Nokia chosen by Prosodie, European leader in voice servers, for its global network security

April 24, 2002 - Prosodie, a European leader in voice servers and a major player in the French Internet market, has successfully deployed Nokia IP network security appliances to protect access to its client databases. Prosodie installed four pairs of Nokia IP300 Series network security appliances at its central sites in Paris and Lyon. These appliances, combined with Check Point FireWall-1(TM) from Check Point Software Technologies (Nasaq: CHKP) protect Prosodie's external links on its global network.

In France alone, Prosodie has over 300 major clients in the financial, media, telecommunications and government sectors. The company provides value-added services, such as access to bank accounts via a voice server. Prosodie also holds client database and access history information, accessible via permanent managed IP connections to clients and requiring secure outside and inter-client access.

Prosodie chose Nokia IP network appliances through integration consultants, Axipe. The choice was based on criteria such as redundancy, which guarantees total reliability, as well as ease of configuration and network management. Furthermore, the appliances integrate Check Point FireWall-1(TM) software. '"We knew that Check Point's software functionality was optimal on Nokia appliances. It was also essential that our clients could access their databases in total security, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without risk of interruption", explains Patrick Hartmann, Data Network Manager for Prosodie. "So we were naturally swayed by the Nokia-Check Point partnership for our security requirements."

Installation of the units is quick and simple, as they are delivered fully integrated, preconfigured, and tested with a simple graphic user interface. "Configuration of the units with Nokia Voyager software is very easy," confirmed Hartmann, "and the same is true of maintenance. Updates are simple to implement, especially for the IPSO operating system."

The eight Nokia units are managed and controlled centrally from Paris with no faults reported since installation. The VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) system is also used by Prosodie for maintenance operations. " We have to make regular modifications and the VRRP system enables us to carry out maintenance without downtime or working nights," adds Hartmann.

Nokia IP network appliances are scalable to handle the predicted future IP traffic growth at Prosodie - the Nokia IP300 network security appliances are currently supporting firewall rates constituting just 25% of their potential throughput.

"It is a reflection of our world-class IP network appliances that a leading European company, such as Prosodie, has chosen Nokia," comments Ernie Jones, VP Sales EMEA, Nokia Internet Communications. "It is our aim to provide sustained and on-going customer satisfaction. "

About PROSODIE
PROSODIE is a fully licensed French Telecoms operator, specialising in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) services. PROSODIE has expertise in the technology of all terminals (fixed & mobile sets, computers, fax, minitel,) and is connected to most of the fixed & mobile operators and to various computer databases of private or public entities like Banks, Media, social security, railway companies, etc. PROSODIE provides the final user access to a full range of information and services after a simple identification and authentification procedure.

PROSODIE was listed on the Nouveau Marché in Paris on November 17th, 1998. In 2000, PROSODIE had revenues of 97.5 million Euros and net income of 9.4 million Euros. During the first half of 2001, it had revenues of 54.5 M¤ and net income of 5.9 M¤. PROSODIE is part of the IT.CAC. 50, of the SBF 250 indexes and has joined the NextEconomy segment of Euronext. Sicovam code: 6596.

About AXIPE :
AXIPE is a specialist in the IT security market. We enable national and international companies to conduct secure communications and E-commerce transactions via private and public networks. AXIPE offers a broad range of security products and services. These products are from the leading manufacturers and include applications such as firewall systems, PKI, virus protection, authentication, content security, VPN, intrusion detection, and security administration. The spectrum services ranges from consulting, risk analysis and security concepts to implementation and system integration and technical support contracts. AXIPE technology partners : ActivCard, Alteon, Baltimore, CacheFlow, Check Point, Cisco, F5 Networks, F-Secure, Finjan, ISS, Nokia, Packeteer, Qualys, Redline Networks, RSA Security, StoneSoft, Trend Micro, Websense.

About Nokia Internet Communications
Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View,California, provides world-class Network Security, Virtual Private Network and Internet Traffic and Content Management solutions that ensure the security and reliability of corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level of security and reliability to the network, enabling an Internet transaction that is personal and trusted-each and every time. For more information, please visit www.nokia.com and click on Secure Network Solutions. Nokia Internet security and virtual private network appliances span the spectrum of price/performance points, and secure the widest range of network environments-from the smallest branch office to the largest Internet data center. The expansive product line, backed by world-class global support and services, provides customers the ability to deploy multiple solutions from a single product to secure all elements of a distributed enterprise.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

For more information (Media and Industry Analysts only please):

Nokia Internet Communications:
Americas (California based)
Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications
Tel. + 1 415 391 1106 x227
amy@ipri.com

EMEA (UK based)
Claire Backhurst
Tel. +44 7788 145460
claire.backhurst@nokia.com

APAC (Singapore based)
Bonnie Datta
Tel. +6597389743
bonnie.datta@nokia.com

www.nokia.com

Prosodie
Francine Gaillard
Tel +33 1 46.84.11.76
fgaillard@prosodie.com

Axipe
Fanny Van Heems
Tel +336 79.63.10.09
fvanheems@axipe.com