Filed by Occam Networks Inc.
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Accelerated Networks, Inc.
Commission File No. 000-30741
Occam Networks' New Broadband Loop Carrier System Delivers a Turnkey Ethernet
and IP-Based Loop Carrier Solution Including Remote Terminal, Central Office
Terminal, and Cabinets
System Delivers SONET-like Reliability over Ethernet and a Significant Reduction
in CapEx
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Feb. 12, 2002 - Occam Networks Inc. today
introduced the second generation of its Broadband Loop Carrier System (BLC), a
complete loop carrier solution that delivers ADSL and lifeline POTS services
from a single, converged access network. The new system includes: the BLC 1200
Remote Terminal (RT), which integrates the functionality of a DLC, DSLAM, media
gateway and copper/telephone line tester; the BLC 1240 Central Office Terminal
(COT); and cabinets for outside plant deployment. Occam also announced support
for integrated optical loop transport through Ethernet Protection Switching
(EPS), an Occam-developed, standards-based technology that provides Ethernet
transport with SONET-like reliability.
"With today's tight capital budgets, carriers require the flexibility to
deploy new services on an "as-needed" basis - in a way that will allow them to
gauge subscriber interest before investing large sums of money to rebuild their
access networks," said Russ Sharer, vice president of marketing and sales for
Occam. "Because of its small size and low cost, carriers can deploy the Occam
BLC System to trial new broadband services with minimal capital outlay. The BLC
System provides excellent flexibility in deploying new services without the
operating costs associated with today's TDM-based access networks."
An End-to-End Packet Access Network
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Occam Networks Introduces Complete Broadband Loop Carrier System
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The Occam BLC System is a complete system that creates a broadband access
network using IP over 10/100 Ethernet or T1. This network delivers a variety of
services, from traditional TDM POTS to broadband data at rates up to 8 Mbps over
copper, and can be deployed in stages while providing an operational cost
savings of 35 to 50 percent over TDM-based, next-generation DLCs. More
important, the BLC extends the optical network to the remote terminal,
delivering increased bandwidth that allows the network to scale as users and
traffic require.
The BLC System is softswitch-ready, enabling a carrier to evolve in phases
from its existing TDM access network to a new, packet-based access network. The
BLC 1240 central office terminal uses TR-08 or GR-303 to integrate with a
carrier's current Class 5 switch architecture, and includes MGCP signaling to
enable a carrier to move seamlessly to a softswitch architecture.
The BLC System supports an integrated 10/100 Ethernet optical transport
network with SONET-like reliability. The system provides "five nines"
availability and carrier-class network resiliency through Ethernet Protection
Switching, an Occam-developed technology. EPS automatically pre-configures
primary and alternate transport paths, switching to alternate paths on link or
node failures. When a failure occurs, EPS automatically switches traffic to a
"live" link in less than 50 msec, guaranteeing support for delay-sensitive
services like voice and video. Unlike other technologies, EPS uses the standard
Ethernet 802.3 MAC protocol, eliminating silicon changes.
"Occam continues to deliver on its vision of an all-packet access network
with this new BLC system," said Kevin Mitchell, directing analyst with
Infonetics. "The end-to-end system enables Occam to control both sides of the
broadband connection, creating a true broadband access network that offers
carriers the cost benefits and flexibility of Ethernet and IP. With Ethernet
Protection Switching they have solved one of the main problems slowing
Ethernet's acceptance in the industry -- robustness and resilience."
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Occam Networks Introduces Broadband Loop Carrier System
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BLC System Components
The Occam BLC 1200 RT is a 24-port access platform that terminates and
aggregates ADSL and POTS services in a single unit. It includes four T1/E1 and
four 10/100 Ethernet interfaces and supports both MGCP and TR-08 protocols. Up
to eight BLC 1200s can be stacked to deliver growth in 24-line increments. A
compact (1.75"), environmentally hardened loop carrier, the BLC 1200 RT can be
deployed in existing DLC remote cabinets or in an Occam remote cabinet. Once the
BLC 1200 RT is installed, the operator can deliver ADSL services from the remote
terminal without a truck roll.
The Occam BLC 1240 COT is the industry's first scalable MGCP voice gateway.
A single BLC 1240 supports 96 simultaneous calls and multiple BLC 1200 RTs, and
can be stacked to deliver additional growth in 96-line increments. It provides
central office termination of local loop voice and data traffic and interfaces
with Class 5 switches through a TR-08 interface or a GR-303 gateway, and to
metropolitan data networks through 10/100 Ethernet connections. The BLC 1240 COT
also features an MGCP call agent.
The Occam BLC System also includes a complete line of robust remote
cabinets with the power and heat handling capacity for high customer take-rates
of broadband services. Carriers can now build an outside plant with the ability
to deliver new data and video services to a majority of their customers.
Pricing and Availability
List price of the BLC 1200 RT is $9,600, and list price for the BLC 1240
COT is $7,700. Cabinet and systems pricing will vary according to configuration.
The BLC System is currently in trials and will be commercially available in Q2
2002.
About Occam Networks
Occam Networks Inc. develops and markets a suite of Broadband Loop
Carriers, innovative Ethernet- and IP-based loop carrier platforms that enable
incumbent local exchange carriers to profitably deliver a variety of traditional
and packet voice, broadband and IP services from a single, converged all-
Occam Networks Introduces Complete Broadband Loop Carrier System
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packet access network. In November 2001, Occam Networks announced that it had
signed a definitive merger agreement with Accelerated Networks. The merger is
expected to close in the first quarter 2002, subject to the satisfaction of
certain customary closing conditions, including the approval of the stockholders
of both companies. Occam is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Additional
information about the company can be found at www.occamnetworks.com.
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Accelerated Networks has filed a Registration Statement on SEC Form S-4 in
connection with the merger. The Registration Statement and the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement filed with the S-4 contain important information about Occam. Free
copies of these documents are available through the Web site maintained by the
SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
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Product Safe Harbor
Except for historical information contained in this press release, the
foregoing contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Rapidly changing technologies and market conditions may require
changes to our products. Actual results may differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and
uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the timely and
successful development, and market acceptance of Occam's new products and
features.
Contact:
Daphne Page Derek Fay
Director, Corporate Communications ConnectPR
Occam Networks, Inc. +1 801 373 7888
+1 805 692 2919 direct derekf@connectpr.com
dpage@occamnetworks.com
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