AVCI Avici Systems Inc. (MM)

Avici Systems (NASDAQ:AVCI), today announced that its Soapstone Networks has successfully completed interoperability testing of the IPsphere Forum (IPSF) �Service Structuring Stratum� or SSS. The IPsphere specification defines a software framework and interface set based on web services standards. IPsphere members-service providers, equipment vendors, and software developers have been working for two years to develop the specification. The SSS permits service providers to commission network, content, and processing elements contributed by other service providers. Soapstone demonstrated the ability to connect transport element abstractions to higher level business frameworks provided by other IPsphere member companies. On May 22, 2007 Soapstone Networks contributed the test harness used to validate interoperability at the Berlin meeting on an open source basis to IPsphere. This allows all IPsphere member companies access to the test harness source code and to contribute their own enhancements. �We believe the successful interoperability testing is an important step in moving the IPsphere specification towards becoming a reference document that can become a service provider contractual requirement. The integration of transport elements with business frameworks such as those being defined by IPsphere is a key aspect of constructing IP services with the same service quality and availability standards of frame relay and ATM networks,� said Larry Dennison CTO of Soapstone Networks. Added Dennison, �We believe that best-effort services are not good enough for enterprises, or even for consumer�s premium content, and these new standards insure that premium services can be created across provider boundaries with full quality monitoring and settlement.� The first phase of IPsphere�s interoperability testing was conducted using a Java-based test harness contributed as open source by Soapstone Networks. Using this harness, Soapstone Networks, TrueBaseline (Pittsburgh, PA), and RedZinc (Dublin, Ireland) tested both the placing and receiving of pan-provider service Element orders. All of the vendors involved reported successful interoperation at the IPSF Berlin meeting held May 8th through 10th. By contributing the test harness under open source, Soapstone expects other IPsphere vendors to build on the contribution. �This test is very critical in the IPsphere process,� said Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corporation, a consultancy based on Voorhees NJ, and member of the IPSF. �Only a standard that can support a variety of implementations that can be guaranteed to interoperate can form the basis of a worldwide community of network, content, and application providers cooperating to serve future user and business needs.� With the completion of this interoperability test, the IPsphere specification takes another step toward being accepted as a requirement in service provider �ITTs� or Invitations to Tender. It is expected that in the future service providers will require vendors bidding on network equipment or software contracts to demonstrate IPsphere compliance as a condition of bidding. To learn more about Soapstone Networks or for contact information please visit: www.soapstonenetworks.com. About Soapstone Networks The Soapstone Networks solution is designed to enable carriers to bring orderly, predictable, business-driven behavior to networks, regardless of vendor or technology. It utilizes an SOA-based modular architecture that provides the agility and nimbleness to target different applications. This release contains information about Avici's future expectations, plans, and prospects, including statements about Avici's new product initiative, Soapstone Networks, that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. When used in this press release, the words "will be" and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Avici's ability to manage the transition of its core router business, the early stage of Soapstone Networks, market acceptance of Avici products, services and enhancements, customer purchasing patterns and commitments, development of the market place, reliance on technology and distribution partners, product development and enhancement, intensity of competition of other vendors, technological changes and other risks set forth in Avici's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.