Syndesis NetProvision for VPN Manages MPLS-VPNs Seamlessly Across Layers 1, 2 and 3.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2003

Enhanced GUI simplifies provisioning process and VPN service

delivery for Tier 1 telecommunications providers

Syndesis, the company that brings networks to life globally, is pleased to announce the availability of NetProvision(TM) for VPN 4.2, an enhanced release of the company's leading IP-VPN software application. Already a leader in VPN/Layer 3 fulfillment solutions, this release propels Syndesis to a new level of performance and scalability, enabling service providers to meet their immediate VPN provisioning needs, initiate VPN rollout and simplify VPN subscriber service delivery.

"For many years, service providers have relied on Syndesis for comprehensive carrier-grade solutions that can be deployed quickly and cost effectively," said Mark Nicholson, CTO and Vice President of Product Management for Syndesis. "NetProvision for VPN 4.2 surpasses these requirements, solving issues of complexity and providing the functionality that service providers require to provision all aspects of IP-VPN services. Our product offers full upload of Layer 3 devices, physical configurations and logical assignments, along with automated discovery of IP-based services. It works seamlessly with Layer 2 and Layer 1 products and has a full, open, flow-through API for volume deployments. Syndesis, with more than 16 years of experience, is a company that Tier 1 service providers can rely on for continued product support."

NetProvision for IP-VPN fully integrates and automates the definition and deployment of standard MPLS-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), including VPN membership, router configuration, VPN Quality of Service (QoS) and Class of Service (CoS), and the provisioning of connectivity between customer edge and provider edge routers. Unlike provisioning solutions which are limited to the management of elements at a single network layer, NetProvision for IP-VPN correlates network and service policy across multiple technologies and multiple vendors' equipment, automating Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity in a single operation -- all in accordance with service level expectations. Key features include: automated IP-VPN management; integrated IP address management; packet and route filter management; management of routing protocols and redistribution; support for multiple VPN topologies; template management and pre-defined (out-of-the-box) QoS/CoS profiles.

With this new release, Syndesis offers product advancements which enable service providers to solve the complexity issues commonly associated with VPN service deployment:

-- Enhanced easy-to-use GUI: greatly simplifies the provisioning process by guiding users through the steps to create a VPN, providing simple-to-use Web-based forms to reduce the amount of attributes required when adding a site to a VPN and providing a topology viewer where users can utilize drag and drop functionality.

-- New site deployment feature: automatically generates the required configuration for a new router during the service creation process and ships it to the appropriate destination, where it is applied to the router and connected into the network. The router is then managed directly by Syndesis software. This automated process ensures configuration accuracy and lowers operational expenditures by largely avoiding costly and repeat truck rolls as well as calls to customer support centers.

-- Accurate data and solution stability: guarantees a customer's ability to make on demand service changes to VPN services. This saves service providers money through increased customer satisfaction and decreased customer churn.

-- Service providers seamlessly create IP over SONET services: NetProvision for VPN allows operators to manually create all channel groups and protection and/or to fully automate this function.

-- Off the shelf support for leading router vendors: via Syndesis(R) Cisco Router Equipment Module, Syndesis(R) Juniper Router Equipment Module (M-Series), and Syndesis(R) Juniper ERX Router Equipment Module. Syndesis fully manages and maintains the modules to the devices for both configuration and upload of fabric and services. The upload capability is a critical factor in NetProvision's ability to maintain an accurate view of the network.

"The relative immaturity of IP-VPN technology, regulatory restrictions in some countries and the economic downturn have, until now, restricted growth of the VPN market," said Larry Goldman, OSS Program Director for RHK. "Right now, we are seeing the IP-VPN market gain considerable momentum in Europe and North America. The Syndesis VPN solution is engineered to meet today's needs without limiting a service provider's options for the future."

About Syndesis

Syndesis (www.syndesis.com) helps the world's leading telecommunications companies recover stranded network assets and identify unbilled customer services, enabling their return to active use and the recovery of associated revenue leakage. Through this reconciliation process, Syndesis software solutions produce an immediate return on investment. Furthermore, the software generates long term payback by provisioning and delivering new data services to customers quickly, reliably and profitably. Syndesis has proven success in multi-vendor, multi-technology networks with millions of subscribers and is deployed at more than 20 major communications providers worldwide. Syndesis is leading a strategic alliance of key industry heavyweights to offer a complete network solution. Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks and Lucent Technologies recommend and sell Syndesis software to their customers.