Tekelec and Stratus announce first sale; GTE Intelligent Network Services Inc. to deploy integrated SS7 solution.

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 1995--Tekelec (NASDAQ/NMS:TKLC) and Stratus Computer Inc. (NYSE:SRA) Thursday announced that they have each received orders from GTE Intelligent Network Services Inc. (GTEINS).

The orders, placed in Q4/94, consisted of Tekelec's Eagle STP/1 equipped with Open Signalling Access Interfaces and Stratus' Continuous Processing System equipped with Stratus' Intelligent Network Applications Platform (SINAP) extensions. The orders represent the first sales resulting from Tekelec's and Stratus' joint marketing agreement, announced in October 1994.

The integrated system will provide sophisticated Intelligent Network applications for GTEINS' backbone SS7 network, including protocol conversion and interfaces to its backbone network for non-SS7 applications, and enhances the capabilities of GTEINS' SS7 network.

A spokesman for GTEINS indicated that the integrated system significantly extends GTEINS' ability to respond rapidly to demand for value-added applications.

Bill Wall, general manager, GTE Intelligent Network Services, said: "Our network provides critical infrastructure for our own SS7 needs, and also serves a variety of customers who rely on our network for their SS7 services. The Tekelec/Stratus solution is essential to our plans to provide new applications and to provide enhanced access to the network.

"The integrated Eagle/Stratus platform, with support of non-SS7 interfaces, will allow us to offer SS7 services to our customers without requiring them to convert exclusively to SS7, and significantly extends our customer reach."

The architecture of the combined solution was a significant factor in GTEINS' decision.

Jay Darling, national operations manager for GTEINS, said: "The solution proposed by Tekelec and Stratus represents an innovative approach. Traditionally, applications such as this have been complex modifications to already complex systems. It was essential that the combined platform retain the reliability and robustness of an STP, while supporting the extensions required for our customer's needs.

"The Tekelec/Stratus solution meets these requirements by dividing the responsibility for SS7 access & routing and application enhancement between two physical platforms. This approach is both scalable and versatile, allowing us to extend the combined platform for additional growth or additional functionality, without compromising network integrity."

Allan Toomer, senior vice president and general manager of Tekelec's Network Switching Division, said: "The Eagle STP/1 was designed with this type of application in mind. Because of its open architecture, the Eagle is ideally suited to applications requiring substantial customization. Our agreement with Stratus further extends our ability to meet the needs of sophisticated customers such as GTEINS with immediate solutions for their IN and AIN needs."

William B. Elliott, vice president of the Stratus Telecommunications Business Unit said: "The Stratus platform is uniquely suited to applications requiring continuous availability and high performance. The customer can extend capacity or functionality of this application with no impact on service. Tekelec's Eagle STP extends our ability to offer a wide range of solutions to demanding applications."

Based in Marlboro, Mass., Stratus Computer is a leading provider of comprehensive computer solutions for critical online environments. Stratus and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of continuously available computer platforms, applications software, middleware and professional services. The company markets its systems and solutions to a range of industries in more than 60 countries.

Stratus' Telecommunications Business Unit focuses on product development and marketing strategies designed to meet the industry's special requirements. Stratus' customers in this industry include 26 of the world's 30 largest telecommunications companies.

Tekelec is a premier supplier of diagnostic and SS7-based network elements that advance the evolution of the intelligent network and support internetworking worldwide. Tekelec's Eagle STP, a high-speed specialized switch, serves as a key network element for both telephone and cellular-service providers enabling the increased use of advanced intelligent communications services such as credit-card verification, caller ID and 800 services.

Tekelec's open-platform, diagnostic products aid its customers (including telephone operating companies and equipment manufacturers) in designing, installing, testing, and maintaining their communications equipment and networks. -0-

NOTE: Tekelec logo and EAGLE are registered trademarks of Tekelec. Stratus, the Stratus logo, and SINAP are registered trademarks of Stratus Computer Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Tekelec

Deana Murchison, 818/880-7927

or

Stratus Computer Inc.

Paul LaBelle, 508/460-2068