Telco Systems debuts customer technology centers; Leading telecommunications equipment firm also announces customer advisory board

Business Wire, August 21, 1996

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 1996--Telco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELC) announced two key initiatives today intended to help it meet the demands of the rapidly changing telecommunications marketplace by bringing the company another step closer to its customers. Telco Systems announced the opening of two Customer Technology Centers at its facilities in Norwood, Massachusetts, and Fremont, California, which will provide a showcase for customers and investors to see and interact with the company's complete line of integrated access solutions.

Each of the two customer technology centers offers hands-on experience with the company's entire product line, including the highly successful Access60 network access server and HyperSPAN multiplexer. Customers will be able to simulate applications they would experience in the field, ensuring the selection of the right equipment for each application. The centers will also serve as educational facilities, helping customers and investors to fully understand the capabilities of various technologies and products.

Interest in the customer technology centers has been particularly strong among Telco Systems customers, which include many of the biggest names in the telephony and data services industries. "We are well aware that our continued success depends upon getting closer to customers, listening to their needs and responding more quickly to their demands," said Will Smith, Telco Systems' chief executive officer. "The customer technology centers offer one more way for us to accomplish that."

Telco Systems plays TAG with customers

The company today also announced the formation of the Telco Systems Advisory Group (TAG), giving customers a partnership role in developing and enhancing the company's products. The formation of the Telco Systems Advisory Group initiates a new, significant step forward in cooperation between supplier and end user. Initially consisting of representatives from eight key customers in the utilities industry, TAG members will meet quarterly to offer input and discuss the strategic direction of products. "Users are a divining rod in identifying critical product capabilities. We look forward to this new partnership with our customers, which will benefit all users of our products," Smith added. "The Telco Systems Advisory Group, together with our new customer technology centers, demonstrate Telco Systems' commitment and persistence in getting closer to customers, and making them a key part of the team."

About Telco Systems, Inc.

Telco Systems' integrated access solutions -- that live at the network edge -- provide organizations with a flexible, cost-effective means of transmitting voice, data, video and image traffic over public and private networks. These products are used in a wide variety of applications by network service providers, such as interexchange carriers, local exchange carriers and government agencies in the US, and by PTTs and corporations around the world. -0-

EDITORS NOTE: If you are interested in visiting our Technology Centers, please contact Ellen Pensky at (510) 624-5677 or e-mail at epensky@nad.telco.com. Access60 is a registered trademark and HyperSPAN is a trademark of Telco Systems, Inc. Telco Systems World Wide Web address is http://www.telco.com.

CONTACT: Ellen Pensky Lisa Spellman

Telco Systems, Inc. Copithorne & Bellows

510-624-5677 617-450-4300