Polaris Networks to discuss ``The Future of Metro Optical Networks'' at CAL- IT Forum.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2001

Polaris Networks, a developer of next-generation optical transport switching systems for metropolitan (metro) core networks, will visit the UK this month to establish partnerships and create investment opportunities with UK and European companies.

Many carriers have already committed to trial programs using Polaris' solution. This is driven by their urgency to address network simplicity, scalability and achieve a graceful migration towards a fully multiservice intelligent architecture. At the Cal-IT Forum, Polaris will present its breakthrough solution that will allow PTTs and Newly-Licensed Operators (NLOs) to dramatically reduce costs and operations overhead associated with their SDH-based infrastructures - at least 5 to 10 times improvement while leveraging their legacy base. According to RHK, European service provider spending in the traditional SDH equipment market is estimated grow to be $6.5 Billion in 2001 with a compound annual growth rate of 28%.

Bill Tucker, VP of marketing at Polaris, who will present at Cal-IT, knows first-hand the necessity of launching a breakthrough architecture in times of rapid market change and demand uncertainty. Since 1990 he has served the European carrier market through leadership roles at Alcatel, DSC and Tellabs. "From day one, Polaris will bring simplicity and performance benefits to the metro core - a very costly and complex part of the telecom infrastructure" he says. "PTTs and NLOs are looking to simplify, groom and efficiently traffic-engineer today's overlaid metro hubs. Only then will carriers have the flexibility to add new services and exploit new markets. Polaris' optical transport switch is a perfect fit for these needs."

Polaris leverages the experience of an accomplished management team. The CEO/CTO, Ray Kao and the VP of engineering, Vu Nguyen, formerly from Cisco/StrataCom, have successfully delivered three generations of carrier-class switching products that are currently contributing to a growing revenue stream. In sales and marketing, Christopher V. Cook and Bill Tucker, each brings over 20 years of relevant experience. Furthermore, Dr. Robert Gourley, responsible for systems engineering, is recognized for implementing the first public frame relay network in the world. He brings over 15 years of experience working for service providers. Overall, Polaris' team draws its expertise from companies that include Alcatel, AT&T, Fujitsu, Nortel, Tellabs, Siemens and WorldCom.

Industry-recognized leaders, Wu-Fu Chen and Dick Moley also support Polaris. These executives were both responsible for defining and establishing the carrier-class multiservice market through their leadership at Cascade Communications (now Lucent) and StrataCom (now Cisco) respectively. In addition to being strategic investors, these distinguished individuals have teamed on Polaris' Board of Directors to provide strategic direction.

Polaris is staging lab and field trials with their customers commencing early next year. "We are excited that global carriers have expressed strong interest in Polaris' Optical Transport Switch," emphasized John Walecka, General Manager / Founder of Redpoint Ventures and Polaris board member. "Wideband and broadband cross-connects and optical transmission (SDH) systems remain a substantial but necessary capital expense. Carriers will need to continue these investments if they are to meet growth requirements. By dramatically reducing costs, Polaris' single system solution is a clear winner here."

Polaris is one of a select number of companies at Cal-IT to address new technologies for the metro backbone space. Bill Tucker will speak on Tuesday, October 23, Session Five at 9:15am, on the topic of "The Future of Metro Optical Networks."

About Polaris Networks

Polaris Networks develops new generation optical transport switching systems for metro core networks. From day one, its systems combine optical transport with extensive grooming and switching, managed via a GMPLS-based common control plane. Polaris' architecture is designed for native support of TDM, cell and packet traffic using a single software-defined switching fabric. This enables carriers to cost-effectively simplify their infrastructures, flexibly scale, and provides a smooth migration to a full multiservice intelligent architecture.

Polaris was founded in June 2000, and is staffed by teams from Alcatel, AT&T, DCS, Fujitsu, Nortel, Siemens, Tellabs and WorldCom. The company is funded by Redpoint Ventures, Venrock Associates, SToRM Ventures and strategic private investors. For more information, visit www.polarisnetworks.com/.

About Cal-IT

Cal-IT is organised by the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and will take place on 22 and 23 October at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London. Over the last five years over $340 million worth of deals have been struck between Californian technology companies and European Investors at Cal-IT. Cal-IT website:www.cal-it.com