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CMS Communications Acquires Astracon's OSS Product Suite; CMS Enters Provisioning Arena with Proven Products for Automated Service Provisioning of Multi-Technology Broadband Networks

Posted on: Tuesday, 12 August 2003, 06:00 CDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2003--CMS Communications, a provider of profit-enhancing network management operations support systems (OSS) software, today announced it has acquired Astracon's suite of OSS connection management and automated service provisioning products. The acquisition of Astracon's software suite helps service providers automate the operations of complex broadband network operations - attaining higher levels of customer service, reducing operating expenses and speeding activation of new products and services.

"The acquisition of Astracon's provisioning assets adds an important component to our product portfolio," said John Cullen, president and chief executive officer of CMS Communications. "Service providers looking to offer new broadband or customized services need an automated solution that is flexible, yet cost-effective. With this acquisition, CMS now has the ability to offer a proven OSS provisioning solution that has been deployed in large-scale networks globally."

The acquisition from Astracon includes three product lines that enable multi-layer coordination, activation and network discovery for service fulfillment:

-- RetailConnect for access connectivity services, such as DSL

over ATM

-- WholesaleConnect for transport services, such as ATM over

SONET/SDH

-- BusinessConnect for IP business connectivity, such as MPLS

VPNs

The key functionality of the acquired solutions includes:

-- Service design

-- Service activation

-- Service and network resource management and discovery

-- Service and network event analysis

-- Provisioning process control

"CMS has the industry expertise, knowledge of carrier-grade networks and integration skills to expand this product in the market," said Rob Cook, founder of Astracon. "I am confident the full potential of the Astracon product line will be realized through CMS."

The software assets acquired by CMS are proven solutions that have been actively deployed in the networks of global service providers, including Telecom Italia and Telstra.

"The rollout of broadband access, including DSL, is a key focus for service providers," said Mike Smith, co-founder and managing director of research with Stratecast Partners. "Given the importance to service providers of both broadband access and the ability to deliver customized services, automated provisioning services that are flexible and efficient are becoming increasingly critical, particularly in terms of enhancing service provider competitive advantage and profitability."

The Astracon acquisition follows CMS' recent purchase of Softalia's EMS platform, which extends CMS' ability to offer a broad OSS product suite that enables service providers to manage legacy systems while supporting the rollout of next generation networks.

About CMS Communications, Inc.

CMS Communications provides profit-enhancing Operation Support System (OSS) solutions to the telecommunications industry. Deployed on many of the largest networks in the U.S., the company's solutions are being used by Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) and Interexchange Carriers (IXCs) to improve network efficiency and service quality. With full support for circuit-switched equipment, CMS Communications is helping service providers extend the value of their assets and meet customer needs while supporting the migration to next generation technologies. For more information on CMS Communications, please visit www.cms-c.com.

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