$100,000 Gift Supports Communication at Ohio University

Contact: Anne McGuinness, Ohio University College of Communication, (740) 593-0030; Vic Paini, Applied Innovation, (614) 798-1199, extension 2113

ATHENS, Ohio (May 12, 2000) -- Applied Innovation Inc. of Columbus has donated about $100,000 in equipment to the J. Warren McClure School of Communication Systems Management at Ohio University's College of Communication.

The telecommunications network analysis equipment includes Applied Innovation's "AISwitch" technology, which enables real-time performance assessment and feedback on communication networks of all types, including voice, data and the Internet. It will be used for a variety of classes to teach data and voice networking architecture, applications, analysis and operations.

"It is an opportunity for an Ohio-based telecommunications company to contribute to a university school of national stature," said Applied Innovation President Gerry Moersdorf.

Tony Mele, an associate professor of communication systems management, plans to use the new equipment in his classes

"Applied Innovation is helping ensure that we sustain the quality of education that students come here to get," Mele said. "When corporations in the telecommunications industry support us in this manner, our best product becomes their best resource."

Ohio University's Communication Systems Management program is the only program in Ohio that offers a degree dedicated to voice, data and image communication systems. Several of its graduates are employed at Applied Innovation.

"Ohio University's communication program prepared me well for the industry," said Vic Paini, manager of technical support for AI and a 1996 graduate of the College of Communication. "When I was a student I saw other companies making gifts to the university and I always told myself that if I could assist the university some day I would."

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, AI is the leading provider of mediation products that enable communications between network elements and operations support systems for the management of telecommunications carriers' networks. The company has 250 employees and had total revenue of $49.5 million and a net income of $7 million in 1999. AI posted a 141 percent increase in stock value for 1999, the No. 1 performing stock in central Ohio, according to Bloomberg News.

Information about Applied Innovation, its products and services can be found on the Web at www.aiinet.com or by calling 1-800-247-9482.