Abatis Introduces the Network Services Contractor, the Industry's First Service Activation System For On-Demand, Pay-As-You-Go IP Services

Business Wire, Sept 7, 1999

VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 1999--

--Abatis NSC communicates via XML/Services,

a new service-definition language--

Abatis Systems Corporation today introduced the Abatis Network Services Contractor (NSC), the industry's first service activation system to automatically configure Internet Protocol (IP)-based network services.

Utilizing XML/Services, a new, open and extensible computing language developed by Abatis, the NSC software solution lets service providers move beyond selling mere bandwidth. Developed as part of the Abatis Business Services Architecture (BSA), the Abatis NSC enables service providers to offer enterprise users a broad portfolio of IP services -- such as IP Virtual Private Networks, e-commerce and software application rental -- on-demand and in a pay-as-you-go fashion.

"The reason businesses consume more voice than data is that they can build voice applications tactically -- by picking up a phone and paying for usage. Data applications have always been capital projects with long lead times and difficult benefit and ROI proof points," said Tom Nolle of CIMI Corporation. "An architecture such as the Abatis BSA that offers data services on the same tactical basis as voice is offered today could revolutionize how businesses use data services. In fact, an architecture of this type is mandatory if the value of electronic commerce is ever to be fully realized."

With the Abatis NSC, service providers can move to a new services model, one analogous to the cable TV model. In this services model, corporate subscribers order service channels such as an 'Extranet channel' or a 'software rental channel' from their service portal, with the same ease and simplicity as ordering a sports channel or a 'pay-per-view' movie. The service portal communicates the order details to the Abatis NSC, utilizing XML/Services. The Abatis NSC then translates these details into service requirements, maps them to the network and automatically configures the network edge devices. The Abatis NSC is the first system to dynamically activate service channels with unique performance, bandwidth and security characteristics.

The Abatis NSC plays a central role in the Directory Enabled Network, virtually linking service portals, application vendors, service providers and the network. By facilitating the emerging wholesaler/ retailer/ consumer model for IP service delivery, the Abatis NSC slashes time to market and expands the base of potential users for advanced services and applications.

"I-Link's priority is providing our customers with reliable, dynamic services over our national Real-Time network. The Abatis NSC enhances our ability to deliver carrier-grade reliability," said Mark Hewitt, vice president of business development for I-Link, Inc. "In addition, XML/Services simplifies third-party application development and therefore accelerates the delivery of new solutions to I-Link's customers."

"Application Service Providers are offering enterprises a new IT service delivery model that reduces enterprise costs and allows businesses to take advantage of applications which were previously out of their reach" said Traver Gruen-Kennedy, director of Advanced Business Development for Citrix Systems Inc. and chairman of the ASP Industry Consortium. "Guaranteed service quality and on-demand subscription promised by the Abatis solution will give enterprises additional confidence in this delivery model and accelerate the growth of the Application Services market."

"With the Abatis NSC, we have delivered the cornerstone of our Business Services Architecture," said John Seminerio, president of Abatis Systems. "With these products, network service providers are now positioned to satisfy the considerable demand for outsourcing both Virtual Private Networks and network-based applications from a single platform."

An open, standards-based system, the Abatis NSC manages IP services end-to-end, across existing multi-vendor networks. The Abatis NSC software runs on Windows NT or Unix platforms and supports carrier-class implementations. List price for the Abatis NSC begins at $100,000 U.S. The Abatis NSC will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2000.

About Abatis

Abatis Systems Corporation is a leading supplier of Consumable IP solutions. Abatis develops and manufactures IP networking solutions that enable service providers to market and distribute advanced services with performance, quality and security guarantees on-demand and in a pay-as-you-go manner. These solutions are based on the Business Services Architecture, designed to let carriers leverage their existing core networks and deploy high-value, IP services. The Abatis solution eliminates cost, complexity and time obstacles from the deployment and management of carrier-scale IP services. Abatis, founded in 1998, is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. For more information about Abatis, visit www.abatis-sys.com.

Abatis Systems, Abatis Network Services Contractor, Consumable IP, XML/Services and the Abatis logo are trademarks of Abatis Systems Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.