Metaswitch Networks Buys AppTrigger

March 11, 2010

Metaswitch Networks has signed a definitive agreement to acquire AppTrigger., the provider of Service Broker solutions. For carriers, Service Brokers dramatically reduce the cost of service deployment by enabling established applications to be provided across new networks while also bringing new services to legacy customers. Combined with Metaswitch’s VoIP/IMS infrastructure portfolio, the result is one of the industry’s most complete set of solutions for the seamless migration of networks, services and subscribers to IP.

"Carriers are increasingly realizing that service brokers are key to their ability to safely and cost-effectively evolve their business models to IP," said Kevin DeNuccio, Metaswitch CEO. "AppTrigger has played an instrumental role in defining this market, delivering the most robust, feature rich solution, and demonstrating its ability to scale with deployments processing billions of calls per month. This technology not only expands the set of solutions we can deliver to our customers, but supports our global growth strategy particularly in the rapidly-evolving mobile application space."

A purpose-built, reusable software network element, a Service Broker efficiently manages service interaction and service composition and resides between the service layer and the converging network. AppTrigger pioneered the Service Broker concept with its Ignite platform, which is today deployed in multiple tier one networks worldwide. Ignite can be rapidly deployed due to its unique support for a range of 17 pre-defined application interworking solutions from non-geographical number and local number portability (LNP) to wireless prepaid and network IVR.

"The Metaswitch acquisition of AppTrigger continues the overall momentum of the Service Broker market," said Joe McGarvey, principal analyst of Current Analysis. "Adding this technology to Metaswitch’s existing product portfolio strengthens its position as a market leader in IP transformation by providing a broader set of solutions and services to enable service providers to better utilize their resource infrastructure and achieve CAPEX savings."

Metaswitch’s carrier solutions encompass session control, application/feature servers and media and signaling gateway elements that support a range of network architectures from legacy/TDM to NGN and full IMS. The addition of the AppTrigger Ignite platform to the Metaswitch product line-up will enable the company to provide standalone Service Broker solutions, as well as accelerate adoption of its switching and applications product lines in fixed-line and wireless networks in multiple geographical markets.

"We considered many options for taking the business forward, including continuing to stay independent. Becoming part of Metaswitch represented the most exciting route for us to scale our business globally and make the greatest impact on the market," said Chris Todd, AppTrigger CEO. "Throughout the process, we have experienced a strong cultural fit and shared vision for the market that we believe will enable a smooth integration."

Bowen Advisors acted as financial advisors and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as legal advisors to AppTrigger. Metaswitch was advised by Shearman & Sterling LLP. Closure of the acquisition is subject to standard contractual conditions and expected by the end of the month.