Veraz Networks Adds IP Centrex Enhanced Subscriber Services to Interaction VoIP Solutions Portfolio; Maximizes Service Providers' Offerings for the Enterprise Market and Improves ARPU.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Veraz Networks announced today its new Group Centrex Enhanced Subscriber Services Solution for service providers targeting the enterprise market. This hosted IP solution integrates an extensive set of Centrex services, messaging, conferencing and billing, enabling service providers to leverage an end-to-end managed solution for improved customer acquisition and retention goals and increased Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) as opposed to having customers deploy their own PBX and IP PBX alternatives.

The Veraz Group Centrex Enhanced Subscriber Services solution offers a complete, pre-tested package that includes all the components and features broadband and traditional service providers need to quickly deploy the end-to-end solution. This allows service providers to offer a hosted local service package to mid-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices that include enhanced flexibility and cost-savings with increased service quality.

The comprehensive set of Centrex features supported include Extension Dialing, Speed Dial, Call Return, Last Number Redial, Consultation Hold, Call Transfer, Three-Way Calling, Call Waiting, Calling Line ID, Call Forwarding, Do Not Disturb, Web-based Moves-Adds-Changes, Voice Messaging, Voice Portal, Calling Plans, Device Inventory, Series Completion and Hunt Groups. All of these features along with users and accounts can be managed with a web-based interface or the option of a customer self-service portal, reducing operational costs substantially for service providers.

"Our complete IP Centrex solution enables service providers to focus on their value proposition to enterprise customers without the hassle of testing and integrating several components," said Doug Sabella, President and CEO of Veraz Networks.

Being IP-based, the Veraz solution allows the Centrex service platform to be hosted at a central location on the IP network, while delivering services to multiple regions & countries thus minimizing the total cost of ownership. This is accomplished by leveraging the fully distributed, modular architecture of Veraz's ControlSwitch softswitch platform.

The Veraz ControlSwitch incorporates an IP Control Element (IBCF in IMS/TISPAN terminology) to provide the SIP signaling to interconnect to a bundled IP Centrex Application Server. The ControlSwitch Service Execution Element (SEE) (S-CSCF, Service Coordinator and ASF in IMS/TISPAN terms) executes the XML scripted service logic to coordinate the IP Centrex Application with other Services offered by ControlSwitch or specialized Application Servers. The ControlSwitch Call Control Element (CCE) (MGCF and MRCF in IMS terms) and IP Control Element provide all VoIP and TDM signaling and control protocols. Protocols supported include multi-national SS7 signaling, MGCP, H.248, SIP, OSP, H.323, PRI and CAS enabling seamless integration across multi-vendor network scenarios as well as providing a non-disruptive migration from legacy infrastructure.

With open standards-based interfaces, the Veraz solution offers an integrated package that includes the ControlSwitch, the Veraz I-Gate 4000 line of media gateways, and best-of-breed components from 3rd parties such as Centrex application servers, IADs, SIP-based IP phones and border gateways. The solution supports integrated billing for both on-net and off-net calls, and handles security and NAT traversal issues using the border gateway. In addition, customers can optionally leverage other pre-tested Veraz Any Enhanced Applications to increase customer acquisition and ARPU.

The latest Group Centrex Solution is part of Veraz's Enhanced Subscriber Services Solution family. With open, interoperable and programmable platforms, the full range of Veraz Interaction Solutions work together to enable interactions across any application, any network, and any device.

About Veraz Networks

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