Integral Access and VocalData Demonstrate End-to-End IP Access Infrastructure at Spring N+I

Packet MPLS-Based Integrated Access System Delivers Voice over IP Calls to Class 5 Replacement SoftSwitch from VocalData

Las Vegas - May 8, 2001 - Integral Access, Inc., the intelligent MPLS access company, today announced at Networld+Interop Spring 2001 the availability of support for the SoftSwitch Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) standard in the latest release of its PurePacket™ integrated access system. PurePacket, which packetizes voice and video traffic, and converges all services at the customer premise for delivery over a single access link, enables network operators to use MGCP to manage calls with new generation SoftSwitches. This capability allows network operators to provide advanced voice services over all-IP access infrastructures. Integral Access will demonstrate the PurePacket platform delivering a complete range of integrated access services, and managing voice calls via VocalData's Voice over IP SoftSwitch (VOISS™), at Networld+Interop Booth 349.

End-to-End IP Access Infrastructure

The Integral Access demonstration at Networld+Interop will feature the PurePacket system delivering broadband data services, and VoIP calls under the control of VocalData's SoftSwitch. With support for MGCP, PurePacket allows carriers to build a single end-to-end IP-based integrated access network without investing in expensive Class 5 circuit switches. PurePacket's ability to interoperate with SoftSwitches from VocalData and others, enables network operators to deliver IP-based voice services, PBX interworking, VoIP services, and IP Centrex, and to provision and offer all traditional Custom Local Area Signaling System (CLASS) features, such as call forwarding, call waiting, etc.

"The combination of VocalData's Voice over IP SoftSwitch with the PurePacket system delivers on the promise of open architecture and open standard IP networks," said Kathy Meier, Vice President of Marketing for VocalData.. "We are demonstrating at Networld+Interop that IP technology is available today which can deliver carrier grade services more profitably and just as reliably as legacy circuit switched networks."

The availability of MGCP complements PurePacket's support for the GR-303 interface to Class 5 switches. PurePacket allows network operators to deliver voice services over new generation VoIP core networks and existing TDM infrastructures - without replacing any equipment. This dual capability provides facilities-based carriers with the flexibility to move quickly or gradually to all-IP networks.

"The combination of PurePacket with industry-leading SoftSwitches like VocalData's makes it possible for carriers to leverage the operational efficiencies of IP across their entire range of access services," said Jack Cicon, President and CEO, Integral Access. "Our joint interoperability demonstration at Networld+Interop confirms that all of the pieces are in place for building IP-based integrated access networks that enable carriers to derive more revenue from their network resources, provide new service bundles, and avoid selling commodity products."

About PurePacket

The PurePacket integrated access system enables carriers to deliver all services over a single network using virtually any transport media including copper pairs, xDSL, leased lines, and Fiber links. It is the first and only 100 percent packet-based solution that uses an MPLS-based fabric to place network intelligence at the customer premise and make connectionless networks behave like their connection-oriented predecessors. PurePacket enables service providers to guarantee quality of service for latency sensitive voice calls and video transmissions, dynamically allocate bandwidth between voice, video and data applications, and offer and bill for multiple classes of service. PurePacket is composed of PurePacketOUTburst ® customer premise IADs (Integrated Access Devices), PurePacketNode™ carrier network aggregation devices for central office, co-locations, points of presence, multi-dwelling/multi-tenant units (MDU/MTU), and the PurePacketOMS™ (Operations Management System) for network/element control and services management.

Pricing and Availability

The PurePacket Platform is available immediately. The entry-level configuration of a PurePacketNode for Central Office, Co-Locations, Points of Presence, and Multi Tenant Buildings (MTU) starts at $15,000. OUTburst-SB customer premise equipment is less than $2000. Entry-level OUTburst Vx/Dx Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) customer premise devices are available for less than $1000.

About VocalData

VocalData, Inc., an emerging technology leader, develops and markets proven, carrier-grade voice services and enhanced applications to communications service providers meeting the data and voice needs of businesses. VocalData's award-winning product, Voice Over IP SoftSwitch (VOISS™), is serving end customers today in service provider networks. Founded in 1998 and based in Richardson, TX, VocalData has received financing from high-profile industry partners and venture capital firms. For more information visit www.vocaldata.com.

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 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.