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[September 23, 2003] Telica Unveils Plexus Unified Service Architecture Telica, Inc., a provider of intelligent voice switching solutions, today unveiled its new Plexus Unified Service Architecture, or PLUS. Building on Telica's proven Plexus 9000 platform deployed with many major carriers today, Telica's PLUS architecture is a second-generation, carrier-grade softswitch solution that provides unprecedented scalability, reliability, and deployment flexibility to service providers along with a rich mix of legacy TDM, next-generation packet, Class 4, Class 5, wireline and wireless services.The PLUS architecture includes the Plexus Media Gateway, Media Gateway Controller and Signaling Gateway as well as the PlexView Management Suite. Service providers worldwide can deploy any combination of these open, flexible telecom platforms using either integrated or distributed configurations. The architecture enables the carrier to deliver value-added, high-revenue services while enhancing network efficiencies and reducing costs. The PLUS architecture is intended to meet the requirements of the next wave of packet network buildout. Carriers today are starting to embark on major voice over packet deployments across the entire telecom infrastructure, and they need a softswitch that can handle the resulting onslaught of packet-based traffic. While first-generation softswitches barely attained the call processing power of a single traditional tandem switch, second-generation switches must be scalable enough to process an increasing number of packets and signaling messages. The purpose-built, open standard PLUS second-generation architecture is intended to meet and surpass these demands. The PLUS architecture scales by adding Telica's state-of-the-art Compute Modules to the Media Gateway Controller. Each Compute Module delivers processing power that is equivalent to an entire first-generation softswitch platform. On a single PLUS second-generation softswitch, carriers can now support up to 7.5 million calls per hour, the equivalent of five to 10 legacy switches. Because PLUS delivers this unparalleled calling capability in one single box, carriers no longer have to deploy and manage stacks of servers, Ethernet switches, and the myriad of associated cables and power connections. Finally, the PLUS platform is purpose-built by Telica for demanding telecom applications, and delivers the same six nines availability offered by the field-proven Plexus 9000. The PLUS architecture incorporates standardized protocols and open interfaces to easily connect with other network elements, including third-party media gateways, feature servers, media servers, signal control points, and customer premises equipment such as IP IADs and SIP phones. The PLUS solution is designed to interoperate with other softswitches provided by other suppliers via either SIP-T or BICC protocols. Our PLUS architecture raises the bar for existing softswitches by delivering the first softswitch that actually meets the scalability and flexibility requirements of both large-scale and smaller-sized carriers, said John St. Amand, president of Telica. Our customers tell us that no other softswitch on the market today offers the range of options that PLUS gives them. We have worked closely with our large installed base to understand their needs for scaling packet-based voice networks. The PLUS solution will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. Telica is using the Plexus 9000, field-proven in network deployments by more than 50 service providers, as the foundation for all elements of the PLUS architecture, thus easing the migration to PLUS - which could be as simple as a software upgrade - for Telica customers. |