Fujitsu Software Corp.

Fujitsu FLASHWAVE® 4010 Access Device Awarded “RUS Technical Acceptance” & “Buy American” Status

Certification from USDA Rural Utilities Service allows government funding to subsidize next-generation optical access networks

Richardson, TX, February 17, 2004 — Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., a leading supplier of IT and networking solutions, today announced that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) branch of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted “RUS Technical Acceptance” and “Buy American” status upon the Fujitsu FLASHWAVE® 4010 remote SONET access device. By conferring this status upon the FLASHWAVE 4010 device, the capital expenditure required by rural service providers to build next-generation optical access networks has been significantly reduced. The small size, low cost and operational simplicity of the FLASHWAVE 4010 device enables carriers to easily extend optically delivered HiCap (DS1 or DS3) services to more customers at a lower initial capital and operational cost than they ever could in the past, and still receive all the benefits of SONET.

The RUS provides independent and rural utilities and telecommunications service providers with low-interest financing to assist them in the purchase of new equipment. The financing serves to keep costs down, which can then be passed to consumers, as well as foster competition with services offered by larger regional and national carriers. In 2003, the USDA committed to providing $1.4 billion for loans to enhance rural telecommunications services.

With this award, the FLASHWAVE 4010 remote SONET extension device joins the FLASHWAVE 4100 optical access device and the FLASHWAVE 4300 Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP) on the RUS list of domestic materials that qualify for federal financial assistance through low-interest RUS loans. The FLASHWAVE 4300 platform was granted “RUS Technical Acceptance” status in September 2001 and “Buy American” status in September 2003. The FLASHWAVE 4100 platform earned both distinctions in June 2002. Manufacturing and final assembly of all three products is performed in Richardson, Texas.

“This latest award by the USDA demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping rural telephone and utility companies build reliable, flexible and cost-effective networks,” said George Chase, group president and COO for Fujitsu Network Communications. “The broad acceptance of the FLASHWAVE 4010 device by major carriers proves that the market demands a small and simple SONET optical access device that can easily extend DS1 or DS3 services to customers at a low initial capital and operational cost. RUS certification of our FLASHWAVE 4000 products make it possible for all carriers, regardless of their size, to build advanced access networks with the proven reliability of SONET while conserving capital and expense dollars.”

The FLASHWAVE 4010 platform is available in four configurations with all combinations of unprotected or 1+1/UPSR protected OC-3 network interfaces and seven DS1 or three DS3 service interfaces.  The device is fully interoperable with other standards-based SONET equipment.  When connected to other products in the popular FLASHWAVE 4000 MSPP series, the FLASHWAVE 4010 device will automatically execute all provisioning steps to turn up DS1 and DS3 services, setting a new standard for rapid service delivery.

Recently announced enhancements include Unidirectional Path Switched Ring (UPSR) support for increased network survivability and the addition of temperature hardening capabilities to allow the FLASHWAVE 4010 device to operate in temperatures from -40 to 65º C (-40 to 149º F).  These new capabilities, when combined with existing NEBS Level 3 compliance and optional AC powering, will permit the deployment of the FLASHWAVE 4010 device in a wide variety of applications and environments.

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About Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702), is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and carrier-class telecommunications solutions for the Service Provider and Cable TV market in North America. Supported by smart innovation and deep-rooted research from Fujitsu Labs, Fujitsu is uniquely positioned to deliver fully integrated IT/Telecom solutions for its customers. The company's comprehensive consulting and customer services offer support at any network design, development, deployment and maintenance stage.
For more information, please see: http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

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