Tekelec's Secure IP Gateway Improves Migration of Voice Services to Packet-Switched Networks; Joins forces With Cisco to Extend Capabilities of Voice Networks

Business Wire, Feb 23, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2000

Tekelec (Nasdaq: TKLC) today announced it will collaborate with Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) to enhance interoperability between Tekelec's IP7 Secure Gateway(TM) and Cisco products, using the TALI (Transport Adapter Layer Interface) interface. TALI is an SS7 over IP protocol that enables the migration from TDM to packet telephony networks. Together Tekelec's IP Secure Gateway, a carrier-grade signaling gateway, and Cisco's products will help the migration of voice services to packet networks including the provision of signaling system 7 (SS7) over Internet protocol (IP) signaling.

"Our customers are building voice-enabled data networks using open, industry standard protocols and interfaces so they can get to market faster with New World services," commented Ned Hooper, manager, product marketing at Cisco. "Cisco and Tekelec are working together to create those interfaces and bridge the traditional telephony signaling with the data networks."

"Working with partners like Cisco brings tremendous benefit to our customers," commented Mike Margolis, Tekelec's president and CEO. "By supporting an open network architecture, we are able to deliver solutions today that allow our customers to extend the capabilities of their traditional voice networks as they support and deploy the emerging technologies."

The companies' products will interface using the TALI protocol. The TALI specification has been submitted as a contribution to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Once interoperability standards are established, the companies are committed to supporting them industry-wide.

The product combination also facilitates the delivery of intelligent services such as 800, caller ID, and local number portability across the networks.

Tekelec, a leading supplier of signaling and control systems, develops innovative network switching and diagnostic solutions that enable the convergence of traditional and converged wireline, wireless, and IP voice and data communications networks. The company also provides products and solutions for call centers and other telecommunications markets. Tekelec has its headquarters in Calabasas, California, and divisions in Morrisville, North Carolina, and Richardson, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.tekelec.com.

The Tekelec logo is a registered trademark of Tekelec. IP7 Secure Gateway is a trademark of Tekelec.