Verso to Exhibit at GSM Africa 2005; Product Showcase to Include NetPerformer(R) GSM Backhaul Solution and NetSpective(R) M- Class: Industry Leading Technology That Filters Skype(TM)
Verso Technologies, (NASDAQ: VRSO), a leading provider of packet-based solutions, will showcase its NetPerformer(R) GSM Backhaul Solution and new NetSpective(R) M-Class content management solutions among other Verso solutions at the GSM Africa Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (Stand 120) November 30 through December 1.
The GSM Africa Conference is an important pan-regional event for mobile operators. Africa boasts a subscriber base that grew from 52 million in 2003 to almost 81 million in 2004 and is expected to exceed 120 million across the region by the end of 2005, a compound annual growth rate of 52%.
The Verso NetPerformer GSM Backhaul solution reduces the cost of the network infrastructure between cell towers, base station controllers, and mobile switching centers. The solution optimizes bandwidth for GSM A.bis, A.ter, A, and E interfaces using the SDM-9220 and SDM-9230 platforms, providing a superior return on investment without sacrificing quality of service (QoS).
In addition to the NetPerformer GSM Backhaul, Verso will also showcase NetSpective M-Class (M-Class for mobile carriers) the new carrier grade application filter that introduces a bandwidth optimization and content management tool specifically for the mobile market.
Verso will also showcase other solutions ideal for the developing African markets, including Verso’s MetroNet VoIP Bundle, an integrated offering that packages endpoint (Class 5) and tandem (Class-4) switching technologies through Verso’s industry leading Clarent(R) softswitch and application platform. The MetroNet Bundle eliminates the guesswork from a VoIP deployment and enables communication providers to launch competitive new services for enterprise and residential customers quickly and easily, resulting in immediate revenue-generating opportunities.
Conference attendees will also learn more about Verso’s I-Master(R) solution, a multi-service real-time authentication platform that enables service providers to increase revenues and customer loyalty. I-Master transforms the traditional prepaid calling account into an access portal for messaging, conferencing, Internet access and on-demand information services. I-Master also protects the revenue models of the service providers through the use of prepaid, postpaid limited credit and extensive fraud controls for credit challenged markets. I-Master allows service providers to manage complex rating schemes and support foreign currencies; and rating and accounting process is performed in real-time to enable multi-region, global deployment of IP services.
Verso will exhibit alongside its partner, Taide Networks, an Internet access provider and voice over satellite wholesaler that offers, along with Verso, next generation tandem Class 4 and endpoint Class 5 solutions to support several African operators currently deploying major VoIP networks throughout the African continent.
“Our partnership with Taide Networks coupled with the newly privatized market in this region makes our participation at this show a valuable and strategic opportunity to showcase our product offerings and brand,” said Yves Desmet, senior vice president, worldwide sales, Verso Technologies. “In 2003, Africa experienced more than 60% growth in net subscribers, and 80% in 2004. Verso already has a strong foothold in the African market and we intend to deepen our presence within the continent through our partnerships and industry event participation,” he added.
About Verso Technologies
Verso is a leading provider of next generation communication applications for carriers, service providers and enterprises that need to lower their communication infrastructure costs while enhancing service capabilities to remain competitive. With an extensive portfolio that extends from the “core-to-the-edge” of a network, Verso solutions and applications enable its customers to leverage legacy technology investments while migrating to converged voice and data networks. For more information, contact Verso at www.verso.com or call +01.678.589.3500
About Taide
Norway-based Taide was established in 1991 and has become one of the largest global Internet access providers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is a subsidiary of Telenor Satellite Services, a leading distributor and supplier of information technology and telecommunication services throughout Scandinavia. As an existing customer which first implemented Verso softswitch technology in 2003, Taide will now use Verso’s C4 and C5 softswitch solution to connect three new African operators to its voice network, enabling Taide to increase its customer base as well as to begin offering prepaid calling card services.