Santera Systems Announces Integral Access to Participate In SuperClass Partner Program

Real Networks Require Real Interoperability

Plano, TX, April 17, 2001 - Santera Systems, Inc. today announced its SuperClass Partner Program to help telephone companies and other service providers deploy its next-generation switching product, SanteraOne®. The SanteraOne switching product provides a seamless migration from circuit to packet, addressing legacy and next-generation access networks while providing open interfaces.

In a market where new technologies are continuously introduced into the network, service providers have few resources that support end-to-end interoperability and the ability to facilitate real circuit to packet migration, which are key requirements for their success. The SuperClass Partner Program addresses these success requirements by testing components that touch every point of the network - any product from the edge to the core of the network.

Santera has built a multi-million dollar interoperability center at its Plano, Texas headquarters, and has partnered with one of the leading, state-of-the-art telecom testing centers, Advanced TelCom Group's (ATG) Network Architecture and Interoperability Laboratory, to provide a carrier-grade testing environment equipped with hundreds of network elements. In addition, a rigorous testing methodology, based upon TL 9000, has been developed for all partners prior to SuperClass certification.

Companies participating in the SuperClass Partner Program include: Accelerated Networks, Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFCI), Anda Networks, ADTRAN, ATG Lab, Efficient Networks, Integral Access, Jetstream Communications, LongBoard, Polycom, and others.

"As one of the industry's leading access providers, with 800 customers and more than 20 million addressable lines deployed worldwide, AFC delivers cost-effective, innovative access solutions to the nation's leading ILECs," said Ryan Koontz, director of business development for AFC. "Our AccessMAX™ GR-303 interface is widely deployed, and we believe that Santera's SuperClass Partner's Program has the potential to bring real value to our customer base by building a fast track to full interoperability."

"Partner programs are not about pretty viewgraphs with lots of logos, they are about real networks and real interoperability," said David Heard, president and CEO of Santera Systems. "Our SuperClass Partner Program embraces that same philosophy. We will ensure that all partners meet carrier network interoperability testing before naming them SuperClass certified."

About Santera

Santera Systems, Inc., located in Plano, Texas, offers a multi-service next generation switching system with Class 4, Class 5, VoDSL and Data services over legacy and next generation interfaces enabling true circuit to packet migration. Supported interfaces include: SS7, PRI, GR303, ATM, Frame Relay, IP and others. The founders of next generation pioneers such as Cascade, Shasta, Ardent and Arris created Santera in 1998. More information can be obtained at www.santera.com or by calling either 972-461-6300 or toll free 1-866-519-9000.

About Integral Access

Integral Access, Inc. provides multi-service packet-based access systems that enable carriers to offer differentiated services and combine voice/data on new generation IP-based networks as well as traditional circuit switched infrastructures. The company offers a complete MPLS-based access network solution, which includes customer premise equipment, central office aggregation devices, and an operations management system for network control and services management. Integral Access is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and is privately held. To contact Integral Access call +1-978-256-8833, visit us on the Web at http://www.integralaccess.com, or write to info@integralaccess.com.

Note to editors: PurePacket, PurePacketNode and PurePacketOMS™ are trademarks of Integral Access, Inc. PurePacketOUTburst , the Integral Access logo, and Integral Access are registered trademarks of Integral Access, Inc.

Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc, and AFC are registered trademarks of AFC. AccessMAX is a trademark of AFC. Copyright 2001, Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.