BARCELONA, Spain and OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 24 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Elephant Talk Communications Corp. (the "Company" or "Elephant Talk") (NYSE MKT: ETAK), a leading international provider of Software Defined Network Architecture (Software DNA™) platforms and cyber security solutions, today announced the completion of the initial rollout of its newly enhanced Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform known as Software DNA™ 2.0. which has been developed in conjunction with existing Mobile Network Operator (MNO) customers in Spain and Mexico where the systems are deployed. The platform is currently managing millions of mobile retail customers and the solution is the first comprehensive, hosted SDN solution, which includes core network functions that are dedicated to the unique needs of mobile operators who are faced with expensive and complex network infrastructure challenges.

According to recent research published by AlixPartners, a leading business advisory group, it is estimated that European telecoms need to cut as much as €100bn in costs if the sector is to sustain growth given the forecasts of a fifth consecutive year of decline in revenue.

"Based upon actual deployment experience, we believe that MNOs can realize up to 80% of their cost cutting objectives by adopting a Software Defined Network Architecture platform like our Software DNA™ 2.0 which can eliminate legacy software and hardware as well as outdated network management systems," said Steven van der Velden, CEO and Chairman of the Company. "Unlike incomplete and needlessly complex systems incorporating several components from multiple hardware and software vendors, Elephant Talk's homogenous solution provides our customers with a single interface for multiple and distributed modules, sites and even countries. It is proving to be resilient, reliable and very cost effective." Mr. van der Velden and members of the Elephant Talk management team are attending the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week meeting with Mobile Network Operators, partners and vendors.

Historically, mobile operators added new functionality and infrastructure as their customer base and portfolio of services grew, resulting in heterogeneous systems that are often difficult and costly to upgrade for new standards such as 4G /LTE. Adding further complexity and integration work on top of existing core network and front and back office systems, will affect the timing for market strategies, the capacity to adapt their service roadmap quickly and maintain their quality of service. With the Software DNA™ 2.0 platform, MNOs will be able to reduce their CAPEX and OPEX expenses and provide faster time to market for new and differentiated applications.

"Our Software DNA™ 2.0 platform presents great advantages because it permits one single data repository for all products, subscribers and usage information and one single point of control of authentication as well as service authorization, rating and charging; all managed centrally and deployed as a virtual machine in the private cloud," said Martin Zuurbier, Chief Technology Officer of the Company.

Elephant Talk's Software DNA™ 2.0 platform features include:

• Virtualized software technology delivered via a hosted, outsourced cloud-based architecture that enables MNOs to manage their core network and service management functions in a single software solution.
• By virtualizing the majority of the deployed core network components into a standard, undedicated environment, the platform distances itself from dedicated legacy solutions, each requiring separate, unique investment, maintenance and support. Elephant Talk is proud to be following the concepts of NFV in their platform.
• It is the only single software platform designed to support a capacity of over 10 million mobile subscribers with seamless provisioning of 2G/2.5G/3G/4G (LTE) and CDMA standards.
• Delivered as a "Pay as you Go" service, MNOs can significantly reduce capital investments in new hardware, eliminate the use of legacy software and hardware, and reduce network operating and maintenance costs while benefiting from greatly improved flexibility and the ability to quickly deploy new services.

Martin Zuurbier further explains, "Eight years ago, we set out with a goal to build a future-proof solution for full network operations, including elements like full connectivity through API's of any third party solution, device management, number portability, full M2M capabilities and all aspects of life cycle management without the encumbrances of legacy technology. Today, our Software DNA™ 2.0 delivers on that vision by presenting an architecture that provides off-the-shelf mobile services to any virtual operator and MNO brand, without the need for high, up front investments in network CAPEX and in dedicated IT infrastructure."

The Company expects to rollout the new platform to other MNO and MVNO customers later this year.

About Elephant Talk:
Elephant Talk Communications Corp. (NYSE MKT: ETAK), is a leading international provider of mobile proprietary Software Defined Network Architecture (Software DNA™) platforms for the telecommunications industry.  The company empowers Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Enablers (MVNEs) and Aggregators (MVNAs) with a full suite of applications, superior Industry Expertise and high quality Customer Service without substantial upfront investment. Elephant Talk counts several of the world's leading Mobile Operators amongst its customers, including Vodafone, T-Mobile, Zain and Iusacell. Visit: www.elephanttalk.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Elephant Talk's plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Elephant Talk's industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to regain compliance with the listing standards of the NYSE MKT. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of Elephant Talk may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, Elephant Talk also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested  in Elephant Talk's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from Elephant Talk.

Media Contacts:

Investor Relations:
Steve Gersten
Elephant Talk Communications Corp.
+ 1 813 926 8920
Steve.Gersten@elephanttalk.com

Thomas Walsh
Alliance Advisors
+ 1 212 398 3486
twalsh@allianceadvisors.net

US – Public Relations: 
Michael Glickman
MWG CO
(917) 596.1883
mike@mwco.net

SOURCE Elephant Talk Communications Corp.