GENBAND Enhances Network Transformation Portfolio with Acquisition of Aztek Networks
Acquired gateway technology provides carriers IP replacement options for legacy line access equipment, protects revenue associated with essential network services
Frisco, Texas, April 3, 2012 — GENBAND, a leading developer of IP infrastructure and application solutions, today announced it has strengthened its family of Network Transformation solutions with the acquisition of Aztek Networks, a leading supplier of switch consolidation and network migration solutions. The line access technology acquired from Aztek further enhances GENBAND’s market-leading Network Transformation offering by enabling operators to eliminate legacy TDM sites, consolidate and modernize their core network and realize significant savings in capital and operating expenses.
By acquiring Aztek Networks, GENBAND gains the Aztek 5000-series, which will be supported and marketed under the GENBAND G5™ platform brand. The G5 Line Access Gateway, formerly the Aztek 5000LF, plays an important role in GENBAND’s Network Transformation offering, providing a cost-effective solution for service providers looking to replace legacy line access equipment as they modernize their TDM core networks to IP.
“The Aztek acquisition strategically enhances our network transformation capabilities with both innovative technology and talent,” said Charlie Vogt, President and Chief Executive Officer of GENBAND. “We welcome Aztek customers, employees and solutions to the GENBAND family and look forward to offering the G5 platform, which is fully integrated into our network transformation portfolio. With this acquisition, GENBAND is uniquely positioned to offer our customers a true end-to-end network transformation solution – from the edge all the way to the core.”
“In addition to assisting operators in realizing the benefits of switching consolidation and repurposing of precious Central Office space, an efficient network transformation offering must also ensure services are delivered without disruption,” said Stu Elby, Vice President of Network Architecture and Technology, Verizon. “GENBAND’s ability to meet our network transformation needs are strengthened through the integration of Aztek’s technology.”
As TDM networks reach the end of their design lifetime, operators are faced with the challenge of affordably supporting and transitioning legacy infrastructure to IP infrastructure without disrupting services to their end customers. By closing the acquisition of Aztek Networks, GENBAND enhances its TDM to IP Network Transformation capabilities particularly in the ‘last mile’ of the network. As carriers choose to replace the line access equipment and line cards driving their existing legacy equipment and copper facilities, the G5 Line Access Gateway addresses these unique challenges and allows for the modernization of access equipment of any TDM network type on the operator’s timeline.
“Few companies have more depth in IP Network Transformation than GENBAND,” said Steven M. Bruny, CEO of Aztek Networks. “We are thrilled to join the company and complement GENBAND’s team dedicated to network evolution. GENBAND’s global scale and professional services capabilities along with its comprehensive and complementary IP switching, applications and networking solutions, uniquely position the company well for the future of the industry.”
The G5 Line Access Gateway is distinguished in its ability to drive long copper loops that are characteristic in existing Carrier network infrastructure today, providing carrier grade reliability and low power consumption. As part of the GENBAND Network Transformation solution, the G5 interworks with the transformed IP core to support advanced IP services (including Multimedia, Unified Communications, Dynamic Routing and Mobility) and critical functionalities including Emergency Stand Alone (ESA) services, 911, fault reporting and alarms, as well as Trunking and DLC aggregation capabilities.
Aztek Networks is privately held and backed by a number of notable VC investors, including Verizon Investments LLC as arranged by Verizon Ventures. The Company was founded in 1982 as Aztek Engineering and is based in Boulder, Colo. Aztek Networks’ 25-year heritage as Aztek Engineering brought patented ESA switch and migration products to the telecommunications industry. The acquisition, which closed today, includes all of the company’s assets and entire portfolio.
About GENBAND
GENBAND is a global leader of IP infrastructure solutions, enabling enterprise, service and content providers around the world to evolve communications networks through IP innovation. The Company offers market-leading Switching, Applications, Networking and Service solutions, with products deployed in over 600 customer networks spanning more than 80 countries. GENBAND is headquartered in Frisco, and has vast resources in R&D, sales and support spanning more than 50 countries. To learn more, on the web at www.genband.com.
