CPDI has selected Stratus Technologies, Inc. to provide fault-tolerant servers for their Call Control platform. CPDI selected Stratus because they are the only server provider focused exclusively on helping customers achieve and sustain continuous availability of critical information systems.

Stratus servers achieve continuous availability through a combination of enhanced failsafe software and replicated fault-tolerant hardware. Failsafe software offers many features that are designed to prevent errors from escalating into outages. Replicated, fault-tolerant hardware components process the same instructions at the same time. In the event of a component malfunction, the partner component is an active spare that continues normal operation. There is no system downtime and no data loss. A range of systems, entry-level to high-end will be available to Call Control customers. Currently testing the new system, CPDI expects the Stratus ftServer-based solution to be available in second quarter 2006.

"Using Intel processors and other standard server components, ftServer systems bring the cost of fault tolerance within reach of any business," explained Kari Rosenberg, IT/Technology Services Manager at CPDI. "The Stratus ftServer system delivers the world's highest levels of availability to the Call Control solution."

Stratus ftServer systems offer 99.999% or greater uptime along with the added benefits of rapid deployment and light-out management capabilities. The Stratus system automatically notifies personnel when issues occur and will even order its own customer-replaceable part if needed. Depending on which model is selected, your technical engineers can replace "hot-swappable" hardware components immediately, or during a scheduled maintenance period (after heavy-traffic business hours). The system continues to run as normal during this process.

Like CPDI, Stratus provides 24/7 support and is a proven choice for many of the largest telecommunications providers around the world.

For more information about CPDI's implementation of Stratus technology, contact your CPDI sales representative.

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CPDI's NetControl Cafe provides all the required components for Service providers to offer flexible Internet access programs on a prepaid basis. NetControl Cafe allows prepaid access to the Internet in a kiosk environment, such as a cyber cafe, college campus, airport lounge, etc.

When users log in to the Internet from a hosted computer terminal, the connection routes their account ID and password to the NetControl server. NetControl verifies the account, establishes the rating parameters, keeps track of the account balance (time remaining), and provides alert messages when a minimum balance remains.

NetControl Cafe provides a standard Internet Explorer interface. Automatic localization of language, forms, icons, strings and images will ensure the most user-friendly access to the Internet.

Prepaid Internet browsing features include:

Easy user interface, designed so that even inexperienced Internet users can get started quickly

Personal settings for the browser, such as a preferred home page and default number of days to retain history information about recent usage

Countdown timer to display time remaining at regular intervals

Bookmarks for favorite sites

Printing capabilities for laser and/or color inkjet printers

Options for downloading files

In addition to surfing the Internet, users can go directly to the service provider's hosted website. By clicking the unique desktop icon, users can view their account history, change their password, merge two account balances into one, and view rate information.

CPDI's NetControl Cafe software allows the system administrator to establish and modify rates as desired. The rating system is powerful, flexible and customizable. Rates can be established based on a specific day as well as the time of day. For example, the administrator can establish higher rates for peak times, or lower rates for weekends and holidays, if desired. Basic rates can be customized for any or all of the following services:

Online time

Surcharges

Charges for full intervals (rounding) when the user logs off

Minimum charges or minimum time requirements

Downloading files

Printing Internet pages

NetControl Cafe also accommodates universal accounts. For example, service providers can easily integrate NetControl Cafe accounts into their existing Call Control accounts, seamlessly expanding their prepaid product line into multiple voice and Internet data services that end-users can access off a single prepaid account.

Like any CPDI product, built-in fraud protection is a standard component of the NetControl Cafe. In addition to password encryption in the database, the system counts the number of attempts to access the account. If users incorrectly enter their password more times than the system allows, NetControl automatically disables the account.

For more information about NetControl Cafe or other CPDI products, contact your CPDI sales representative.

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