Kontron and Blueslice Networks reveal the first commercially available HLR platform based on AdvancedTCA®

Blueslice ngHLR 3000™ provides subscriber profile management for GSM/GPRS and UMTS networks and is designed with MVNO targeted features on a Kontron open modular system

SAN FRANCISCO, CA − March 7, 2006 − Kontron, a market leader in embedded computer technology, and Blueslice Networks, a leading provider of next generation HLR/HSS solutions for mobile operators and MVNOs, today introduced from the Light Reading Live conference (ATCA: Next Steps) the demonstration of the Blueslice ngHLR 3000™ — the only commercially available Home Location Register (HLR) designed on AdvancedTCA®. The Blueslice and Kontron joint demo will also be on display at the upcoming CTIA Wireless 2006 event in Las Vegas, at Blueslice Booth 106.

The Blueslice carrier-grade, open modular HLR supports a database scalable to several million subscriber profiles in a small 12U footprint, with no single point of failure in both hardware and software. With features that specifically target the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) market, the Blueslice ngHLR 3000™ supports VoIP/WiFi, 3G, and IMS in the same platform, and is compliant with GSM Phase 2+ Release 4, and 3GPP R5/R6. As an open, non-proprietary platform designed with Kontron AdvancedTCA processor, switch, and chassis building blocks, the ngHLR 3000™ is changing the HLR paradigm for mobile operators.

“Choosing an open modular solution from Kontron makes sense in today’s market conditions,” says Stephan Ouaknine, Blueslice president and CEO. “GSM operators and MVNOs need to grow their networks without the need to invest in expensive and proprietary legacy equipment, and the small footprint and performance of a Kontron AdvancedTCA system reduces the immediate operating costs for central office floor space and fits in a standard 19" rack.”

“Blueslice Networks has quickly become a truly innovative provider of mobile telephony solutions,” says Robert Courteau, Kontron General Manager, Canada. “And we are extremely pleased to collaborate with them in providing today’s mobile operators and MVNOs with next generation, open standard solutions based on AdvancedTCA.”

More about the Blueslice ngHLR 3000™
The ngHLR 3000™ is a compact, large capacity, and feature-rich Home Location Register (HLR) with an integrated Authentication Center (AuC). With a capacity scalable to several million subscribers within a single AdvancedTCA® shelf, the Blueslice ngHLR 3000™ enables Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and mobile carriers to grow their networks without the need to invest in proprietary legacy equipment. Generating significant CAPEX and OPEX savings for mobile service providers and with an open, non-proprietary platform, the ngHLR 3000™ is changing the HLR paradigm for mobile operators.

The ngHLR 3000™ is a hybrid solution for today's networks offering a carrier-class platform to mediate between SS7 and SIP. Implementing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in the ngHLR 3000™ allows the unification of multiple access technologies into a single core network and enables the deployment of sophisticated next generation features including Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC).

More about Kontron Open Modular Solutions
Kontron shortens the application design process by ensuring that each open modular building block is fully interoperable and designed to be both the right technology and the right architecture in mind to suit any development needs. Pre-integrated and application ready right out-of-the-box, Kontron open modular solutions are customizable and also feature options for best-in-class carrier-grade OS and middleware software solutions. Kontron builds total solutions from a diverse selection of AdvancedTCA processor, switch and carrier platforms, plus complementary field-replaceable AdvancedMC processor, storage, and I/O modules.