Ringgold Telephone Commercially Launches Myrio’s IPTV Platform to Enhance Video Offering

New platform will increase operational efficiencies and enable Ringgold to scale system and serve more subscribers immediately

Kirkland, Wash. - Myrio Corporation, the leading provider of IPTV software, content and integration services, announced today that Ringgold Telephone Company has commercially launched Myrio’s IPTV platform to supplement its existing video offering. Ringgold will begin offering Myrio’s enhanced services to its subscribers immediately.

Ringgold Telephone Company, serving 14,300 customers in Catoosa County, Georgia, began providing the “Triple Play” of services (voice, video, data) over its ADSL network in the spring of 2002. Since then Ringgold has experienced what many have promised for telco video - increased revenue opportunities and market growth.

With continuing advancements in technology Ringgold saw new opportunities to improve the performance and operational efficiency of its video system. With this in mind, Ringgold consulted Myrio to provide solutions.

After evaluating Myrio’s platform, Ringgold determined that Myrio’s software and managed services provide the reliability, scalability and cost effectiveness its video solution requires to meet the increasing demand from Ringgold’s growing customer base.

Key areas of Ringgold’s evaluation included cross-vendor compatibility, business and operational scaling, and managed services. Consequently, Myrio’s platform will be used to enable scaling of Ringgold’s video offering and increase operational efficiencies through enhancements such as:

Streamlined subscriber service provisioning
Eliminates multiple customer data entries across equipment provisioning and billing systems – saves time and increases operational efficiency
Seamless upgrades of both client and server software
Reduces instances of system failure – facilitates smooth software upgrades and ensures stability of the system
Web-based Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) management tools
Eliminates time consuming manual configuration of set-top boxes – increases operational efficiency and scaling
Robust Java-based client application
Reduces system response latency – increases user satisfaction
Tight integration between set-top box (STB) and middleware
Reduces technical support calls to STB vendor – increases operational efficiency
Automated content management
Eliminates time consuming manual content asset management – increases operational efficiency
Automatic provisioning and remote management of STB’s
Reduces truck rolls and service calls – increases operational efficiency

“System reliability is critical to our video service,” said Phil Erli, executive vice president of Ringgold Telephone. “Myrio’s platform increases system reliability because its Java client application takes ownership of the CPE. We believe that Myrio offers a seamless, integrated approach to the set-top box community that will allow us to provide more reliable service to our customers.”

“Telco video is quickly moving beyond the early technical feasibility stage and into an operations environment where service management and operational efficiencies are critical to system reliability,” added Chris Coles, president and CEO of Myrio. “Telco video requires the same long term operational considerations as those in the cable world, and Ringgold has done an excellent job of responding to this by taking the necessary steps to ensure they too will continue to provide video for the long term.”

About Ringgold Telephone

Jim Evitt, Sr. established Ringgold Telephone Company in 1912. Located in Ringgold, Georgia and serving beautiful Catoosa County, the company provides its customers the most modern, up-to-date service available at the most reasonable rates in the region. Because of Ringgold's commitment to its customers and the underlying vitality of the region, the company today serves approximately 14,300 customers. Through the years we have consistently improved and deployed the latest and most affordable technology. Our commitment to legendary customer service and providing the customer with the latest in cutting edge technology is still what drives this company. During the fall of 2001 we reached an exciting goal when we received franchise authority from the City of Ringgold and Catoosa County to provide digital interactive entertainment and video services. This project will be completed in phases and will provide enhanced convenience and value for our customers much different than that of the traditional cable or satellite T.V. service. We at Ringgold Telephone Company look forward to the future, concentrate on the present, and take pride in our rich heritage.

About Myrio

Myrio is the leading provider of software, content and integration services that enable new video revenue opportunities for broadband operators by leveraging their infrastructures. With Myrio's solutions, operators can offer next generation, TV-based services and media to their customers. In turn, operators can protect their valuable residential customer base from competitors, such as cable and satellite companies. A pioneer in the industry, Myrio has commercially deployed its solutions to operators throughout the United States, and is conducting customer trials internationally as well.

Myrio is a privately held corporation funded by Ridgewood Capital, NeoCarta Ventures, Alexander Hutton Venture Partners and Siemens Venture Capital.

For further information, contact:

Derek Vogel, Myrio Corporation, T: 425-368-4500, derek.vogel@myrio.com
Charlstie Laytin, Euro RSCG Middleberg, T: 212-699-2726, charlstie.laytin@eurorscg.com