Starent Networks Demonstrates IMS Interoperability.

IMS Forum Plugfest for Applications and Services Gauges Vendor Interoperability for Core Network and Application Services

TEWKSBURY, Mass. -- Starent Networks, Corp., a leading provider of mobile packet core solutions, today announced it successfully tested its Session Control Manager at the IMS Forum's IMS Plugfest[TM] for Applications and Services held at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH IOL) on January 15-19, 2007.

Starent Networks tested its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network elements, the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) and Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF, not yet generally available), operating on its ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway platform.

This IMS testing event was hosted by the IMS Forum and was designed to foster interoperability of IMS products and services by establishing an industry-recognized InterOp certification for IMS services and applications. The IMS Plugfest is the first in a series of open testing events that will not only establish a certification process, but also help raise awareness of the power and potential of IMS technology.

The event provided an opportunity for IMS vendors, like Starent Networks, and others to directly test their services and applications, helping to develop the Plugfest test plan and to further IMS technology deployment.

"The IMS Plugfest was a prime opportunity for Starent Networks to showcase its Session Control Manager, which is delivering Session Initiation Protocol-based services today while providing a migration path to IMS," said Ashraf Dahod, CEO of Starent Networks. "Participation in this event demonstrates that Starent is committed to providing top quality IMS solutions and enabling mobile operators to deliver a compelling multimedia experience to their subscribers."

Starent's Session Control Manager (SCM) - an IETF Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Proxy/Registrar, a 3GPP/3GPP2-compliant P-CSCF, and a Policy Agent - has successfully participated in testing with other IMS core elements to show interoperability in multi-vendor solutions. Starent's Session Control Manager passed all tested call flows scenarios, including those with registration and deregistration of IMS and SIP mobile devices with and without authentication.

The IMS Plugfest took place at UNH IOL, a world-renown, vendor-neutral testing center. Since its inception in 1988, the laboratory has grown into one of the industry's premier centers for testing and proving cutting-edge networking and data communications products. Testing was conducted in a 32,000 square foot testing facility that houses a wide array of testing equipment and devices.

Starent is also announcing that it has joined the IMS Forum. As part of this important industry organization, Starent will participate in technical working groups focusing on service creation and applications for the IMS architecture framework.

About the IMS Forum

The IMS Forum is a global, non-profit industry association devoted to interoperable IP Multimedia Subsystems services and solutions. The IMS Forum's mission is to accelerate the adoption of IMS through discussion and resolution of interoperability issues, and the development of standards-based IMS services residing in the IMS application layer. The IMS Forum provides consultancy to industry service providers and vendors on best practices and approaches for IMS rollouts and interconnectivity. The IMS Plugfest[TM] facilitates the industry-wide certification of applications and services interoperability. More information is available at www.imsforum.org.

IMS Forum & IMS Plugfest are trademarks of the IMS Forum, Inc.

About Starent Networks

Starent Networks, Corp. designs and develops next generation intelligent network infrastructure equipment for mobile broadband wireless operators. Starent Networks' solutions deliver high-speed packet data, packet voice, and multimedia capabilities to mobile operators, facilitating the delivery of unique services and a rich user experience. Starent Networks has shipped products to customers in over 25 countries worldwide and now has over 60 operator deployments. The privately held company is headquartered in Tewksbury, Mass. with offices globally in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. Starent Networks was founded in August 2000. For more information, visit www.starentnetworks.com.

Starent and ST16 are registered trademarks of Starent Networks. Corp.