[February 28, 2007] NexTone and Arbinet Create Voice Peering Solution for Global Operators Tweet LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- NexTone(R), a leader in intelligent and scalable session management solutions for VoIP and IMS network interconnects, today announced that Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. (Nasdaq:ARBX), the leading provider of solutions to simplify the exchange of digital communications, is now a NexTone Compatible(TM) partner. Arbinet's PeeringSolutions(sm) Voice Peering Service is now certified ServiceReady with NexTone's IntelliConnect(TM) System for VoIP peering. This certification validates that PeeringSolutions, a full-service peering environment for all voice service providers using the not-for-profit SPIDER Registry, has achieved end-to-end interoperability with the NexTone IntelliConnect System. NexTone and Arbinet have established a working relationship in the areas of service definition, support training, sales collateral, and release management. This ServiceReady certified solution has the ability to enable VoIP network operators to peer with one another seamlessly and securely, both directly through bilateral arrangements and via Arbinet, which acts as a secure intermediary, providing operators with rating, invoicing, and settlement systems as necessary. In a major break with other announced peering environments, Arbinet's PeeringSolutions service also allows direct peering with service providers who still have TDM-connected customers, thus vastly increasing the customers available through the solution. Arbinet currently has 55 service providers with over 141 million customers directly connected on their networks. By interoperating with the NexTone IntelliConnect System, Arbinet sees this as an opportunity to give customers a flexible, reliable, and secure way to interconnect with the PeeringSolutions service. NexTone's use of trusted ENUM or SIP Redirect connectivity, can also allow the service to find off-net partners. With its use of any-to-any SIP or H.323 session signaling, and on-demand media adaptation, the IntelliConnect system is designed to enable high-quality sessions and seamless service connectivity regardless of a call's destination. The ServiceReady solution can also offer Arbinet the information it needs to provide full business accountability to its customers. Real-time session detail records and on-demand reporting can enable Arbinet to do granular troubleshooting and diagnostics as well as off-line rating and settlement of transactions. Direct connections between the calling customer and the called customer are the Holy Grail of peering initiatives. IP providers need ways to provide reliable, high-quality voice services and other advanced applications end-to-end for their customers. When used in combination, the NexTone and Arbinet solutions can address this need by providing the well-established mechanisms carriers are accustomed to, but with added visibility and control. COMMENTARY Steve Heap, chief technology officer, Arbinet - "When it comes to IP services interoperability, voice peering is really just the tip of the iceberg. By working together to create a ServiceReady solution, NexTone and Arbinet have laid the groundwork for the proliferation of services and business models that rely on seamless interconnection, global infrastructure, and access to a trusted, neutral registry of routing information." John Longo, vice president of marketing, NexTone - "This ServiceReady solution provides Arbinet with a way to give service providers and enterprises a proven, turnkey way to peer their VoIP networks reliably and securely for direct interconnect between the originating service provider and the distant provider. Intelligent VoIP peering also provides application service providers with easy access to new service offerings." MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT -- Session Management and Intelligent Interconnects -- Industry Benchmarking -- Recent NexTone news -- IdeaConnect - the NexTone blog About Arbinet Arbinet solutions simplify the exchange of digital communications in a converging world. These include exchanges, a transaction management platform, and managed services which streamline performance and improve profitability for Members. Arbinet's 900+ voice and data Members, including the world's 10 largest international carriers, use Arbinet's Internet based electronic platforms to buy, sell, deliver and settle transactions valued at about $500 million in 2006. These Members include fixed, mobile and VoIP carriers, ISPs and content providers from more than 60 countries who exchange voice, data, content and value added services. About NexTone NexTone(R) develops intelligent session management and interconnect systems for service providers who want to rapidly expand their reach and accelerate VoIP and multimedia revenues. NexTone's IntelliConnect System provides service providers with visibility and intelligence to exchange, optimize, secure and bill for voice and multimedia sessions flowing across diverse IP and IMS network boundaries. More than 550 service providers and enterprises worldwide use NexTone's IntelliConnect System to manage technical complexities, optimize business economics, and remove partnership hurdles. NexTone is a recipient of the Maryland Technology Champions Awards for 2006. The company ranks number one in Deloitte's 2006 Technology Fast 50 Program for Maryland, and is one of the Top 50 companies for Deloitte's 2006 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, and life sciences companies in North America. NexTone is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, with domestic and international offices worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.nextone.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]