CopperCom Acquires Switchmaxx to Ease Customer Transition to Next-Generation Networks

Business Wire, April 10, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Software Company Provides CopperCom Customers with Powerful Web Portal and Applications to Drive Adoption of Revenue-Generating Services and Maximize Consumer Retention

Reinforcing its commitment to independent and competitive telcos, CopperCom, a leader in next-generation switching, today announced the acquisition of the Switchmaxx(TM) division of Phonetics LC. This investment, enabled by the financial strength of parent company, The Heico Companies, LLC, is part of CopperCom's ongoing strategy to provide its customers with powerful functionality to drive the adoption of advanced, revenue-generating services.

The acquisition creates a new CopperCom product line, the Switchmaxx Unified Self-Care(TM) Web portal and applications. When integrated with the CopperCom Converged Switching eXchange (CSX) switch and a customer's legacy equipment, the Switchmaxx solution allows service providers to transition smoothly to next-generation services.

The Switchmaxx solution incorporates leading-edge applications such as Web-enabled voice mail, unified messaging, single-number service, parental controls and more. Significantly, Switchmaxx software provides telcos with a single interface for managing services on both their legacy TDM and next-generation switches, such as the CopperCom CSX. This capability -- unique in the industry -- gives service providers a pragmatic migration path.

With Switchmaxx, CopperCom customers can create a Web "storefront" that makes it easy for their residential and business end-users to order new voice, data and video services, and to manage their accounts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For example, a residential customer could purchase "family conferencing" for the Mother's Day weekend through the portal at any hour of the day or night and have that service ready and available for use in a matter of seconds, without ever speaking to a customer service representative or requiring the attention of the service provider's staff. In addition, the telco can leverage the Web experience as a marketing and promotional channel to its customers.

"This strategic investment furthers CopperCom's commitment to enable our customers to advance their business models with cash-generating capabilities and solid customer retention," said Mike Myers, CEO, CopperCom. "The Switchmaxx solution maps well to the CopperCom CSX in that it is able to very successfully bridge legacy switch platforms with next-generation switch platforms and new IP-based solutions. We're giving our customers a competitive advantage."

The Switchmaxx functionality complements the ability of CopperCom softswitches in enabling Class 5 and Class 4 service providers to seamlessly migrate their networks to revenue-generating, next-generation IP communications. The field-proven CopperCom CSX, which is installed in over 200 locations, supports applications ranging from greenfield deployments to cap-and-replace of legacy systems. The CSX offers advanced VoIP services, legacy voice services and personalized control of features.

"CopperCom's reputation is second to none in the next-generation marketplace," said David Raehpour, CEO, Switchmaxx. "We are very pleased to be a part of the CopperCom team and look forward to continuing to expand CopperCom's leadership in the rural and competitive service provider markets."

CopperCom and Switchmaxx have previously worked together to implement joint solutions at several telephone companies, including SC Telecom. The Switchmaxx solution has already been implemented by over 20 providers throughout the United States.

"Through the use of the Switchmaxx solution, we've been able to more effectively brand our company and our services in the face of heavy competition while increasing customer loyalty and reducing operating expenses," said Steve Davis of SC Telecom. "To have the power of CopperCom combined with Switchmaxx is great news for the market, the industry and for our plans to roll out value-added services."

About CopperCom

CopperCom, Inc. provides innovative, next-generation switching solutions for communications carriers. The company develops and delivers comprehensive solutions for carriers making the challenging transition to next-generation services or deploying leading-edge IP networks. The combination of CopperCom's technology and experienced management team make it the ideal partner for service providers seeking to flourish and expand in a competitive environment.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., CopperCom has been in the communications business for more than two decades. It is a subsidiary of The Heico Companies, an approximately $2.5-billion dollar diversified organization specializing in the management of sector-leading companies. Heico offers the corporate strength, resources and leadership necessary to support CopperCom's growth. Additional information can be found at http://www.coppercom.com.

About Switchmaxx

Switchmaxx provides self-care software and IP applications for the carrier market. Its award-winning, patent pending software powers telco solutions with technology that enables customers to shop, buy, and manage all of their telco services through a simple easy-to-use Web-based solution. Switchmaxx software operates in a telco-grade environment using open Linux technology.