BayPackets Leverages RealNetworks Media Delivery to Offer Multimedia Ringback Tones; BayPackets to Bring Additional IMS-Compliant Streaming Media Solutions to Market as Part of Multimedia Initiative

Business Wire, Nov 7, 2005

FREMONT, Calif. -- BayPackets, Inc., a leader in providing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) compliant multi-network voice and data solutions for wireless, wireline and cable operators, today announced Agility Multimedia Ringback Tone, an IMS-compliant streaming media solution for wireless carriers, wireline carriers and multiple system cable operators (MSOs). BayPackets' Multimedia Ringback Tone application enables callers to replace the typical "ring" or busy sound callers hear when they dial that user's number with recorded music, sound or video clips.

"The success of ringtones in the U.S. and ringback tones in Asia and India have proven that subscribers are willing to pay for personalized content over their wireless phones," said Linda Barrabee, Senior Analyst at The Yankee Group's Wireless Mobile US research unit. "With improvements in handsets as well as in third-generation (3G) cell phone networks, service providers are keenly interested in offering richer audio and video content to drive revenue growth. Ringback tones are a logical next step in this endeavor."

In 2003, ring tone revenue topped $2.3 billion worldwide, according to telecom consultancy Ovum. According to Ovum, the worldwide market for "ring backs" is projected to grown from US$148 million in 2003 to US$2.4 billion by 2008. Callers can hear ringback tones regardless of a phone's make or model, or whether the call is placed from a mobile or landline number. Callers with a 3G phone will be able to receive personalized video clips, in addition to song clips, sound effects, film dialog, or personalized messages.

Personalizing Communications

BayPackets' Agility Multimedia Ringback Tone application is built on the company's IMS-compliant Agility SIP Application Server (SAS) and RealNetworks' Helix(TM) server, and will be offered as an enhancement to BayPackets' Agility Personal Communications Manager (PCM) product. PCM is a network-based solution that enables service providers to deliver real-time call routing and call management functions. Subscribers can utilize the application's call manager functionality to customize ringback tones for incoming calls, having different audio or video clips play for different callers based on the Caller ID, Group List or time of day. The Multimedia Ringback Tone service is the first of many multimedia applications BayPackets intends to develop using RealNetworks' Helix platform.

"A caller can personalize his ringback choices by playing, for example, a love song for his spouse and a cartoon clip for his child, all the while generating significant revenue for carriers," said Ken Epps, CEO of BayPackets. "The integration of RealNetworks' streaming infrastructure with BayPackets' service layer solution enables carriers to quickly and affordably create and deploy ringback tones and any number of revenue-generating, high-bandwidth multimedia services for subscribers. We look forward to bringing many such services to market in the coming months and years."

"The combination of BayPackets' service layer expertise and RealNetworks' experience in media delivery technology provides a compelling solution for mobile operators looking to offer subscribers the next generation of services," said Bill Joll, vice president of marketing, Carrier Solutions at RealNetworks. "Our Helix server provides a tested solution for delivering streaming media -- both audio and video files -- across both mobile and broadband networks."

A Proven Infrastructure

BayPackets' Agility SIP Application Server (SAS) conforms to the 3GPP IMS standard and includes a complete Element Management System and Service Management System. Backed by RealNetworks' powerful server software for streaming media files across the Internet or mobile networks, BayPackets' Agility SAS can deliver content-rich multimedia ringback tones from within a proven, extensible platform.

The Helix Universal Server -- Mobile, Helix Universal Gateway -- Mobile, and Helix Service Delivery Suite (Helix SDS) are robust media delivery and management products optimized for deployment in mobile networks and are part of the Helix Media Delivery System. Components of the Helix Media Delivery System are currently deployed by more than 70 mobile carriers in over 40 countries around the globe.

BayPackets' Multimedia Ringback Tone service, as well as its recently introduced Videomail application, will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005.

About BayPackets' Solutions

BayPackets' Agility SIP Application Server, together with its Agility Network Services Platform and Agility Parlay/OSA Gateway, are IMS-compliant service delivery platforms that enable operators to rapidly generate new revenues and better retain customers through highly differentiated services and service bundles. These carrier-grade service delivery platforms seamlessly operate on circuit-switched, packet-based or converged networks. In addition to applications such as Prepaid, Unified Messaging, Voice VPN, Advanced Toll Free and Advanced Call Center, BayPackets provides a complete Software Development Kit (SDK) with tools and resources to quickly build new services. The creation, deployment, and management of applications and their service logic are decoupled from the underlying network, enabling operators to deliver and administer multiple services on the same platform, all from a single point in their network.