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PlusNet Selects Ellacoya Networks to Enable Speed and Application-Based Service Plans; PlusNet's Broadband Plus Service Offering Gives Subscribers New Options

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 August 2005, 09:00 CDT

Ellacoya Networks, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent service control solutions for broadband IP networks, today announced that PlusNet (LSE: PNT.L) (www.plus.net) has selected its IP Service Control System to deliver speed and application-based service plans. PlusNet, a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the United Kingdom, has deployed Ellacoya's e30 IP switches and centralized Service Logic Software (SLS) system-wide to dynamically manage bandwidth, enabling a range of speed and application-based service plans to address the different needs of its DSL subscriber base. The equipment was deployed in the PlusNet network by Imtech Telecom, Ellacoya's integration and support partner in Europe.

"Ellacoya's system gives us unprecedented visibility into application traffic, and the ability to manage that traffic dynamically so that our subscribers receive the level of service to which they are entitled. Because of its ability to recognize subscribers and applications, it is the ideal platform for enabling our new Broadband Plus offering that uniquely combines speed and application features," said Alistair Wyse, Technical Director at PlusNet. "The Ellacoya System's functionality is unique and not available in conventional networking products. PlusNet tested several other industry-leading bandwidth management solutions and found it to be superior in terms of performance, manageability and functionality."

PlusNet's Broadband Plus delivers service plans ranging from a lower priced offering for light users primarily using Web and e-mail applications, to a higher-priced offering for subscribers using higher bandwidth applications and requiring more speed. During peak hours, the more vigorous high bandwidth applications such as P2P may be speed limited, while mainstream e-mail and Web traffic are prioritized; traffic during non-peak hours runs at optimal speed. Each offer is defined centrally in the Service Logic Software(TM) (SLS), Ellacoya's management platform, as a group of policies that track, measure and manage the various traffic types based on time-of-day. Once a subscriber logs on, his profile is downloaded to the e30 IP switch, policies are enforced and traffic is treated accordingly, based on the subscriber's service plan.

"We are excited to be participating in the delivery of this broadband service model that addresses different subscriber needs at different price points," said David Green, Director of EMEA Operations at Ellacoya Networks. "By differentiating its service offerings by speed and application, PlusNet is breaking away from the pervasive 'one size fits all' model that is limiting for all types of users."

The Ellacoya e30 switches integrate seamlessly into PlusNet's access network architecture upstream from Broadband Remote Access Systems (BRAS). From this network location, the e30 identifies all subscriber and application usage, and provides PlusNet with granular Web-based reports. "The Ellacoya system's detailed reporting package allows us to understand usage patterns and introduce new service offerings to specific subscriber groups based on demand," added PlusNet's Alistair Wyse.

In addition to its high performance and functionality, Ellacoya was selected based on its scalable system architecture and the ability to easily integrate with PlusNet's OSS. The IP Service Control System's three-tier architecture enables e30's to be distributed across the network and managed from a single central location where subscriber and service profiles are defined and stored. Ellacoya provides a robust and intuitive Application Programming Interface (API) and Software Developer Toolkit (SDK) designed to integrate seamlessly with billing and provisioning systems.

About PlusNet

PlusNet plc (www.plus.net) is an industry leading Internet Service Provider offering quality services to residential and business customers in the UK. PlusNet provides award winning Broadband connectivity together with a host of related products and services and Narrowband connectivity.

PlusNet is well known within the UK's web community for offering exceptional customer service and value for money, combining service reliability and outstanding support with some of the UK's lowest Broadband prices. With a unique low-cost operating model, based on a flexible and scalable self-developed operating system, PlusNet records high profitability, whilst delivering competitively priced, high quality products.

In 2004 PlusNet was awarded Future Publishing's "Best Consumer ISP" and "Customer Service" awards. Further information about PlusNet plc may be found at the Company's investor relations site: http://www.plus.net/investors

About Ellacoya Networks

Ellacoya Networks is a leading provider of service control solutions that give broadband service providers full service control functionality for their networks. Its IP Service Control System identifies subscribers, classifies and controls applications on a per-subscriber basis, improves performance and customer satisfaction, and delivers revenue-generating IP services. It is the only company that provides the granular network visibility and tools necessary to enable more compelling applications and competitive service offerings. Ellacoya Networks is privately held and headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire. For more information contact us at +1 603.577.5544 or visit us at www.ellacoya.com.

Ellacoya Networks, IP Service Control System and Service Logic Software are trademarks of Ellacoya Networks, Inc.

Source: Business Wire

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