Verizon Tests Nortel's IMS

TORONTO -- Verizon is testing an IMS solution from Nortel (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT), as part of Verizon's ongoing plans to evaluate IMS technologies.

The lab evaluation is being conducted in Verizon's Laboratories in Waltham, Massachusetts, where Verizon engineers have spent more than a decade researching and testing packet switching. This testing will allow Nortel's IMS solution to demonstrate full interoperability in a multi-vendor environment and full support for voice services over fiber to the premise (FTTP).

Nortel is Verizon's largest softswitch vendor, with multiple solutions deployed across the country. Nortel's Communication Server (CS) 2000 is part of the backbone of Verizon's nationwide packet network. These softswitches control more than 3.8 million packet trunk and line ports, with the capacity to deliver several million more. VoIP is being introduced into the local service network as well, potentially allowing Verizon to provide customers with network-based services that dramatically increase functionality, mobility and productivity.

"Verizon, which has been using Nortel's softswitch since 2001, is now beginning its evaluation of IMS compliant solutions in order to converge voice, video and multimedia services using globally standardized protocols and architecture. We are looking for open, standards-based solutions that will support rapid development of new innovative services to increase customer retention and attract new subscribers," said Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Verizon.

IMS is a standards-based architecture designed to allow service providers and operators to provide a broad range of SIP-based services across packet or switched networks to any customers, fixed or wireless. Nortel's IMS solution utilizes a new Call Session Controller and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) while leveraging the installed softswitch base for gateway control and voice applications. This gives service providers and operators a secure migration path to a cost-effective, all-IP network to develop, integrate and roll out new, enriched personalized services.

"Nortel has always focused on protecting customers' investment, and our path to IMS is no different. We know precisely what this emerging market needs. Our IMS solution leverages more than five years of internal R&D investment in SIP, and the significant experience we have gained through deploying our SIP-based Multimedia Communications Server (MCS) 5200 in more than 40 service provider networks," said Alan Stoddard, general manager, Carrier Multimedia Networks, Nortel. "We have designed our VoIP systems to easily transition to IMS, and all of our call servers provide IP Multimedia and SIP Call Session Control."

Verizon Communications Inc.

Nortel Networks Ltd.