Chiaro Enstara Platform Deployed at Tiscali International Network; Next-Generation Enstara Core IP/MPLS Router Provides Exceptional High-Availability Capabilities, Helps Curb Carrier Network Costs

Business Wire, June 1, 2005

RICHARDSON, Texas -- Chiaro Networks, developer of true infrastructure-class IP/MPLS routing platforms, announced today that Tiscali International Network, the carrier arm of Tiscali S.p.A., has deployed the highly available, next-generation Enstara(R) core-router platform as part of an upgrade to its international IP/MPLS backbone.

The Tiscali deployment represents the first Enstara customer win since ECI Telecom, a global provider of advanced telecommunications solutions, became the exclusive worldwide distributor of the innovative router platform.

"ECI's strong sales channels and contacts plus Enstara's innovative technology were the winning combination that clinched the sale," said Ken Lewis, Chiaro's chief executive officer.

"Tiscali and other carriers are facing enormous pressure to deliver 99.999% availability, the flexibility to support more services and increasingly complex services, and advanced features such as L2/L3 virtual private network functionality. Chiaro and ECI look forward to delivering on these promises in Tiscali's network," he said.

Enstara Platform Supports Tiscali's Expansion to Next-Generation Network

The Tiscali International Network (TINet) interconnects 15 European countries and the USA in a Tier-1 IP/MPLS network. In late 2003, TINet began soliciting proposals for its plan to expand the network and to move to next-generation core technology. Requirements for new core router technologies included the ability to support 10 Gbit/sec interfaces today and the ability to scale beyond this level in the future; high availability, able to perform in-service upgrades; interoperability with existing equipment and network management tools; IPv6 support; and virtual or logical routers.

Tiscali International Network evaluated vendors for its network backbone through extensive laboratory and production-network validation, including interoperability of routing protocols in a multi-vendor network, before choosing the Enstara platform. The Enstara platform offers industry-leading high availability, proven multi-chassis architecture and ability to scale to support new services and network growth.

Due to rapid traffic growth across the TINet footprint, the need for 10Gbit/sec was a deciding factor behind TINet's upgrade plans in 2003. The Enstara systems installed in Amsterdam were an extension to TINet's existing 10G Core touching other major EU and US cities. The installation went smoothly, overseen by support teams from both Chiaro and ECI Telecom, and the two Enstara system are now up and running and carrying live traffic.

About the Enstara Platform

The highly available Chiaro Enstara IP/MPLS router defines infrastructure-class with the ultra reliability, versatility and product longevity required to consolidate telecommunications carriers' networks. Integrating a number of Chiaro technological breakthroughs -- and applying expertise in the fields of networking, supercomputing and telecommunications -- the intelligent, carefully architected Enstara platform is the first to meld aspects of all these disciplines. As a result, it leads to no less than the transformation of IP/MPLS networks.

About Tiscali International Network

Tiscali International Network is a subsidiary of Tiscali S.p.A. (Nuovo Mercato, Milan: TIS, Nouveau Marche, Paris: 005773), delivering leading IP Transit, Remote Peering, clear channel and Voice services to the wholesale market of Carriers and xSPs in Europe and the USA. Tiscali International Network's state-of-the-art backbone is based on 15.000 km of long distance fibre and covers 15 countries in Europe plus the USA. Tiscali tier-1 IP/MPLS network, running over our 10 Gbps DWDM network in Europe, is one of the most extended networks and largest European AS number. Tiscali International Network employs 85 people and has been consistently achieving its financial objectives for the last four years, demonstrating the value of its unique business model in a troubled industry like the wholesale carriers arena. Tiscali's AS3257 was twice ranked best performing Autonomous System in Europe. News and information are available at www.tiscali.net.

About Chiaro Networks

Chiaro Networks is the provider of the Enstara(R) router, the industry's first highly available infrastructure-class IP/MPLS platform. Chiaro has recently signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement for the Enstara platform with ECI Telecom (NASDAQ:ECIL), a global provider of advanced telecommunications solutions to leading carriers and service providers. With strong support from the venture capitalist and technology communities, Chiaro has secured funding from backers such as Intel Capital, Siemens Ventures, CenterPoint Ventures, InterWest Partners, Pitango Venture Capital, Rho Management, Sevin Rosen Funds and STAR Ventures. The company also boasts a Technology Advisory Board that comprises business leaders and academics from MIT and Stanford University. For more information on the company, visit www.chiaro.com.

Chiaro Networks and Enstara are registered trademarks of Chiaro Networks. Chiaro Networks disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.