PRIMUS Telecommunications Uses Veraz to Migrate Clearinghouse Traffic onto a Unified Multi-Service VoIP Network Platform.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Seamless Migration of Both Traditional TDM as Well as OSP-Based Clearinghouse VoIP Traffic Highlights Versatility of Veraz NGN Softswitch and Service Delivery Platform

Veraz Networks announced that PRIMUS Telecommunications, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PRIMUS Telecommunications Group (NASDAQ:PRTL), has migrated its Open Settlement Protocol (OSP) traffic from existing H.323 Gateways to the Veraz platform. An OSP client that interfaces with external OSP servers was added into the programmable service logic of Veraz ControlSwitch, in order to seamlessly integrate both PRIMUS' core global infrastructure and VoIP clearinghouse traffic onto a unified next generation network.

Prior to the migration, PRIMUS had two linked networks: traditional circuit-switched long distance (TDM) and an OSP VoIP network. Veraz enabled PRIMUS to further converge their existing infrastructure, while migrating to a unified Next-Generation network. It is now more scaleable; with core LD infrastructure traffic more seamlessly integrated, fewer protocol conversions needed, and now provides interconnections to both SIP and H.323. Veraz has the only leading NGN softswitch that has the ability to add the protocols, interfaces, and service logic to deal with any real-time service resource that exists in TDM and VoIP networks, such as OSP servers from TransNexus, SCPs, or Application Servers, bringing service providers into the future with minimal interference to their operations.

PRIMUS can easily add services for its LD and global VoIP network. Its unified IP-based network now has programmability for rapidly adding, deploying and managing new services, based on Veraz's Services Framework. Additionally, the "services silos" for TDM and VOIP have been eliminated, which adds to the efficiency of introducing new services. The Services Framework also enables services convergence among multiple networks: leveraging the multiple business units present across business infrastructures, and even leveraging external systems for authorization.

The PRIMUS network offers a unified management system that provides a streamlined settlement clearing to any location in the world. The highly scaleable software-based solution also simplifies the implementation and expansion process.

PRIMUS and its customers benefit from the only solution available today that supports interconnections between H.323 and SIP across multiple global points in a more unified pattern, with OSP support. Service providers, like PRIMUS, are interested in leveraging existing OSP infrastructure for both SIP and H.323 interconnections. Only with Veraz's solution can carriers seamlessly migrate their interconnections to SIP while leveraging their trusted settlement options.

"Veraz enabled us to further integrate our global OSP network fabric into a unified multi-service network, and manage it from a single source. No other vendor could provide this for us," said Geoffrey K. Hicks, Senior Vice-President Network Services & Technology of PRIMUS Telecommunications, Inc. "It provides us with an additional competitive edge -- which, in today's market, is critical."

"Helping PRIMUS gain a truly next gen network, while leveraging their existing OSP infrastructure, illustrates why the Veraz ControlSwitch is the most flexible and extensible in the industry," said Douglas Sabella, President and CEO of Veraz Networks. "PRIMUS now has a very flexible network, enabling them to quickly and easily deploy new services."

About PRIMUS Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (Nasdaq:PRTL) is an integrated communications services provider offering international and domestic voice, voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP), Internet, wireless, data and hosting services to business and residential retail customers and other carriers located primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and western Europe. PRIMUS provides services over its global network of owned and leased transmission facilities, including approximately 250 points-of-presence (POPs) throughout the world, ownership interests in undersea fiber optic cable systems, 18 carrier-grade international gateway and domestic switches, and a variety of operating relationships that allow it to deliver traffic worldwide. Founded in 1994, the Company is based in McLean, Virginia.

About Veraz Networks

Veraz Networks (www.veraznetworks.com) is privately funded by Norwest Venture Partners, ECI Telecom (NASDAQ:ECIL), Argonaut Private Equity, Battery Ventures, and Levensohn Venture Partners. The company is headquartered in San Jose, CA, with offices throughout the world.