Metaswitch Further Enhances MetaSphere Application/Feature Server for IMS

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - October 20, 2009) - SUPERCOMM 2009 - Metaswitch Networks, a leading provider of carrier systems and communications software solutions, today announced significant developments in the evolution of its popular MetaSphere platform, further defining its role as the universal application platform of choice for carrier networks. MetaSphere now combines a complete range of consumer calling features, compelling advanced applications, and a full suite of business communication services into a single, SIP-based system.

Building on the company's enviable success replacing more than 100 legacy Class 4/5 switches, the MetaSphere application server now includes a PSTN Emulation Server (PES) for full legacy feature equivalence, resolving the many corner cases experienced when attempting to recreate plain old telephony services in IP environments. The MetaSphere platform, including all PES call features and advanced services (such as unified messaging), can also now be deployed in conjunction with a third party IMS core.

"Carriers are keen to embrace IMS as the necessary foundation for the rapid generation and delivery of exciting, customer-retaining, IP-based services," said John Lazar, CEO of Metaswitch. "But they are moving at different speeds and in different ways. For many, it has been impossible to elegantly meet the goal of adopting IMS while simultaneously supporting the existing installed base and network infrastructure. Our MetaSphere platform solves this dilemma."

Metaswitch has long been recognized for its ability to integrate VoIP services into legacy voice networks, and classic telephony endpoints into softswitch and pre-IMS architectures. With this enhancement of the MetaSphere application server, service providers can now include legacy telephony endpoints in their IMS architectures. The significant upshot is that carriers can deploy any or all Metaswitch solutions -- including legacy switch migration, hosted PBX, Business IP Trunking, and consumer VoIP -- in any kind of network architecture, whether legacy TDM, pre-IMS/NGN or full IMS.

"IMS is the vision for many carriers," adds Diane Myers, directing analyst, Infonetics, "but co-existence has been the reality. Most carriers have pursued a twin-track approach, with VoIP services overlaid on top of the existing network. This is costly and inefficient. The enhancement to MetaSphere is a practical standards-compliant solution that addresses both network infrastructure evolution and new service innovation."

About Metaswitch Networks

Metaswitch Networks is a leading provider of carrier systems and software solutions that are powering the migration of communications networks to open, packet-based architectures. Hundreds of network operators worldwide depend on its Carrier Systems Division for reliable, scalable session control, media gateway and application/feature server solutions to enable compelling revenue-generating services. Its Network Protocols Division develops high performance, portable software components that are integrated into the products of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

Copyright © 2009 Metaswitch Networks. "Metaswitch" is a registered trademark. Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Contact Information: Contact: Carol Daniels Metaswitch Networks +1 (510) 589-5074 chd@metaswitch.com Carmen A. Harris Connect2 Communications +1 (919) 554-3532 ext. 5 carmen@connect2comm.com