ishoni Networks to Create Voice-ready Solution Using Tollbridge Technology; ishoni Teams With VoIP Leader So OEMs Can More Quickly and Easily Voice Over Broadband Products for the SOHO Markets.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2000

ishoni Networks announced today that its Gateway-on-a-Chip(TM) for broadband Integrated Access Devices (IADs) will support Tollbridge Technology's TollVoice standards-based Voice-over-IP (VoIP) gateway protocol. The agreement means that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can more quickly and more easily build DSL gateway products that include full voice, data and security capabilities.

ishoni Networks has created a FlexibleWAN Engine(TM) to support multiple connectivity technologies. Software for the Flexible WAN Engine processes multiple protocol solutions that make it the optimal platform for VoDSL interoperability. ishoni Networks has the only system-on-a-chip that combines an encryption engine to enable secure remote access to a virtual private network (VPN) with voice and data networking on a single-chip broadband gateway for CPEs.

"As broadband services like DSL become mainstream, service providers will need to provide value-added services like voice to differentiate themselves," said Pat Hurley, DSL analyst for TeleChoice. "ishoni's Gateway-on-a-Chip provides interoperability with major VoDSL vendors giving CPE vendors and service providers the kind of solutions they need to compete in the emerging VoDSL marketplace."

ishoni's relationship with Tollbridge is part of ishoni's `TotalDSL' initiative to achieve PHY, DSLAM and VoDSL interoperability with the respective leaders in each DSL market. As a result, OEMs will be able to build an IAD for any type of DSL connection using the same ishoni Gateway-on-a-Chip in every device.

"With the rapid growth of broadband deployment, a new infrastructure must exist to allow customers to utilize new broadband applications in their homes and small businesses," said William Lee, president and CEO of ishoni Networks. "ishoni has constructed a gateway platform to support the added security requirements that accompany `always-on' connections, high-speed networking and the various voice protocols that companies like Tollbridge are developing."

"ishoni is focusing on building the IAD infrastructure for broadband applications which is what broadband service providers and equipment vendors need in order to attract customers," said Agnes Imregh, vice president of Marketing at TollBridge. "Without new broadband applications like Tollbridge's Voice-over IP technology, broadband is just a fast Internet connection. That is why ishoni's ability to support our voice applications and deliver it to the small business and home users is integral to driving market integration."

ishoni Networks is building "Broadband Engines for the New Internet(TM)" which is composed of high-speed, always-on connections that enable a new generation of voice, data and video applications. The nature of these always-on, broadband connections -- including DSL, cable and wireless -- also require heightened security. ishoni's Broadband Engines, including the Gateway-on-a-Chip, enable the infrastructure to secure and support these New Internet applications. Tollbridge Voice-over Broadband technology is one of the core broadband applications that will drive the New Internet.

Tollbridge is a leader in Voice-over-IP (VoIP) solutions, and its interoperability with ishoni will simplify the implementation of VoIP applications for OEMs and communications carriers. Simplifying the gateway's integration enables OEMs to supply consumers with cost-effective DSL CPEs for home and small business offices that carry multiple phone lines per DSL connection. Many equipment providers, such as Nortel Networks, Lucent Technologies and Nokia have already integrated TollVoice technology into their carrier class 5 switching products.

The iVoDSL Connect, ishoni's VoDSL Connectivity Package, offers the complete software solution interoperable with Tollbridge's VoDSL Gateways. This software package will include implementation of Tollbridge's Signaling Protocol and full suite of management functions for Integrated Access Devices. This solution will significantly reduce the OEM's development efforts for Tollbridge interoperable IAD products.

ishoni technology will continue to support Tollbridge technologies VoDSL protocols as the industry moves towards a standards-based VoATM solution. ishoni will also work toward interoperability with the Voice Telephony over ATM (VToA) standard being driven by the ATM and DSL forums. In addition, ishoni Networks' Gateway-on-a-Chip(TM) is in Alpha with selected customers.

About ishoni Networks' `TotalDSL' Initiative

`TotalDSL' is a three-month initiative by ishoni Networks to make its Gateway-on-a-Chip platform the most complete and flexible on the market today. As part of the initiative, ishoni will achieve PHY, DSLAM and VoDSL interoperability with the respective leaders in each DSL market. `TotalDSL' will make the Gateway-on-a-Chip compatible with ADSL, SDSL, G.SHDSL, Voice-over-Broadband (including VoDSL and VoATM) in DSLAM, Voice Gateway and customer premises equipment (CPE). As a result, OEMs will be able to build an IAD for any type of DSL connection using the same ishoni Gateway-on-a-Chip in every device.

About Tollbridge Technologies

Founded in March 1998 and located in Santa Clara, Calif., TollBridge Technologies is the leading provider of high-quality voice-over-broadband solutions to the new generation of carriers. TollBridge solutions change the economics of delivering voice services by allowing carriers that own Class 5 switches to use broadband access technologies, such as DSL or cable, to bypass the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) and deliver toll-quality voice and integrated data services. For more information about TollBridge Technologies, visit the company's Website at www.tollbridgetech.com.

About ishoni Networks

ishoni Networks builds "Broadband Engines for the New Internet(TM)" that allow OEMs to offer residential and business customers secure voice and Internet services over a single broadband connection. ishoni offers OEMs a silicon and software solution that allows them to more quickly, more easily and more affordably build broadband gateway products offering voice, data and security services. ishoni was founded in May 1998, and is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with a development site in Bangalore, India. For more information, visit ishoni Networks at www.ishoni.com.

Note to Editors: Gateway-on-a-Chip, Broadband for Everyone, iBE and SiBE are trademarks of ishoni Networks.