Sonus Session Border Controller Software Edition Receives Microsoft® Lync® 2013 Qualification

Sonus Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS), a global leader in securing real-time communications, today announced that the Sonus SBC SWe (Software edition) has achieved Microsoft Lync 2013 qualification for Session Border Controller (SBC) deployments.

More than 67 percent of enterprises have virtualized UC applications to help improve resiliency and enable more efficient utilization of server resources, according to Nemertes Research. The ability to deploy a Lync-qualified software SBC via virtual servers already supporting Lync environments enables enterprises to deploy new networking resources quickly and efficiently. With the SBC SWe, enterprises can quickly turn-up SBC functionality within existing virtual environments to deliver built-in media transcoding, network security (such as encryption, authentication and Denial of Service [DoS] protection), robust Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) interworking, intelligent call routing and multi-vendor interoperability in Lync deployments.

Sonus SBCs are installed at the border between the internal Lync Enterprise Voice network and SIP trunking services at the network border, to enable a more seamless flow of SIP-based media for Unified Communications (UC). Integrating these powerful network devices into Lync deployments protects, secures, simplifies and standardizes real-time communications, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video.

For large enterprises, the Sonus SBC SWe is also qualified for Lync Online Dedicated. For small and medium enterprises, and branch deployments, the Sonus SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 Session Border Controllers are tested and qualified for Lync Online Dedicated and with Exchange Online Unified Messaging.

Quotes:

“We are pleased to continue the long-standing relationship between Sonus and Microsoft by recognizing the successful Microsoft Lync 2013 qualification of the SBC SWe,” said Giovanni Mezgec, general manager of Lync Product Marketing at Microsoft. “As a Gold Communications Partner, Sonus offers a broad portfolio of software- and hardware-based Microsoft Lync-qualified SBCs to help enterprises of all sizes maximize Lync Enterprise Voice and Office 365 investments.”

“Many enterprises today are choosing an evolutionary implementation strategy to Lync Enterprise Voice, starting small and either augmenting existing telephony systems or gradually migrating those groups most well-suited to a softphone-centric working model. The Sonus SBC SWe gives enterprises a simple, cost-effective way to secure and interwork their Lync environments by enabling SBC functionality in existing virtual servers, with no additional hardware required,” said David Tipping, vice president, Product Line Management, Sonus. “Because the SBC SWe shares a common code base with the SBC 5000 Series and the SBC 7000, Sonus customers can seamlessly move between Lync-qualified hardware and software solutions, with assurance that existing communications and network investments are fully protected.”

Other Facts:

• The Sonus SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 are Microsoft Lync 2013 qualified in several categories, including SBC, Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA), E-911 ELIN gateway and enhanced gateway.
• The Sonus SBC 5110, SBC 5100, SBC 5210 and SBC 5200 Session Border Controllers are also Microsoft Lync 2013 qualified for SBC deployments.
• Sonus is positioned in the Leaders quadrant of the “Magic Quadrant for Session Border Controllers,” published October 21, 2013 by Gartner, Inc.

Additional Resources:

• Download a copy of Sonus’ Lync Enterprise Voice for Dummies – the definitive educational guide for companies who want to best understand how to maximize Microsoft Lync deployments.
• Download a copy of the CIO Magazine Playbook, “Three Steps to Maximizing ROI for Microsoft Lync Enterprise Voice.”

Tags/Keywords:

Sonus, SONS, Microsoft, Microsoft Lync, Lync Enterprise Voice, Unified Communications, UC, SIP, Session Border Controller, SBC, Software SBC

About Sonus Networks:

Sonus secures real-time communications so the world's leading service providers and enterprises can embrace the next generation of SIP and 4G/LTE solutions including VoIP, video, instant messaging and online collaboration. With customers in more than 50 countries and nearly two decades of experience, Sonus offers a complete portfolio of hardware- based and virtualized Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Diameter Signaling Controllers (DSCs), policy/routing servers and media and signaling gateways. For more information, visit www.sonus.net or call 1-855-GO-SONUS.

Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

The information in this release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Although Sonus believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Sonus' business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of Sonus' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements represent Sonus' views only as of the date on which such statement is made, and should not be relied upon as representing Sonus' views as of any subsequent date. While Sonus may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Sonus specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law.