Unisphere Networks' SRX-3000 Softswitch First Solution to Receive Sun Cluster Partner Program Qualification.

Business/Technology Editors

WESTFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2001

Sun Microsystems named Premier Partner in Unisphere Networks' IS

POP(TM) Partner Program

Unisphere Networks, Inc. today announced that its SRX-3000 is the industry's first softswitch to complete qualification under Sun Microsystems' Sun Cluster Partner Program (SCPP). The SRX-3000 is the call control and processing solution that provides next-generation voice service delivery to SIP, H.323 and POTS users.

By utilizing the exclusive Resilient Telco Platform (RTP) middleware and SUN Cluster software, the SRX-3000 protects against both hardware and software failures with 99.999% reliability. The RTP software platform has proven its reliability in carrier environments with deployments in hundreds of central office sites worldwide. The level of redundancy enabled with SUN Cluster Software and RTP means that both physical nodes of the SRX-3000 can run in active mode simultaneously, ensuring the stability of all calls and billing records even if one node fails. This type of reliability is necessary in a carrier network.

"We are pleased to be the first softswitch solution to complete the SCPP qualification process and view this as an endorsement of the carrier-grade reliability that has been built into the SRX-3000 Softswitch," said Tony Scarfo, vice president, Marketing, Unisphere Networks. "This validates our strategy of designing and creating a softswitch that can be deployed in the most reliable and demanding carrier networks."

Sun Named Premier Partner in IS POP Partner Program

In addition, Sun has been named a Premier Solution Partner in Unisphere Networks' IS POP Partner Program. All of the equipment marketed by Unisphere Networks' Premier Partners must endure a series of carrier-grade interoperability tests, such as fail-over, rolling up-grades, and load tests, to ensure that it fulfills key requirements for central office operation.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by Unisphere Networks as one of the first Premier partners in the IS POP Partner Program. This signifies our commitment to developing scalable, reliable solutions upon which service providers can build revenue generating services," said Jim Sangster, group marketing manager, Sun Cluster Software, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

About the SRX- 3000 Softswitch

Offering an open standards-based design, the award-winning SRX-3000 supports MGCP, SIP, H.323 and SS7 signaling protocols, and supports the International Softswitch Consortium's standard architecture for a softswitch. Designed for the carrier environment, the SRX-3000

Softswitch has been developed around the Fujitsu-Siemens Computers (FSC)-architected Resilient Telco Platform (RTP), a middleware solution that offers full-redundancy at the application layer to enable 99.999% reliability with no loss of stable calls or billing records due to a system failure.

About the IS POP Partner Program

Unisphere Networks' support for its customers includes the IS POP Partner Program. This program consists of three types of partners with each group subdivided into three classes to focus on specific market needs:

-- Providing solutions together - Solutions Partners help build complete
end-to-end solutions.

-- Going to market together - Channel Partners assist in bringing IP
convergence products to the market.

-- Building products together - Technology Partners help provide IP convergence
products and technology.

In order to deliver more complete revenue-generating solutions to our customers worldwide, Unisphere Networks offers the following features in its partnership program:

-- Proven interoperability with Unisphere Networks' equipment

-- Carrier-grade compatibility

-- Well-trained channel partners with worldwide support

-- Award-winning technology

-- Industry alliances to ensure long-term investment security

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- The Network Is The Computer(TM) - has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to take their businesses to the nth. Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com.

About Unisphere Networks

Unisphere Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of carrier-grade IP networking solutions to enable data, voice and rich media services. The Unisphere Networks' Intelligent Service Point of Presence (IS POP(TM)) product framework, along with its service and support organization, enables leading service providers to deploy revenue-generating services with quality, reliability and wire-speed performance at the network edge. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Westford, Mass. More than 30 sales offices worldwide and a network of international resellers serve its globally diverse customer base. For more information, please visit the Web site at: http://www.unispherenetworks.com.

Unisphere Networks is a trademark of Unisphere Networks, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of the use of Unisphere Networks' products and future growth or results of operations. Among the important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are market demand, competition, technological change, market acceptance of our products, our ability to develop, deliver and support our products, our ability to maintain or grow market share, strategic relationships, business combinations, international operations, government regulation and general economic conditions.

Editors note: Unisphere Networks will be exhibiting at the Softswitch Expo at the San Diego Convention Center, Dec. 4 - 6, 2001.