Press Release

Mitel Networks and Data Connection partner to deliver businesses enhanced functionality and interoperability

Mitel Networks to use Data Connection SIP protocol stacks for a portfolio of next-generation open standards-based products and solutions

London, UK, April 25, 2002. Data Connection Limited today announced that Ottawa, Canada-based Mitel Networks is partnering with Data Connection to deliver Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based communications solutions. Building on a commitment to open standards, Mitel Networks will use Data Connection protocol stacks in delivering a full portfolio of SIP-based platforms, desktop appliances and peripherals. Mitel Networks will also employ Data Connection technology in further research and development activities on Megaco/H.248. The prospect of standards-based solutions presents a huge opportunity for enterprises and technology vendors alike. Through technologies like SIP, businesses can use multiple vendors' products to build customized solutions that better address their individual needs.

"The prospect of increased choice and flexibility gives open standards like SIP a tremendously appealing value proposition to end-users," said Simon Gwatkin, Vice President, Marketing, Mitel Networks. "We are pleased to partner with a technology leader like Data Connection as their high quality of software and support help us to deliver increased value to the end user, through solutions that provide true interoperability."

SIP is a powerful enabler of ubiquitous multimedia services delivery on IP networks. This has been reinforced by recent announcements that it is supported natively in Microsoft's Windows XP platform, and that it has been chosen as the core protocol for AOL's instant messaging service. This momentum in the marketplace is expected to stimulate strong growth and demand for SIP-enabled desktop devices. Mitel Networks currently delivers a full suite of IP communications platforms that address the diverse needs of business from the small office to the large corporate enterprise. These offerings are augmented through the broadest range of IP desktop appliances and peripherals in the industry.

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with an industry leader in IP communications like Mitel Networks," said Matthew Finlayson, General Manager, Voice Networking Group, Data Connection. "Vendors like Mitel Networks, that are developing standards-based solutions today, are poised to lead the way in delivering the next generation of multimedia communications solutions."

About Data Connection Limited

Data Connection Limited (DCL) is the leading independent developer and supplier of IP Routing, MPLS, ATM, SIP, MGCP/Megaco, SCTP, Conferencing, Unified Messaging, Directory and SNA portable products. Customers include CIENA, Cisco, Corvis, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, IBM Corp., Lucent, Microsoft, Nortel Networks, SGI, Siemens and Sun. Data Connection is headquartered in London UK, with US offices in Reston, VA and Alameda, CA.

It was founded in 1981 and is privately held. During each of the past 20 years its profits have exceeded 20% of revenue. Last year sales exceeded $35M, of which 90% were outside the UK, mostly in the US. In 1999 the company received its second Queen's Award for outstanding export performance. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.dataconnection.com.

About Mitel Networks

Mitel Networks is a market-leader for voice, video, and data convergence over broadband networks. With a focus on the user experience, the company delivers advanced communications solutions that are easily customized for individual business needs. Through intuitive desktop appliances and applications, businesses are provided with innovative ways to manage information and resources. Vertical markets benefit from integrated solutions that protect existing investments while enabling new ways to be more cost effective and productive. With over 30 years of expertise, the company is delivering a new, more simplified form of convergence, with clear benefits to the end user. Mitel Networks is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices, partners, and resellers worldwide. For more information please visit www.mitel.com.

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