The Backyardigans, Go, Diego, Go! and Avatar, The Last Airbender Mark Their
Toy Fair Debut with Fun Products for Every Kid

SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer Continue to Wow Kids with Toys
Inspired by Their Favorite Characters

NEW YORK, Nickelodeon, the number one
entertainment brand for kids and home to today's most popular characters,
comes to Toy Fair with three highly-anticipated new favorites: The
Backyardigans and Go, Diego, Go! for preschoolers and Avatar, The Last
Airbender for kids 6-11.
Nickelodeon's new properties take their place alongside the hugely
successful Dora the Explorer and SpongeSquarePants franchises, which continue
to rank as two of the most popular properties of all time for kids ages 2-11.

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.
"Children develop knowledge by manipulating objects with their hands-the
tools of the mind."
Mega Bloks recognizes this very important trend and has met the demand for
more girl-themed building playsets -- combining traditional role-play aspects
for girls into comprehensive building construction toy sets.99-US$17.99. Eight-year-old Diego is a
bilingual animal rescuer and nature expert who has the ability to talk to
animals.
Avatar, The Last Airbender premiered in February 2005 and has grown to be
one of the most popular shows for kids 6 -11 as well as avid animation fans of
all ages. Asian-inspired, Avatar is an epic story that follows the story of
Aang, a 12-year-old boy torn between fulfilling his fate as the long-awaited
Avatar and just wanting to be a regular kid. New from Hasbro Games is
SpongeBob SquarePants Monopoly, which features spectacular lenticular
packaging.
Nickelodeon, now in its 26th year, is the number -one entertainment brand
for kids.

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Our full-featured
telephones contain all of the logic of a PBX , and when networked
together, create a system that can easily be scaled on a set by set
basis at the end user's pace," said Steve Copeland, vice president
marketing at Aastra Telecom.00 USD
for the VentureIP 480i and the VentureIP Gateway respectively. Available in 24-, 80-, and
100-piece bags .
Adds Healy, "Fundamentals of math and science are found in problem solving
with blocks and facilitate a child's ability to handle challenges as they
grow. Other trademarks are
used under license. television
network is seen in more than 89 million households and has been the
number -one-rated basic cable network for ten consecutive years.

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About Aastra Technologies

Aastra Technologies Limited (TSX: "AAH"), headquartered in
Concord, Ontario, Canada, develops and markets products and systems
for accessing communication networks.
The MEGA BLOKS(R) system features basic and themed construction toys for boys
and girls of all ages. Headquartered in Montreal, Mega Bloks is a global
organization employing approximately 1000 people with sales in over 100
countries . At
Toy Fair, Mattel introduces a complete line of highly unique action/adventure
toys that encourage role-play, include Aang's Battle Staff as well as the Air
Launch Aang with Appa -- the giant two -ton flying bison! Also related to the
current role play trend are boy's dress-up sets from Disguise -- which take
advantage of Avatar's costuming and props. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.

potting playhouse

. While children are setting a scene with their
favorite Mega Bloks playsets, they are inevitably building life-long education
skills," says Witkin.newscom. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in
everything it does.S.

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News Editors

TORONTO----

Powered By Nimcat, The VentureIP(TM) System Enables SMBs To
Easily Install and Operate A Full-Featured Phone System By Simply
Connecting Telephones To Their Network

Aastra Technologies Limited (TSX:AAH), a leader in enterprise
communication access products, extended its industry leadership today
with the launch of VentureIP(TM) - the first enterprise-class, P2P
(peer-to-peer) IP-based phone system. Additionally, through
its connection to the LAN and the Internet, users have Web-based
access to the VentureIP system to better manage their set's options,
as well as access to future software enhancements.

Building Helps to Dispel 'Math Myth' Through Play

Little girls can actually learn basics of algebra and
physics, for example , as they build -- and have fun in the process. SRP: US $15.megabloks. Using skilled "bending" moves
inspired and choreographed by actual martial arts experts, Aang is called upon
to lead the fight against the vicious Fire Nation to restore balance in his
war-torn world. Lego is launching a range of
creative Avatar-themed construction sets.
Dora the Explorer playthings have frequently been acknowledged by both
parents and consumer experts for their high quality and play value., Nickelodeon , Paramount Pictures,
Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
Ivars Sondors
(312) 485-8431

Big Time Toys
Denise Truelove
(615) 383-2888

Cycle Express
Howard Trager
(212) 268-6117

Crayola
Susan Tucker
(610 ) 253-6272

Disquise
Stephen Stanley
(858) 391-3600

Emerson
Lisa Hanlon
Southard Communications
(212) 777-2220 ext.

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com

Aastra Technologies Limited, VentureIP(TM) 480i, VentureIP(TM)
Gateway and any combinations thereof are the property of Aastra
Technologies Limited. Nimcat Networks, nimX, and nimX-Powered are the
property of Nimcat Networks, Inc. These properties join two of the network's most
successful franchises: Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, with
product that is sure to capture kids' imaginations and creativity .
The Backyardigans is an animated musical adventure series about five
high-spirited preschool friends who take epic, imagination-fueled adventures
by transforming their backyards into fantastical places like ancient Egypt or
the high seas. Last year,
Dora's Talking Kitchen was included in leading holiday top toy lists and named
a Hot Dozen toy by Toy Wishes magazine. Inspired by the famous
SpongeBob "Something Smells" episode -- a uniquely repulsive scent is released
into the air with a simple pull of the blaster.

playnix playthings

Aastra Launches VentureIP'TM'-The First Enterprise-Class P2P IP-based Phone System

When a user connects a VentureIP 480i telephone into
their data network, the device automatically configures itself,
allowing calls to be made and received without any additional,
complex setup or centralized server equipment. some girls
in town are taking over the construction toy area in playrooms across North
America, fueled by themed-building sets from Mega Bloks Inc. In
Bad Breath Blaster SpongeBob, from Fisher-Price, kids get to gross out their
friends with a toy that comes with assorted stinky breath pellets including:
onion/garlic, fish, rotten eggs and smelly socks . Nickelodeon
and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom
International Inc.

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"The VentureIP 480i and Gateway combination is an incredibly
reliable, simple to install and cost-effective alternative to
purchasing and managing a PBX phone system. Suggested retail pricing is $379.

Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage: Lets you build your own magical fairy tale!
This highly decorated carriage has lots of building fun and a special dolly to
take along on the ride to a far, far away land all in your imagination!
Includes 18 pieces.

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"When a new VentureIP 480i telephone is added to the
network, it independently recognizes all other VentureIP terminals
and gateways on the network and instantly forms a trusted, virtual
exchange - with the ability to interact with its peers and to connect
to the PSTN.
"Particularly important for girls to grasp at an early age are fundamental
math and science skills. Create your own visual effects with a spiral
wheel block and other specially decorated blocks for an endless array of
building possibilities as big as your imagination. "Research told us that kids have embraced The Backyardigans, Go,
Diego, Go! and Avatar and we're excited to offer kids new playthings that
spark imagination, creativity and fun in their lives," she said. Each episode is richly animated with bright, primary colors,
features a variety of songs from different genres (swing, reggae, funk, etc. Nickelodeon's U.

tipis playsets

(Photo: http://www . There will also be activity and
craft kits from Jakks Pacific.

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Aastra's products include a
full -range of IP and traditional residential and business telephone
terminals, enterprise Private Branch Exchanges (PBX), network access
servers and high-quality digital video gateways. Aastra serves the
majority of telephone companies and certain cable operators and
broadcasters in North America and Europe, with a growing presence in
South America and Asia. All other brand and product names
are used for identification only and are owned by their respective
holders. (TSX: MB) that
incorporate girl-preferred role play elements into classic building blocks." With Mega Bloks' preschool sales
experiencing double-digit growth and outperforming within the industry,
largely due to the focus on developing product that has strong appeal to girls
and their parents and gift-givers, this strategy appears to be fulfilling a
key consumer need. Like his cousin, Dora's show, Go, Diego, Go! is flavored with
Spanish words, Latin American music, folktales and traditions.B)

To view exciting Nickelodeon licensed product during Toy Fair please
contact the following licensees directly:

Ah-Ha ! Toys Inc. 14

Fisher-Price
Ellie Bagli,
Freeman Public Relations
(973 ) 470-0400

Franklin Sports
Chuck Quinn
(781) 344-1111


Gemmy Industries
Joe Pellettieri
(972) 538-4200

KiddieLand
Kenneth Lo
01 852 2116 3019

Kidz Craze
Tina Agostinello
(516) 931-3600

Jakks Pacific
Genna Rosenberg
(310) 455-6235

Hasbro Games
Pat Riso
(413) 526-2703

Lego
Michael McNally
(860) 763-6731

Little Kids
Jim Engle
(401) 454-7600

Little Tikes
Frank Shorf
(330) 650-3180

Mattel
Tami Cole
(310) 252-3921

Moose Mountain
Ron Lokos
(973) 884-8900

Play-Doh
Courtney Curzi
(617) 437-7722

Playhut
Maggie Young
(818) 591-0093

Spin Master
Adam Beder
(416) 364-6002

Ty
Scott Wehrs
(630) 455-7716

Upper Deck
Claudine Ricanor
PR Manager
(760) 603-7458

Vtech
Julia Fitzgerald
(847)-400-3512

What Kids Want
Jordan Kort
(818) 775-0375

swingset gund

"We determined that
if we incorporated themes, colors and play patterns that appeal to young girls
within our traditional building sets , more girls would be drawn to this
important and beneficial play activity. Mega Bloks girl-powered building
playsets include:

Mega Bloks Maxi(TM) Bag: Big variety and bigger fun combine in this
colorful assortment of blocks.newscom. And,
on every preschooler's wish list will be the life-sized, Dora's Adventure
Playhouse from Little Tikes, filled with interactive elements.

swingsets cubby

"We are pleased to offer the first IP-based, P2P system in our
industry that meets the enterprise -class telephony needs of the SMB
market," said Hung Lam, director IP product portfolio at Aastra
Telecom.00 USD and $289."

About Mega Bloks:
Mega Bloks creates high quality, fun and award winning educational
construction toys that inspire kids and parents to play and learn together . Dora's
Talking Castle follows the best-selling Talking Dollhouse and Talking Kitchen
by offering preschoolers a play set that comes to life with the wave of a
magic wand! When kids wave the wand in front of the bookcase, it magically
revolves; when kids wave the wand in front of the castle doors -- they
magically swing open! Fairy Wishes Dora comes alive with a life-like face that
delights girls when she changes facial expressions throughout playtime.

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)
accompanied by real choreographed movements from the Alvin Alley dance troupe
recreated in animation. Avatar boasts 25 licensees including Upper Deck, which
recently launched a trading card game featuring new Quick Play technology.
There are hours of fun on the way from SpongeBob SquarePants as well. The company includes television programming and production
in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online ,
recreation, books, magazines and feature films.

playscapes playhouse

The system scales on a phone by phone basis and can be
connected to the local PSTN via the VentureIP Gateway.

Key Features of the VentureIP Telephone System include:

- Low-cost IP-based telephony system - P2P, VoIP

- Complete PBX telephony features including : voice mail,
intercom / page and auto attendant

- Eight -line graphic display with six dynamic context-sensitive
softkeys

- Premium speakerphone performance

- Automatic start-up with no configuration required

- Systems scales set by set - no need to purchase a minimum
number of units

- Completely automated for adds, moves and changes

Nimcat nimX-Powered(TM)

Aastra's VentureIP 480i and VentureIP Gateway devices leverage
Nimcat Networks' embedded software. Nimcat's nimX - embedded, P2P
call processing software - takes the intelligence usually found at
the PBX and distributes it to end-user telephone sets. A complete line
of action /adventure toys that come complete with an animal figure and
corresponding educational fact card, will be available this Fall from
Fisher-Price.

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Each VentureIP Gateway supports up to four telephone lines, while
multiple gateways can be supported on the same network.
"Critical learning begins at play," says Jane Healy, child development
expert, well-known author of "Your Child's Growing Mind " and a two-time U. Currently, Healy serves as an internationally recognized
lecturer, consultant , and learning specialist at the Vail Mountain School. Since the
introduction of new girl-powered sets in 2004, for the first time in its 20-
year history, sales of Mega Bloks preschool girls construction toys equal that
of the boy-oriented construction sets. SRP: US$7.99.

"All of the Mega Bloks sets help to build strong math and science skills
in girls, as well as boys. For more company information, visit http://www.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060210/NYF054-b )
"Nickelodeon has had a consistent roster of hit toy properties because our
shows feature unique characters with great storylines that resonate with
kids," said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon + Viacom Consumer
Products . The department
handles the merchandising for Nick Jr.

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aastra.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060210/NYF054-a
http://www.

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Powered by Nimcat Networks'
nimX software, the system enables small to-medium business (SMBs) to
install, operate and manage a full-featured phone system by simply
plugging the VentureIP 480i telephone into their local area network
(LAN).
Educator of the Year. Ages 1 and up.

(R) and (TM) denoted trademarks of Mega Bloks Inc. Nickelodeon +
Viacom Consumer Products operates the third-largest licensing agency in the
world with $5 billion in retail sales in 2005. Also new are inventive construction sets from Lego, including the
amazing Build-a-Bob set , where kids can build their very own SpongeBob!
Nickelodeon + Viacom Consumer Products manages the third largest licensing
business in the world with $5 billion in retail sales in 2005, from such
properties as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

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Call-control,
conferencing, voice-mail and auto-attendant, among other key
features, are all contained within and powered by the IP telephone . These skills could prompt a generation of female math and science
experts to come.com .

playscapes playtime

Just like the
VentureIP 480i telephone, the VentureIP Gateway is a self-aware
device and automatically configures itself within the system. For more information on Aastra or its
products, please visit the website at www.S. Confidence, creativity, attention and communication skills
are all value-added outcomes of hands-on block play," Healy continues. Sorting
blocks of different sizes, understanding the basics of gravity and balance are
skills a child can develop with blocks.
Go, Diego, Go ! is a spin-off of Dora the Explorer and joins Dora as one of
the top-two rated preschool shows on commercial TV. He takes preschoolers on interactive high-stakes journeys into rich,
exotic locales . A complete line of toys that inspire preschoolers to
use their imaginations, will be available this Fall from Fisher-Price,
including the irresistible Sing + Spin Pablo.

playset playtime

"

The VentureIP Gateway enables connectivity to the local PSTN.

Pricing + Availability

The system is available immediately from current Aastra
distributors. Ages 1 and up.

Nickelodeon Unveils Three New Toy Lines Based on Hit Properties

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The focus on providing building toys with strong "girl-appeal" is for good
reason -- child development experts and parents alike now recognize that
construction play helps both genders develop important math and science skills
that are needed later in life, broadening future opportunities for girls in
these male-dominated fields.
"Child development experts have long recognized the benefits that building
and construction toys provide in early math and science skill development,"
says Andrew Witkin, director of marketing for Mega Bloks.

cardboard playhouses

Aastra Technologies Limited (TSX:AAH)

Mega Bloks(R) Toys Empower Girls With Themed Playsets to Encourage Early Math
and Science Skills in Female Preschoolers

MONTREAL, Move over boys . Particularly appealing to young show fans is Diego's Animal
Rescue Center which is full of fun action details including the ability to
have Diego slide down his rescue vine. In 2006, new Dora products at Toy Fair
from Fisher-Price include Dora's Talking Castle and Fairy Wishes Dora.

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- - kjjkjk

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