SDN Communications Selects Ai Metrix NeuralStar to Manage Multi-State Optical Network; Ai Metrix Will Provide Integrated Network Inventory System

Business Wire, June 4, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUPERCOMM 2002

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2002

Ai Metrix, Inc., the technology leader in comprehensive service management software, and SDN Communications, a private company held by several independent South Dakota telephone companies, announced today that SDN Communications will deploy NeuralStar(R) to help provide advanced voice, data, and video services to affiliated companies over the member-owned fiber optic network.

"Selecting Ai Metrix NeuralStar allows us to meet our long-term, strategic business plan that includes providing advanced services over a multi-vendor, multi-domain optical network," said Brad Whitsell, director of corporate operations for SDN Communications. "We chose Ai Metrix NeuralStar after an extensive evaluation of all premier OSS vendors. We found that only the NeuralStar suite provided all the solutions we need to inventory, provision, monitor, and manage our highly diverse networks."

Ai Metrix will deliver an integrated network inventory resource management system, over SDN Communication's 5,000 mile multi-state network, to perform auto-discovery and ongoing inventory reconciliation, as well as provide the foundation for future-phase automated service fulfillment and assurance.

"We are delighted that SDN Communications has selected our NeuralStar product suite," said Rick Hanna, chief executive officer for Ai Metrix. "This deployment validates NeuralStar's cutting edge technology in providing integrated solutions for our customers."

SDN Communications is a leading provider of diverse network solutions to multi-location business and wholesale carrier clients in the upper Midwest with a product portfolio that includes; ATM, Frame Relay, Private Line, IXC Switching, and Internet services. SDN Communications will leverage NeuralStar's suite of OSS applications that support optical to enhance the delivery, management, maintenance, and growth of its wholesale and retail business models.

For a live NeuralStar demonstration, visit Ai Metrix in booth # 20646, Hall B during SUPERCOMM 2002 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

About SDN Communications

SDN is a business-to-business company incorporated in 1989 by a group of South Dakota's independent telephone companies. Their initial goal was to provide their customers Centralized Equal Access Services (CEAS), giving them greater choice in long distance carriers. SDN is still member-owned by a majority of South Dakota's independent telecommunications companies and offers voice, data and video transport services over its 100% fiber optic network.

The SDN Communications network includes 5,000 miles of fiber optic cable in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, and our partnerships with other network providers to give its customers "on net" access to 34 states. For more information, visit www.sdncommunications.com.

About Ai Metrix, Inc.

Founded in 1996, Ai Metrix, Inc., is the technology leader in comprehensive service management software. The NeuralStar application suite offers integrated, scalable solutions for inventory management, service assurance, and service activation for next-generation broadband networks. NeuralStar enables broadband service providers to economically manage networks, recognize revenue quickly, and adapt to emerging technologies and market requirements, while reducing operating costs. NeuralStar is deployed in some of the most complex mission-critical environments in the world. Major customers include the United States Department of Defense, Broadwing, Inc., and Comcast Business Communications.

Ai Metrix, Inc., is a Sun Microsystems, Inc. Developer, an Oracle Partner, and a member of the Cisco Service Provider Solutions Ecosystem. Ai Metrix is also a member of the Microsoft Telecommunications Alliance and OSS Working Group.

Ai Metrix, Inc. is a privately held corporation backed by premier venture capital firms General Atlantic Partners, LLC and Spectrum Equity Investors. Corporate headquarters are in Herndon Virginia, with offices in California, Texas, and Illinois. For more information, visit www.aimetrix.com.