IP Infusion, Silicon & Software Systems (S3), and IBM to jointly demonstrate MPLS-VPN capability with readily available hardware and software

IP Infusion’s ZebOS™ routing software, S3's MPLS Application Reference Solution, and IBM’s PowerNP combine to create an MPLS-VPN networking demonstration at Networld+Interop

San Jose, Calif. and Dublin, Ireland, May 3, 2002 – IP Infusion and S3 announced today that they will participate in a demonstration of an MPLS-VPN enabled network at Networld+Interop in Las Vegas on May 7 through 9; also joining in the demonstration will be IBM. The companies' booths will be interconnected via a private network. Real-time video will be sent across this network using VPNs defined by label-switched paths over MPLS.

As the prevalence of MPLS-enabled networks continues to expand, vendors will look to reduce development time for new and follow-on products that implement MPLS. The network processing industry promises to deliver this time-to-market advantage by providing proven hardware, software, and reference designs.

"This demonstration clearly delivers on the promise of network processing. It is now possible to create networks with advanced features like MPLS using standard off-the-shelf products from a variety of vendors," stated Chuck Sannipoli, Vice President and General Manager of the Network Processing Group at IP Infusion.

"We are delighted to have developed this MPLS VPN demonstration with the support of IP Infusion and IBM. The demonstration was developed in our recently established Network Processing Solutions Center and is an excellent example of how S3's customizable application frameworks can be combined with industry leading software and silicon to deliver highly differentiated, Network Processor based solutions. S3's application oriented reference solutions enable network equipment vendors to rapidly and inexpensively prototype and develop NPU enabled network elements - significantly reducing costs and time to market," added Bernard Neeson, S3's VP of Sales & Business Development.

"By working closely with our partners we were able to quickly develop this MPLS demonstration. Networking vendors can now realize the same advantages by leveraging the respective strengths of companies delivering network processing components such as network processors, routing software, and reference boards." said Mike Montgomery, manager of network processing enablement, IBM Microelectronics.

Visit IP Infusion (booth #3413), Silicon and Software Systems (booth #3431) or IBM (booth #3315) while at Networld+Interop to view the MPLS-VPN network demonstration.

About Silicon & Software Systems Ltd. (S3)

Silicon & Software Systems Ltd. (S3) is an established Electronics Design Company. S3 was founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1986 and now employs 400 people in five design centers.

S3 is an established designer of Network Processor based solutions and is an active contributor to the NP Forum (and a founder member of CPIX). S3 combines its customizable application frameworks and systems expertise, with its strong partnerships with Network Processor vendors, Software vendors, ASIC vendors and Foundries to deliver complete solutions.

Over the past 15 years S3 has successfully completed a range of substantial projects in the Communications Infrastructure area for an established base of Semiconductor Companies and Network Equipment Providers. Approximately 50% of clients are U.S. based with the remainder based in Europe. Website: www.s3group.com.

About IBM

IBM Microelectronics is a key contributor to IBM's role as the world's premier information technology supplier. IBM Microelectronics develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, products and services. IBM makes chips for a wide range of devices from the world's most powerful computers to the smallest cell phones. Its superior integrated solutions can be found in many of the world's best-known electronic brands. More information about IBM Microelectronics can be found at: http://www.ibm.com/chips

About IP Infusion

A leading provider of intelligent network software for enhanced IP services, IP Infusion is a developer of networking software that enables platforms, hardware, devices, and media across the Internet to communicate with each other openly and without dependence on specific technologies or platforms. Just as Unix and Windows are central to the PC and server markets, this leading edge software will drive the communication equipment market by providing the intelligence and manageability needed to develop equipment for creating enhanced IP services. IP Infusion was founded in 1999 and has more than 60 employees in its San Jose, Calif. headquarters and elsewhere in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The company has a growing global customer base in the wired and wireless networking markets and has alliances with the primary network processor (NPU) suppliers. IP Infusion is a member of the Network Processing Forum and an active participant in the IETF. For more information about the company and its products call 408/794-1500 or visit www.ipinfusion.com.

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IP Infusion, the IP Infusion logo, and ZebOS are trademarks of IP Infusion Inc. All other brands or product names referenced in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.