Sorry if you receive duplicated mail from other groups. ============================================================================ ======= Mitel Networks To Host Leading Global SIP Interoperability Event SIPit 13 to showcase the interoperability and implementations of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) from over 60 companies OTTAWA, CANADA, March 11, 2003 - Mitel Networks, a market-leader in voice, video, and data convergence over broadband networks, today announced that it will host and sponsor the 13th annual SIPit, a global SIP interoperability testing event. The event will take place August 18 to 23 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, Canada and attract over 60 vendors and 150 engineers from around the globe. SIPit is an international event endorsed by the SIP Forum and overseen by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). SIPit provides a critical industry benchmark in the drive to make SIP the defacto standard for real-time Internet communication services. SIP is an open, Internet-genuine protocol for establishing and managing multi-party, mixed-media sessions over converged networks. The purpose of SIPit is to test the interoperability of SIP implementations and products and perform testing on advanced features and functionality. Vendors then have the opportunity to address any incompatibilities for their commercial releases. The testing at SIPit also accelerates the drive towards new drafts of the SIP specification based on new requirements and findings at the event. SIPit is open exclusively to vendors offering SIP-based solutions that will see market availability and is not an exhibition, public demonstration, conference or workshop. "The promise of SIP to enable businesses the choice and flexibility of true open interoperability in a multi-vendor environment will gain velocity as manufacturers collaborate in testing their standards based solutions," said Paul Butcher, Chief Operating Officer, Mitel Networks. "The opportunity to test our products at SIPit, with the devices and services of over 60 of the world's leading implementers, provides a tremendous opportunity to measure the interoperability of our own SIP-based solutions and of the industry as a whole." An early supporter of SIP, Mitel Networks has participated in the previous six SIPit events. At SIPit13 Mitel Networks will test a range of SIP-based desktop devices and communications platforms including the 5055 SIP Phone and the 3050 Integrated Communications Platform. For registration and information about SIPit13 in Ottawa, please visit: www.mitel.com/sipit. About SIP An Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard, SIP is an open, Internet-genuine protocol for establishing and managing multi-party, mixed-media sessions over converged networks. SIP enables the creation and deployment of feature-rich services that go far beyond simple VoIP calls. 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. Mitel Networks is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices, partners, and resellers worldwide. For more information please visit www.mitel.com -30- For more information, please contact: Jon Carvill Mitel Networks 613.592.2122 jon_carvill(a)mitel.com