SilkRoad Introduces a New Level of Performance in Element Management Systems for Fiber Optic Networks.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1999--

New Transaction Based Management Software Provides a Long Anticipated

Breakthrough to Integrated Network Management

SilkRoad Inc., an innovative optical networking technology company, today announced the introduction of its NeTRAK 4000(TM) Element Management System (EMS), a transaction-based management system providing the flexibility required to manage integrated multi-vendor based networks.

The NeTRAK 4000 provides a method for controlling and monitoring network elements through a CORBA core, which is capable of mediating TL1, SNMP, CORBA, or CMIP based commands to/from external applications. This capability provides interoperability and functionality throughout the network from the network operations center (NOC) down to the network element (NE) level. The functionality provided by this type of element management suite allows customers to implement and manage a multi-vendor solution through a common management tool. This is important in the new era of communications, where so many choices can be made to build a network solution. Commonality and reliability are critical when managing the various NEs deployed throughout the infrastructure.

"The design of our Element Management System continues SilkRoad's efforts to make networks more efficient and versatile," said Kevin C. Doria, SilkRoad president and chief executive officer. "NeTRAK is transparent to the equipment it manages, providing for the implementation of a single management tool for all network elements."

Potential customers of NeTRAK include communication equipment manufacturers, network solution providers faced with the implementation of multiple vendor hardware solutions, communication carriers who want a leading edge network management solution, CATV operators in the process of enhancing their services, and Enterprise network facilities.

The NeTRAK 4000 architecture mediates with management applications interconnected within its core and managed on a transaction basis. It provides performance monitoring, configuration management, fault management, and security management applications as required.

NeTRAK's transaction-based core supports a free flow of management traffic, as each command is independently handled and addressed as a separate entity. The management software can have multiple users throughout the network performing Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) tasks.

"In a national network, operators in Los Angeles and Washington D.C. can simultaneously manage, interact, and initiate command transactions throughout the network to achieve greater network performance," said Herb Stover, SilkRoad director of sales. "Our Element Management System can be implemented with our own SRSC(R)-based networks, or in any network that contains NEs capable of communication with an SNMP or IIOP-based management interface."

The entry-level product in the NeTRAK 4000 product line is the NeTRAK 4200(TM) EMS which will manage up to 100 NEs from a single central station. SilkRoad also plans to offer the NeTRAK 4400(TM) EMS, which will manage up to 600 NEs in a Regional or National network, and the NeTRAK 4600(TM) EMS, which will provide management for up to 3000 NEs in a Regional or National network. NeTRAK 4000 is scheduled for availability by the end of 1999.

Founded in 1996, SilkRoad Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, where sales and marketing, research and development, engineering and administration are located. The company's patented SilkRoad Refractive Synchronization Communication (SRSC(R)) single-wavelength technology provides the basis for next-generation communications systems that dramatically increase bandwidth, accessibility to information, scalability and network simplicity. SRSC(R) technology provides products for telecommunications, CATV and Enterprise markets for long haul, metro, access and local networks. SilkRoad recently received the SUPERQuest Award for the "Most Promising New Technology" in optical networking at SUPERCOMM '99.

For more information, please visit the SilkRoad Web site at www.silkroadcorp.com.

NeTRAK 4000, NeTRAK 4200, NeTRAK 4400 and NeTRAK 4600 are trademarks and SRSC is a registered trademark of SilkRoad Inc.