Broadview Networks Selects Natural Convergence For VoIP Solution

New York CLEC attracted to solution designed for small business

OTTAWA, Ontario, October 19, 2004 - Natural Convergence Inc., a supplier of VoIP (Voice over IP) application software for Service Providers, today announced that Broadview Networks, a network-based electronically integrated communications provider (e-ICP), has selected its silhouette solution for the next phase of their VoIP rollout to deliver hosted VoIP services to small business customers. This announcement follows the successful completion of a year long market trial where the capabilities of Natural Convergence's VoIP solution were proven with Broadview Networks' customers.

Looking to build upon its existing broadband services offerings, Broadview Networks identified a real market opportunity to target the small business segment within their service footprint. Working closely with Natural Convergence, Broadview Networks has become the first New York-area Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) to offer high-quality converged services to small businesses.

"Our small business customers needed converged broadband services that would accommodate their specific needs. Natural Convergence's VoIP solution allows us to deliver an easy to use communications bundle that puts the small business owner in control," said Ken Shulman, Chief Technology Officer, Broadview Networks. "By integrating silhouette into our network, we are able to offer customers affordable converged broadband services at considerable savings."

"Small businesses have traditionally been forced to settle either for solutions designed
for large enterprises or for dressed up residential phone service from the monopoly
ILEC," continued Ken Shulman. However, Natural Convergence's silhouette feature server has been designed specifically with the needs of small business in mind. As a carrier-hosted VoIP service with end-user online self-service tools, small businesses do not need an in-house IT manager, advanced technical expertise or financial resources normally required to manage a complex broadband system.

"We have been working closely with Broadview Networks in their early planning stages, through market-trials and into operational deployment. We are thrilled that their customers are confirming the value of this new service," said David Cork, Chief Operating Office, Natural Convergence.  "Broadview Networks' selection of silhouette and the rapid adoption of the service during trials further validates the opportunity to provide small businesses with a specific solution that meets their unique needs."

Natural Convergence's solution is a drop-in technology that enables carriers to quickly deploy the service on existing DSL or T1 infrastructure, minimizing capital expense by leveraging the investments made in Class 5 networks. By streamlining business communications onto a single network, carriers using silhouette can recognize significant cost savings and increased revenue opportunities for service bundling.

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About Natural Convergence

Natural Convergence Inc. develops and markets innovative software applications that empower carriers and service providers to rapidly deploy hosted VoIP services. Our silhouette feature server is designed specifically for the small business market, combining powerful technology with familiar functionality to replace their aging key systems. The bottom line is a highly differentiated, flexible and profitable VoIP service that carriers can offer their small business customers as part of a compelling services bundle. Natural Convergence is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices in Allen, TX. For more details, visit www.naturalconvergence.com or call 613.725.2030.

Broadview Networks (www.broadviewnet.com) is a network-based electronically integrated communications provider (e-ICP) serving small and medium-sized businesses and communications-intensive residential customers in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. The New York City-based company offers integrated communications solutions, including local, long-distance and international voice services; data services; and dial-up and high-speed Internet services using digital subscriber line (DSL) and other advanced technologies. Customers receive a single, easy-to-understand bill and have a single point of contact for real-time, personal customer care.

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