Polaris Unveils Optical Transport Switch to Simplify Metro Transport Networks

New generation platform enables service providers to immediately reduce network costs, accelerate service provisioning and maximize profitability

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - September 9, 2002 - Polaris Networks Inc., a developer of metro optical networking systems, today announced its product suite, the OMX™ optical transport switch and IntelliOp™ Center element management system - a solution tailored to dramatically reduce capital and operational expenses, increase service velocity and unlock additional revenues in metro infrastructures.

The OMX is a new generation switch platform that integrates multiple network elements into a single, consolidated footprint. It combines the functions of a wideband, broadband and super-broadband Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) with SONET Add/Drop-based transport. The system's unique architecture gracefully scales from 240 Gigabits, fully redundant, non-blocking switch capacity, to 2 Terabits. It is based on a single switch fabric that provides switching and grooming granularity extending from VT1.5/DS1 to STS-Nc levels.

The Polaris solution addresses service providers' most critical requirements: simplify their transport networks and streamline operations while laying the foundation for new generation broadband services delivery. Network simplification provides two immediate, major economic benefits: i) capital expense savings through reduction of the number of network elements required, and ii) operational expense savings through dramatic reductions in annually recurring expenses in areas such as space, power and provisioning. For example, to accommodate an equipment footprint for an OC-48-based ADM/DCS node using current market solutions, 30-40 7ft. Telco racks are required. In comparison, the OMX can provide the same functionality in only 1/2 rack.

Also critical to increasing revenues and improving operations is the speed with which services can be turned up. The Polaris solution, designed to integrate easily into existing operations, allows services providers to leverage the advanced capabilities of a Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS)-based intelligent control plane to automate the end-to-end provisioning of services. This technology reduces service creation and provisioning times from today's weeks or months down to days or even minutes. IntelliOp™ Center, a highly-scalable element management system, allows operations technicians to quickly and efficiently provision services, conduct fault and performance management and administer the security of the entire OMX network.

While network simplification is important for immediate reductions in costs and maintenance, migration to a new generation architecture is equally as important. Without this foundation in place service providers cannot tap into new generation services that lead to increased revenue opportunities.

"The OMX was specifically built to service provider requirements", said Ray Kao, CEO and CTO of Polaris. "Customers have told us that new generation equipment must reduce costs and simplify operations in orders of magnitude compared to current solutions. They also need to maximize profitability for existing revenue-generating services such as voice and private line, as well as unlock new service opportunities. The OMX addresses these needs by reducing capital expenditures by 4-5x and operations costs by 10-20x compared to today's solutions. In addition, it provides a smooth migration to multiservice, allowing service providers to pursue new revenue opportunities."

"Operation and management of complex networks is the single most expensive technology issue for large carriers," said Ron Kline, Program Director, Optical Networks at RHK, a leading telecom consulting firm. "Reductions in capex and operational costs are the top priority. Optical transport platforms must therefore simplify network operations, while speeding provisioning times and boosting revenue potential of existing infrastructures. Improved bandwidth management of the kind offered by Polaris' OMX, promises greater cost-effectiveness than traditional digital cross connects, and to scale beyond the capacities of typical optical switches."

"As evidence that Polaris' strategy is in complete alignment with service provider requirements, we've received strong customer traction and have four committed trials that kick-off shortly", said Christopher V. Cook, Sr. VP of worldwide sales and business development. "These customers include a top-tier IXC, a major RBOC and two leading next generation service providers."

The OMX and IntelliOp Center will be on exhibit at the National Fiber Optics Engineers Conference (NFOEC) to be held at the Dallas Convention Center, September 16-19 2002.

About Polaris

Polaris Networks develops new generation optical transport switching systems for metro core networks. From day one, its systems combine optical transport with extensive grooming and switching, managed via a GMPLS-based common control plane. Polaris' architecture is designed for native support of TDM, cell and packet traffic using a single, software-defined switching fabric. This enables service providers to cost-effectively simplify their infrastructures, flexibly scale, and provides a smooth migration to a full multiservice intelligent architecture.

Polaris was founded in June 2000 and is staffed by teams from Alcatel, Cisco, Fujitsu, Nortel, Siemens, Tellabs, AT&T and WorldCom. The company is funded by Redpoint Ventures, Venrock Associates, Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV), SToRM Ventures and strategic private investors.