PRESS RELEASE

Encore Networks And MetaSwitch Partner On Providing Next Generation Voice Over Packet Solutions

Dulles, VA. August 28, 2003 – Encore Networks, a developer of signaling interworking IP+Legacy? VPN solutions, and MetaSwitch, a provider of broadband Class 5 switching solutions today announced a partnership enabling the delivery of advanced global Voice over Packet (VoP) solutions. The partnership is based on successful completion of rigorous interoperability testing in the MetaSwitch labs in Reston, VA, and will enable service providers to connect across any network using incompatible signaling protocols.

“Service providers are increasingly deploying next generation packet-switching equipment that provides more efficient use of available bandwidth and is less costly to purchase, install, and maintain,” stated Paul Brittain, Director of Product Management at MetaSwitch. “However, there is still a huge base of providers operating traditional networks worldwide creating the need for equipment that can interface between packet networks and the older legacy networks, which the Encore/MetaSwitch partnership provides.”

“Carriers seeking to expand into global markets must provide gateway equipment that accommodates both the local telephone networks and the native protocols for the countries they service”, said Bill Ferguson, Vice President Carrier Signaling Sales for Encore Networks. “Our partnership with MetaSwitch will provide an easily and rapidly deployable solution for these carriers as they expand next-generation products and services into the broader world market.”

About Encore Networks
Encore Networks www.encorenetworks.com is a leading developer of integrated, broadband IP+Legacy™ VPN and security platforms, signaling protocol conversion, and converged voice and data solutions for both carriers and enterprises. Encore provides advanced security solutions that include encryption, stateful inspection IP VPNs, support of legacy data protocols and built-in dial backup and fail-over capabilities. Encore’s innovative signaling and data solutions include signaling conversion for voice migration from circuit to packet, a broad line of IADs, VPN router CPE and host products to transform legacy data networks to broadband IP infrastructure.

About MetaSwitch
MetaSwitch, www.metaswitch.com, a division of privately held Data Connection, is the result of 22 years of experience supplying leading-edge technology to the telecommunications industry. Data Connection’s track record of consistent profitability ensures long-term commitment to product development and customer support. The widely deployed MetaSwitch VP3500 Next Generation Class 5 Switch offers service providers an immediate solution for broadband (VoIP and/or VoATM) and POTS service and future-proof “softswitch” architecture for enhanced applications. MetaSwitch has offices in Alameda, CA, Dallas, TX and Reston, VA in the US and London, Chester and Edinburgh in the UK.