Verso Technologies, a leading provider of packet-based solutions, announced today a paid trial of Verso's NetSpective M-Class Solution to filter Skype and other peer to peer (P2P) communications with a Tier-One carrier based in China. The trial is for an initial city level deployment and part of a sale for the fourth quarter of 2005, subject to customer acceptance.

The trial marks the introduction of the NetSpective M-Class with Skype filtering technology, a first of its kind carrier-grade application filter for mobile operators offering a bandwidth optimization and content management tool specifically for the mobile carrier market.



"The trial is representative of the significant opportunities for Verso's products in the Chinese market, where VoIP is highly regulated and the use of Skype software has been deemed illegal," said Yves Desmet, senior vice president, worldwide sales, Verso Technologies. "More and more countries are following China's direction in evaluating the risks associated with the growing popularity of P2P communication such as Skype, due to intense security concerns with the use of this medium for unlawful purposes and its impact on carriers' revenues and the bottlenecks their networks are experiencing. We believe that this is just the beginning of a tremendous opportunity for Verso."

"This trial is certainly another major step for Verso in the Chinese market with its approximately 100-million Internet users," continued Yves Desmet. "Additionally, by blocking Skype and other P2P communication, Verso's NetSpective M-Class filter offers mobile and cable operators the ability to greatly limit unauthorized traffic as well as block potential hackers and viruses from impacting their network," he added.

"The initiation of this trial within two months of launching the NetSpective M-Class Filter clearly reflects the market's demand for such a product, as operators such as this major Chinese service provider can now secure their network's integrity as well as preserve critical revenue streams," said Monty Bannerman, chief executive officer, Verso Technologies. "We are seeing broad applicability for this type of solution on a global basis by the service provider community, as these potential customers look to preserve and maintain security, comply with regulations, improve their revenue opportunities and optimize their network."