Soapstone Networks Announces the Beta Availability of Its
Multi-Vendor Control Plane Software
BILLERICA, MA--(Marketwire - February 27, 2008) - Soapstone
Networks(TM), an Avici Systems (NASDAQ: AVCI) business unit, today
announced the beta availability of its PNC(TM) (Provider Network
Controller), the industry's only multi-vendor, multi-technology
dynamic control plane. The beta release includes the PBB-TE module
for the PNC which includes the dynamic provisioning, monitoring and
repair of services across a multi-vendor Carrier Ethernet network as
well as network operations support. Soapstone is working with some of
the world's leading hardware and software vendors to facilitate the
broad adoption of Carrier Ethernet technology. Soapstone also
announced that Net One Systems, one of Japan's leading networking and
systems integration providers is a beta customer for the PNC
software.
Soapstone Networks PNC is an external control plane designed to
automate the entire service lifecycle by providing state of the art
provisioning, monitoring and repair, network fault to service
correlation, performance, optimization, and planning software to
carrier and enterprise customers. The PNC brings centralized control
to transport by providing a comprehensive common control framework
for various technologies including Carrier Ethernet. It decouples
services from the underlying transport network to deliver maximum
flexibility to customers.
The beta release of the PNC software supports Dynamic Service
Provisioning (path computation and programming), Service Monitoring
and Repair, and Network Operations support (Bridge-and-Roll).
1.) Dynamic Service Provisioning. One of the main features of the PNC
control plane is the dynamic provisioning of services across a
multi-vendor network. In addition to simple, best-effort shortest
path routing, the PNC performs path computations involving a variety
of constraints and equipment limitations.
2.) Service Monitoring and Repair. After a network event
(link/node/fiber failure) the network equipment responds in less than
50msec to provide service protection. Since the PNC has a database
containing the network topology it has the ability to determine which
service(s) was affected by the outage and creates both a primary and
secondary path to restore the service and ensure that it always
remains protected.
3.) Bridge-and-Roll. Provides network operations support by making it
possible for customers to introduce new hardware or services
seamlessly into a network or perform routine maintenance in an
automated fashion. This capability enables customers to request the
removal of nodes from active service without disruption to services.
When a node is taken out of service by the customer, the PNC notices
all of the affected services and for each service that is impacted,
the PNC re-computes paths for services that were locked due to lack
of a network resource. As with any path selection, the Committed
Information Rate (CIR) of each service is used in the path selection
and no oversubscription occurs.
Net One Systems, one of Japan's leading networking and systems
integration providers is a beta customer for the PNC software. Under
the terms of the agreement, Net One is utilizing the PNC platform to
dynamically provision services across a multi-vendor PBB-TE switch
network at its integration center in Tokyo. This lab serves as the
showcase for advanced NGN reference architectures for Net One's
carrier and enterprise customers.
"The Soapstone PNC provides a critical component for delivering
innovative Carrier Ethernet solutions to our customers, namely the
requirement for an external control plane that works across a variety
of vendors," said Mr. Tomohiro Iwamoto, general manager of network
technology operations at Net One Systems. "With Soapstone, we can
deliver to customers best-in-class switch solutions that take
advantage of the momentum in Carrier Ethernet as well as leverage the
service automation capabilities of the PNC."
Japan represents one of the most technically advanced communications
markets in the world. Net One's reputation for continually
integrating the most advanced technologies into their overall
solution portfolio has made them a leading reseller and supplier to
the Japanese service provider market. Recognizing the need to meet
the advanced requirements of innovative carriers and enterprises, Net
One has identified the Soapstone PNC as a key component of its
strategy to deliver advanced technology for its customers.
"Net One's track record for delivering industry best networking
solutions has helped establish the company as a premier systems
integrator in Japan," said William Leighton, CEO at Soapstone
Networks. "This collaboration demonstrates the rapid pace of Carrier
Ethernet adoption in one of the most important telecommunications
markets in the world. We are pleased to be working with Net One to
accelerate innovation around Carrier Ethernet services."
About Soapstone Networks
Soapstone Networks is at the forefront of the movement to Carrier
Ethernet by delivering resource control systems that realize NGN
software-provisioned services in the new Carrier Ethernet transport
network. Soapstone's common control framework decouples services from
underlying network technologies. The Soapstone solution dynamically
provisions precise, SLA-quality services, continuously optimizing
utilization of network resources to bring orderly, predictable
business-driven behavior to service provider networks. The future of
Carrier Ethernet - www.soapstonenetworks.com
This release contains information about the future expectations,
plans, and prospects of Avici Systems Inc. and its Soapstone Networks
business that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of
the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those anticipated. When used in this press release, the words
"will be" and other similar expressions are intended to identify such
forward-looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Avici's
ability to manage the transition of its core router business, the
early stage of Soapstone Networks, market acceptance of Soapstone's
products, services and enhancements, customer purchasing patterns and
commitments, development of the market place, reliance on technology
and distribution partners, product development and enhancement,
intensity of competition of other vendors and technologies,
technological changes and other risks set forth in Avici's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Soapstone Networks and PNC are trademarks of Avici Systems Inc.
About Net One Systems Co., Ltd.
Net One Systems is continually searching and scrutinizing the most
advanced technologies. The company provides network systems that add
high quality technical services to the company verified products. Net
One Systems provides highly reliable value-added comprehensive
solutions that include consultation, design, creation and management
services. This is made possible through its technical center for
research, quality control center for inspection of both incoming and
outgoing products and network academy for providing engineer
education. To learn more about Net One Systems Co., Ltd., please
visit them online at http://www.netone.co.jp/english/.
Press Contact:
Kathryn Sloan
Marketing Communications Manager
Soapstone Networks
ksloan@soapstonenetworks.com
978-715-2300
