In a move that creates the world´s first fully integrated
fixed-mobile connectivity platform, NexTone Communications, Inc., the
leading software-centric session border controller and session
management provider and Reef Point Systems, Inc., the leading mobile
access universal convergence gateway provider, today announced they
will merge to form NextPoint Networks, Inc.. The combined company will
bring mobile and fixed-network operators around the world the ability
to quickly, securely and profitably deliver voice, data and video
services over all-IP networks.
The new company´s growth will be supported by a $20 million round
of funding led by One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JP
Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), and joined by American Capital (Nasdaq:
ACAS), Core Capital Partners, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Safeguard
Scientifics (NYSE: SFE), and Summerhill Venture Partners. "As the
first company in the world to offer a complete range of intelligent,
secure and high-scale fixed and mobile IP connectivity solutions,
NextPoint(TM) unlocks enormous value for operators, service providers
and large enterprises around the world," said David Walsh, Chairman of
NextPoint. "With the proven leadership of our CEO, Woody Ritchey, the
talented and experienced teams from both companies, and technology
that is unmatched in the marketplace, we look forward to an exciting
period of accelerated growth."
Building on the strength of NexTone´s established global footprint
as a leading provider of software-centric session border controller
and session management technologies, and incorporating Reef Point´s
unparalleled mobile access capabilities, NextPoint, working with its
established and growing partner base, will continue to serve fixed,
mobile and FMC operators around the world. The companies currently
support a growing footprint of over 550 wholesale carriers and service
providers, as well as a number of large, global enterprises.
As part of the merger, Woody Ritchey was named Chief Executive
Officer of NextPoint. For the last eighteen months, Mr. Ritchey has
led Reef Point into successful trials and deployments with tier-one
mobile operators around the world.
"This is a very exciting day for the customers, partners and
employees of this new organization, which combines the strengths and
accomplishments of NexTone and Reef Point," said Mr. Ritchey. "With
the introduction of our Integrated Border Gateway (IBG) earlier this
year, which brings NexTone´s intelligent session border control
product together with Reef Point´s high-scale, multi-protocol Security
Gateway, we are proud to bring significant efficiencies to the
architects and operators of fixed, mobile and converged networks as
one, global company."
"Through this combination, NextPoint brings together fixed and
mobile networks securely and intelligently, with interoperability and
integration considerations built in," said Tom Jasny, Vice President
of Wireless Systems and Broadband for Samsung Telecommunications
America. "Working with the team at NextPoint, we will be able to bring
an even broader set of partnered capabilities to operators and service
providers who look to Samsung for leading edge FMC network solutions."
"The integration of session border controllers for both fixed and
mobile networks with a security gateway enabled by the merger of Reef
Point and NexTone will create a powerful product family for next
generation networks," said Malcolm Wardlaw, Director, Converged
Services, Intelligence and Applications, BT. "The IBG has the
potential to simplify network design as well as reduce the total cost
of ownership in a converged world, supporting the needs of our
customers in an all-IP world."
"The increasing demand for secured IP-based mobility services in a
multi-access environment is creating a need for a new category of
equipment called the multi-access convergence gateways that provides
intelligent interaction with subscribers, services, and transport
mechanisms," said Stephane Teral, Principal Analyst, Service Provider
VoIP, IMS & FMC, Infonetics Research. "This new network element
collapses session border controller and security gateways along with
other existing packet-based products for mobile networks into one
single platform that optimizes any type of FMC architecture. The
combination of NexTone and Reef Point into a single company is good
news for the industry and an example of this fundamental shift toward
multi-access convergence gateways."
NextPoint Product Suite Accelerates Delivery of New Voice, Data
and Video Services over All-IP Networks
NextPoint´s unique intelligent-edge solutions alleviate the
complexity and cost of deploying secure fixed and mobile network
connectivity, and accelerate the rapid delivery of new services to
subscribers. Helping operators remain competitive and profitable into
the future, NextPoint´s solutions will:
-- Unlock the value of mobile IP, including mobile VoIP
-- Deliver content and services subscribers want, over the
broadest range of networks
-- Maximize subscriber reach
-- Enable maximum revenues
-- Ensure highest levels of security -- QoS -- at lowest CAPEX
and OPEX
-- Protect core networks
-- Expand transport network options
NextPoint products will include:
-- Integrated Border Controller
-- Session Border Controller
-- Multiprotocol Session Exchange
-- Real-time Session Manager
-- Femtocell Gateway
-- Wireless Gateway
About NextPoint
NextPoint Networks (www.nextpointnetworks.com) is being formed by
the merger of NexTone and Reef Point, to deliver global, fixed-mobile
convergence (FMC) border platforms and secure interconnectivity
solutions. NextPoint´s technology platform, products and solution
suites will enable mobile and fixed line operators to deliver secure
voice, data and multimedia over a scalable platform, interoperating
with both fixed-line and mobile network technologies and operating
systems. 550 service providers and enterprises worldwide will use
NextPoint´s IntelliConnect system to manage technical complexities,
optimize business economics, and remove partnership hurdles. NexTone
(www.nextone.com) and Reef Point (www.reefpoint.com) signed definitive
agreements December 2, 2007, and the transaction is expected to close
in early January, so the companies can enter 2008 as one company.
About One Equity Partners
One Equity Partners ("OEP") makes private equity investments
behind compelling business ideas and strong management teams.
Established in 2001, OEP manages $5 billion of investments and
commitments for JPMorgan Chase & Co. in direct private equity
transactions. OEP´s investment professionals are located across North
America and Europe, with offices in New York, Chicago and Frankfurt.
For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com.
