSL and fiber, is enabling the convergence of Television and the Internet. IP Television headends, deployed at the edges of broadband IP networks, enable the delivery of advanced video services. The Minerva iTVManager is the essential management component of the IP Television headend. In addition to iTVManager, Minerva builds other components of the headend including carrier-class video encoders, DVB-to-IP gateways, and video transcoders. Minerva also maintains development and integration relationships with key partners including Oracle, SGI, Pace Micro Technology, and Nortel. Each partner provides complementary components of the IP Television headend.

Oracle develops Oracle Video Server (OVS), an MPEG-based high bandwidth video streaming engine used to deliver full motion, high quality video for interactive services. The Oracle solution runs on powerful platforms including the SGIO OriginO server series.

"Oracle sees that broadband network services via DSL, fiber, and wireless are proliferating rapidly into homes and buildings," said Colin Dixon, Vice President Interactive Television Division at Oracle. "The introduction of Minerva's iTVManager is a crucial step in accelerating the deployment of IP-based television services into these environments."

"Minerva iTVManager is a major step forward in the deployment of large IP based television subscription services. Minerva has implemented an impressive solution that takes full advantage of the scalability of our streaming servers for Media Commerce(TM)," said Greg Estes, Vice President and General Manager, Telecommunications and Media Group, SGI.

iTVManager has also been closely integrated with Pace's leading edge DSL4000 IP set-top box to provide a graphical user interface and two-way communication between client and IP Television headend.

"Video-over-IP gives customers a richer, more compelling experience than previously delivered through traditional video infrastructures," said Andrew Wallace, Pace Marketing Director. "The Minerva iTVManager combined with the Pace DSL4000 allows users to enjoy superior interactive experiences that meet their own personal entertainment objectives."

Nortel Networks is the clear leader in high-performance Optical Internet solutions with more than 43 percent of the global optical transmission market. Nortel Networks focuses on design and delivery of the best, end-to-end Optical Internet solutions for the customer, and is a leader in defining broadband solutions for delivery of video-over-IP services.

"Nortel Networks has the expertise, market knowledge and technology to explore emerging business models and assist creative new service providers deliver their vision of what the Internet can be," said Richard Reid, president, Emerging Service Providers, Nortel Networks. "Bringing video services to broadband networks offers exciting new possibilities for broadening the consumer experience, making the Internet more useful -- and more fun."

Availability

The iTVManager is currently available for pilot deployments in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Minerva Networks has Sales and Professional Services organizations to assist in IP Television headend design and deployment. Inquiries should be sent to Randy Osborne, VP Sales at [phone] or [phone].

Minerva Networks, Inc.

Minerva Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of carrier-class video networking products and services, which enable the convergence of Television and the Internet. Our IP Television management software, media encoders, media gateways and media transcoders are the essential components of complete solutions (IP Television headends) for the delivery of video services over broadband IP networks. Enterprises and broadband network service providers worldwide are using our products to deliver next-generation entertainment, communication and e-commerce applications. Minerva's corporate headquarters is located at 2111 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The main telephone number is [phone]; the web address is www.minervanetworks.com.

Note to Editors: Minerva and iTVManager is a trademark of Minerva Networks, Inc. Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. Pace is a registered trademark of Pace Micro Technology plc. SGI is a trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. Nortel is a registered trademark of Nortel Networks. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.