Veraz Announces Compact Media Gateway Optimized for Distributed Low-Density Sites; Enables Carriers to Affordably Extend VoIP Networks to Even the Smallest Town.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Veraz Networks, Inc. today announced a new addition to its family of carrier grade media gateways, the I-Gate 4000 EDGE. Designed specifically for distributed low-density sites, this compact and fully redundant new platform is a cost-effective way for wireline and wireless carriers to deploy reliable VoIP networks in sites that previously were not economically viable to serve due to costly TDM backhaul.

With the I-Gate 4000 EDGE gateway's VoIP trunking capabilities, carriers can accelerate their move to an all IP transport network for both voice and data -- enjoying the cost-efficiencies of converged IP transport, prior to undertaking a full-fledged legacy voice switch network migration. Its interoperability with multiple softswitch platforms allows carriers to smoothly evolve from a VoIP trunking infrastructure to a switched VoIP networking infrastructure, while protecting their existing network investments in the process.

"This compact, yet powerful, media gateway makes it affordable for carriers to deliver toll quality voice to even the smallest Points of Presence," said Doug Sabella CEO of Veraz Networks. "It's a perfect complement to our product portfolio, extending the reach of our industry-leading voice quality and compression equipment."

The I-Gate 4000 EDGE provides the same Toll quality voice and high availability features of the higher density systems in the I-Gate 4000 family required by carriers. It offers a modular, compact package for sites requiring up to 500 concurrent calls while efficiently scaling down to sites requiring less than 100 concurrent calls. The I-Gate 4000 EDGE can be leveraged for diverse compression, switching, and enhanced service applications including VoIP Trunking, Softswitch-based Toll/Tandem Switching, legacy PBX Access, Mobile Network Compression and Switching.

It enables carriers to implement both compressed backhaul and local switching applications with the ability to transport compressed voice, fax, SS7, and ISDN-PRI signaling information over IP networks. With unique compressed TDM bearer capabilities, even existing leased TDM links can benefit from up to 1000% capacity increase. Carriers create a more efficient and cost-effective network architecture with distributed media and centralized call control and signaling resources in a few strategic locations.

Fully consistent with the IMS and other NGN architectures, the I-Gate 4000 EDGE interoperates with any standards-compliant packet telephony network element and enables carriers to select best-of-breed components for each segment of their network.

About Veraz Networks, Inc.

Veraz (www.veraznetworks.com) is the leading global provider of softswitch-based, toll-quality packet telephony solutions for traditional and next-generation communications networks. Built on a rich heritage of delivering carrier-grade products to over 700 customers in 140 countries, Veraz offers complete solutions to both established and greenfield carriers worldwide through its softswitch, media gateway, and digital compression products. Leveraging open, best-of-breed components and a global support and service infrastructure, Veraz partners with carriers to design and deploy carrier-grade next-generation networks tailored to meet their business objectives. By combining industry-leading, standards-based softswitch and media gateway platforms with robust management systems, Veraz offers unmatched flexibility to carriers -- a best-in-class integrated packet telephony solution as well as the freedom to choose best-of-breed individual products to match their unique network needs. Veraz solutions address a wide range of carrier applications such as tandem switching, domestic & international long distance, IP trunking, IP Centrex, as well as new voice-data services.

Veraz is privately funded by Norwest Venture Partners, ECI Telecom (Nasdaq:ECIL), Argonaut Private Equity, Battery Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Levensohn Venture Partners. The company is headquartered in San Jose, CA, with offices throughout the world.