Nortel Networks Expands Contract Commitment to GNP WorkServer as CDMA Wireless Base Station Manager

Business Wire, Oct 27, 1998

MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1998--Nortel Networks(a) (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NTL), whose CDMA digital wireless networks are in service or under construction in more than 80 cities around the world, has expanded its commitment to GNP Computers' WorkServer as its CDMA Base Station Manager. This new contract increases Nortel Networks' commitment to purchase approximately $10 million more of GNP hardware through Q1 1999.

The GNP WorkServer is a modular, High Availability, NEBS-compliant, SPARC-based computer platform designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the telecommunications Central Office. Nortel Networks provides the application software enabling GNP's WorkServer to function as the Base Station Manager in Nortel Networks' CDMA wireless systems. The Base Station Manager typically resides in the Central Office and works via the Base Station Controller to monitor the condition of remote wireless base stations.

The WorkServer's Intelligent Maintenance Network performs the remote diagnostic and control function of the Base Station Manager, permitting technicians to investigate and resolve problems at remote base stations from a WorkServer deployed in the Central Office.

Nortel Networks first selected GNP to provide the CDMA Base Station Manager in 1997 and this new contract represents an additional significant commitment to the platform.

"We are customizing the WorkServer product to give it the Nortel Networks look and feel and will deliver the long-term support Nortel Networks customers need to keep their digital wireless networks running continuously," said Roger Baar, president, GNP Computers.

About Nortel Networks

Nortel Networks' common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1997 revenues of US$15.5 billion and Bay Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nortel Networks, had revenues of US$2.4 billion during its most recent fiscal year. The combined company's workforce totals approximately 80,000 employees worldwide.

About GNP Computers

GNP Computers creates computer solutions for global communications. The company designs, manufactures and customizes an open systems computer platform to deliver complete solutions for the telecom network. GNP's High Availability, NEBS-compliant telco servers for the Central Office feature remote power cycling and alarming and enhanced Operations, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAM&P) functionality. GNP also provides custom Rapid Product Realization Services, systems integration and telecom systems engineering to help speed products to market. ISO-9001 certified, GNP is privately held with headquarters in Monrovia, California. More information on GNP Computers is available at www.gnp.com.

GNP Computers, WorkServer and Intelligent Maintenance Network are trademarks of GNP Computers. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners

(a) Nortel Networks is a trademark of Northern Telecom