Barracuda Networks Launches CudaTel -- New VoIP PBX Based on the Open Source FreeSWITCH Project

CAMPBELL, CA and ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire - August 10, 2009) - Barracuda Networks Inc., the worldwide leader in content security appliances, today launched CudaTel, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that will bring to market the CudaTel Communication Server, a new VoIP PBX offering for businesses of all sizes. Based on -- and in collaboration with -- the open source FreeSWITCH project, the new CudaTel Communication Server will feature an expansive feature set that includes conferencing, follow-me, automated attendant services, and more, controlled by an easy to use Web interface.

"We believe that the strong FreeSWITCH open source platform provides a solid base upon which we will build a seamless video and voice communication offering for customers," said Dean Drako, president and CEO of Barracuda Networks. "The ease of use, affordability and support offered by Barracuda Networks for its full line of Barracuda Networks solutions will be closely replicated at CudaTel. We look forward to working with the team at FreeSWITCH to launch CudaTel and to ultimately bring a unique VoIP offering to market."

Initiated in January 2006, FreeSWITCH is a free, open source software communications platform designed for the creation of voice and chat-driven products and is released under the MPL free software license. Since the project started, it has gained significant momentum as a leading open source telephony platform.

"Barracuda Networks has built a strong reputation for delivering trusted solutions that solve a number of business-critical security, storage and networking issues for thousands of organizations worldwide," said Anthony Minessale, primary author of FreeSWITCH. "We believe our collaboration is a natural fit in the evolution of the FreeSWITCH platform. We are excited to be taking the FreeSWITCH project to the next level with the development and launch of the CudaTel brand."

The CudaTel Communication Server technology is based directly on the FreeSWITCH code repository and is compatible with any session initiation protocol (SIP) device and provider, and can be pre-configured for use with both analog and digital telephone networks. With an expansive feature set and no per user or phone licensing fees, the CudaTel Communication Server is equipped and priced for organizations of any size.

Native High Definition audio support and integrated phone line (TDM) hardware produces an unparalleled audio experience. VoIP encryption protects calls from hackers and digital eavesdroppers. On-board voicemail storage can archive years of audio, and solid-state boot disks ensure that the customer phone system is always operational. Each model also comes complete with easy-to-use features such as call queuing and custom automated attendant creation.

Easy to install, use and maintain

System setup takes minutes, with streamlined, automated installation of phones and devices. Configuration is intuitive with a Web-based interface. Customers can set up automated attendants, conferences, calling groups, queues, and telephone company integration, in minimal time. The Web-based user interface allows administrators to deploy phones automatically with native hardware provisioning. The CudaTel Communication Server's Active Directory integration can quickly tie the customer phone system to an existing Windows or Novell user database and administrators can automatically deploy phones and assign extensions by group or organizational unit.

"The CudaTel system eliminates the costs and complexity of deployment found in many competing VoIP offerings today," said Sean Heiney, director of new product initiatives for Barracuda Networks. "With the CudaTel Communication Server we have removed all the traditional VOIP PBX barriers with a solution offering unparrelled usability at a price point that works for everyone."

Pricing and availability

Available in four models, the CudaTel Communication Server pricing starts at $1999 with no per user, per feature or per phone licensing fees and is available now in North America only. Each model includes unlimited user capacity, no hard set limits, and support for 10-250 concurrent callers, depending on model. For more information, please visit www.cudatel.com.

About CudaTel

With the vision of creating the next generation phone system, CudaTel is a collaboration between Barracuda Networks and FreeSWITCH. A wholly owned subsidiary of Barracuda Networks, CudaTel operates out of its Ann Arbor, Michigan research center.

About Barracuda Networks Inc.

Barracuda Networks Inc. built its reputation as the worldwide leader in content security appliances by offering easy to use and affordable products that protect organizations from email, Web and IM threats. Barracuda Networks has leveraged its success in the security market to offer networking products that improve application delivery and network access as well as world-class solutions for message archiving, backup and data protection. Coca-Cola, FedEx, Harvard University, IBM, L'Oreal, and Europcar are amongst the more than 85,000 organizations protecting their networks with Barracuda Networks' solutions. Barracuda Networks' success is due to its ability to deliver easy to use, comprehensive solutions that solve the most serious issues facing customer networks without unnecessary add-ons, maintenance, lengthy installations or per user license fees. Barracuda Networks is privately held with its headquarters in Campbell, Calif. Barracuda Networks has offices in 10 international locations and distributors in more than 80 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.barracudanetworks.com.