Bangkok--Dec 3--ECI Telecom
PETAH TIKVA, Israel, and RICHARDSON, Texas - December 2, 2004 - ECI Telecom Ltd. (NASDAQ: ECIL), a global provider of advanced telecommunications
solutions to leading carriers and service providers, and Chiaro Networks, a developer of true carrier infrastructure-class IP/MPLS routing platforms, announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership. As Chiaro's partner, ECI will exclusively distribute Chiaro's Enstara(tm) IP/MPLS platform worldwide and is also taking part in Chiaro's funding.
"As our customers move toward next-generation Ethernet and IP/MPLS-based
networks, ECI is expanding its data capabilities and further complementing its broadband and optical product portfolio by providing innovative, competitive migration solutions," said Doron Inbar, ECI's president and chief executive officer. "Our strategic partnership with Chiaro will further enhance our overall IP competence, enabling ECI to provide important additional elements in response to our customers' needs as they fulfill their own Ethernet/IP network visions. Our decision to partner with Chiaro followed specific indications from several ECI customers on the initial fit and need of Chiaro's Enstara platform in their networks."
Chiaro's ultra high-availability Enstara IP/MPLS platform allows
telecommunications carriers to consolidate multiple existing networks into a
single, simpler network that offers greater operational efficiency, increased scalability and significant cost advantages. Chiaro's innovative technology enables a converged network that supports emerging services by improving the reliability and performance of IP/MPLS networks.
"ECI's reputation for high-quality technology and service, and the company's established relationships with leading carriers worldwide, catapults us
forward in the core IP/MPLS router market," said Ken Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Chiaro Networks. "This strategic partnership provides great assurance for our customers and gives us immediate access to new markets.
In addition to the distribution agreement, ECI is providing $6 million in
financing to Chiaro while also receiving an option to acquire the company at
a later time.
About Chiaro Networks
Chiaro Networks is the provider of the Enstara router, the industry's first highly available infrastructure-class IP/MPLS platform. The company, with
headquarters in Richardson, Texas, has developed the Enstara product portfolio with the goal of solving the "crisis of cost" issues facing service providers today. The Enstara platform enables the seamlessintroduction of new IP/MPLS services while simultaneously reducing capitalexpenditures by more than 60 percent. With strong support from the venturecapital and technology communities, Chiaro has secured funding from leadingcompanies such as Intel Capital, Siemens Ventures, Sevin Rosen Funds,Pitango Venture Capital, CenterPoint Ventures, and STAR Ventures. The company also boasts a Technology Advisory Board that comprises businessleaders and academics from MIT and Stanford University. For more information on the company, visit www.chiaro.com .
About ECI Telecom
ECI provides advanced telecommunications solutions to leading carriers and service providers, worldwide. By translating a deep understanding of its
customers' needs into innovative, technologically excellent solutions, ECI
enables its customers to increase the value of their networks and reduce
operating expenses. ECI's platforms enable carriers and service providers to
introduce new revenue-generating services easily. ECI has pioneered key
technologies including voice compression, SONET/SDH and DSL and has enabled
the establishment of global networks. ECI specializes in metro optical
networks, broadband access, bandwidth management and carrier-class VoIP
solutions.
Certain statements contained in this release may contain forward-looking
information with respect to plans, projections or future performance of the
Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve certain risks
and uncertainties including, but not limited to, product and market
acceptance risks, the impact of competitive pricing, product development,
commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed
in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. End.