Tekelec Enhances EAGLE and MGTS Product Lines; PCS and Wireless Carriers to Benefit.

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1998--Tekelec (Nasdaq/NMS:TKLC) Tuesday announced plans to expand its product lines to meet the increasing demands of the North American and international telecommunications markets.

Having built a reputation as an industry leader in SS7 signaling infrastructure and diagnostics with its EAGLE and MGTS platforms, Tekelec is now expanding these offerings with a suite of new products to support wireless intelligent network (WIN) services.

"The explosive growth in the wireless industry is driving a demand for intelligent network (IN) services that outpaces much of the current technology," commented Mike Margolis, Tekelec's president and chief executive officer.

"In anticipation of this growth, Tekelec began developing products to support the demanding signaling network infrastructure, the need for differentiating services, and the challenge of monitoring, testing and maintaining the burgeoning worldwide wireless networks.

"The evolution of the EAGLE and MGTS platforms represents Tekelec's ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions for the wireless industry." Network Switching Division Expands EAGLE Offering EAGLE STP Capabilities Enhanced

The company's extensive new product introductions will focus initially on expanded connectivity and continued enhancement of ANSI and ITU features. Supporting all major interface types provides total flexibility in network design and implementation.

ANSI and ITU enhancements will include increased route capacity, automated support systems and international number portability. In addition to the current DS0, V.35, E1 and X.25 interfaces, a 1.544 Mb/s ATM SAAL5 high-speed link (HSL) interface will be available early in the fourth quarter of 1998.

In the third quarter of 1999, a new data communications module (DCM) is planned to further enhance connectivity. The DCM, a bi-directional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface module, will support SS7 over IP. This will allow replacement of low-speed SS7 linksets between the EAGLE STP and existing service control points (SCPs) to support higher traffic volumes at reduced cost.

"We continue to invest in the development of our EAGLE STP in order to extend its leadership position as the most frequently selected SS7 infrastructure platform for wireless networks," commented Gord Werner, Tekelec Network Switching Division's vice president and general manager.

"Tekelec is committed to keeping our EAGLE customers well positioned with respect to the evolving demands of an increasingly competitive marketplace." EAGLE Database Services (DBS) Offers Revenue-Generating Features

The EAGLE's evolving, fully integrated database capabilities -- formerly available only with SCP-based solutions -- prepare wireless networks for advanced, revenue-generating features. The EAGLE DBS features a scaleable, application-specific configuration based on the database size and transactions per second (TPS) required by each customer.

Tekelec also offers flexible solutions for developing features to meet each customer's unique needs and delivery schedule. Local Number Portability (LNP) -- The First EAGLE DBS Application

Tekelec first introduced its integrated DBS capability with an industry-leading LNP solution for wireline carriers. Tekelec's wireless application, including both an IS-41 query and a triggerless option, is based on the same proven technology that has been in service in the most demanding wireline networks.

The EAGLE STP with integrated LNP can handle 20,000 LNP TPS for up to 12 million records on a single platform that supports up to 400 SS7 links.

With the wireless IS-41 query option (available in the fourth quarter of 1998), triggers in the message switching center (MSC) launch the LNP query to the LNP-equipped EAGLE node to determine whether the dialed number (DN) has been ported. The EAGLE, with integrated LNP, queries its database and returns the location routing number (LRN) to the MSC.

To meet the immediate needs of the wireless industry, the initial option supports wireless query and response for call completion. Enhanced features slated for the next phase include short message service (SMS), auto code gapping and feature interaction.

The triggerless option will be available for deployment in the second quarter of 1999. The triggerless application provides an interim solution until MSC IS-41 triggers are available. Tekelec's triggerless LNP for wireless carriers also enables call routing for ported numbers without costly software upgrades to the MSC.

To address the emerging mandates for number portability in the international wireless market, Tekelec will introduce mobile number portability (MNP) in the second quarter of 1999. It will support all current ITU-recommended porting methods: query on release (QoR), onward routing and all call query (AcQ).

Based on the design of its North American model, Tekelec's MNP solution realizes the same unparalleled performance attaining 20,000 TPS and supporting up to 12 million records. DBS Open Architecture Provides Flexibility and Responsiveness

Depending on the level of customization and time-to-market requirements, additional features can be developed by Tekelec or provided by third-party software applications running on the EAGLE DBS platform. A key new element supporting this application flexibility is the general purpose processor subsystem (GPPS), a newly developed EAGLE component.

Available in second quarter of 1999, the UNIX-based GPPS is an open system integrated directly into the EAGLE platform that provides the level of reliability to which EAGLE STP customers have become accustomed.

Tekelec intends to leverage the NEBS-compliant GPPS open system with several new applications including home location register (HLR), visitor location register (VLR), fraud detection, prepaid calling, calling party pays, toll free service (8XX), line information database (LIDB) and calling name delivery (CNAM).

With these DBS applications also integrated onto the EAGLE STP platform, the wireless operator will realize the same kind of advantages that have driven demand for the integrated LNP application.

"EAGLE database services integrated on the industry-leading SS7 infrastructure platform allow the wireless operator to avoid less reliable SCP-type network elements and their associated facilities and maintenance costs," commented Dave Cox, Tekelec Network Switching Division director, product marketing.

"The need for multiple SCPs resulting from typical 16 linkset constraint also is avoided with EAGLE's scaleablity from 2 to 400 links." EAGLE Internet Protocol/Intelligent Network (IP/IN) Server

With the introduction of the integrated IP/IN Server, Tekelec evolves the proven EAGLE platform to a true multi-service SS7/IP node. Multi-protocol connectivity and flexibility are critical to making the successful transition to a converged network.

With the introduction of a new, high-speed IP interface and the support of SS7 over IP to the EAGLE's existing portfolio of interfaces (DS0, V.35, ATM high-speed links and X.25), Tekelec offers a seamless, scaleable SS7/IP gateway. These initial applications will be in customer lab trials during the fourth quarter of 1998 with full deployment planned for the second quarter of 1999.

The GPPS open system platform also will enable rapid deployment of future IP/IN applications.

"Our goal in expanding the EAGLE platform is to create a reliable and secure open system environment that gives wireline and wireless providers the ability to maximize the value of their EAGLE investment and take advantage of the emerging opportunities of the converging networks," said Danny Parker, assistant vice president of marketing for Tekelec's Network Switching Division.

"The EAGLE platform is extremely versatile and -- with its four-way scaleability in interface types, number of applications, associated database size and TPS -- can be customized to meet the unique requirements of each customer." Intelligent Network Diagnostic Division Expands MGTS Offerings A Family of Advanced Diagnostic Solutions

Tekelec's Intelligent Network Diagnostic Division's flagship product, Message Generator Traffic Simulator (MGTS), supplies manufacturers with highly advanced diagnostic solutions for advanced intelligent networks. MGTS 2000, a complete network maintenance, monitoring and diagnostic solution, provides telephony operators with total visibility of and access to their SS7 networks.

From general pack radio services (GPRS) and call-through testing to roaming verification, network monitoring and simulation analysis, Tekelec offers consistent and reliable solutions.

The protocol- and infrastructure-independent products address all SS7, global system for mobile communications (GSM), personal communications services (PCS), IS-41 and code division multiple access (CDMA) testing and maintenance needs.

MGTS is the leading diagnostic tool for today's high-performance, complex wireless systems. It serves as a source for information about all links and traffic in the network, diagnoses existing problems and predicts potential problems before they occur. International Roaming Verification

With its international roaming verification solution, MGTS enables service providers to comply with the GSM Memorandum of Understanding recommendation to periodically test the integrity of their networks. The recommended test serves as proof of conformance to roaming agreements between wireless operators.

"The Tekelec roaming verification product provides GSM network operators with tools to ensure that visiting mobile telephone users are offered high-quality and reliable service," explained Dan Bantukul, product manager for Tekelec's Intelligent Network Diagnostic Division.

With the MGTS authentication feature, providers can verify and authenticate visitors from outside networks via simulation without handsets, smart cards, special codes or other requirements. Users can schedule roaming tests to run at specific times of the day and automatically generate reports summarizing the results.

"Our roaming verification product is quickly gaining worldwide acceptance," added Cecil Boyd, vice president and general manager of Tekelec's Intelligent Network Diagnostic Division. "Companies such as Sonera Corp. (formerly Telecom Finland) in Finland, Mobistar in Belgium, Mobil Rom in Romania, Eircell in Ireland and others are adopting our exclusive solution."

Bantukul added, "Tekelec's international roaming application represents an efficient and cost-effective solution to an otherwise complex and labor-intensive series of routine tests. With regularly scheduled roaming and verification tests, network visitors are assured of reliable service, which results in dependable sources of revenue for network operators." GPRS Testing

GPRS adds packet data capability to the GSM network. MGTS supplies testing and emulation of the GPRS protocol stacks and new GPRS network nodes, SGSN and GGSN. MGTS also tests the interworking between the new GPRS network nodes and the GSM network nodes, such as the mobile switching center and the base station subsystem. Full GPRS testing capability will be available in the second quarter of 1999. MGTS 2000

"MGTS 2000 provides a complete, flexible and cost-effective network maintenance, diagnostic and surveillance solution for wireless providers," explained Boyd. "MGTS 2000 significantly decreases the cost of network maintenance, enabling maintenance personnel to identify and analyze network-wide problems from a central location."

Adrian Fitzgerald, director of marketing, Tekelec's Intelligent Network Diagnostic Division, added, "The MGTS 2000 is designed with an open systems architecture. It integrates with proprietary and third-party applications, such as those that supply data mining, fraud detection and billing verification, to provide the specific solutions needed by individual providers."

The MGTS 2000 supplies tools for all phases of telecommunications fault management. The system alerts providers of network failures and includes tools for isolating, analyzing and resolving network problems -- in one integrated platform.

Tekelec is a leading supplier of innovative network switching solutions and advanced diagnostic systems that enable rapid delivery of advanced communication products and services for the global communications marketplace.

Tekelec's Eagle platform is designed to meet the complex requirements of the converged IP/SS7 network and traditional SS7 networks, enabling wireline, wireless and IP network operators to deliver intelligent network services. Tekelec's diagnostic systems are used by communication suppliers and service providers to design, install and maintain their communications equipment and networks.

Tekelec logo and EAGLE are registered trademarks of Tekelec. Visit Tekelec's web site at www.tekelec.com.