NetCracker, a Leader in Operations Support Systems, to be Acquired by NEC

8:55 am - June 27th, 2008

NEC bolsters Global Software Business assisting Communications Service
Providers accelerate Business Transformation

NEC Corporation (NEC) announced a definitive agreement to acquire NetCracker Technology Corp. (NetCracker), a US based software and solutions company with an industry leading track record of delivering Operations Support Systems (OSS) transformation to communications service providers across the globe. This strategic acquisition underscores NEC’s long standing commitment to offer
innovative solutions to the communications industry, enabling them to transform their business, and rapidly deploy new infrastructure and services.

With this acquisition, NEC adds a key element of software and services to its market leading portfolio of mobile and fixed infrastructure products. NetCracker’s products, services and domain expertise will be integral to leveraging complementary assets within both companies.

“NetCracker has distinguished itself with a record of successful OSS transformations and exceptional software solutions and professional services for leading communications service providers,” said Mr. Kaoru Yano, President of NEC. “The acquisition of NetCracker strengthens NEC’s offerings and brings even greater value to the global communications industry.”

“NEC and NetCracker share a vision of operations and business support systems being critical to communications service providers, enabling them to build a sustainable competitive advantage,” said Andrew Feinberg, CEO of NetCracker. “NEC’s scale and solution offering will help us extend our core application and services footprint and continue to broaden the solutions we offer to our global customers.”

NEC’s communications carrier business is continually expanding and the company’s superior lineup of telecommunication products includes full-line and full layer support; the early adoption of NGN related business and globally competitive business models such as Pasolink and submarine cable systems.

NEC will now leverage the acquisition of NetCracker to strengthen its existing business foundations and to provide total solutions for communications businesses whose IP and service diversification needs continue to grow. The company anticipates that Operations Support Systems will represent a key element to new international growth that is expected to generate approximately 200 billion yen over the next 5 years.

NetCracker’s know-how of transforming Operations Support Systems enables communications service providers to deploy new services, build operational excellence and closer customer relationships. As service providers move to an all-IP environment and become more diversified, the company’s expertise becomes an increasingly essential element of their success. Furthermore, the ongoing debut of innovative new services, including IPTV, Triple-Play, 3G and others, provides exciting new opportunities for deploying the next generation of OSS. NetCracker employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and its customers include France Telecom, MTS, Sprint, TELUS, Telstra, UPC and many other leading communications service providers spanning the globe.

The new business relationship is expected to foster innovative new solutions that address the needs of communications service providers and accelerate NEC’s international software business. NEC is committed to retaining the relationships and go-to-market strategies that NetCracker has developed. Upon the closing of the transaction, NetCracker will operate as an independent business unit led by its
current management team and will become the centerpiece of NEC’s communications service provider software business.

About NEC

NEC Corporation is one of the world’s leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of a diversified global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.nec.com

About NetCracker Technology

NetCracker Technology is a leading global Solution Company enabling Service Providers to deliver rapidly and manage effectively convergent and content-rich offerings. NetCracker delivers service and resource management through its software and implementation expertise. NetCracker’s portfolio includes a comprehensive suite of product modules as well as specialized vertical solutions
(such as Triple Play), all pre-integrated with the NetCracker Framework. Founded in 1993, NetCracker Technology is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

For more informationl, please visit their website: http://www.netcracker.com