Transition Networks Simplifies Carrier Ethernet Services Delivery with New Access and Edge Products and Converge™ EMS

Company debuts new solution that delivers today’s Carrier Ethernet 2.0 services and tomorrow’s software defined networking (SDN) services.

Minneapolis, MN — October 1, 2013 — Transition Networks Inc., the fiber access technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced the launch of its integrated Carrier Ethernet 2.0 + software defined services (SDS) orchestration solution, designed to automate the entire service lifecycle, accelerate the rollout of MEF CE 2.0 services and support stringent performance SLAs. Transition Networks integrated solution includes CE 2.0 demarcation devices, access switches and Converge™ EMS.

Access to customer edge can be the most complex portion of a carrier’s network. With Transition Networks’ integrated CE 2.0 solution, providers benefit from the simplicity of a single vendor from access to edge. These new products help service providers compete effectively with simplified access to edge service turn-up and prepare their networks to support dynamic, on-demand and differentiated service options for business, mobile backhaul and cloud services.

“Faster service turn up is a critical concern for carriers that is growing even more important as cloud computing and Carrier Ethernet 2.0 services become prevalent,” said Erin Dunne, Director of Research Services at Vertical Systems Group. “An integrated approach with services delivery software and CE 2.0 hardware allows carriers to simplify the management of the service provider network services cost effectively.”

“Transition Networks’ integrated CE 2.0 platform delivers unmatched value for service providers, enabling simplified deployment and robust centralized management,” said Kevin Faulds, Director of Product Management at Transition Networks. “A single vendor solution from access to edge goes a long way toward making the management of the service provider network more simple and cost effective.”

Converge™ EMS
The Converge™ EMS platform is a MEF CE 2.0 standards-based, fully integrated service and resource manager that automates the complete service lifecycle. This best in class platform offers a unique template-based automated provisioning solution that enables rapid service activation with quicker time to revenue.

Converge™ features a RESTful API that allows for integration with SDN and other 3rd party applications for truly programmable networks. Its service-centric design reduces service provider operational expenses today while its open architecture, based on the Amartus Chameleon SDS platform, supports next-generation service delivery workflows.

Demarcation Devices & Access Switches
Transition Networks’ commitment to Carrier Ethernet and the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) paved the way for CE 2.0 compliance in these new products. Transition Networks was one of the first to achieve CE 2.0 certification in January of 2013 for its S3280 demarcation devices.

Demarcation devices and access switches by Transition Networks provide end-to-end network visibility and a cost-effective way for service providers to meet even the most stringent customer SLAs. The products feature advanced Service OAM (IEEE 802.1ag and ITU Y.1731) Performance and Fault Management for strong performance assurance in business, mobile backhaul and cloud services while reducing operational expenses.

The S4140 demarcation device enables service providers to address growing bandwidth needs for next-generation services. The company’s two new Carrier Ethernet switches, S4212 and S4224, aggregate traffic from demarcation devices for efficient transport to the core network.

These new products offer mobile backhaul providers the unique capability to convert between Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588v2 synchronization methods while maintaining clock accuracy. Additional features include service activation capabilities to assist with circuit turn-up and maintenance and linear and ring protection capabilities for sub-50 millisecond failover providing service redundancy.

Simplicity Deployed
To learn how you can simplify your access to edge service delivery, please visit www.simplicitydeployed.com. Here you will find product information, datasheets, manuals and other information on Transition Networks’ complete CE 2.0 offering. In addition, please contact Transition Networks at 800-526-9267 or +1 952-941-7600 for pricing and product availability.

About Transition Networks Carrier-Grade Products
Transition Networks’ carrier-grade portfolio includes CE 2.0-certified demarcation devices, access switches, and the Converge™ service management platform designed to automate the entire service life-cycle, accelerate the rollout of MEF CE 2.0 services and support stringent performance SLAs. This integrated Carrier Ethernet 2.0 + software defined services (SDS) orchestration solution helps service providers compete effectively today while preparing their networks to deliver dynamic, on-demand, and customized service options in the future.

About Transition Networks Inc.
Transition Networks Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high quality access and backhaul equipment for data communications and telecommunications applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM: JCS). For more information about Transition Networks, please visit www.transition.com.

Statements regarding the Company’s anticipated performance in 2013 are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.