DITECH CORP
424A, 1999-09-10
TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES NOR DOES IT SEEK OFFERS TO
BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 1999     FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(A)
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-86691

           [LOGO]
2,250,000 SHARES
COMMON STOCK
Of the 2,250,000 shares of our common stock being sold in this offering, we are
selling 1,000,000 shares and the selling stockholders are selling 1,250,000
shares. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the
selling stockholders.
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol DITC.
On September 7, 1999, the last reported sale price of our common stock was
$69.25 per share.
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON
PAGE 6.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>
                                                    UNDERWRITING
                                    PRICE TO        DISCOUNTS AND   PROCEEDS TO        PROCEEDS TO SELLING
                                    PUBLIC          COMMISSIONS     DITECH             STOCKHOLDERS
Per share                           $               $               $                  $
Total                               $               $               $                  $
</TABLE>

Some of the selling stockholders have granted the underwriters the right to
purchase up to 337,500 additional shares to cover any over-allotments.

DEUTSCHE BANC ALEX. BROWN
                     BANCBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS
                                                               HAMBRECHT & QUIST
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS              , 1999
<PAGE>
    In the top half of the page is an eight-line block of text, which is
centered in the middle of the page. The text itself is flushed left. It reads:
"Ditech Communications Corporation."

    On the top right-hand corner of the page is a one-inch high rectangle of
color. It extends approximately one-third of the way across the page and
gradually fades to white. Across the middle of the page is an arrow pointing to
a tab on the right edge of the page. To the left of the tab, superimposed over
the arrow, are the words "open here."

                                [LOGO]
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                       DITECH ECHO CANCELLATION SOLUTION
                  VOICE QUALITY IS THE COMPETITIVE DIFFERENCE

[Graphical illustration of telecommunication networks, with a cloud in the
center in which the following words appear:

                                     Cable
                                   Satellite
                                    Wireline
                                    Wireless

                               Voice-over packet
                             (Voice-over Internet,
                               ATM, Frame Relay)

    Above the cloud are the words "Circuit Switched Network," and below the
cloud are the words "Packet Switched Network." Leading into the cloud from the
top left is a figure of a person on a telephone with two dotted lines leading to
a vertical line on the right labeled "Echo generated at 2-to-4 conversion
hybrid." Out of this are four dotted lines leading to the right to a box labeled
"Echo Cancellers." Out of this box come four dotted lines to the right to the
upper left portion of the cloud.

    At the upper right portion of the cloud is the mirror image of the figures
described in the proceeding paragraph.

    Leading into the cloud from the bottom left is a figure of a person on a
telephone with two dotted lines leading to a box on the right labeled "PBX" with
rectangle labeled "Echo Canceller (4SA)" sitting on top of it. Out of this are
two dotted lines leading to a vertical line on the right labeled "Echo generated
at hybrid." Out of this are four dotted lines leading to the right to a box
labeled "Packet Switch (e.g. router)." Out of this come four dotted lines to the
right to the lower left portion of the cloud.

    At the lower right portion of the cloud is the mirror image of the figures
described in the proceeding paragraph.]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DITECH PRODUCTS                       STATUS
<S>                                              <C>                                              <C>
[rectangle representing                          Echo Canceller (4SA)
  an Echo Canceller]                             (For small office and network environments)      Shipping
                                                 18T1/E1 Echo Canceller
[box representing                                (220 T1's in 7 foot rack)
  an Echo Canceller]                             (126 e1's in 2.1m rack)                          Shipping
[box representing                                Quad T1 Echo Canceller
  an Echo Canceller]                             (480 T1's in 7 foot rack)                        Shipping
[box representing                                Quad E1 Echo Canceller
  Echo Canceller]                                (480 E1's in 2.1m rack)                          Shipping
[box representing                                Broadband Echo Canceller (BBEC")
  Echo Canceller]                                (For higher capacity networks)                   Shipping
</TABLE>

BENEFITS TO SERVICE PROVIDER

    - High capacity

    - High performance

    - Remote software upgradeability

    - Low power consumption
<PAGE>
                        BUILDING THE NEW PUBLIC NETWORK

                           DITECH'S OPTICAL SOLUTION
                       EXPANDING THE NEW OPTICAL NETWORK

    [Graphical illustration of a telecommunication network labeled "Long
Distance" represented by a large ring with (i) nine triangles on the ring
representing EDFA optical amplifiers, and (ii) four balls, the lower two of
which are labeled "Switching Center." To the left of the large ring is a box
labeled "SONET/SDH Terminal Packet Switch," underneath which the words "16
Wavelength DWDM Multiplexer System" are found. Out of this box come 16 arrows to
the right to a stack of 16 boxes labeled at the top with a "T" to denote that
they are Transponders. Out of each of these boxes comes an arrow to the right to
a trapezoid labeled "DWDM Mux." Out of this comes one arrow to the large ring.
At the right of the large ring is the mirror image of the figures described in
the proceeding four sentences, except that all arrows continue to go to the
right and the trapezoid labeled "DWDM Mux" is labeled "DWDM DeMux." Above and to
the left of the large ring is the figure of a person at a computer labeled
"Technician" with a dotted line out of the computer leading to two boxes, one of
which is labeled "Network Management System" and one of which is labeled
"Optical Telemetry System (OTS)." Out of these boxes comes a dotted line that
splits into two dotted lines, each leading to a box labeled "OTS." Out of each
of these boxes is a dotted line leading through one of the optical amplifiers on
the top of the large ring, then to a box labeled "Monitor," and them to one of
the optical amplifiers on the bottom of the large ring. In the center of the
large ring are the words "Remote Monitoring and Management."

    Below the large ring is a graphical illustration of a telecommunication
network labeled "Local Exchange" represented by a smaller ring with four balls,
each with a different label as follows: "Remote Terminal"; "Central Office";
"Terminal"; "Campus"; and "ISP." Each of the first two balls, which are at the
top of the small ring, has a thick line leading up from it to one of the two
balls on the large ring labeled "Switching Center." To the left of the small
ring is a box labeled "SONET/SDH Terminal Packet Switch," underneath which the
words "4 Wavelength WDM Multiplexer System" are found. Out of this box come 4
arrows to the right to a stack of 4 boxes each labeled with a "T" to denote that
they are Transponders. Out of each of these boxes come an arrow to the right to
a trapezoid labeled "WDM Mux." Out of this comes one arrow to the small ring. At
the right of the small ring is the mirror image of the figures described in the
proceeding four sentences, except that all arrows continue to go to the right
and the trapezoid labeled "WDM Mux" is labeled "WDM DeMux." In the center of the
small ring are the words "Cost-effective, scalable solution."

    To the left of the large and small rings and other graphical representations
is a cloud with the words "Voice," "Data," and "Video" in it. The cloud has two
dotted lines coming out of it, each to a box labeled "SONET/SDH Terminal Packet
Switch" on the left side of each of the two rings.]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DITECH PRODUCTS                       STATUS
<S>                                              <C>                                              <C>
[Triangle]                                       EDFA (optical amplifier)                         Shipping
[Box with "T" in the middle]                     Transponder                                      Commercially
                                                                                                  Available
[Trapazoid]                                      WDM Multiplexer/Demultiplexer                    Commercially
                                                                                                  Available
[Trapazoid]                                      DWDM Multiplexer/Demultiplexer                   Development
[Box with "OTS" in the middle]                   Optical Telemetry System (OTS)                   Commercially
                                                                                                  Available
[Box with "Monitor" in the middle]               DWDM Channel Monitor                             Commercially
                                                                                                  Available
</TABLE>

BENEFITS TO SERVICE PROVIDER

    - Cost-effective, scalable solutions

    - Interoperable in multivendor networks

    - Designed to industry standards

    - Remote monitoring and management
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
    YOU SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY TOGETHER WITH THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
    UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
ASSUMES NO EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION.
    AS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, THE TERM
"DITECH" REFERS TO DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION,
ITS PREDECESSOR CALIFORNIA CORPORATION AND THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATION'S
PREDECESSORS AND SUBSIDIARIES.
                                     DITECH
    Ditech designs, develops and markets equipment used in building and
expanding telecommunications and cable communications networks. Our products
fall into two categories, echo cancellation equipment and equipment that enables
and facilitates communications over fiber optic networks. Our echo cancellation
products eliminate echo, which is a significant problem in existing and emerging
networks. Echo results from speech signals that are reflected back to the
speaker during a telephone call, making conversation difficult. This effect is
most pronounced when two people are talking over long distance, satellite,
cellular, PCS or packetized networks. Our echo cancellation products use a
software-intensive architecture coupled with one of the latest commercially
available digital signal processors, a semiconductor device that encodes and
decodes digital signals, to cancel echo and enhance the quality of voice
communications. To date, the vast majority of our revenue has been derived from
sales of our echo cancellation products. Our optical communications products
enable the implementation of wavelength division multiplexing, or WDM,
technology, a technology that enables multiple communication links to be carried
on one fiber optic connection which is becoming more widely adopted by service
providers to address network capacity constraints. Ditech's optical
communications products are designed to function either as stand-alone products
or as a complete system known as the Optical Path Solution.
    Service providers, struggling to meet the demands of increasing traffic,
also face intense competition as worldwide deregulation and privatization have
enabled new players to enter the market. Growing numbers of service providers
are both expanding legacy infrastructures and building out new networks.
Consequently, traffic that was previously carried through the network of a
single service provider, is now routed through the networks of multiple service
providers. These networks are comprised of equipment from several different
vendors that must carry traffic over existing and emerging infrastructures. This
added complexity makes it more difficult to ensure network reliability and
service quality. Service providers, operating in an increasingly competitive
industry, must cost-effectively meet these challenges or lose business to
competitors who can.
    Our objective is to become a leading provider of echo cancellation and
optical communications products required to cost-effectively build and manage
the telecommunications networks of the twenty-first century. Key elements of our
strategy include the following:
    - Extend technology leadership;
    - Increase optical communications products growth;
    - Expand and leverage distribution channels;
    - Strengthen existing and develop new customer relationships; and
    - Deliver cost-effective solutions.

                                       3
<PAGE>
    We have established a direct sales force that sells to our customers in the
United States and internationally. We also intend to expand the use of sales
agents, systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers and distributors
to sell and market our products internationally. More than fifty companies
purchased our products in fiscal 1999.
    Ditech was originally incorporated as Phone Info, Inc. in July 1983 and
subsequently changed its name to Automated Call Processing Corporation, Inc. In
March 1997, Automated Call Processing sold portions of its business and merged
with its wholly-owned subsidiary, and the surviving entity was renamed Ditech
Corporation. Ditech reincorporated in Delaware in April 1999 and changed its
name to Ditech Communications Corporation. Shortly following the
reincorporation, all of our Series B preferred stock converted to common stock,
we effected a 2-for-3 reverse split of our common stock and we redeemed all of
our outstanding Series A and Series C preferred stock. Where we refer to numbers
of shares of common stock in this prospectus, we have adjusted those numbers to
reflect the conversion of the Series B preferred stock and the reverse stock
split. Our principal offices are located at 825 E. Middlefield Road, Mountain
View, California 94043, and our telephone number is (650) 623-1300.
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
    We had record revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2000.
Revenue for the quarter ended July 31, 1999 was $9.8 million, up 90.7% over
revenue recorded in the same quarter last year and up 33.1% over revenue in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. This marked the seventh consecutive quarter in
which revenue surpassed prior quarter levels. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a further
discussion of our recent financial results. In addition, during the first
quarter of fiscal 2000 we added nine new customers, and initiated the volume
deployment of our Broadband Echo Cancellation system. We also received a
substantial unforecasted order from one of our largest customers for deployment
of our Broadband Echo Cancellation System. We expect this order to result in an
incremental $12 million to $15 million of revenue to be recognized over the next
two to three quarters.
                                  THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
Shares offered by Ditech....................  1,000,000 shares
Shares offered by the selling                 1,250,000 shares
  stockholders..............................
Shares to be outstanding after the            13,223,940 shares
  offering..................................
Use of proceeds.............................  For general corporate purposes
Nasdaq National Market symbol...............  DITC
</TABLE>

    The number of shares to be outstanding following this offering is based on
the number of shares outstanding on July 31, 1999. It excludes:
    - 873,856 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding
      options at a weighted average exercise price of $3.88 per share;
    - 431,611 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1998
      Stock Option Plan;
    - 133,333 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
      Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and
    - 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
      Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.

                                       4
<PAGE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           THREE
                                                                                                                          MONTHS
                                                                                                                           ENDED
                                                                                 YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,                   JULY 31,
                                                                -------------------------------------------------------  ---------
                                                                   1995        1996       1997       1998       1999       1998
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                (UNAUDITED)                                              (UNAUDITED)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue.......................................................  $    7,979   $  14,354  $  14,066  $  12,326  $  25,364  $   5,124
Gross profit..................................................       4,186       7,190      7,276      6,675     13,506      2,716
Operating expenses............................................       1,320       2,617      3,307      6,051     12,018      2,574
Income from operations........................................       2,866       4,573      3,969        624      1,488        142
Income from continuing operations.............................       1,621       2,792      2,343          7        575          6
Discontinued operations(1)....................................        (848 )    (1,413)        92         --         --         --
Net income....................................................         773       1,379      2,435          7        575          6
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock...........          --          --        187      1,374      1,497        362
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders.........  $      773   $   1,379  $   2,248  $  (1,367) $    (922) $    (356)
Per share data (2)
Basic
  Income (loss) from continuing operations....................  $     0.06   $    0.10  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11)
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss)...........................................  $     0.03   $    0.05  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11)
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Diluted
  Income (loss) from continuing operations....................  $     0.06   $    0.10  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11)
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss)...........................................  $     0.03   $    0.05  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11)
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Number of shares used in per share calculations (2)
  Basic.......................................................      27,903      27,903     24,772      3,061      3,566      3,269
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Diluted.....................................................      27,903      28,271     25,224      3,061      3,566      3,269
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

<CAPTION>

                                                                  1999
                                                                ---------
<S>                                                             <C>

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue.......................................................  $   9,771
Gross profit..................................................      5,632
Operating expenses............................................      3,734
Income from operations........................................      1,898
Income from continuing operations.............................      1,039
Discontinued operations(1)....................................         --
Net income....................................................      1,039
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock...........         99
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders.........  $     940
Per share data (2)
Basic
  Income (loss) from continuing operations....................  $    0.11
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
  Net income (loss)...........................................  $    0.11
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
Diluted
  Income (loss) from continuing operations....................  $    0.08
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
  Net income (loss)...........................................  $    0.08
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
Number of shares used in per share calculations (2)
  Basic.......................................................      8,359
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
  Diluted.....................................................     11,251
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               JULY 31, 1999
                                                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                                                           ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                                          ---------  ------------
<S>                                                                                                       <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...............................................................................  $   8,126   $   73,200
Total assets............................................................................................     22,688       87,762
Long-term debt..........................................................................................         60           60
Total stockholders' equity..............................................................................     17,345       82,419
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) See Note 3 of notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this
    prospectus.
(2) The reduction in earnings per share due to accretion for redeemable
    preferred stock will not occur after our first quarter of fiscal 2000
    because the Series A preferred stock was redeemed and the Series B preferred
    stock was converted to common stock in June 1999.
    The balance sheet data has been adjusted to reflect the sale of 1,000,000
shares of common stock being sold by us in this offering at an assumed public
offering price of $69.25 per share and the receipt of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering
expenses. See "Use of Proceeds."

                                       5
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS

    THIS OFFERING INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER
THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DESCRIBED BELOW AND THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS
PROSPECTUS BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO INVEST IN SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK. IF
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RISKS ACTUALLY OCCUR, OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR
OPERATING RESULTS COULD BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED. THIS COULD CAUSE THE
TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO DECLINE, AND YOU MAY LOSE PART OR ALL OF
YOUR INVESTMENT.

WE DEPEND ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS FOR OUR PRODUCTS, THE LOSS OF ANY ONE
OF WHICH COULD CAUSE OUR REVENUE TO DECREASE

    Our revenue historically has come from a small number of customers. A
customer may stop buying our products or significantly reduce its orders for our
products for a number of reasons, including the acquisition of a customer by
another company. If this happens, our revenue and business would be materially
and adversely affected. Our five largest customers accounted for over 75% of our
revenue in the first three months of fiscal 2000, over 65% of our revenue in
fiscal 1999 and over 75% of our revenue in fiscal 1998. Qwest/LCI accounted for
43% of our revenue in the first three months of fiscal 2000, 42% of our revenue
in fiscal 1999 and in fiscal 1998. Our four next largest customers accounted
collectively for 33% of our revenue in the first three months of fiscal 2000,
23% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and 38% of our revenue in fiscal 1998. MCI
accounted for $7.6 million, or more than 50%, of our revenue in fiscal 1997, but
only $1.4 million, or approximately 11%, of our revenue in fiscal 1998. This
reduction began shortly before the acquisition of MCI by Worldcom.

    As an example, we received a substantial unforecasted order from one of our
largest customers for deployment of our Broadband Echo Cancellation System. We
expect this order to result in an incremental $12 million to $15 million of
revenue to be recognized over the next two to three quarters. If all or a
portion of this order is cancelled or delayed, our expected operating results
for the next two to three quarters would be adversely affected, which could
adversely affect our stock price.

OUR OPERATING RESULTS HAVE FLUCTUATED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PAST, AND WE
ANTICIPATE THAT THEY MAY CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE

    Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past
and may fluctuate in the future as a result of several factors, some of which
are outside of our control. If revenue declines in a quarter, whether due to a
loss in revenue or a delay in recognizing expected revenue, our operating
results will be adversely affected because many of our expenses are relatively
fixed. In particular, sales and marketing, research and development and general
and administrative expenses do not change significantly with variations in
revenue in a quarter. Adverse changes in our operating results could adversely
affect our stock price.

    OUR REVENUE MAY VARY FROM PERIOD TO PERIOD.  Factors that could cause our
revenue to fluctuate from period to period include:

    - the timing or cancellation of orders from, or shipments to, existing and
      new customers;

    - the timing of new product and service introductions by us, our customers,
      our partners or our competitors;

    - competitive pressures;

    - variations in the mix of products offered by us; and

    - variations in our sales or distribution channels.

                                       6
<PAGE>
    In particular, sales of our echo cancellation products, which historically
have accounted for the vast majority of our revenue, have typically come from
our major customers ordering large quantities when they deploy a switching
center. Consequently, we may get one or more large orders in one quarter from a
customer and then no orders the next quarter. As a result, our revenue may vary
significantly from quarter to quarter.

    In addition, the sales cycle for our products is typically lengthy. Before
ordering our products our customers perform significant technical evaluations,
which typically last up to 90 days in the case of our echo cancellation products
and up to 180 days in the case of our optical communications products. Once an
order is made, delivery times can vary depending on the product ordered, with
delivery times for optical communications products exceeding those for our echo
cancellation products. As a result, revenue forecasted for a specific customer
for a particular quarter may not occur in that quarter. Because of the potential
large size of our customers' orders, this would adversely affect our revenue for
the quarter.

    OUR EXPENSES MAY VARY FROM PERIOD TO PERIOD.  Many of our expenses do not
vary with our revenue. Factors that could cause our expenses to fluctuate from
period to period include:

    - the extent of marketing and sales efforts necessary to promote and sell
      our products;

    - the timing and extent of our research and development efforts;

    - the availability and cost of key components for our products; and

    - the timing of personnel hiring.

    If we incur such additional expenses in a quarter in which we do not
experience increased revenue, our profitability would be adversely affected and
we may even incur losses for that quarter.

WE ANTICIPATE THAT AVERAGE SELLING PRICES FOR OUR PRODUCTS WILL DECLINE IN THE
FUTURE, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY

    We expect that the price we can charge our customers for our products will
decline as new technologies become available and as competitors lower prices
either as a result of reduced manufacturing costs or a strategy of cutting
margins to achieve or maintain market share. As a result, we may face reduced
profitability and perhaps losses in future periods. We expect price reductions
to be more pronounced in the market for our echo cancellation products, at least
in the near term, due to more established competition for these products. While
we intend to reduce our manufacturing costs in an attempt to maintain our
margins and to introduce enhanced products with higher selling prices, we may
not execute these programs on schedule. In addition, our competitors may drive
down prices faster or lower than our planned cost reduction programs. Even if we
can reduce our manufacturing costs, many of our operating costs will not decline
immediately if revenue decreases due to price competition.

IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP AND INTRODUCE OUR NEW PRODUCTS, OUR PRODUCTS
MAY BECOME OBSOLETE

    If we do not successfully develop and introduce our new products and our
existing products become obsolete due to product introductions by competitors,
our revenue will decline. Our ability to maintain and increase revenue in the
future will depend primarily on:

    - acceptance of our new Broadband Echo Cancellation System and 4SA echo
      cancellation products;

    - our successful introduction and sale of our new optical monitors,
      telemetry systems, transponders and four-channel wavelength division
      multiplexing products; and

                                       7
<PAGE>
    - our successful development and introduction of our sixteen-channel
      wavelength division multiplexing products.

    However, we may not be able to successfully produce or market our new
products in commercial quantities, complete product development when
anticipated, or increase sales. These risks are of particular concern when a new
generation product is introduced. As a result, while we believe we will achieve
our product introduction dates, they may be delayed. For the year ended April
30, 1999, sales of our 18T1 and 18E1 echo cancellation products accounted for
the vast majority of our revenue, and for the first three months of fiscal 2000
accounted for a substantial portion of our revenue. Shipments of our optical
amplifiers began in the third quarter of calendar 1996 and accounted for
substantially all of our revenue for optical communications products during
fiscal 1999. In the past, we experienced an unforeseen delay in the development
of one of our products due to the need to design around a part that did not
function as anticipated and also when the first version of one of our optical
communications products did not fully meet customer requirements. We have in the
past experienced, and in the future may experience, similar unforeseen delays in
the development of our new products. We must devote a substantial amount of
resources in order to develop and achieve commercial acceptance of our new echo
cancellation and optical communications products. We may not be able to address
evolving demands in these markets in a timely or effective way. Even if we do,
customers in these markets may purchase or otherwise implement competing
products.

    CUSTOMERS MAY DELAY ORDERS FOR OUR EXISTING PRODUCTS IN ANTICIPATION OF NEW
PRODUCTS.  Our customers may delay orders for our existing products in
anticipation of the release of our or our competitors' new products. Further, if
our or our competitors' new products substantially replace the functionality of
our existing products, our existing products may become obsolete, and we could
be forced to sell them at reduced prices or even at a loss.

IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO DEVELOP SUBSTANTIAL REVENUE FROM SALES OF OUR OPTICAL
COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS, OUR ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS MAY BE SUBSTANTIALLY
IMPAIRED

    To date, the vast majority of our revenue has been derived from sales of our
echo cancellation products. If we are not able to develop substantial revenue
from sales of our optical communications products, our ability to grow our
business may be substantially impaired. In fiscal 1997, fiscal 1998, fiscal 1999
and the first three months of fiscal 2000, we derived approximately 99.5%,
94.1%, 93.7% and 99.9%, respectively, of our revenue from the sale of our echo
cancellation products. We expect that a substantial majority of our revenue will
continue to come from sales of our echo cancellation products for the
foreseeable future.

WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO
MAINTAIN OR INCREASE SALES OF OUR PRODUCTS

    The markets for our echo cancellation and optical communications products
are intensely competitive, continually evolving and subject to rapid
technological change. We may not be able to compete successfully against current
or future competitors, including our customers. Certain of our customers also
have the ability to internally produce the equipment that they currently
purchase from us. In such cases, we also compete with their internal product
development capabilities. We expect that competition in each of the echo
cancellation and optical communications markets will increase in the future. We
may not have the financial resources, technical expertise or marketing,
manufacturing, distribution and support capabilities to compete successfully.

    One of our competitors, Nortel Networks, has announced that it is developing
an integrated switch, which would have echo cancellation capability built into
it and would therefore eliminate the

                                       8
<PAGE>
need for the echo cancellation capability provided by our products.
Announcements such as these, or the commercial availability of such switches or
other competing products, may cause our customers to delay or cancel orders for
our products.

    Most of our competitors and potential competitors have substantially greater
name recognition and technical, financial and marketing resources than we do.
Such competitors may undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more
aggressive pricing policies and devote substantially more resources to
developing new products than we will. For more information on the competition we
face, see "Business--Competition."

WE DEPEND ON TELINNOVATION FOR TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT OF OUR ECHO CANCELLATION
TECHNOLOGY, THE LOSS OF WHICH COULD DELAY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

    We acquired our echo cancellation technology from Telinnovation. Prior to
this acquisition we licensed this technology from Telinnovation, which provided
engineering support for our use of this technology. We are currently focused on
increasing our knowledge of this technology so that we will be able to modify
and enhance it ourselves. If Telinnovation does not fulfill its obligations to
assist us during this transitional phase, or if we need to devote more resources
to this technology than we currently expect, our product development plans could
be delayed.

IF WE DO NOT REDUCE MANUFACTURING COSTS OF OUR PRODUCTS TO RESPOND TO
ANTICIPATED DECREASING AVERAGE SELLING PRICES, OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE PROFITS
COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED

    In order to respond to increasing competition and our anticipation that
average selling prices will decrease, we are attempting to reduce manufacturing
costs of our new and existing products. If we do not reduce manufacturing costs
and average selling prices decrease, our operating results will be adversely
affected. We may not be able to successfully reduce the cost of manufacturing
our products due to a number of factors, including:

    WE RELY ON A LIMITED SOURCE OF MANUFACTURING.  Manufacturing of our echo
cancellation products and the electronic printed circuit board assemblies for
our optical communications products is currently outsourced to two contract
manufacturers. If we or these contract manufacturers terminate any of these
relationships, or if we otherwise establish new relationships, we may encounter
problems in the transition of manufacturing to another contract manufacturer,
which could temporarily increase our manufacturing costs and cause product
delays. See "Business-- Manufacturing."

    WE HAVE NO COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR NEW PRODUCTS.  To
date we have manufactured our pre-production optical communications products in
our facilities but not in commercial quantities. We will need to outsource the
manufacturing of these products once we begin to commercially manufacture them.
We may experience delays and other problems during the transition to outsourcing
the manufacture of these products.

WE OPERATE IN AN INDUSTRY EXPERIENCING RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, WHICH MAY
MAKE OUR PRODUCTS OBSOLETE

    Our future success will depend on our ability to develop, introduce and
market enhancements to our existing products and to introduce new products in a
timely manner to meet our customers' requirements. The echo cancellation and
optical communications markets we target are characterized by:

    - rapid technological developments;

    - frequent enhancements to existing products and new product introductions;

                                       9
<PAGE>
    - changes in end user requirements; and

    - evolving industry standards.

    WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO THESE RAPID
CHANGES.  The emerging nature of these products and their rapid evolution will
require us to continually improve the performance, features and reliability of
our products, particularly in response to competitive product offerings. We may
not be able to respond quickly and effectively to these developments. The
introduction or market acceptance of products incorporating superior
technologies or the emergence of alternative technologies and new industry
standards could render our existing products, as well as our products currently
under development, obsolete and unmarketable. In addition, we may have only a
limited amount of time to penetrate certain markets, and we may not be
successful in achieving widespread acceptance of our products before competitors
offer products and services similar or superior to our products. We may fail to
anticipate or respond on a cost-effective and timely basis to technological
developments, changes in industry standards or end user requirements. We may
also experience significant delays in product development or introduction. In
addition, we may fail to release new products or to upgrade or enhance existing
products on a timely basis.

    WE MAY NEED TO MODIFY OUR PRODUCTS AS A RESULT OF CHANGES IN INDUSTRY
STANDARDS.  The emergence of new industry standards, whether through adoption by
official standards committees or widespread use by service providers, could
require us to redesign our products. If such standards become widespread, and
our products are not in compliance, our current and potential customers may not
purchase our products. The rapid development of new standards increases the risk
that our competitors could develop and introduce new products or enhancements
directed at new industry standards before us.

IF EMERGING COMPETITIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AS
A WHOLE EXPERIENCE A DOWNTURN OR REDUCTION IN GROWTH RATE, THE DEMAND FOR OUR
PRODUCTS WILL DECREASE, WHICH WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS

    Our success will depend in large part on continued development and expansion
of voice and data communications networks. Development of communications
networks is driven in part by the growth of competitive service providers that
emerged as a result of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and privatization of
the telecommunications industry on a global scale. We are subject to risks of
growth constraints due to our current and planned dependence on emerging
competitive and privatized overseas service providers. These potential customers
may be constrained for a number of reasons, including their limited capital
resources, changes in regulation and consolidation.

WE DEPEND ON TEXAS INSTRUMENTS AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF A COMPONENT USED IN OUR
PRODUCTS, THE LOSS OF WHICH COULD DELAY PRODUCT SHIPMENTS

    We rely on Texas Instruments as the sole source of the digital signal
processors that we use in our echo cancellation products. We have no guaranteed
supply arrangements with Texas Instruments. Any extended interruption in the
supply of digital signal processors from Texas Instruments would affect our
ability to meet scheduled deliveries of our echo cancellation products to
customers. If we are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of digital signal
processors from Texas Instruments, we could experience difficulties in obtaining
alternative sources or in altering product designs to use alternative
components. Resulting delays or reductions in product shipments could damage
customer relationships, and we could lose customers and orders.

                                       10
<PAGE>
OUR BUSINESS IS GROWING, WHICH IS DIVERTING OUR MANAGEMENT'S ATTENTION FROM THE
DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS OF OUR BUSINESS AND MAY REDUCE OUR ABILITY TO FOCUS ON
FUTURE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

    We anticipate significantly expanding our business capacity to address
potential growth in our customer base and market opportunities. Expansion of our
business may strain our management personnel, operations and resources. Growth
in our customer base may require us to improve our predictions of what customers
are likely to need and when they will need it, which may also further strain our
sales and marketing personnel. Continued growth will require us to hire more
engineering, sales, marketing, operations, customer support and services, and
administrative personnel and scale our research and development capability,
which we may not be able to do. We may also experience problems in integrating
new personnel into our corporate culture. In addition, new hires may not be
productive during the time that they are being integrated into our business.

WE MAY EXPERIENCE UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS AS WE DIVERSIFY OUR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER
BASE, WHICH WOULD IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS

    Historically, we have sold mostly to customers in North America. We
currently are contemplating the expansion of our international presence, which
will require additional hiring of personnel for the overseas market and other
expenditures. Our planned expansion overseas may not be successful. As we expand
our sales focus further into international markets, we will face additional and
complex issues that we may not have faced before, such as addressing currency
fluctuations, manufacturing overseas and import/export controls, which will put
additional strain on our management personnel. In the past, substantially all of
our international sales have been denominated in U.S. dollars, however, in the
future, we may be forced to denominate a greater amount of international sales
in foreign currencies. The number of installations we will be responsible for is
likely to increase as a result of our continued international expansion. In the
past, we have experienced difficulties installing one of our echo cancellation
products overseas. In addition, we may not be able to establish more
relationships with original equipment manufacturers. If we do not, our ability
to increase sales could be materially impaired.

IF WE LOSE THE SERVICES OF ANY MEMBER OF OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT OR KEY TECHNICAL
PERSONNEL, OR ARE UNABLE TO RETAIN OR ATTRACT ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL PERSONNEL,
OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT AND EXPAND OUR BUSINESS WILL BE IMPAIRED

    We depend heavily on Tim Montgomery, our President and Chief Executive
Officer, and on other key management and technical personnel, for the conduct
and development of our business and the development of our products. If we lose
the services of any one of these people for any reason, this could adversely
affect our ability to conduct and expand our business and to develop new
products. We do not have employment contracts with any of our executive officers
other than Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Pong Lim, our Chairman of the Board, Ms. Toni
Bellin, our Vice President of Operations, and Marc Schwager, our Vice President
of Marketing. We believe that our future success will depend in large part upon
our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees,
who are in great demand. However, we may not be able to do so.

A SMALL GROUP OF ENTITIES OWN OR CONTROL A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF OUR STOCK AND
MAY, THEREFORE, INFLUENCE OUR AFFAIRS

    Following this offering, and assuming that the underwriters' over-allotment
option is not exercised, Summit Partners and its affiliates, and Kenneth Jones,
will collectively control approximately 32.9% of our outstanding common stock,
as follows:

    - Summit Partners and its affiliates 24.2%; and

                                       11
<PAGE>
    - Kenneth Jones 8.7%.

In addition, Messrs. Avis and Chung, directors of Ditech, are affiliated with
Summit Partners, and Mr. Jones is a director of Ditech. As a result, these
stockholders as a group will be able to substantially influence the management
and affairs of Ditech and, if acting together, would be able to influence most
matters requiring the approval by our stockholders, including the election of
directors, any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our
assets and any other significant corporate transactions. The concentration of
ownership may also delay or prevent a change of control of Ditech at a premium
price if these stockholders oppose it.

OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY WILL DEPEND, IN PART, ON OUR ABILITY TO
PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT

    We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets, copyright and trademark
laws, nondisclosure agreements and other contractual provisions and technical
measures to protect our intellectual property rights. Nevertheless, such
measures may not be adequate to safeguard the technology underlying our echo
cancellation and optical communications products. Employees, consultants and
others who participate in the development of our products may also breach their
agreements with us regarding our intellectual property, and we may not have
adequate remedies for any such breach. In addition, we may not be able to
effectively protect our intellectual property rights in certain countries. We
may, for a variety of reasons, decide not to file for patent, copyright or
trademark protection outside of the United States. We also realize that our
trade secrets may become known through other means not currently foreseen by us.
Notwithstanding our efforts to protect our intellectual property, our
competitors may be able to develop products that are equal or superior to our
products without infringing on any of our intellectual property rights. For
further information on our intellectual property and the difficulties in
protecting it, see "Business--Patents and Intellectual Property Rights."

OUR PRODUCTS EMPLOY TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY INFRINGE ON THE PROPRIETARY RIGHTS OF
THIRD PARTIES, WHICH MAY EXPOSE US TO LITIGATION

    Although we do not believe that our products infringe the proprietary rights
of any third parties, third parties may still assert infringement or invalidity
claims (or claims for indemnification resulting from infringement claims)
against us. Such assertions could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. In addition, irrespective of the
validity or the successful assertion of such claims, we could incur significant
costs in defending against such claims.

IF WE VIOLATE OUR BANK DEBT COVENANTS, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO UTILIZE OUR BANK
LINE OF CREDIT

    In the past we were in violation of certain minimum cash and ratio covenants
of a line of credit. If operating results do not meet certain thresholds, we may
be in violation of these covenants in the future. If we are in violation of
these covenants, we may not be able to utilize our bank line of credit.

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS

    We regularly review acquisition and investment prospects that would
complement our existing product offerings, augment our market coverage, secure
supplies of critical materials or enhance our technological capabilities.
Acquisitions or investments could result in a number of financial consequences,
including:

    - potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities;

    - large one-time write-offs;

                                       12
<PAGE>
    - reduced cash balances and related interest income;

    - higher fixed expenses which require a higher level of revenues to maintain
      gross margins;

    - the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities; and

    - amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets.

    Furthermore, acquisitions involve numerous operational risks, including:

    - difficulties in the integration of operations, personnel, technologies,
      products and the information systems of the acquired companies;

    - diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;

    - diversion of resources from our existing businesses, products or
      technologies;

    - risks of entering geographic and business markets in which we have no or
      limited prior experience; and

    - potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations.

PROVISIONS OF OUR CHARTER DOCUMENTS AND DELAWARE LAW MAY INHIBIT A TAKEOVER,
WHICH COULD LIMIT THE PRICE INVESTORS MIGHT BE WILLING TO PAY IN THE FUTURE FOR
OUR COMMON STOCK

    Provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our
management. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors might
be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions
include, among others:

    - the division of the Board of Directors into three separate classes;

    - the ability of the Board of Directors to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of
      preferred stock, and to determine the price, rights, preferences,
      privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares
      without any further vote or action by the stockholders;

    - advance notice requirements for stockholders to nominate directors and
      bring stockholder proposals to a vote; and

    - the inability of stockholders to act by written consent.

Furthermore, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are subject to the
provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. These
provisions prohibit certain large stockholders, in particular those owning 15%
or more of the outstanding voting stock, from consummating a merger or
combination with a corporation unless:

    - 66 2/3% of the shares of voting stock not owned by the large stockholder
      approve the merger or combination; or

    - Board of Directors approves the merger or combination or the transaction
      that resulted in the large stockholder owning 15% or more of our
      outstanding voting stock.

    See "Description of Capital Stock--Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of
Charter Documents and Delaware Law."

                                       13
<PAGE>
THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF SHARES THAT MAY BE SOLD IN THE MARKET FOLLOWING THIS
OFFERING, WHICH MAY DEPRESS THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

    Sales of substantial numbers of shares of our common stock in the public
market after this offering, or the perception that such sales may be made, could
materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

    All of the shares issued in this offering will be freely tradeable. Of the
13,223,940 shares of common stock outstanding following this offering:

    - 5,700,000 shares will be freely tradable, subject to the restrictions
      imposed by the federal laws on sales by affiliates; and

    - the remaining 7,523,940 shares will become available for sale at various
      times following the date of this prospectus subject to restrictions
      imposed by lock-up agreements, securities laws and repurchase options in
      favor of Ditech.

In addition, additional shares may become available for sale upon the exercise
of stock options as outstanding options vest and are exercised. The
underwriters, however, may waive the lock-up restriction at their sole
discretion. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."

OUR OR THIRD PARTIES' COMPUTER SYSTEMS MAY FAIL IN THE YEAR 2000, WHICH WOULD
DELAY OUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND THE MANUFACTURING OF OUR PRODUCTS

    Failure of our computer systems could adversely affect our product
development processes and/or our ability to cost-effectively manage Ditech
during the time required to fix such problems. In addition, computer failures
could cause the manufacturer of our products to incur delays in manufacturing,
or our customers to postpone or cancel orders for our products. We are currently
assessing the readiness of our computer systems and those of our manufacturers
and major customers to handle dates beyond the year 1999. Unforeseen problems in
our own computers and embedded systems and from customers, our manufacturers,
suppliers and other organizations with which we conduct transactions worldwide
may arise. These statements constitute year 2000 disclosures under federal law.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Impact of the Year 2000 Computer Problem" for more information on
the status of our preparation relating to this issue.

                                       14
<PAGE>
                DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This prospectus includes "forward-looking statements." The words "believe,"
"anticipate," "expect," "intend" and other similar words intended to identify
these statements as forward-looking statements. Such statements include
statements under the captions "Risk Factors," "Use of Proceeds," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
"Business" and elsewhere in this prospectus as to, among others:

    - the timing of availability of products under development or in beta-test;

    - our ability to commercialize new products;

    - our expectations as to recognition of revenue from our recent unforecasted
      order for our Broadband Echo Cancellation System from an existing
      customer;

    - our expectations as to the effect of our adoption of financial accounting
      standards;

    - our expectations as to future unit sales of our third generation echo
      cancellation products;

    - the acceptance and performance of our products;

    - our ability to reduce manufacturing costs and introduce enhanced products
      with higher selling prices;

    - the relative contributions to our revenues from future sales of our echo
      cancellation and optical communications products;

    - our expectations as to margins on our new products and products we sell
      through original equipment manufacturers;

    - our future sales and marketing, research and development and general
      administrative expenditures and income tax rates;

    - our expectations as to increases in working capital and planned
      expenditures on property and equipment;

    - our belief as to our future cash requirements;

    - our state of readiness for the year 2000, the effect it will have on us
      and the timing of development of our year 2000 contingency plans;

    - the effectiveness of, and our ability to carry out, each element of our
      business strategy;

    - our intentions with respect to future research and development and
      manufacturing activities;

    - our expectations as to the increase in demand for echo cancellation
      products;

    - our expectations of expanding our management team and business capacity;

    - our expectations of our international presence and hiring personnel for
      the overseas market;

    - our ability to satisfy cash requirements for at least the next twelve
      months from a combination of the proceeds from this offering, our cash
      flow from operations and our bank line of credit;

    - our plan to take corrective actions based on our assessment of the impact
      of Euro conversion on internal systems, sales and global markets; and

    - our plan to use the proceeds from this offering for general corporate
      purposes.

The ultimate outcome of the matters set forth in these statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected. The cautionary statements made in this prospectus should
be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever
they appear in this prospectus. We assume no obligation to update such
forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS

    The net proceeds to Ditech from the sale of the 1,000,000 shares of common
stock being offered by us, at the public offering price of $69.25 per share, are
estimated to be approximately $65,074,375 after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us. We expect to use
the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital,
capital expenditures and research and development.

    Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to
invest the net proceeds of the offering in short-term, investment-grade,
interest-bearing securities.

                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

    Our common stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "DITC" since June 9, 1999, the date of our initial public offering. The
following table shows the high and low closing sale prices for the common stock
as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      HIGH        LOW
                                                                                   ----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>
Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2000
  First Quarter (beginning June 9, 1999).........................................  $    26.25  $   12.13
  Second Quarter (through September 7, 1999).....................................  $    75.82  $   17.75
</TABLE>

    On September 7, 1999, the last reported sale price of our common stock on
the Nasdaq National Market was $69.25 per share. As of July 31, 1999, there were
approximately 143 holders of record of our common stock and 12,223,940 shares of
our common stock outstanding.

                                       16
<PAGE>
                                DIVIDEND POLICY

    Ditech has never paid any cash dividends on its capital stock. We currently
anticipate that we will retain earnings to support operations and to finance the
growth and development of our business and do not anticipate paying cash
dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, our credit agreement with
BankBoston prohibits us from paying cash dividends without the lender's written
consent.

                                 CAPITALIZATION

    The following table sets forth the capitalization of Ditech as of July 31,
1999:

    - on an actual basis; and

    - on an as adjusted basis assuming the sale of the 1,000,000 shares of
      common stock offered by us at an assumed public offering price of $69.25
      per share (after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and
      offering expenses).

    This table should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and
notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    JULY 31, 1999
                                                                                ----------------------
                                                                                 ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                ---------  -----------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>
Long term debt................................................................  $      60   $      60
                                                                                ---------  -----------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):

  Undesignated preferred stock, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized,
  none issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted.........................         --          --

  Common stock, $.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized actual and as
  adjusted; 12,223,940 shares issued and outstanding actual; and 13,223,940
  shares issued and outstanding as adjusted...................................         12          13
Deferred stock compensation...................................................     (1,147)     (1,147)
Additional paid in capital....................................................     43,083     108,156
Accumulated deficit...........................................................    (24,603)    (24,603)
                                                                                ---------  -----------
Total stockholders' equity....................................................     17,345      82,419
                                                                                ---------  -----------
    Total capitalization......................................................  $  17,405   $  82,479
                                                                                ---------  -----------
                                                                                ---------  -----------
</TABLE>

    The number of shares of common stock referenced above excludes as of July
31, 1999:

    - 873,856 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options
      outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $3.88 per share;

    - 431,611 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1998
      Stock Option Plan;

    - 133,333 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
      Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and

    - 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
      Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.

    See "Management--Benefit Plans."

                                       17
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

    The statement of operations data for the three months ended July 31, 1999
and 1998, and the balance sheet data as of July 31, 1999 and 1998, have been
derived from the unaudited financial statements of Ditech included elsewhere in
this prospectus. The statement of operations data for each of the three years
ended April 30, 1999, and the balance sheet data as of April 30, 1999 and 1998,
have been derived from the audited financial statements of Ditech included
elsewhere in this prospectus that have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants. The statement of operations data for the year
ended April 30, 1996 and the balance sheet data as of April 30, 1997, have been
derived from audited financial statements not included in this prospectus. The
statement of operations data for the year ended April 30, 1995, and the balance
sheet data as of April 30, 1996 and 1995 have been derived from the unaudited
financial statements of Ditech not included in this prospectus. The data set
forth below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of
Ditech, including the notes thereto, and with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in
this prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            THREE MONTHS
                                                                      YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,                ENDED JULY 31,
                                                         ------------------------------------------------  --------------
                                                            1995        1996     1997     1998     1999     1998    1999
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         (UNAUDITED)                                        (UNAUDITED)
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue................................................    $ 7,979     $14,354  $14,066  $12,326  $25,364  $5,124  $9,771
Cost of goods sold.....................................      3,793       7,164    6,790    5,651   11,858   2,408   4,139
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
  Gross profit.........................................      4,186       7,190    7,276    6,675   13,506   2,716   5,632
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing..................................        563       1,041    1,521    2,405    5,759   1,285   1,735
  Research and development.............................        514       1,040    1,072    2,367    3,860     848   1,141
  General and administrative...........................        243         536      714    1,279    2,399     441     858
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
    Total operating expenses...........................      1,320       2,617    3,307    6,051   12,018   2,574   3,734
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Income from operations.................................      2,866       4,573    3,969      624    1,488     142   1,898
Other income (expense), net............................         --          (5)    (104)    (593)    (500)   (132)   (109)
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes..      2,866       4,568    3,865       31      988      10   1,789
Provision for income taxes.............................      1,245       1,776    1,522       24      413       4     750
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Income from continuing operations......................      1,621       2,792    2,343        7      575       6   1,039
Discontinued operations:
  Income (loss) from operations (1)....................       (848)     (1,413)  (2,751)      --       --      --      --
  Gain on disposal (1).................................         --          --    2,843       --       --      --      --
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Net income.............................................        773       1,379    2,435        7      575       6   1,039
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock to
  redemption value.....................................         --          --      187    1,374    1,497     362      99
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders..    $   773     $ 1,379  $ 2,248  $(1,367) $  (922) $ (356) $  940
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Per share data (2)
  Basic
    Income (loss) from continuing operations...........    $  0.06     $  0.10  $  0.09  $ (0.45) $ (0.26) $(0.11) $ 0.11
    Discontinued operations............................      (0.03)      (0.05)    0.00       --       --      --      --
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
    Net income (loss) per share........................    $  0.03     $  0.05  $  0.09  $ (0.45) $ (0.26) $(0.11) $ 0.11
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
  Diluted
    Income (loss) from continuing operations...........    $  0.06     $  0.10  $  0.09  $ (0.45) $ (0.26) $(0.11) $ 0.08
    Discontinued operations............................      (0.03)      (0.05)    0.00       --       --      --      --
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
    Net income (loss) per share........................    $  0.03     $  0.05  $  0.09  $ (0.45) $ (0.26) $(0.11) $ 0.08
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
Number of shares used in per share calculations (2)
  Basic................................................     27,903      27,903   24,772    3,061    3,566   3,269   8,359
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
  Diluted..............................................     27,903      28,271   25,224    3,061    3,566   3,269  11,251
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
                                                         -----------   -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  ------
</TABLE>

                                       18
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  APRIL 30,                           JULY 31,
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                             1995         1996        1997       1998       1999        1999
                                          -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                          (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...............   $     100    $     531   $   4,199  $   3,433  $   3,114   $   8,126
Total assets............................       7,333       11,075      17,508     17,274     14,330      22,688
Long-term debt..........................          --           --       7,875      7,410      6,264          60
Redeemable preferred stock..............          --           --      29,747     31,122     25,258          --
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)....       6,793        8,172     (22,768)   (24,057)   (23,343)     17,345
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) See Note 3 of notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this
    prospectus.

(2) The reduction in earnings per share due to accretion for redeemable
    preferred stock will not occur after our first quarter of fiscal 2000
    because the Series A preferred stock was redeemed and the Series B preferred
    stock was converted to common stock in June 1999. See Note 2 of notes to the
    financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

                                       19
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
"SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA" AND OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO
INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THE DISCUSSION IN THIS PROSPECTUS
CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, SUCH
AS STATEMENTS OF OUR PLANS, OBJECTIVES, EXPECTATIONS AND INTENTIONS. OUR ACTUAL
RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DISCUSSED HERE.

OVERVIEW

    Ditech designs, develops and markets equipment used in building and
expanding telecommunications and cable communications networks. Our products
fall into two categories, echo cancellation equipment and equipment that enables
and facilitates communications over fiber optic networks. To date, the vast
majority of our revenue has been derived from sales of our echo cancellation
products. We began sales of our third generation echo cancellation products in
March 1995. We began sales of our first optical communications product in
September 1996.

    In March 1997, Automated Call Processing, a predecessor corporation to
Ditech, sold its call processing business to persons and entities related to
Ditech. Automated Call Processing also sold its wireless marine communications
business operated by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Globe Wireless, Inc., to
persons and entities related to Ditech. Automated Call Processing subsequently
merged with its wholly-owned subsidiary. The surviving entity, named Ditech
Corporation, reincorporated in Delaware in April 1999 and was renamed Ditech
Communications Corporation. Shortly after the reincorporation, all of our Series
B preferred stock converted to common stock, we effected a 2-for-3 reverse split
of our common stock, we redeemed our Series A preferred stock for cash and we
redeemed our Series C preferred stock in exchange for the shares of preferred
stock of Globe Wireless that we held. Financial information for prior periods
have been restated to reflect the discontinuation of the lines of business in
March 1997, the reincorporation and reverse stock split.

    In November 1998, we acquired the echo cancellation technology that we
previously licensed from Telinnovation. We acquired this technology for a total
purchase price of 166,666 shares of our common stock and $2.96 million in cash.
In addition, we had been paying royalties to Telinnovation on the sales of our
products incorporating this technology until the $2.96 million cash portion of
the purchase price was paid from the proceeds of the initial public offering in
June 1999. We will amortize the purchased technology over a period of five
years.

    We recognize revenue when a product has been shipped, no material vendor
obligations remain outstanding, and collection of the resulting receivable is
probable. In the event that we defer revenue recognition due to uncertainty
about collectibility or the existence of a material vendor obligation such as
installation, we recognize the revenue when the uncertainty is removed or the
obligation is fulfilled. We offer a five year warranty on all of our products.
The warranty generally provides that we will repair or replace any defective
product prior to the passage of five years from the invoice date.

    To date, the vast majority of our revenue has been derived from sales of our
echo cancellation products. In fiscal 1997, fiscal 1998, fiscal 1999 and the
first three months of fiscal 2000, we derived approximately 99.5%, 94.1%, 93.7%
and 99.9%, respectively, of our revenue from the sale of our echo cancellation
products. We expect that a substantial majority of our revenue will continue to
come from sales of our echo cancellation products for the foreseeable future.

    We have established a direct sales force that sells to our customers in the
U.S. and internationally. We also intend to expand the use of sales agents,
systems integrators, original

                                       20
<PAGE>
equipment manufacturers and distributors to sell and market our products
internationally. In addition, we have entered into an agreement with an original
equipment manufacturer for distribution of our optical communications products
and are exploring the possibility of entering into others. We generally expect
that margins will be higher on our newer products than on our more established
products, and that margins on our new products will decline as competition from
competing products becomes more intense. In addition, we expect that gross
margins on products that we sell through original equipment manufacturers will
generally be less than gross margins on direct sales. Gross margins in any one
period may not be indicative of gross margins for future periods.

    Historically the majority of our sales have been to customers in the U.S.
These customers accounted for 89% of our revenue in the first three months of
fiscal 2000, over 86% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and over 93% in fiscal 1998.
However, sales to some of our customers in the U.S. may result in our products
eventually being deployed internationally, especially in the case of any
original equipment manufacturer that distribute overseas. To date, substantially
all of our international sales have been export sales and denominated in U.S.
dollars.

    Our revenue historically has come from a small number of customers. Our five
largest customers accounted for over 75% of our revenue in the first three
months of fiscal 2000, over 65% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and over 75% of
our revenue in fiscal 1998. Qwest/LCI accounted for 43% of our revenue in the
first three months of fiscal 2000, 42% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and in
fiscal 1998. Our four next largest customers accounted collectively for 33% of
our revenue in the first three months of fiscal 2000, 23% of our revenue in
fiscal 1999 and 38% of our revenue in fiscal 1998. MCI accounted for $7.6
million, or more than 50%, of our revenue in fiscal 1997, but only $1.4 million,
or approximately 11%, of our revenue in fiscal 1998. This reduction began
shortly before the acquisition of MCI by Worldcom. We also recently received a
substantial unforecasted order from one of our largest customers for deployment
of our Broadband Echo Cancellation System. We expect this order to result in an
incremental $12 million to $15 million of revenue to be recognized over the next
two to three quarters.

    We entered into an agreement to license certain of our optical technology to
Antec Corporation for $1.9 million payable in fiscal 2000, all of which will be
recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2000, plus per unit royalties.

                                       21
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    The following table sets forth certain items from our statements of
operations as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,             JULY 31,
                                                         -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                           1997       1998       1999       1998       1999
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenue................................................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of goods sold.....................................       48.3       45.8       46.8       47.0       42.4
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Gross margin.........................................       51.7       54.2       53.2       53.0       57.6
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing..................................       10.8       19.5       22.7       25.1       17.7
  Research and development.............................        7.6       19.2       15.2       16.5       11.7
  General and administrative...........................        5.1       10.4        9.5        8.6        8.8
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total operating expenses...........................       23.5       49.1       47.4       50.2       38.2
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Income from operations.................................       28.2        5.1        5.8        2.8       19.4
Other income (expense), net............................       (0.7)      (4.8)      (2.0)      (2.6)      (1.1)
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Income from continuing operations before income
   taxes...............................................       27.5        0.3        3.8        0.2       18.3
Provisions for income taxes............................       10.8        0.2        1.6        0.1        7.7
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from continuing operations......................       16.7        0.1        2.2        0.1       10.6
Discontinued operations:
  Loss from operations.................................      (19.6)       --          --         --         --
  Gain on disposal.....................................        20.2        --         --         --         --
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income.........................................        17.3%        0.1%        2.2%        0.1%       10.6%
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1999 AND 1998

    REVENUE.  Revenue increased to $9.8 million in the first three months of
fiscal 2000 from $5.1 million in the first three months of fiscal 1999. The
primary reason for this increase was market acceptance and sales of our fourth
generation echo cancellation products offset in part by decreased unit sales of
our third generation echo cancellation products. We expect unit sales of our
third generation echo cancellation products to continue to decrease as our
customers transition to our fourth generation echo cancellation products.

    COST OF GOODS SOLD.  Cost of goods sold consists of direct material costs,
personnel costs for test and quality assurance, and the cost of licensed
technology incorporated into our products. Cost of goods sold increased to $4.1
million in the first three months of fiscal 2000 from $2.4 million in the first
three months of fiscal 1999. The primary reason for the increase was costs
associated with increased unit sales of our fourth generation echo cancellation
products.

    GROSS MARGIN.  Gross margin increased to 57.6% in the first three months of
fiscal 2000 from 53.0% in the first three months of fiscal 1999. The primary
factor causing this increase in gross margin was the mix of products sold during
the first three months of fiscal 2000. In addition, margins were favorably
impacted by the reduction in product royalties as a result of completing the
acquisition of our core echo cancellation technology subsequent to our initial
public offering in June 1999.

    SALES AND MARKETING.  Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of
personnel costs including commissions and costs associated with customer
service, travel, trade shows and outside

                                       22
<PAGE>
consulting services. Sales and marketing expenses increased to $1.7 million in
the first three months of fiscal 2000 from $1.3 million in the first three
months of fiscal 1999. The primary cause for the increase was increases in
personnel and related costs, including travel, to support expansion of our
customer service functions and marketing efforts of our products both
domestically and internationally, including the formation of new direct and OEM
channels partnerships. We plan to continue to increase our expenditures in sales
and marketing in order to broaden distribution of our products both domestically
and internationally.

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.  Research and development expenses primarily
consist of personnel costs, contract consultants, and equipment and supplies
used in the development of echo cancellation and optical communications
products. Research and development expense increased to $1.1 million in the
first three months of fiscal 2000 from $848,000 in the first three months of
fiscal 1999. The increase is primarily related to increased personnel and
related costs and increased materials and consulting costs associated with both
our echo cancellation products and optical communications products. We expect
research and development expenses to continue to grow in future periods as we
enhance current products and develop new products.

    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE.  General and administrative expenses primarily
consist of personnel costs for corporate officers and finance personnel, and
legal, accounting and consulting costs. General and administrative expenses
increased to $858,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2000 from $441,000 in
the first three months of fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to
amortization of deferred compensation in connection with stock options
previously granted, insurance premiums for directors and officers insurance
obtained as a result of becoming a public company and increased legal costs
associated with an arbitration matter. We expect general and administrative
expenses to increase as a result of the additional reporting requirements and
expenses incurred as a public company and increased infrastructure costs as we
continue to expand our business.

    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Other expense consists of interest expense
attributable to our outstanding debt and capital leases, offset by interest
income on our invested cash and cash equivalents balances. Other expense
decreased to $109,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2000 from $132,000 in
the first three months of fiscal 1999. The decrease was primarily attributable
to increased interest income on funds invested from our initial public offering
and a reduction in interest expense due to the retirement of our outstanding
debt.

    INCOME TAXES.  Income taxes consist of federal and state income taxes. The
effective tax rate in the first three months of fiscal 2000 was 42% as compared
to 40% in the first three months of fiscal 1999. The reason for the higher tax
rate in the first three months of fiscal 2000 was due to the existence of
certain nondeductible expenses, primarily amortization of deferred compensation
in connection with stock options previously granted. We expect that our ongoing
effective tax rate should remain at approximately 42%.

FISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1999 AND 1998

    REVENUE.  Revenue increased to $25.4 million in fiscal 1999 from $12.3
million in fiscal 1998. The primary reason for this increase was increased unit
sales of our third generation echo cancellation products and initial sales of
our fourth generation echo cancellation products. We believe that this increase
in unit sales is in part due to increased sales and marketing efforts made
possible by the increase in the number of sales and marketing personnel in the
second half of fiscal 1998.

                                       23
<PAGE>
    COST OF GOODS SOLD.  Cost of goods sold increased to $11.9 million in fiscal
1999 from $5.7 million in fiscal 1998. The primary reason for the increase was
costs associated with increased unit sales of our third generation echo
cancellation products and initial sales of our fourth generation echo
cancellation products.

    GROSS MARGIN.  Gross margin decreased to 53.2% in fiscal 1999 from 54.2% in
fiscal 1998. The primary factor causing this decline in gross margin was the
increase in royalties payable to Telinnovation.

    SALES AND MARKETING.  Sales and marketing expenses increased to $5.8 million
in fiscal 1999 from $2.4 million in fiscal 1998. The primary cause for the
increase was increased expenditures associated with additional sales and
marketing personnel both domestically and internationally. The average number of
sales and marketing personnel in fiscal 1999 approximately doubled as compared
to fiscal 1998. This increase in sales and marketing personnel also resulted in
a corresponding increase in personnel related costs such as travel and
accommodations.

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.  Research and development expense increased to
$3.9 million in fiscal 1999 from $2.4 million in fiscal 1998. The increase is
primarily related to increased personnel and supply costs needed to support both
echo cancellation and optical communications product development, including our
fourth generation echo cancellation, optical telemetry and wavelength division
multiplexing products.

    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE.  General and administrative expenses increased
to $2.4 million in fiscal 1999 from $1.3 million in fiscal 1998. The increase
was primarily due to increased personnel costs to support the increased level of
operations and increased legal costs associated with increased contract
negotiations and an arbitration matter. See "Business--Legal Proceedings."
General and administrative expenses also increased due to consulting costs
associated with the relocation to our new headquarters and implementation of our
new financial accounting system.

    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Other expense decreased to $500,000 in fiscal 1999
from $593,000 in fiscal 1998. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced
interest costs due to a decline in the average level of debt outstanding during
fiscal 1999 and increased interest income due to increased invested cash
balances.

    INCOME TAXES.  The effective tax rate in fiscal 1999 was 41.8% as compared
to 77% in fiscal 1998. The reason for the higher tax rate in 1998 was due to the
existence of certain nondeductible expenses and the limited amount of pretax
profits.

FISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1998 AND 1997

    REVENUE.  Revenue decreased to $12.3 million in fiscal 1998 from $14.1
million in fiscal 1997. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in purchases
of echo cancellation products by MCI, which began shortly before it was acquired
by Worldcom.

    COST OF GOODS SOLD.  Cost of goods sold decreased to $5.7 million in fiscal
1998 from $6.8 million in fiscal 1997. The decrease was primarily due to a
decrease in echo cancellation product sales and, to a lesser extent, to
reductions in the production cost of our echo cancellation products.

    GROSS MARGIN.  Gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 54.2% in
fiscal 1998 from 51.7% in fiscal 1997. The increase in gross margin percentage
was primarily due to a reduction in the production cost of our echo cancellation
products.

                                       24
<PAGE>
    SALES AND MARKETING.  Sales and marketing expenses increased to $2.4 million
in fiscal 1998 from $1.5 million in fiscal 1997. The increase was primarily
attributable to increased personnel costs associated with sales and marketing
staff added in the second half of fiscal 1998 focused on both domestic and
international markets.

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.  Research and development expense increased to
$2.4 million in fiscal 1998 from $1.1 million in fiscal 1997. The increase was
primarily caused by increased personnel and supplies needed to support both echo
cancellation and optical communications product development.

    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE.  General and administrative expense increased to
$1.3 million in fiscal 1998 from $714,000 in fiscal 1997. The increase was
primarily due to the expansion of the administrative services because of the
development of a stand-alone administrative organization. Prior to the
recapitalization in March 1997, the majority of our administrative services were
provided by a centralized corporate group that allocated its costs to us and the
entities that were divested as part of the discontinued operations.

    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Other expense increased to $593,000 in fiscal 1998
from $104,000 in fiscal 1997. The increase was due to the recognition of a full
year's interest on long term debt issued as part of the recapitalization in
March 1997 (subsequently refinanced in August 1997). This increased interest
expense was partially offset by increased interest income from increased
invested cash balances.

    INCOME TAXES.  The effective tax rate was 77% for fiscal 1998 as compared to
39% in fiscal 1997. The increase in the effective rate is primarily attributable
to a relatively small pre-tax income in fiscal 1998 and the existence of certain
nondeductible expenses.

    DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.  We sold our call processing and marine radio
communications operations as part of our recapitalization in March 1997. As a
result, our financial information for fiscal 1997 reflects ten and one half
months of operating results of these entities and the ultimate gain realized on
their disposal (see Note 3 of notes to the financial statements).

                                       25
<PAGE>
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    The following tables set forth certain unaudited quarterly statement of
operations data for the eight quarters ended July 31, 1999. In the opinion of
our management, this information has been prepared substantially on the same
basis as the audited financial statements appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus, and all necessary adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
adjustments, have been made in the amounts stated below to present fairly the
unaudited quarterly results of operations. The quarterly data should be read in
conjunction with our audited financial statements and the notes thereto
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The results of operations for any one
quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any
future period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              OCTOBER 31,    JANUARY 31,    APRIL 30,    JULY 31,     OCTOBER 31,    JANUARY 31,    APRIL 30,
                                 1997           1998          1998         1998          1998           1999          1999
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenue....................    $   2,564      $   3,415     $   3,639    $   5,124     $   5,814      $   7,087     $   7,339
Cost of goods sold.........        1,134          1,594         1,622        2,408         2,704          3,480         3,266
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
  Gross profit.............        1,430          1,821         2,017        2,716         3,110          3,607         4,073
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing......          371            740           968        1,285         1,307          1,512         1,655
  Research and
   development.............          552            615           710          848         1,016            987         1,009
  General and
   administrative..........          295            328           355          441           551            647           760
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
    Total operating
     expenses..............        1,218          1,683         2,033        2,574         2,874          3,146         3,424
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Income from operations.....          212            138           (16)         142           236            461           649
Other income (expense),
  net......................         (142)          (118)         (135)        (132)         (136)          (131)         (101)
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
  Income (loss) before
   income taxes............           70             20          (151)          10           100            330           548
Provision for (benefit
  from) income taxes.......           28              8           (49)           4            40            139           230
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Net income (loss)..........    $      42      $      12     $    (102)   $       6     $      60      $     191     $     318
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
                             -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------

<CAPTION>

                              JULY 31,
                                1999
                             -----------

<S>                          <C>
Revenue....................   $   9,771
Cost of goods sold.........       4,139
                             -----------
  Gross profit.............       5,632
                             -----------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing......       1,735
  Research and
   development.............       1,141
  General and
   administrative..........         858
                             -----------
    Total operating
     expenses..............       3,734
                             -----------
Income from operations.....       1,898
Other income (expense),
  net......................        (109)
                             -----------
  Income (loss) before
   income taxes............       1,789
Provision for (benefit
  from) income taxes.......         750
                             -----------
Net income (loss)..........   $   1,039
                             -----------
                             -----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  THREE MONTHS ENDED
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               OCTOBER 31,      JANUARY 31,     APRIL 30,    JULY 31,      OCTOBER 31,      JANUARY 31,
                                  1997             1998           1998         1998           1998             1999
                             ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
Revenue....................         100.0%           100.0%         100.0%       100.0%         100.0%           100.0%
Cost of goods sold.........          44.2             46.7           44.6         47.0           46.5             49.1
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
  Gross margin.............          55.8             53.3           55.4         53.0           53.5             50.9
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing......          14.6             21.6           26.5         25.1           22.5             21.3
  Research and
   development.............          21.5             18.0           19.5         16.5           17.5             13.9
  General and
   administrative..........          11.5              9.6            9.8          8.6            9.5              9.1
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
    Total operating
     expenses..............          47.6             49.2           55.8         50.2           49.5             44.3
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
Income from operations.....           8.2              4.1           (0.4)         2.8            4.0              6.6
Other income (expense),
  net......................          (5.5)            (3.5)          (3.7)        (2.6)          (2.3)            (1.9)
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
    Income (loss) before
     income taxes..........           2.7              0.6           (4.1)         0.2            1.7              4.7
Provision for (benefit
  from) income taxes.......           1.1              0.2           (1.3)         0.1            0.7              2.0
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
    Net income (loss)......           1.6%             0.4%          (2.8)%        0.1%           1.0%             2.7%
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------
                                   ------           ------     -----------  -----------        ------           ------

<CAPTION>

                              APRIL 30,    JULY 31,
                                1999         1999
                             -----------  -----------
<S>                          <C>          <C>
Revenue....................       100.0%       100.0%
Cost of goods sold.........        44.5         42.4
                             -----------  -----------
  Gross margin.............        55.5         57.6
                             -----------  -----------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing......        22.6         17.7
  Research and
   development.............        13.7         11.7
  General and
   administrative..........        10.4          8.8
                             -----------  -----------
    Total operating
     expenses..............        46.7         38.2
                             -----------  -----------
Income from operations.....         8.8         19.4
Other income (expense),
  net......................        (1.4)        (1.1)
                             -----------  -----------
    Income (loss) before
     income taxes..........         7.4         18.3
Provision for (benefit
  from) income taxes.......         3.1          7.7
                             -----------  -----------
    Net income (loss)......         4.3%        10.6%
                             -----------  -----------
                             -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

                                       26
<PAGE>
    Our quarterly sales trend over the eight quarters shows sequential increases
in revenue. The overall growth trend reflects a broadening of our customer base
as the increased sales staff both domestically and internationally began to
develop new customers. Gross margin decreased in the quarter ended January 31,
1999 due to the increase in the royalties payable to Telinnovation. Gross margin
increased in the quarter ended July 31, 1999 due primarily to product and
customer mix, including the impact of market acceptance of our fourth generation
echo cancellation product. Operating expenses generally increased over the eight
quarters as we expanded personnel levels in all operating expense categories,
with the largest increases in personnel occurring in sales and marketing and
research and development. Research and development expenses for the quarter
ended January 31, 1999 decreased slightly from the prior quarter's levels
primarily due to a slight reduction in spending after the development efforts on
our fourth generation echo cancellation products were substantially completed in
the quarter ended October 31, 1998.

    Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past
and may fluctuate in the future as a result of several factors, some of which
are outside of our control. If revenue declines in a quarter, our operating
results will be adversely affected because many of our expenses are relatively
fixed. In particular, research and development and general and administrative
expenses do not change significantly with variations in revenue in a quarter.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

    With respect to certain stock option grants in fiscal 1999, we have recorded
deferred compensation of $1,320,000 as of April 30, 1999. We amortized
approximately $91,000 of the deferred compensation in fiscal 1999, $82,000 in
the first three months of fiscal 2000, and will amortize the remainder over the
corresponding vesting period of the stock options. See Note 8 of notes to
financial statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    From the beginning of fiscal 1994 through the date of the recapitalization
in March 1997, we satisfied the majority of our liquidity requirements through
cash flow generated from operations. In connection with our recapitalization in
March 1997, we had a net infusion of cash of approximately $4 million after
using the proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and subordinated debt to
repurchase common stock. Following our recapitalization, we satisfied the
majority of our liquidity requirements through cash flow generated from
operations and funds received upon exercises of stock options.

    Operating activities used $102,000 of cash in fiscal 1998, primarily due to
the limited amount of profit for the year, increases in inventories and
reductions in accounts payable and accrued liabilities including royalties
payable, partially offset by a reduction of income taxes receivable. In fiscal
1999 we generated $715,000 in cash from operations, primarily due to increased
operating profits, increases in accounts payable, income taxes payable and
deferred revenue, partially offset by an increase in inventories, accounts
receivable and other current assets. In the first quarter of fiscal 2000 we
generated $909,000 in cash from operations, primarily due to increased operating
profits and income taxes payable, partially offset by an increase in accounts
receivable and other current assets and reductions in accounts payable and
deferred revenue.

    Investing activities used $602,000 in cash in fiscal 1998, $1.3 million in
cash in fiscal 1999 and $3.3 million in the first three months of fiscal 2000.
These amounts primarily represented purchases of property and equipment, costs
associated with the initial public offering in fiscal 1999, and the purchase of
our echo technology from Telinnovation in the first quarter of fiscal 2000.

    Financing activities used $62,000 in cash in fiscal 1998, consisting of
repayment on term debt partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock
options. In fiscal 1999 we generated

                                       27
<PAGE>
$298,000 of cash from financing, primarily from the exercise of stock options
partially offset by the principal repayments on the term debt and capital
leases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2000 we generated $7.4 million of cash
from financing, primarily from the net proceeds from our initial public offering
in June 1999, partially offset by the application of the net proceeds of that
offering and principal payments on our capital leases. The application of the
net proceeds from our initial public offering that reduced cash from financing
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
                                                                $34.4
Net proceeds..................................................  million
  Less:
    Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock....................  19.7 million
    Retirement of long term debt..............................   7.3 million
                                                                ------------
                                                                $ 7.4
Remaining after application of net proceeds...................  million
                                                                ------------
                                                                ------------
</TABLE>

    As of July 31, 1999, we had cash and cash equivalents of $8.1 million. In
addition, we have a line of credit with the ability to borrow the lesser of $3.0
million or 80% of qualified accounts receivable. At July 31, 1999, borrowings of
$2.0 million were available and no borrowings were outstanding. In August 1999
we amended the line of credit to increase the ability to borrow to the lesser of
$3.0 million or 80% of qualified accounts receivable, and reduce the interest
rate to the lesser of LIBOR plus 1.25% or the prime rate. The line of credit
expires in August of 2000. During the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 1998
and the second quarter of fiscal 1999, we were in violation of certain minimum
cash flow and ratio covenants related to the credit line. At April 30, 1999, we
were in violation of a quick ratio covenant due primarily to the accrual for
costs associated with our initial public offering. The bank has waived all of
these violations. We also had approximately $350,000 available under a separate
operating lease line of credit.

    We have no material commitments other than obligations under operating
leases, particularly our facility lease. See Note 6 of notes to financial
statements.

    We anticipate significant increases in working capital on a period to period
basis primarily as a result of planned increased product sales and higher
relative levels of inventory and receivables. We will also continue to expend
funds on property and equipment related to the expansion of systems
infrastructure and office equipment to support our growth and lab and test
equipment to support on-going research and development operations.

    We believe that we will be able to satisfy our cash requirements for at
least the next twelve months from a combination of the proceeds of this
offering, cash flow from operations and our bank line of credit.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

    In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" (SOP 98-1). This standard requires
companies to capitalize qualifying computer software costs which are incurred
during the application development stage and amortize them over the software's
estimated useful life. SOP 98-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. We do not expect that adoption of this standard will have a
material impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

IMPACT OF EUROPEAN MONETARY CONVERSION

    We are aware of the issues associated with the changes in Europe resulting
from the formation of a European economic and monetary union. One change
resulting from this union required EMU member states to irrevocably fix their
respective currencies to a new currency, the euro, as of

                                       28
<PAGE>
January 1, 1999, at which date the euro became a functional legal currency of
these countries. During the next three years, business in the EMU member states
will be conducted in both the existing national currency, such as the French
franc or the Deutsche mark, and the euro. As a result, companies operating or
conducting business in EMU member states will need to ensure that their
financial and other software systems are capable of processing transactions and
properly handing these currencies, including the euro.

    We are still assessing the impact that the conversion to the euro will have
on our internal systems, the sale of our products, and the European and global
economies. To date we have experienced limited sales activities in the European
economies, substantially all of which have been in U.S. dollars. We will take
appropriate corrective actions based on the results of such assessment. We have
not yet determined the cost related to addressing this issue.

IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM

    The Year 2000 computer problem refers to the potential for system and
processing failures of date-related data as a result of computer-controlled
systems using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. For
example, computer programs that have time-sensitive software may recognize a
date represented as "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000.
Additionally, the month of February will have 29 days in the year 2000. These
problems could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions
of operations, including among other things, a temporary inability to process
transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities.

STATE OF READINESS OF OUR PRODUCTS

    We have been testing our existing products for use in the year 2000 and
beyond. Based on the results of these tests, we believe that the following
products are Year 2000 compliant:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Echo Cancellation Products             Optical Communications Products
- -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>
18T1                                   Optical amplifiers
18E1                                   DWDM Monitor
Quad T1                                Optical telemetry system
Quad E1                                Transponder
Broadband Echo Cancellation System     WDM Multiplexer/Demultiplexer
4SA
</TABLE>

    Certain of our customers may be using older versions of the above products
and, based on our testing, we believe they will not be required to upgrade those
products to become Year 2000 compliant. In addition, we have not tested certain
products for Year 2000 compliance that we no longer market, some of which might
still be in use.

STATE OF READINESS OF OUR INTERNAL SYSTEMS

    We may be affected by Year 2000 issues related to non-compliant internal
systems developed by us or by third-party vendors. We are seeking assurances
from our third-party vendors for all systems in use by us and that are material
to our operations that such systems are Year 2000 compliant. We have tested all
of our internal systems and are not currently aware of any Year 2000 problem
relating to any of these internal systems. We believe that we do not have any
systems material to our operations that contain embedded chips that are not Year
2000 compliant.

                                       29
<PAGE>
    Our internal operations and business are also dependent upon the
computer-controlled systems of third parties such as suppliers, customers and
service providers. We believe that absent a systemic failure outside of our
control, such as a prolonged loss of electrical or telephone service, Year 2000
problems at such third parties will not have a material impact on us.

COST

    Based on our assessment to date, we do not anticipate that costs associated
with remediating our non-compliant products or internal systems will be
material.

RISKS

    Any failure to make our products Year 2000 compliant could result in:

    - a decrease in sales of our products;

    - an increase in allocation of resources to address Year 2000 problems of
      our customers without additional revenue commensurate with such dedication
      of resources; and/or

    - an increase in litigation costs relating to losses suffered by our
      customers due to such Year 2000 problems.

    Failures of our internal systems could temporarily prevent us from
processing orders, issuing invoices, and developing products, and could require
us to devote significant resources to correcting such problems. Due to the
general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 computer problem, resulting from
the uncertainty of the Year 2000 readiness of third-party suppliers and vendors,
we are unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Year 2000
failures will have a material impact on our business, results of operations, and
financial condition.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

    We have not yet developed contingency plans regarding our products, in house
applications or outside vendors. We expect to develop contingency plans in Fall
1999.

                                       30
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS

COMPANY OVERVIEW

    Ditech designs, develops and markets equipment used in building and
expanding telecommunications and cable communications networks. Our products
fall into two categories, echo cancellation equipment and equipment that enables
and facilitates communications over fiber optic networks. Our echo cancellation
products eliminate echo, which is a significant problem in existing and emerging
networks. Echo results from speech signals that are reflected back to the
speaker during a telephone call, making conversation difficult. This effect is
most pronounced when two people are talking over long distance, satellite,
cellular, personal communications services or packetized networks. Our echo
cancellation products use a software-intensive architecture coupled with one of
the latest commercially available digital signal processors to cancel echo and
enhance the quality of voice communications. To date, the vast majority of our
revenue has been derived from sales of our echo cancellation products. Our
optical communications products enable the implementation of wavelength division
multiplexing technology, which is becoming more widely adopted by service
providers to address network capacity constraints. Ditech's optical
communications products are designed to function either as stand-alone products
or as a complete system known as the Optical Path Solution.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

TRENDS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

    The overall volume of voice and data traffic transmitted over
telecommunications and cable communications networks has grown rapidly in recent
years. Data traffic has grown due to the increased utilization of the Internet,
corporate data networks and higher bandwidth applications. Voice traffic, while
a more mature market, has increased steadily in the U.S. and more quickly
worldwide as wireline, wireless and satellite services are more widely deployed
internationally. As a result of this growth in data and voice traffic, networks
are increasingly operating at or near capacity. To deal with these capacity
constraints, incumbent and emerging service providers are investing significant
resources in the enhancement of existing and the deployment of new fiber optic,
wireless and satellite networks. This infrastructure deployment results in
significant opportunities for companies that provide the building blocks for
these networks.

    Service providers, struggling to meet the demands of increasing traffic,
also face intense competition as worldwide deregulation and privatization have
enabled new players to enter the market. Growing numbers of service providers
are both expanding legacy infrastructures and building out new networks. As a
result, traffic that previously was carried through the network of a single
service provider, is now routed through the networks of multiple service
providers. These networks are comprised of equipment from several different
vendors that must carry traffic over existing and emerging infrastructures. This
added complexity makes it more difficult to ensure network reliability and
service quality. Service providers operating in an increasingly competitive
industry must cost-effectively meet these challenges or lose business to
competitors who can.

ECHO CANCELLATION MARKET

    In the current deregulated market, voice quality is a key competitive
differentiator. One of the primary challenges faced by service providers in
delivering quality voice communication is the elimination of echo. Echo results
from signal reflection at the "hybrid," commonly the point where the two wires
of the local network meet the four wires of the long distance network. The
hybrid is not completely efficient in carrying the electrical energy from the
four-wire network to the two-wire network, and a certain amount of the
electrical energy or voice signal is reflected back from the hybrid towards the
speaker. Echo is present whenever the one-time delay of a rebounded voice

                                       31
<PAGE>
signal exceeds 16 milliseconds. If the delay exceeds 32 milliseconds, the
quality of the voice call begins to degrade and an echo is reflected back to the
speaker. When these echo problems are present, people describe the effect as
their voices sounding hollow or like someone talking in a tunnel. Delays, either
due to a long transmission path, as in a long distance telephone call, or due to
the complex signal hand-off from one network to another, for instance wireless
to wireline, exacerbate the effect of echo. Therefore, most long distance,
digital wireless and satellite voice calls require echo cancellation. Delays are
also introduced as intelligent processing equipment is increasingly incorporated
into networks. Digital processing of voice signals requires time to compress,
decompress and route signals through networks. As there is a greater shift
towards voice-over packet, which is a means of packaging voice signals into
units of digital data for efficient transmission, these processing delays will
continue to increase.

    To address these delays, service providers deploy echo cancellation
technology that quickly analyzes all voice channels and cancels any reflected
signals.

                          How an Echo Canceller Works

[Box in the center labeled "Echo Canceller" in which a smaller box is found
labeled "DSP." Inside the large box and above the smaller box are the words
"DSP" Cancels Echo." At the right of the box is a telephone, with a line leading
out of it to the left through the embedded boxes and out the other side, then
through a small box labeled "Hybrid" and to another telephone. At the small box
labeled "Hybrid" there is a dotted line leading back into the large box to the
box labeled "DSP" where it stops. Above the dotted line are the words "Reflected
signal." The text below this graphical representation describes what is being
depicted in the graphical representation]

     As the figure above shows, a speaker's voice signal travels over the
     network. At the hybrid, part of the speaker's voice signal is
     reflected back towards the speaker. The digital signal processor, or
     DSP, within the echo canceller eliminates or cancels this reflected
     signal so the original speaker does not hear an echo.

    Service providers are demanding both smaller and higher capacity equipment
as space in service provider facilities and central offices is becoming more
crowded. In addition, due to intense competition, service providers are
expanding network services offered to consumers. In order to compete
successfully, they must deliver these services reliably and under the strict
time-to-market and cost constraints demanded by consumers. Echo cancellation
products that address these market pressures are poised to gain share in a
market that is expanding worldwide.

    While we are unaware of any independent analysis of the size and growth
characteristics of the echo cancellation market, we believe the demand for echo
cancellation will increase with the growth of the international market for voice
services, digital wireless networks and voice-over packet technology.
Additionally, as data and voice networks converge, we expect echo cancellation
products to be key building blocks for most existing and emerging networks,
regardless of the proportion of voice traffic that they carry.

OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS MARKET

    The rise in traffic volumes, increased competition in the telecommunications
industry, and the increased complexity of voice and data networks have spurred
the deployment of several new technologies. Service providers seeking to expand
the capacity of their fiber optic network currently have three primary
alternatives: laying new fiber optic cables, implementing time division
multiplexing, another technology that enables multiple communication links to be
carried on one fiber optical connection, or deploying wavelength division
multiplexing. While appropriate for certain service providers, laying new fiber
optic cables and implementing technologies based on legacy infrastructures such
as time division multiplexing have significant drawbacks. Installing new fiber
optic cable is a costly and time-consuming process for service providers.
Similarly, time division

                                       32
<PAGE>
multiplexing requires significant investment in network equipment and has
inherent bandwidth limitations. Wavelength division multiplexing allows service
providers to multiply their bandwidth capacity without the costs and delays
associated with installing new fiber. By multiplying the number of channels that
travel over wavelengths of light in a fiber optic cable, wavelength division
multiplexing significantly increases the ability to expand network bandwidth.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing, or DWDM, increases network bandwidth
even more by increasing the number of channels on a single fiber optic
connection. As a result, many service providers are attracted to the scalability
of wavelength division multiplexing and dense wavelength division multiplexing
and their ability to multiply the capacity of existing fiber. Like traditional
service providers, cable communications service providers are increasingly
deploying wavelength division multiplexing systems in order to meet traffic
demands from a growing number of subscribers using cable modems and other
high-bandwidth access devices. According to RHK, a market research firm in the
telecommunications industry, as of November 1998 sales of wavelength division
multiplexing systems in the U.S. were expected to increase approximately 58%
over the next five years, rising from $1.9 billion in 1998 to $3.0 billion in
2002.

    Despite the substantial growth in data and voice traffic, there are
currently impediments to the widespread deployment of wavelength division
multiplexing by service providers. Wavelength division multiplexing enables a
single fiber connection to carry more traffic, making the reliability of that
connection increasingly important. Any interruption of service on a single fiber
could disrupt service to tens of thousands of end-users, which may result in
severe business consequences for service providers, including regulatory fines
and loss of business. WDM is also currently expensive to implement. To date,
wavelength division multiplexing has been deployed primarily in U.S. long
distance networks where the vast aggregation of traffic and the revenue it
generates can justify its expense. Local exchange carriers and international
service providers have lagged behind U.S. long distance service providers in
deploying wavelength division multiplexing technology. Industry analysts expect
this trend to reverse as local exchange and international service providers face
growing bandwidth demands of consumers and businesses using high bandwidth
applications, such as the Internet.

DITECH'S SOLUTIONS

ECHO CANCELLATION SOLUTION

    Ditech designs, develops and markets echo cancellation products for
wireline, wireless, satellite and cable communications networks throughout the
world. Our products use a software-intensive architecture coupled with one of
the latest commercially available digital signal processors to cancel echo and
enhance the quality of voice communications. We believe our architectural
approach enables us to offer the highest capacity echo cancellation products
currently commercially available. The key elements of our echo cancellation
solution include:

    EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH.  Our dynamic allocation of resources
technology is designed to solve the echo problem more efficiently than other
solutions, by applying processing power only when and where it is needed. By
using our dynamic allocation of resources technology, a single digital signal
processor can monitor multiple channels and dynamically assign the full
processor resources to each echo problem as it arises. Using this efficient
architectural approach, we can build our echo cancellation products with fewer
dedicated processors and fewer memory integrated circuits, which reduces product
size and power consumption requirements.

    TIME-TO-MARKET ADVANTAGE.  Based on an intelligent software algorithm, which
is a sophisticated process or set of rules for our software to cancel echo, our
dynamic allocation of resources approach enables us to utilize off-the-shelf
integrated circuits and digital signal processors. Competitive echo cancellation
solutions using application specific integrated circuits are more

                                       33
<PAGE>
expensive to design, require more development time and are difficult to upgrade.
Our approach leverages rapid technological advances in the commercial integrated
circuit and digital signal processor industries. As a result, we believe that we
are able to deliver high performance products to market with shorter product
development cycles and lower investments in capital equipment than alternative
solutions.

    LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP.  Our software-intensive compact design allows
us to offer echo cancellation products with approximately two to four times as
much echo cancelling capacity as other commercial suppliers based on a
seven-foot industry standard equipment rack located in service providers'
central offices or remote facilities. This higher capacity (more echo
cancellation capacity per rack) represents cost and space savings for service
providers. Our newest generation product also offers more efficient cabling and
network equipment installation, saving service providers even more space and
deployment expense. Our products are designed to allow service providers to
remotely download and upgrade software via the Internet without interrupting
network service or dispatching a technician to the remote site, which also
lowers the cost of ownership. Finally, our products consume less power than
other solutions, resulting in greater reliability and additional cost savings
for our customers.

    REMOTE MONITORING AND SERVICE ASSURANCE.  Our real-time monitoring
technology, known as reflectometry, allows remote monitoring of real-time
performance data. Service providers can use this technology to identify problems
remotely and address them proactively. We are also able to assist our customers
on-line during this process. As a result, service providers can improve
performance levels and monitor voice quality on a consistent basis. Remote
monitoring systems also reduce our customers' costs by reducing the number of
technical personnel required for on-site services.

OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS SOLUTION

    Ditech designs, develops and markets a suite of optical communications
products for telecommunications and cable communications networks. This suite of
products is called the Optical Path Solution and is comprised of optical
amplifiers, an optical telemetry system, or OTS, wavelength division
multiplexing multiplexers and demultiplexers, transponders and a dense
wavelength division multiplexing monitor. To date we have shipped only our
optical amplifier product. The key characteristics of our Optical Path Solution
include:

    PRODUCT BREADTH, MODULARITY, INTEROPERABILITY AND SCALABILITY.  We provide
our customers with the option of purchasing our optical communications products
as either stand-alone products or our Optical Path Solution as a complete
system. Our products are modular in nature and adhere to optical communications
operating standards. Therefore, our products are interoperable with the optical
communications subsystems and systems of other manufacturers. Customers can
purchase our products to expand or improve existing optical communications
systems. Our products are also scalable, which enables our customers to improve
their existing optical communications systems, or to expand network capacity, on
an as-needed basis.

    COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS.  Our optical products offer:
sophisticated monitoring and control features; modular, scalable subsystems; and
standards-based software and hardware. These characteristics are designed to
reduce overall network maintenance costs. In addition, we believe our optical
amplifiers' superior performance lowers our customers' capital costs. We have
focused on cost-effectiveness as a product design goal so that not only long
distance carriers, but also local exchange carriers, can justify deploying
wavelength division multiplexing technology.

                                       34
<PAGE>
    SUPERIOR OPTICAL AMPLIFIER PERFORMANCE.  Our optical amplifiers are based on
widely accepted EDFA (erbium doped fiber amplifier) technology, and we believe
that our optical amplifiers provide superior performance features that offer
consistent amplification and low noise figures, allowing optical signals to
travel longer distances without degradation. As a result, our products maintain
the quality of the optical signal over longer territorial spans, which reduces
the need for additional equipment and intervention by service providers.

    REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY.  All of our products are
designed with features that allow remote monitoring and management. These
features enable service providers to remotely monitor and predict service
outages in optical networks, which helps to improve reliability and lower the
troubleshooting costs involved in on-site monitoring. Optical telemetry system
management software also helps facilitate communications between legacy network
management software and our products. This promotes the use of our products on
existing networks and lowers overall cost of ownership. Additionally, the
optical telemetry system has many customizable capabilities for service
providers to cost-effectively monitor and manage their facilities and equipment.

DITECH'S STRATEGY

    Our objective is to become a leading provider of the echo cancellation and
optical communications products required to cost-effectively build and manage
telecommunications and cable communications networks. Key elements of our
strategy include the following:

    EXTEND TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP.  We invest in product development and
enhancement efforts that are designed to provide service providers and the
original equipment manufacturers that serve them higher capacity products with
key price performance and management advantages. Our use of commercially
available technology and products enables us to incorporate technological
advances quickly with reduced research and development costs. This provides a
time-to-market advantage that enables us to rapidly deploy our products within
strict time constraints demanded by our customers. We collaborate with our
customers to develop value-added products designed to meet customer needs.

    INCREASE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS GROWTH.  Our optical amplifier
began shipping in the third quarter of calendar 1996. Since our initial product
release, we have introduced three optical communications products and are
developing additional products, which together comprise our complete suite of
optical communications products known as the Optical Path Solution. We intend to
allocate significant resources to expand this product line and increase our
optical communications product revenue.

    EXPAND AND LEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS.  We have expanded our direct
sales channels in North America to Latin America, Europe and Asia. In addition,
we are actively pursuing select and strategic original equipment manufacturer
relationships for specific geographical markets or technology segments, and have
already entered into one such relationship. We believe that original equipment
manufacturer channels enable greater market share penetration while reducing
customer support costs. We intend to leverage our reputation for providing high
quality products and customer support in the echo cancellation market to
increase the penetration of our optical communications products. To further our
presence and penetration in the global telecommunications market, we will
continue to expand our direct sales force and broaden channels of distribution.

    STRENGTHEN EXISTING AND DEVELOP NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS.  We intend to
continue to strengthen our customer-centric culture and support programs. We
offer a full suite of support services, including twenty-four hour technical
support seven days a week, a five-year product warranty, and engineering,
installation and field support. We intend to continue to design and develop
technology that enables us to assist our customers in diagnosing problems
on-line.

                                       35
<PAGE>
    DELIVER COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS.  We achieve cost-effective solutions as a
result of our business approach and product design philosophy. Our
software-intensive designs provide high performance, flexibility, upgradabililty
and remote monitoring and management. In addition, our modular, scalable
products allow our customers to build-out their networks on an incremental
basis. With designs that allow the use of some of the latest commercially
available electronic and optical component technologies, we can rapidly deliver
advanced products at low cost. Our products' open architecture also enables our
customers to build and operate multi-vendor equipment networks, allowing them to
better choose the combination of products most suitable for their specific
needs.

PRODUCTS

ECHO CANCELLATION PRODUCTS

    All of our echo cancellation products are designed to cancel echo in
wireline, wireless, satellite, packetized and cable communications networks. Our
echo cancellation product family consists of six products. The 18T1 and 18E1 are
our third generation echo cancellation products and have been deployed in
significant volumes since March 1995. The Quad T1 and Quad E1 products are our
fourth generation echo cancellation products. Production shipment commenced for
our Quad T1 and E1 products in the first quarter of calendar 1999. The 4SA is
designed for small office and network environments by utilizing a single Quad T1
module that is placed on top of a voice access device, such as a private branch
exchange, or PBX. The 4SA commenced production shipment in the first quarter of
calendar 1999. The Broadband Echo Cancellation System, or BBEC, is a system
level product that employs the Quad T1. Production shipment of our Broadband
Echo Cancellation System began in the second quarter of calendar 1999.

    Our echo cancellation product family shares several common advantages:

    HIGHER CAPACITY.  We believe our fourth generation echo cancellation
products have approximately two to four times the echo cancellation capacity of
currently commercially available competitive products.

    HIGH PERFORMANCE.  Our echo cancellation products cancel echo in less than
50 milliseconds, which is a significant improvement relative to industry
standard cancellation times of 100 to 500 milliseconds as defined by the
International Telecommunication Union, the organization responsible for
developing global telecommunications standards.

    REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADABILITY.  With our products, the latest software
upgrades can be downloaded remotely and incorporated into our products without
taking the echo cancellation products off-line and interrupting service.

    LOWER POWER CONSUMPTION.  We believe our products generally require less
power than competitive products as a result of our software-intensive design and
use of fewer integrated circuits.

    ITU STANDARDS.  Our products are fully compliant with current International
Telecommunication Union standards. As a member of the International
Telecommunication Union, we actively participate in establishing the evolving
global standards.

    WARRANTY.  We offer a five-year warranty on all of our echo cancellation
products.

                                       36
<PAGE>
    The following table provides additional information with respect to each of
our echo cancellation products:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PRODUCT                DESCRIPTION                           FUNCTIONALITY
<S>                      <C>                                   <C>
  18T1                   Single port echo canceller for use    -  A high capacity product that cancels
                         at T1 (1.544 Mb/s) transmission rate     220 T1 lines per seven-foot industry
                         (North American markets)                 standard equipment rack
                                                               -  Low power consumption
  18E1                   Single port echo canceller for use    -  A high capacity product that cancels
                         at E1 (2.048 Mb/s) transmission rate     126 E1 lines per 2.1 meter
                         (international markets and North         international industry standard
                         American gateway applications)           equipment rack
                                                               -  Low power consumption
  Quad T1                Single module including four          -  Doubles the capacity of nearest
                         independent T1 cancellers (North         commercially available competitive
                         American markets)                        product
                                                               -  Cancels 480 T1 lines per rack
  Quad E1                Single module including four          -  Doubles the capacity of nearest
                         independent E1 cancellers                commercially available competitive
                         (international markets and North         product
                         American gateway applications)        -  Cancels 480 E1 lines per rack
  4SA                    Single Quad T1 module (North          -  Designed for small office and
                         American markets)                        network environments
  Broadband Echo         Broadband echo cancellation system    -  First system level echo cancellation
  Cancellation           utilizing DS3 (45 Mb/s) interfaces       product
  System (BBEC)          to accommodate the growing adoption   -  Uses two DS3s per shelf
                         of higher speed broadband             -  Reduces bulky T1 cabling and
                         infrastructures (North American          installation
                         markets)                              -  Fault tolerant architecture and
                                                                  autonomous alarm reporting via
                                                                  Ethernet to simplify fault isolation
                                                               -  Cancels 336 T1s per rack
</TABLE>

OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS

    Our suite of optical communications products, called the Optical Path
Solution, is intended for use in telecommunications and cable communications
networks throughout the world. Our Optical Path Solution is comprised of optical
amplifiers, an optical telemetry system, transponders, four-channel wavelength
division multiplexing multiplexers and demultiplexers, and a dense wavelength
division multiplexing monitor. All of these products are intended to be sold
either as stand-alone products or as a complete system. All of our optical
communications products are commercially available, except the dense wavelength
division multiplexing monitor, which is undergoing customer beta testing. As of
July 31, 1999, the principal source of revenue from our optical product line has
been our optical amplifiers, which have been shipping since the third quarter of
calendar 1996. However, during the quarter ended April 30, 1999, we shipped the
first production units of our Optical Telemetry System, WDM Multiplexer and
Demultiplexer, and DWDM Monitor. Our sixteen-channel dense wavelength division
multiplexing multiplexers and demultiplexers are currently in development.

    Our optical product family shares several common advantages:

    INTEROPERABLE IN MULTI-VENDOR ENVIRONMENT.  Our products and modules are
built to industry standards so that they easily interoperate with different
vendors' facilities and shelving.

    DESIGNED TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS.  Our suite of products are designed to meet
industry standards, such as those from the International Telecommunication
Union.

                                       37
<PAGE>
    REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT.  Our products are designed to function in
a sophisticated, remote monitoring and management environment.

    WARRANTY.  We offer a five-year warranty on all of our optical products.

    The following table provides additional information with respect to each of
our optical products:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PRODUCT               DESCRIPTION                           FUNCTIONALITY
<S>                     <C>                                   <C>
  Optical amplifiers    Complete suite of transmit, line and  -  Consistent optical amplification and
                        receive amplifiers that are based on     low noise figures, making them
                        erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA)      suitable for dense wavelength
                        technology                               division multiplexing applications
                                                              -  Supports higher bandwidth fiber
                                                              optic channels, allowing service
                                                                 providers to expand bandwidth
                                                                 without upgrading our amplifiers
  Optical               Optical and element management and    -  Enables remote management and
  Telemetry             facility monitoring solution that is     monitoring of both our products and
  System (OTS)          designed with open interface             legacy network equipment and
                        architecture                             facilities
                                                              -  Management and monitoring commands
                                                                 are carried on a supervisory channel
                                                                 in the same fiber as the revenue
                                                                 traffic but using out-of-band
                                                                 wavelengths, thereby not displacing
                                                                 revenue-generating bandwidth
                                                              -  Packaged in a compact module to
                                                                 minimize space requirements
  WDM Multiplexer       Four channel solution that combines   -  Packaged in a compact module to
  And Demultiplexer     multiple optical wavelengths onto        minimize space requirements
                        one fiber. At the far end, these      -  Accommodates network growth by
                        same devices function in reverse as      supporting higher bandwidth fiber
                        demultiplexers                           optic channels
  Transponder           Accepts an optical signal from a      -  Allows legacy non-International
                        legacy laser source and re-transmits     Telecommunication Union standards
                        the signal at an industry standard       compliant transmission equipment to
                        compliant optical wavelength             be used on WDM networks
                        suitable for transmission on a WDM    -  Packaged in a compact module that is
                        network                                  half the size of currently
                                                                 commercially available competing
                                                                 products
  DWDM                  Measures wavelength amplitude         -  Remotely deployable unit that is
  Monitor               signal- to-noise ratio and gain          environmentally tolerant
                        flatness of each optical channel in   -  Sophisticated real-time monitoring
                        a multi-wavelength network, allowing  of each optical signal
                        service providers to identify         -  User definable alarm thresholds
                        transmission path degradations        -  Easy to use graphical user interface
                        before they become service-affecting
</TABLE>

                                       38
<PAGE>
    The following diagram illustrates how our optical communications operate in
a network environment.

                    DITECH'S OPTICAL COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS

[Graphical illustration of a telecommunication network. To the left is a white
box labeled "SONET/ SDH Terminal Packet Switch." Out of this box come 4 arrows
to the right to a stack of 4 gray boxes each labeled with a "T" to denote that
they are Transponders. Out of each of these boxes come an arrow to the right to
a gray trapezoid labeled "WDM Mux." Out of this comes one arrow to the right to
a gray triangle labeled "EDFA" and under which are the words "Transmit
Amplifier." Out of this comes one arrow to the right to a gray triangle labeled
"EDFA" and under which are the words "Line Amplifier." Out of this comes one
arrow to the right to a gray triangle labeled "EDFA" and under which are the
words "Receive Amplifier." Out of this comes an arrow to the right to a gray
trapezoid labeled "WDM DeMux." Out of this come 4 arrows to the right to a white
box labeled "SONET/SDH Terminal Packet Switch." Above each of the two white
boxes labeled "SONET/SDH Terminal Packet Switch" is a cloud with the words
"Voice," "Data," and "Video" in it with a dotted line coming out of it to the
white box.

Above the graphical representation described above is the figure of a person at
a computer labeled "Technician" with a dotted line out of the computer leading
to two boxes, one of which is labeled "Network Management System" and one of
which is labeled "Optical Telemetry System (OTS)." Out of these boxes comes a
dotted line that splits into three lines, each leading to a box labeled "OTS."
Out of each of these boxes is a dotted line leading through one of the optical
amplifiers described above, then to a box labeled "Monitor."

Below the graphical representation described above is a white box and a gray
box. The white box is labeled "Multivendor Equipment" and the gray box is
labeled "Ditech Subsystems" to denote which of the components in the items
graphical representation are Ditech's subsystems]

CUSTOMERS

    Our principal customers are competitive local exchange carriers, satellite,
wireless, cellular and cable communications service providers. Among our more
than fifty customers that have purchased our products since the end of fiscal
1998, the following is a list of our top ten customers by sales volume for that
period:

<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
Qwest/LCI                             GTE Telecom
MCI Worldcom                          Cignal Global
Frontier Communications               GCI
Electronica Multimedia                Teleglobe Canada
Facilicom                             GST
</TABLE>

    In addition to these service providers, we have sold products to one
original equipment manufacturer.

    Our customer base is highly concentrated, and a small number of customers
has accounted for a significant portion of our total revenue. Our five largest
customers accounted for over 75% of our revenue in the first three months of
fiscal 2000, over 65% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and over 75% of our revenue
in fiscal 1998. Qwest/LCI accounted for 43% of our revenue in the first three
months of fiscal 2000, 42% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and in fiscal 1998. Our
four next largest customers accounted collectively for 33% of our revenue in the
first three months of fiscal 2000, 23% of our revenue in fiscal 1999 and 38% of
our revenue in fiscal 1998. MCI accounted for $7.6 million, or more than 50%, of
our revenue in fiscal 1997, but only $1.4 million, or approximately 11%, of our
revenue in fiscal 1998. This reduction began shortly before the acquisition of
MCI by Worldcom.

                                       39
<PAGE>
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

    We have engineering departments dedicated to and focused on developing high
performance echo cancellation products and optical communications products.
These engineering departments are staffed with appropriate talent in software
and hardware, radio-frequency, mechanical and test engineering, and photonic
physics. In addition, we have created an independent product verification group
whose charter is to ensure that we meet customers' expectations from an
ease-of-use perspective.

    Our research and development expenses for the first three months of fiscal
2000, and for fiscal 1999, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, were approximately $1.1
million, $3.9 million, $2.4 million, and $1.1 million, respectively. We intend
to increase our research and development budget and staffing levels during the
remainder of fiscal 2000. As of July 31, 1999, we had 31 employees engaged in
research and development, including 10 engineers with advanced degrees. By
continuing to develop new generation echo cancellation and optical
communications products, we intend to leverage our ability to address various
markets with a relatively focused investment in research and development. We
believe that recruiting and retaining qualified engineering personnel will be
essential to our continuing success.

MANUFACTURING

    We intend to operate as a "virtual" manufacturing organization by relying on
contract manufacturers to assemble our echo cancellation products and our
optical communications products. We perform only final test functions for our
echo cancellation products and both final assembly and test functions for our
optical communications products at our facility. We are ISO 9001 certified and
require that our contract manufacturers have ISO 9002 registration as a
condition of qualification. Our stringent incoming inspection procedures for
critical optical components include analysis and monitoring of the performance
characteristics of critical optical components and sub-assemblies. Our raw
materials are procured from outside suppliers through our contract
manufacturers. In procuring components, we and our contract manufacturers rely
on Texas Instruments as the sole source of our digital signal processors. Our
future success will depend in significant part on our ability to obtain
manufacturing on time, at low costs and in sufficient quantities to meet demand.

SALES AND MARKETING

    We have established a direct sales force that sells to our customers in the
U.S. and internationally. We also intend to expand the use of sales agents,
systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers, and distributors to sell
and market our products internationally. We have entered into an agreement with
an original equipment manufacturer for distribution of our optical
communications products and are exploring the possibility of entering into
others.

    In 1998, we expanded our direct sales coverage by establishing regional
sales offices throughout the U.S. We believe that our products can serve a
substantial market for echo cancellation products and optical communications
products outside of the U.S. To address these growing international markets, we
opened a sales office in Beijing, China to support Asia, another office in
Stuttgart, Germany to cover Europe and an office in Miami, Florida to focus on
Latin America. In fiscal 1998, fiscal 1999 and the first three months of fiscal
2000, we derived approximately 6%, 13% and 11% of our total revenue,
respectively, from customers in international markets.

    We are committed to enhancing our brand recognition by continuing to exhibit
in trade shows, participate in industry conferences (e.g. SuperComm, CTIA, OFC,
Telexpo in Brazil, Com Cable in China) and organize targeted technical seminars
to expand our company and product visibility. We

                                       40
<PAGE>
conduct direct marketing and have ongoing communications with our customers, the
press and industry analysts. In addition, we intend to develop a sophisticated
web site that will provide detailed technical briefings and sales presentations
to our customers.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

    We have established a dedicated department to provide pre-sales technical,
system engineering, post-sales and field service support. These services are
available from headquarters as well as regional offices. In addition, we offer
customer service around the clock every day of the week. We have also
established relationships with third-party organizations for engineering,
furnish and installation services in North America and Europe.

    With remote monitoring and management capabilities designed into all of our
products, we are capable of assisting our customers in diagnosing problems
on-line, thereby reducing the time and costs associated with dispatching a
technician to the remote site. In addition, the detailed technical information
we intend to provide on our website will provide our customers with useful
support information.

COMPETITION

    The markets for our products are intensely competitive, continually evolving
and subject to rapid technological change. We believe that rapid product
introductions with price performance advantages is a critical competitive
factor. We believe we and our products also face competition in the following
areas:

    - product features and enhancements (including improvements in product
      performance, reliability, size, compatibility and scalability);

    - cost of ownership (including power consumption and ease and cost of
      maintenance);

    - ease of product deployment and installation; and

    - technical support and service.

    Although we believe that we currently compete favorably with respect to all
of these factors, we may not have the financial resources, technical expertise
or marketing, manufacturing, distribution and support capabilities to compete
successfully in the future. We expect that competition in each of our markets
will increase in the future. In the echo cancellation market, our principal
competitors are Lucent and Tellabs for stand-alone products. Although Alcatel,
Nortel Networks, Ericsson and Nokia can provide echo cancellation in their
systems, they do not sell stand-alone products or compete in the open market.
Our principal competitors in the optical communications products market are
Alcatel, Ciena, Lucent and Pirelli.

    Nortel Networks has announced that it is developing an integrated switch,
which would have echo cancellation capability built into it and would therefore
eliminate the need for the echo cancellation capability provided by our
products. Announcements such as these, or the commercial availability of such
switches or other competing products, may cause our customers to delay or cancel
orders for our products.

    Competitors in any portion of our business are also capable of rapidly
becoming our competitors in other portions of our business. Many of our
competitors and potential competitors have substantially greater name
recognition and technical, financial, marketing, purchasing and other resources
than we do. As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more quickly
to new or emerging technologies or standards and to changes in customer
requirements, to devote greater

                                       41
<PAGE>
resources to the development, promotion and sale of products, or to deliver
competitive products at a lower price. We may not be able to compete
successfully against our current or future competitors.

    Existing and potential customers are also our current and potential
competitors. These companies may develop or acquire additional competitive
products or technologies in the future and thereby reduce or cease their
purchases from us. In addition, we believe that the size of suppliers will be an
increasingly important part of purchasers' decision-making criteria in the
future. We may not be able to grow rapidly and therefore compete successfully
with our existing or new competitors. In addition, competitive pressures faced
by us may result in lower prices for our products, loss of market share, or
reduced gross margins, any of which could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.

PATENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

    Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual
property. We rely primarily on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret
laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our
proprietary technologies and processes. Nevertheless, such measures may not be
adequate to safeguard the proprietary technology underlying our echo
cancellation and optical communications products. As of July 31, 1999, we had
three U.S. patents issued and seven U.S. patent applications pending, one of
which had been allowed but has not yet issued. These patents expire between 2014
and 2016. No patents may issue as a result of these or future applications. If
they do issue, any patent claims allowed may not be sufficiently broad to
protect our technology. In addition, any existing or future patents may be
challenged, invalidated or circumvented, and any right granted thereunder may
not provide meaningful protection to us. The failure of any patents to provide
protection to our technology would make it easier for our competitors to offer
similar products.

    In November 1998, we acquired the echo cancellation technology that we
previously licensed from Telinnovation. We acquired this technology for a total
purchase price of 166,666 shares of our common stock and $2.96 million, the cash
portion of which was paid upon the consummation of our initial public offering.
In addition, we had been paying royalties to Telinnovation on the sales of our
products incorporating this technology until the cash portion of the purchase
price had been paid from the proceeds of our initial public offering.

    We may license certain our of technology to third parties. For example, we
have licensed to Antec Corporation certain of our optical communication
technology for $1.9 million payable in fiscal 2000 plus per unit royalties.

    We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and
strategic partners, and generally control access to and distribution of our
documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these precautions, it
may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our
products or technology without authorization, develop similar technology
independently or design around our patents. In addition, effective patent,
copyright, trademark and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited
outside of the U.S., Europe and Japan. We may not be able to obtain any
meaningful intellectual property protection in such countries and territories.
Additionally, we may, for a variety of reasons, decide not to file for patent,
copyright, or trademark protection outside of the United States. Further, we
occasionally incorporate the intellectual property of our customers into our
designs, and we have certain obligations with respect to the non-use and
non-disclosure of such intellectual property. However, the steps taken by us to
prevent misappropriation or infringement of the intellectual property of our
company or our customers may not be successful. Moreover, litigation may be
necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect
our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of

                                       42
<PAGE>
proprietary rights of others, including our customers. Such litigation could
result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.

    The telecommunications equipment industry is characterized by vigorous
protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights. We may receive in the
future notices of claims of infringement of other parties' proprietary rights.
We may not prevail in actions alleging infringement of third-party patents. In
addition, the invalidity of our patents may be asserted or prosecuted against
us. In addition, in a patent or trade secret action, an injunction could issue
against us, requiring that we withdraw certain products from the market or
necessitating that certain products offered for sale or under development be
redesigned. We have also entered into certain indemnification obligations in
favor of our customers and strategic partners that could be triggered upon an
allegation or finding of our infringement of other parties' proprietary rights.
Irrespective of the validity or successful assertion of such claims, we would
likely incur significant costs and diversion of our resources with respect to
the defense of such claims, which could also have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations. To address any
potential claims or actions asserted against us, we may seek to obtain a license
under a third party's intellectual property rights. Under such circumstances, a
license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

    Substantial inventories of intellectual property are held by a few industry
participants, such as Lucent, Nortel Networks and certain major universities and
research laboratories. This concentration of intellectual property in the hands
of a few major entities also poses certain risks to us in seeking to hire
qualified personnel. We have on a few occasions recruited such personnel from
such entities. These entities or others may claim the misappropriation or
infringement of their intellectual property, particularly when and if employees
of these entities leave to work for us. We may not be able to avoid litigation
in the future, particularly if new employees join us after having worked for a
competing company. Such litigation could be very expensive to defend, regardless
of the merits of the claims, and could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.

EMPLOYEES

    As of July 31, 1999, we employed 97 persons, 22 of whom were primarily
engaged in operations, 31 of whom were engaged in research and development, 31
of whom were engaged in sales, marketing and technical support and 13 of whom
were engaged in finance and administration. Our employees are not represented by
any collective bargaining agreement, and we have not experienced a work
stoppage. We believe our employee relations are good.

FACILITIES

    Our principal offices and facilities are located in one leased building
totaling 35,800 square feet in Mountain View, California. This lease expires on
December 15, 2003. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet
our current needs.

                                       43
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

    Certain information regarding Ditech's directors, executive officers and key
employees as of July 31, 1999 is set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                      AGE                                    POSITION
- ------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Timothy K. Montgomery...............          46   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Toni M. Bellin......................          53   Vice President of Operations
Salim N. Jabr.......................          47   Vice President of Engineering and Development, Optical Products
Marc Schwager.......................          42   Vice President, Marketing
Serge Stepanoff.....................          57   Vice President of Engineering and Development, Echo Cancellation
                                                     Products
William J. Tamblyn..................          40   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pong C. Lim.........................          45   Chairman of the Board of Directors
Gregory M. Avis(1)..................          40   Director
Peter Y. Chung(2)...................          31   Director
William A. Hasler(1)(2).............          57   Director
Kenneth E. Jones(1).................          52   Director
George J. Turner....................          62   Director
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) Member of the Compensation Committee

(2) Member of the Audit Committee

    TIMOTHY K. MONTGOMERY has served as Ditech's President and Chief Executive
Officer since September 1998 and as a Director since October 1998. From November
1997 to September 1998, he served as Ditech's Senior Vice President of Sales and
Marketing. Mr. Montgomery served as Vice President of Sales of Digital Link
Corporation, a manufacturer of digital access products for wide area networks,
from August 1993 to October 1997. From October 1992 to July 1993, Mr. Montgomery
worked as an independent consultant. From August 1986 to September 1992 Mr.
Montgomery was employed as Vice President of Sales at Telebit Corporation, a
networking company. Mr. Montgomery has a B.S.B.A. in marketing from Florida
State University.

    TONI M. BELLIN joined Ditech in December 1998 as Vice President of
Operations. Before joining Ditech, Ms. Bellin served as the Vice President of
Operations for Digital Link Corporation from December 1993 to December 1998, and
as the Vice President of Operations of Zeiss Humphrey Systems, a medical capital
equipment manufacturer, from July 1987 to December 1993. Ms. Bellin has a B.A.
in business administration and an M.B.A. in executive management from St. Mary's
College.

    SALIM N. JABR joined Ditech in May 1995 as Vice President of Engineering and
Development, Optical Products. In August 1994, Mr. Jabr founded ORCA Technology,
a company engaged in the development of DWDM systems. From November 1993 to
December 1994, Mr. Jabr was a senior staff manager for SDL Inc., a designer and
manufacturer of specialized semiconductor products. Mr. Jabr served as Director
of Optical Technology at Raychem Corporate Technology, a telecommunications and
industrial equipment manufacturing company, from September 1989 to November
1993. From June 1981 to September 1989, he worked at Litton Guidance and
Control, an aerospace company. He was also an Assistant Professor in Physics at
the University of Southern California from September 1979 to August 1981. Mr.
Jabr has a Ph.D. in physics and an M.S. in electrical engineering from Yale
University, and a B.S. in physics from The American University in Beirut.

                                       44
<PAGE>
    MARC SCHWAGER joined Ditech in April 1999 as its Vice President, Marketing.
Before joining Ditech, Mr. Schwager served as the Director of Product Management
for Bandwidth Unlimited, a Silicon Valley start-up working in the optical
networking field, from November 1998 to April 1999. From May 1981 through
October of 1998, Mr. Schwager held a series of marketing positions at
Hewlett-Packard, most recently as Director of Marketing for the Advanced
Networks Division. Mr. Schwager holds a B.S. Chemical Engineering from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

    SERGE STEPANOFF joined Ditech in February 1987 and was its Vice President of
Engineering until May 1991. In September 1996, he rejoined Ditech and assumed
his current position of Vice President of Engineering and Development, Echo
Cancellation Products. Mr. Stepanoff worked as Director of Software at Telecom
Solutions, a telecommunications company, from March 1995 to August 1996. From
May 1991 to February 1995, he was a Senior Manager for MCI Communications, a
telecommunications company. He has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Heald
Engineering College and an M.S. in Computer Science from West Coast University.

    WILLIAM J. TAMBLYN joined Ditech in June 1997 as a Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Tamblyn was the Chief Financial Officer at Conductus,
Inc., a telecommunications company, from December 1993 to June 1997. He served
as Chief Financial Officer at Ramtek, an imaging company, from May 1993 to
December 1993. Prior to May 1993, Mr. Tamblyn worked in public accounting,
including for Coopers & Lybrand, LLP. He has a B.S. in accounting from San Jose
State University and is a certified public accountant.

    PONG C. LIM has served as Ditech's Chairman of the Board since October 1998.
From March 1997 to September 1998, Mr. Lim served as Ditech's Chief Executive
Officer and President. From May 1994 to March 1997, Mr. Lim served as Ditech's
President and Chief Operating Officer. From June 1989 to April 1994, Mr. Lim
served as General Manager of Santa Clara Business Unit, a division of DSC
Communications, a telecommunications company. Mr. Lim has a B.S. in civil
engineering from Drexel University and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from
the University of Phoenix.

    GREGORY M. AVIS has been a director of Ditech since February 1997. Mr. Avis
has served as a Managing Partner of Summit Partners, a private equity capital
firm, since 1990 and has been a General Partner since 1987. Summit Partners and
its affiliates manage a number of venture capital funds, including Summit
Ventures IV, L.P., Summit Investors III, L.P. and Summit Subordinated Debt Fund,
L.P., which are all stockholders of Ditech. Mr. Avis also serves as a director
of Extended Systems, Inc., a network peripherals and wireless communications
company, Powerwave Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of power
amplifiers for wireless communications, Splash Technology Holdings, Inc., a
developer of color server systems, and several privately held companies. Mr.
Avis received a B.A. from Williams College and an M.B.A. from Harvard
University.

    PETER Y. CHUNG has been a director of Ditech since February 1997. Mr. Chung
is a General Partner of Summit Partners, a private equity capital firm, where he
has been employed since August 1994. Summit Partners and its affiliates manage a
number of venture capital funds, including Summit Ventures IV, L.P., Summit
Investors III, L.P. and Summit Subordinated Debt Fund, L.P., which are all
stockholders of Ditech. From August 1989 to July 1992, Mr. Chung worked in the
Mergers and Acquisitions Department of Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mr. Chung also
serves as a director of E-Tek Dynamics, Inc., an optical components and modules
company, Splash Technology Holdings, Inc., a developer of color server systems,
and several privately held companies. Mr. Chung received a B.A. from Harvard
University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University.

    WILLIAM A. HASLER has been a director of Ditech since May 1997. He also
serves as a Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aphton Corp., a
bio-pharmaceutical company, a position he has held since July 1998. From August
1991 to July 1998, Mr. Hasler was the Dean of the Haas School of Business at the
University of California at Berkeley, and from January 1984 to August 1991,

                                       45
<PAGE>
Mr. Hasler served as a Vice Chairman of KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Hasler is a
director of numerous companies, including Quickturn Design Systems, Inc., a
design verification company, Solectron Corp., an electronics manufacturing
services company, TCSI Corporation, a telecommunications software company,
Tenera Inc., an engineering consulting firm, and Walker Interactive Systems,
Inc., an operations and analytical software company. He received a B.A. from
Pomona College and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.

    KENNETH E. JONES has been a director of Ditech since July 1983. He is
currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Globe Wireless, Inc., a
position he has held since Globe Wireless was sold by Automated Call Processing
and became an independent company in 1997. Mr. Jones founded Automated Call
Processing in 1983 (which in 1997 merged with Ditech and changed its name to
Ditech Corporation), and worked as its President and Chief Executive Officer
until 1997. From 1986 to 1994, he also served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Automated Call Processing's wholly-owned subsidiary, Ditech
Corporation. Prior to founding Automated Call Processing, Mr. Jones served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Clausen-Koch Company, a private label
manufacturer of canned meats. Mr. Jones also served as the Chief Financial
Officer of Hills Brothers Coffee, Inc. from 1976 to 1979. Mr. Jones is a
director of Quadramed Corporation, a medical software company. He served as a
commanding officer of USS Flagstaff in the United States Navy and has a B.S.
from the University of Nebraska and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.

    GEORGE J. TURNER has been a director of Ditech since November 1993. He is
currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of Globe Wireless, Inc., a
position he has held since December 1996. He previously worked for Automated
Call Processing for over ten years, serving the company in several senior
management roles. Mr. Turner has a B.A., an M.A. and a PhD. from the University
of California, Berkeley.

BOARD COMPOSITION

    Ditech currently has authorized seven directors. In accordance with the
terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the terms of
office of the Board of Directors are divided into three classes: Class I, whose
term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1999; Class
II, whose term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in
2000; and Class III, whose term will expire at the annual meeting of
stockholders to be held in 2001. The Class I directors are Gregory Avis and
George Turner, the Class II directors are Peter Chung and Kenneth Jones, and the
Class III directors are William Hasler, Pong Lim, and Timothy Montgomery. At
each annual meeting of stockholders after the initial classification, the
successors to directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve
from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting
following election. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that
the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the
Board of Directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in
the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as
nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This
classification of the Board of Directors may have the effect of delaying or
preventing changes in control or management of Ditech. Although directors of
Ditech may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the common stock, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that
holders of two-thirds of the common stock must vote to approve the removal of a
director without cause.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

    During fiscal 1999, Messrs. Avis, Hasler and Jones served as members of the
Compensation Committee of Ditech's Board of Directors. Mr. Avis is a Managing
Partner of Summit Partners, a private equity capital firm that became a major
stockholder of Ditech in connection with our recapitalization. See "Certain
Transactions."

                                       46
<PAGE>
    No member of the Compensation Committee serves as a member of the board of
directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more
executive officers serving as a member of Ditech's Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee. Prior to the formation of the Compensation Committee in
May 1997, the Board of Directors of Ditech as a whole made decisions relating to
compensation of Ditech's executive officers.

BOARD COMMITTEES

    The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the internal
accounting procedures of Ditech and consults with, and reviews the services
provided by, Ditech's independent accountants. Current members of the Audit
Committee are Messrs. Chung and Hasler.

    The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and recommends
to the Board of Directors the compensation and benefits of all officers of
Ditech and reviews general policy relating to compensation and benefits of
employees of Ditech. The Compensation Committee also administers the issuance of
stock options and other awards under Ditech's stock plans. Current members of
the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Avis, Hasler and Jones.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

    Ditech does not currently provide cash compensation to non-employee
directors for services in such capacity, but directors may be reimbursed for
certain expenses in connection with attendance at Board of Directors and
committee meetings. See also "--Benefit Plans--1999 Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan."

LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY

    Ditech's Bylaws provide that Ditech will indemnify its directors and
executive officers and may indemnify its other officers, employees and other
agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Ditech is also empowered
under its Bylaws to enter into indemnification contracts with its directors and
officers and to purchase insurance on behalf of any person it is required or
permitted to indemnify. Pursuant to this provision, Ditech has entered into
indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers.

    Ditech has obtained officer and director liability insurance with respect to
liabilities arising out of certain matters, including matters arising under the
Securities Act. In addition, Ditech's Certificate of Incorporation provides
that, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, Ditech's directors will
not be liable for monetary damages for breach of the directors' fiduciary duty
of care to Ditech and its stockholders. This provision in the Certificate of
Incorporation does not eliminate the duty of care, and in appropriate
circumstances, equitable remedies such as an injunction or other forms of
non-monetary relief would remain available under Delaware law. Under current
Delaware law, a director's liability to Ditech or its stockholders may not be
limited with respect to any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Ditech
or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving
intentional misconduct, for knowing violations of law, for any transaction from
which the director derived an improper personal benefit, for improper
transactions between the director and Ditech and for improper distributions to
stockholders and loans to directors and officers. This provision also does not
affect a director's responsibilities under any other laws such as the federal
securities laws or state or federal environmental laws.

    There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer
of Ditech as to which indemnification is being sought, nor is Ditech aware of
any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims for
indemnification by any director or officer.

                                       47
<PAGE>
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to
the provisions described above or otherwise, we have been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    The following table sets forth certain information for the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1999, regarding the compensation of Ditech's Chief Executive Officer
and each of the most highly compensated executive officers of Ditech whose
salary and bonus for such year were in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis
(the "Named Executive Officers"). In accordance with Securities and Exchange
Commission rules, annual compensation in the form of perquisites and other
personal benefits has been omitted where the aggregate amount of such
perquisites and other personal benefits constitutes less than the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus for the Named Executive
Officer for the fiscal year.

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                                      --------------
                                                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1)          SECURITIES
                                                 -----------------------------------    UNDERLYING         ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                        YEAR       SALARY        BONUS        OPTIONS         COMPENSATION
- -----------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
Timothy Montgomery
  Chief Executive Officer, President and Senior
  Vice President, Sales and Marketing (1)......       1999   $ 225,000    $ 100,000        133,333                --
Pong Lim
  Chairman of the Board (2)....................       1999     175,000      100,000             --         $   1,636
Salim Jabr
  Vice President of Engineering and
  Development, Optical Products................       1999     120,000       43,000             --                --
Serge Stepanoff
  Vice President of Engineering and
  Development, Echo Cancellation Products......       1999     120,000       42,960             --                --
William Tamblyn
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer...       1999     135,000       54,000         16,666                --
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) Mr. Montgomery was promoted to his current position of President, Chief
    Executive Officer of Ditech in September 1998.

(2) Mr. Lim served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ditech until
    September 1998, at which time Mr. Montgomery became President and Chief
    Executive Officer. Mr. Lim became Chairman of the Board of Ditech in October
    1998. Compensation listed in the "all other compensation" column consists of
    insurance premiums paid by Ditech for the benefit of Mr. Lim.

                                       48
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

    The following table sets forth each grant of stock options made during the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1999 to each of the Named Executive Officers. The
exercise price per share of each option was equal to the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of grant as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors on such date based upon such factors as the purchase price paid by
investors for shares of Ditech's preferred stock, the absence of a trading
market for Ditech's securities and Ditech's financial outlook and results of
operations. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1999, Ditech granted
employees, consultants and directors options to purchase an aggregate of 702,956
shares of common stock.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                      INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                       VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------    ANNUAL RATES OF
                                                     NUMBER OF                                                  STOCK PRICE
                                                    SECURITIES                                                APPRECIATION FOR
                                                    UNDERLYING     % OF TOTAL      EXERCISE                     OPTION TERM
                                                      OPTIONS    OPTIONS GRANTED   PRICE PER   EXPIRATION   --------------------
NAME                                                  GRANTED         1998           SHARE        DATE         5%         10%
- --------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Timothy Montgomery................................     133,333           19.0      $    1.50     10/15/08   $ 125,779  $ 318,748

Pong Lim..........................................          --             --             --           --          --         --

William Tamblyn...................................      16,666            2.4           1.50      11/6/08      15,772     39,842

Serge Stepanoff...................................          --             --             --           --          --         --

Salim Jabr........................................          --             --             --           --          --         --
</TABLE>

    The options granted to Messrs. Montgomery and Tamblyn vest over a standard
four-year period, with 25% vesting after one year and monthly vesting
thereafter.

    In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
columns referring to potential realizable value show the gains or "option
spreads" that would exist for the options granted based on the assumed rates of
annual compound stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% from the date the option
was granted over the full option term. The rules of the SEC require us to use
these assumed annual compound rates of stock price appreciation. These estimated
rates do not represent our estimate or projection of future common stock prices.

AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

    The following table sets forth information regarding option exercises, and
the fiscal year end values of stock options held by each of the Named Executive
Officers during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1999 and exercisable and
unexercisable options held as of April 30, 1999:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     NUMBER OF SECURITIES            VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                     UNEXERCISED OPTIONS           IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                      UNDERLYING                      AT APRIL 30, 1999                 APRIL 30, 1999
                                    SHARES ACQUIRED     VALUE    ----------------------------  --------------------------------
NAME                                  ON EXERCISE     REALIZED   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE     UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -------------------
<S>                                <C>                <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Timothy Montgomery...............        299,998      $  54,373     100,000             --      $ 825,000               --
Pong Lim.........................        479,998        247,499          --             --             --               --
William Tamblyn..................         81,581         38,349      35,084             --        304,969               --
Serge Stepanoff..................             --             --      99,998             --         89,482               --
Salim Jabr.......................         74,999         45,000     125,000             --      1,138,125               --
</TABLE>

    Each option grant permits immediate exercise subject to a repurchase option
in favor of Ditech, which lapses over a four-year period with 25% lapsing after
the first year and monthly thereafter. The fair market value of Ditech's common
stock on or about April 30, 1999 was $9.75 per share as

                                       49
<PAGE>
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors on such date based upon such
factors as the absence of a trading market for Ditech's common stock, the
probability of completing the initial public offering at that time and the low
price of the initial public offering price range.

BENEFIT PLANS

    1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN.  Ditech's 1997 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the
Board of Directors on February 20, 1997 and amended on November 13, 1997. The
1997 plan was approved by the stockholders on March 7, 1997. The Board
authorized and reserved an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of Ditech common stock
for issuance under the 1997 plan. The 1997 plan provides for the grant of
incentive stock options to employees and nonstatutory stock options to
employees, directors and consultants of Ditech and its affiliates. The 1997 plan
provides that it will be administered by the Board of Directors, or a committee
appointed by the Board, which determines recipients and types of options to be
granted, including number of shares subject to the option and the exercisability
of the shares.

    The terms of stock options granted under the 1997 plan may not exceed ten
years. The exercise price for a nonstatutory stock option granted under the 1997
plan cannot be less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the
date of the option grant and the exercise price for an incentive stock option
granted under the 1997 plan cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of the option grant. However, options granted in
substitution for other options may be granted with a lower exercise price than
that above. The options may, but need not, contain provisions for early exercise
and the right of first refusal.

    Options granted under the 1997 plan vest at the rate specified in each
optionee's option agreement. No stock option may be transferred by the optionee
other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution or, for a nonstatutory
stock option, upon the terms of the option agreement. An optionee whose
relationship with Ditech or any affiliate ceases for any reason (other than by
death or permanent and total disability) may exercise options in a period not to
exceed three months following such cessation. When an optionee's relationship
with Ditech and any affiliate ceases due to death or disability, options may be
exercised for between six and eighteen months.

    No incentive stock option may be granted to any person who, at the time of
the grant, owns (or is deemed to own) stock possessing more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of Ditech or any affiliate of Ditech, unless the
option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock
subject to the option on the date of grant, and the term of the option does not
exceed five years from the date of grant. No person shall be granted options
covering more than 200,000 shares of Ditech's common stock in any calendar year.

    Upon certain changes in control of Ditech, all outstanding options under the
1997 plan shall either be assumed or substituted by the surviving entity. If the
surviving entity determines not to assume, continue or substitute such options,
the time during which such options may be exercised shall be accelerated. If the
options are not exercised following the acceleration, the options shall
terminate.

    As of July 31, 1999, options to purchase 433,637 shares of common stock were
outstanding under the 1997 plan, and options to purchase 1,456,438 shares had
been exercised. On October 15, 1998, the Board voted that no additional grants
would be made under the 1997 plan.

    1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN.  Ditech's 1998 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the
Board of Directors on October 15, 1998 and approved by the stockholders on
November 6, 1998. The Board authorized and reserved an aggregate of 761,375
shares of Ditech common stock for issuance under the 1998 plan. In March and
April 1999 the Board of Directors and stockholders approved an

                                       50
<PAGE>
amendment to the 1998 plan increasing the number of shares issuable under the
1998 plan by 166,666 shares, and made certain technical amendments to the 1998
plan in anticipation of Ditech becoming a public company.

    The 1998 plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees
and nonstatutory stock options to employees, directors and consultants of Ditech
and our affiliates. The 1998 plan provides that it will be administered by the
Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board, which determines
recipients and types of options to be granted, including number of shares
subject to the option and the exercisability of the shares.

    The terms of stock options granted under the 1998 plan may not exceed ten
years. The exercise price for a nonstatutory stock option granted under the 1998
plan cannot be less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the
date of the option grant and the exercise price for an incentive stock option
granted under the 1998 plan cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of the option grant. However, options granted in
substitution for other options may be granted with a lower exercise price than
that above. The options may, but need not, contain provisions for early exercise
and the right of first refusal.

    Options granted under the 1998 plan vest at the rate specified in each
optionee's option agreement. No stock option may be transferred by the optionee
other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution or, for a nonstatutory
stock option, upon the terms of the option agreement. An optionee whose
relationship with Ditech or any affiliate ceases for any reason (other than by
death or permanent and total disability) may exercise options in a period not to
exceed three months following such cessation. When an optionee's relationship
with Ditech and any affiliate ceases due to death or disability, options may be
exercised for between six and eighteen months.

    No incentive stock option may be granted to any person who, at the time of
the grant, owns (or is deemed to own) stock possessing more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of Ditech or any affiliate of Ditech, unless the
option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock
subject to the option on the date of grant, and the term of the option does not
exceed five years from the date of grant. No person shall be granted options
covering more than 200,000 shares of Ditech's common stock in any calendar year

    Upon certain changes in control of Ditech, all outstanding options under the
1998 plan shall either be assumed or substituted by the surviving entity. If the
surviving entity determines not to assume, continue or substitute such options,
the time during which such options may be exercised shall be accelerated. If the
options are not exercised following the acceleration, the options shall
terminate.

    As of July 31, 1999, Ditech had granted options to purchase 507,762 shares
of common stock under the 1998 plan and an additional 431,611 shares remained
available for future grant. Of the options granted:

    - options to purchase 440,219 shares of common stock were outstanding;

    - options to purchase 56,211 shares had been exercised;

    - options to purchase 11,332 shares had been cancelled and became available
      for future grant; and

    - no options to purchase shares had been repurchased or had lapsed without
      being exercised.

                                       51
<PAGE>
    1999 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN.  In March and April 1999 the
Board adopted, and the stockholders approved, Ditech's 1999 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Option Plan"). The Board has
reserved 100,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the Director's Option
Plan. Under the Directors' Option Plan

    - each new non-employee director who is elected or appointed for the first
      time other than at an annual meeting will automatically be granted an
      option to purchase that number of shares of common stock equal to 5,000
      multiplied by the number of months remaining until the next succeeding
      annual meeting of stockholders divided by twelve; and

    - each non-employee director will automatically be granted an option to
      purchase 5,000 shares of common stock immediately following each annual
      meeting of stockholders; provided, that such grant to a non-employee
      director receiving such annual grant for the first time shall be 10,000
      shares rather than 5,000 shares.

    Options granted under the Directors' Option Plan are granted at 100% of the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted
under the Directors' Option Plan have a five-year term and are fully vested. The
Directors' Option Plan will terminate in March 2009, unless earlier terminated
by the Board of Directors.

    Upon certain changes in control of Ditech, all outstanding options under the
Directors' Option Plan shall be assumed by the surviving entity or the surviving
entity shall substitute similar options for such outstanding options. If the
surviving entity determines not to assume such outstanding options or substitute
similar options therefor, then the options will terminate if not exercised prior
to such change in control.

    As of July 31, 1999, no options had been granted under the Directors' Option
Plan, and 100,000 shares were reserved for future grants or purchases under the
Directors' Option Plan.

    EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN.  In March and April 1999 the Board adopted,
and the stockholders approved, Ditech's 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Purchase Plan") covering an aggregate 133,333 shares of common stock. The
Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan within
the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Under the Purchase Plan, the Board may
authorize participation by eligible employees, including officers, in periodic
offerings following the adoption of the Purchase Plan. The offering period for
any offering will be no more than 27 months.

    Employees are eligible to participate if they have been continuously
employed by Ditech, or an affiliate of Ditech designated by the Board for at
least three months on the commencement date of an offering or on the day after a
purchase date under an offering, and are customarily scheduled to work at least
20 hours per week and for at least five months per calendar year. Such three
month qualification requirement will not apply to the first offering under the
Purchase Plan. Employees who participate in an offering can have up to 10% of
their earnings withheld pursuant to the Purchase Plan. The amount withheld will
then be used to purchase shares of the common stock on specified dates
determined by the Board. The price of common stock purchased under the Purchase
Plan will be equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common
stock on the commencement date of each offering period or on the specified
purchase date. Employees may end their participation in the offering at any time
during the offering period. Participation ends automatically on termination of
employment with Ditech.

    In the event of certain changes of control of Ditech, the Board has
discretion to provide that each right to purchase common stock will be assumed
or an equivalent right substituted by the successor corporation, or the Board
may shorten the offering period and provide for all sums collected by payroll
deductions to be applied to purchase stock immediately prior to the change in

                                       52
<PAGE>
control. The Purchase Plan will terminate at the Board's discretion. The Board
has the authority to amend or terminate the Purchase Plan, subject to the
limitation that no such action may adversely affect any outstanding rights to
purchase common stock.

    401(k) PLAN.  We maintain a retirement and deferred savings plan for our
employees that is intended to qualify as a tax-qualified plan under the Code.
The 401(k) Plan provides that each participant may contribute up to a statutory
limit, which was $10,000 in calendar year 1998.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

    In September 1998, Ditech entered into an employment agreement with Timothy
Montgomery to serve as Ditech's President and Chief Executive Officer at a base
salary of $225,000 a year starting on November 1, 1998, with an annual
discretionary bonus set by the Board and based upon specific objectives to be
agreed upon by Mr. Montgomery and the Board. The employment agreement also
provides that Mr. Montgomery will receive an option to purchase 133,333 shares
of Ditech common stock. The employment agreement is at-will, contains a
non-solicitation agreement, and provides that if Mr. Montgomery is terminated
without cause, he will be paid a lump sum equal to twelve months base salary.
However, if Mr. Montgomery resigns, his employment is terminated for cause, or
there is a change in control of Ditech, he will receive no severance benefits.
In the event of a change of control of Ditech, all of Mr. Montgomery's
outstanding, unvested options will immediately become fully vested.

    In September 1998, Ditech entered into an employment agreement with Pong Lim
to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Ditech employee at a base
salary of $175,000 a year, with an annual bonus based on Ditech financial
achievements. In addition, if the requirements tied to the bonus are met, all of
Mr. Lim's remaining unvested stock options will become fully vested in September
1999. The employment agreement is at-will, contains a non-solicitation agreement
and provides that if Mr. Lim is terminated for any reason before September 1999,
his compensation package will be paid in full, including the bonus and
accelerated vesting provisions.

    In November 1998, Ditech entered into an employment agreement with Toni
Bellin to serve as Vice President of Operations at a base salary of $150,000 a
year, with a guaranteed bonus of $25,000 in 1999 and an option to purchase
100,000 shares of Ditech common stock. The employment agreement is at-will,
although if Ms. Bellin is terminated for other than cause or permanent
disability during her first two years of service Ditech must pay Ms. Bellin's
base salary for the lesser of a period of one year following the termination of
her employment, or the period ending on the second anniversary of her first day
of employment. Ms. Bellin received a signing bonus of $25,000, though if she
severs her employment with Ditech within her first twelve months with the
company she must repay $12,500 of the signing bonus.

    In April 1999, Ditech entered into an employment agreement with Marc
Schwager to serve as Vice President of Marketing at a base salary of $150,000 a
year, with a guaranteed bonus of $30,000 in 1999 and an option to purchase
100,000 shares of Ditech common stock. The employment agreement is at-will,
although if Mr. Schwager is terminated for other than cause or permanent
disability during his first year of service Ditech must pay Mr. Schwager's base
salary for the period ending on the first anniversary of his first day of
employment. Mr. Schwager received a signing bonus of $25,000, though if he
severs his employment with Ditech within his first twelve months with the
company he must repay $12,500 of the signing bonus.

                                       53
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

    STOCK AND NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.  On March 11, 1997, Ditech completed a
recapitalization. In connection with the recapitalization, Ditech entered into a
Stock and Note Purchase Agreement with entities affiliated with Summit Partners
(collectively, "Summit Partners") and a small group of other accredited
investors. Pursuant to this agreement, Ditech issued an aggregate of 12,506,539
shares of Series A preferred stock at a purchase price of $1.00 per share or an
aggregate purchase price of $12,506,539; 6,259,718 shares of Series B
convertible preferred stock at a purchase price of approximately $0.86 per share
or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5,394,937; and two Class A
subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate original principal amount of
$8,000,000, for a total purchase price of approximately $25,901,476. Of these
amounts, Summit Partners purchased 12,000,000 shares of Series A preferred
stock, 5,801,475 shares of Series B preferred stock and both Class A
subordinated promissory notes. Subsequent to the deal, Mr. Avis, a Managing
Partner of Summit Partners, and Mr. Chung, a Principal of Summit Partners, were
elected to our Board of Directors. At the closing of our initial public
offering, all of the Series B preferred stock converted to common stock, and we
redeemed all of the outstanding Series A preferred stock for approximately $1.14
in cash per share.

    SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT.  Concurrent with the Stock and Note Purchase
Agreement, Ditech entered into a Shareholders Agreement with the investors who
were part of the Purchase Agreement, including Summit Partners, and with Kenneth
E. Jones, the founder and a current director of Ditech. The investors agreed to
vote in favor of the election of certain representatives, a joint director and
at least one Series B director, designated by the investors to serve as members
of Ditech's Board of Directors. Messrs. Avis and Chung were elected pursuant to
this provision. The restrictions under this agreement terminate upon this
offering. In addition, Mr. Jones agreed to restrictions on the sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge or other disposition of any interest in any of his shares,
except pursuant to a public sale or a sale to Ditech which does not otherwise
violate the provisions of the Purchase Agreement. The agreement provides Summit
Partners with a right of first refusal should Mr. Jones elect to transfer any of
his shares and also with a right to participate in any transfer of Mr. Jones'
shares.

    REGISTRATION AGREEMENT.  Concurrent with the Stock and Note Purchase
Agreement, Ditech entered into a Registration Agreement with certain investors,
including Summit Partners, pursuant to which the holders of a majority of the
Series B preferred stock and the common stock held by holders of Series B
preferred stock may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any
portion of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B
preferred stock and the common stock held by holders of Series B preferred stock
on Form S-1, and the holders of at least 15% of the Series B preferred stock and
common stock held by holders of Series B preferred stock may request
registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their shares of
Series B preferred stock and common stock held by holders of Series B preferred
stock on Form S-2 or S-3.

    ESCROW AGREEMENT.  Concurrent with the Stock and Note Purchase Agreement,
Ditech entered into an Escrow Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company
of California, N.A. as Escrow Agent and a group of redeeming shareholders
pursuant to which Ditech authorized the redemption of 90.12% of its outstanding
common stock (26,092,717 shares) in exchange for $21,485,621 in cash, 4,743,461
shares of its Series A preferred stock, valued at $1.00 per share, and 7,508,221
shares of its Series C preferred stock, valued at approximately $1.00 per share,
for an aggregate redemption price of $33,737,303. Of these shares redeemed,
Ditech redeemed 12,655,750 shares of common stock from two trusts and one
company controlled by Mr. Jones (Seahawk Investment Trust, Seahawk Ranch
Irrevocable Trust, and Western General Corporation), and 1,405,234 shares of
common stock from Mr. Turner. Each of Messrs. Jones and Turner are directors of
Ditech. The

                                       54
<PAGE>
shares of common stock referred to above reflect a forward stock split that
occurred on March 11, 1997. In April 1999 we redeemed all of our Series C
preferred stock in exchange for shares of Globe Wireless, Inc. on a one-for-one
basis.

    STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT.  Concurrent with the Stock and Note Purchase
Agreement, Ditech entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Kenneth E. Jones
pursuant to which Ditech sold 8,347,437 shares of the common stock of Globe
Wireless, Inc., a Delaware corporation, to Mr. Jones for an aggregate purchase
price of $1,413,000.

    ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  Concurrent with the Stock and Note Purchase
Agreement, Ditech entered into two Asset Purchase Agreements with entities
controlled by Kenneth E. Jones. As part of the first agreement, Automated Call
Processing LLC, a California limited liability company controlled by Mr. Jones,
purchased assets including technical equipment, raw materials and intellectual
property, from Ditech for a total of $690,000. As part of the second agreement,
ACP Interactive LLC, a California limited liability company controlled by Mr.
Jones, purchased assets including technical equipment, raw materials and
intellectual property, from Ditech for a total of $520,000.

    Ditech believes that the foregoing transactions were in its best interests
and were on terms no less favorable to Ditech than could be obtained from
unaffiliated third parties.

    Ditech has entered into employment contracts with each of its Chief
Executive Officer, Chairman, Vice President of Operations and Vice President of
Marketing. See "Management-- Employment Agreements."

                                       55
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of August 31, 1999, and as adjusted to reflect
the sale of the common stock offered by this prospectus, by:

    - each stockholder who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of
      our common stock;

    - each of our Named Executive Officers;

    - each of our directors;

    - each selling stockholder; and

    - all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

    Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC
and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.
Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where
applicable, we believe, based on information furnished by such persons, that the
persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 12,243,940 shares of common stock
outstanding as of August 31, 1999, and 13,243,940 shares of common stock
outstanding after completion of this offering.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED                     SHARES BENEFICIALLY
                                                                              SHARES BEING        OWNED AFTER THE
                                                    PRIOR TO THE OFFERING        SOLD BY              OFFERING
                                                  --------------------------     SELLING     --------------------------
BENEFICIAL OWNER                                     NUMBER        PERCENT    STOCKHOLDERS      NUMBER        PERCENT
- ------------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
Entities affiliated with Summit Partners (2)....      3,867,649        31.6%       662,794       3,204,855        24.2%

Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable Trust (3).............        758,985         6.2        130,065         628,920         4.7

Seahawk Investment Trust (3)....................        611,324         5.0        104,761         506,563         3.8

Timothy Montgomery (4)..........................        526,942         4.2         60,000         466,942         3.5

Pong Lim (5)....................................        499,998         4.1         85,683         414,315         3.1

William Tamblyn (6).............................        191,458         1.6         25,000         166,458         1.2

Toni Bellin (7).................................        100,000       *                 --         100,000       *

Serge Stepanoff (8).............................        162,808         1.3         20,000         142,808         1.1

Salim Jabr (9)..................................        266,666         2.1         36,000         230,666         1.7

Marc Schwager (10)..............................        100,000       *                 --         100,000       *

Gregory Avis (11)...............................      3,867,649        31.6        662,794       3,204,855        24.2

Peter Chung (12)................................      3,867,649        31.6        662,794       3,204,855        24.2

William Hasler..................................         66,666       *             11,424          55,242       *

Kenneth E. Jones (13)...........................      1,387,421        11.4        237,758       1,149,663         8.7

George Turner...................................        154,052         1.3         26,399         127,653         1.0

All directors and executive officers as a group
  (12 persons)(14)..............................      7,323,660        55.9      1,165,058       6,158,602        43.6

Other selling stockholders as a group (13
  stockolders)..................................        495,716         4.0         84,942         410,774         3.1
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

*  Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1 percent.

                                       56
<PAGE>
(1) Assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase up to
    337,500 shares from the selling stockholders is not exercised. If the
    over-allotment option is exercised in full, we expect the following selling
    stockholders will sell the following additional numbers of shares:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Entities affiliated with Summit Ventures.......................  201,703 shares;
Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable Trust................................  39,583 shares;
Seahawk Investment Trust.......................................  31,882 shares;
Western General Corporation (see note 13 below)................  892 shares;
Pong Lim.......................................................  26,076 shares;
William Hasler.................................................  3,477 shares;
George Turner..................................................  8,034 shares; and
Other selling stockholders as a group..........................  25,853 shares.
</TABLE>

(2) Shares beneficially owned prior to the offering consist of 3,515,433 shares
    held by Summit Ventures IV, L.P., 116,262 shares held by Summit Investors
    III, L.P., and 235,954 shares held by Summit Subordinated Debt Fund, L.P.
    Summit Partners is located at 600 Atlantic Ave., Suite 2800, Boston, MA
    02210-2227. Shares being sold consist of 602,436 shares by Summit Ventures
    IV, L.P., 19,923 shares by Summit Investors III, L.P., and 40,435 shares by
    Summit Subordinated Debt Fund L.P. Summit Partners IV, L.P. is the General
    Partner of Summit Ventures IV, L.P. and Stamps, Woodsum & Co., IV is the
    General Partner of Summit Partners IV, L.P.  Summit Partners SD, L.P. is the
    General Partner of Summit Subordinated Debt Fund, L.P. and Stamps, Woodsum &
    Co., III is the General Partner of Summit Partners SD, L.P. The following
    individuals are General Partners of Stamps, Woodsum & Co., IV, Summit
    Investors III, L.P. and Stamps, Woodsum & Co., III, L.P.: E. Roe Stamps, IV,
    Stephen G. Woodsum, Martin J. Mannion, John A. Genest, Gregory M. Avis,
    Bruce R. Evans, Walter G. Kortschak, Thomas S. Roberts, Joseph F. Trustey
    and Kevin P. Mohan. As general partners, such persons may be deemed to have
    beneficial ownership of the shares held by Summit Ventures IV, L.P., Summit
    Investors III, L.P. and Summit Subordinated Debt Fund, L.P.

(3) Seahawk Investment Trust and Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable Trust are located at
    550 Pilgrim Drive, Foster City, California 94404. Kenneth Jones and Signe
    Kim Lauridsen-Jones are trustees of the Seahawk Investment Trust and, as
    such, may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by
    Seahawk Investment Trust. Mr. Jones and Philip E. Blake are trustees of the
    Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable Trust and, as such, may be deemed to have
    beneficial ownership of the shares held by Seahawk Ranch IrrevocableTrust.

(4) Includes 226,944 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the exercise of
    stock options. On August 31, 1999, 177,083 of Mr. Montgomery's shares were
    subject to a repurchase option in favor of Ditech.

(5) On August 31, 1999, 65,833 of Mr. Lim's shares were subject to a repurchase
    option in favor of Ditech. The address for Mr. Lim is c/o Ditech
    Corporation, 825 E. Middlefield Rd., Mountain View, CA 94043.

(6) Includes 104,877 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the exercise of
    stock options. On August 31, 1999, 33,804 of Mr. Tamblyn's shares were
    subject to a repurchase option in favor of Ditech.

(7) Consists solely of 100,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the
    exercise of stock options.

(8) Includes 142,508 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the exercise of
    stock options.

(9) Includes 191,667 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the exercise of
    stock options. On August 31, 1999, 112,499 of Mr. Jabr's shares were subject
    to a repurchase option in favor of Ditech.

                                       57
<PAGE>
(10) Consists solely of 100,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the
    exercise of stock options.

(11) The shares are beneficially owned by Summit Partners. Mr. Avis is a
    Managing Partner of Summit Partners. See footnote (1). The address for Mr.
    Avis is c/o Summit Partners, 600 Atlantic Ave., Suite 2800, Boston, MA
    02210-2227.

(12) The shares are beneficially owned by Summit Partners. Mr. Chung is a
    General Partner of Summit Partners. See footnote (1). The address for Mr.
    Chung is c/o Summit Partners, 600 Atlantic Ave., Suite 2800, Boston, MA
    02210-2227.

(13) Shares beneficially owned prior to the offering consists of 758,985 shares
    of common stock held by Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable Trust, of which Mr. Jones
    is a trustee; 611,324 shares of common stock held by Seahawk Investment
    Trust, of which Mr. Jones is a trustee; and 17,112 shares of common stock
    held by Western General Corporation, of which Mr. Jones is the president.
    Shares being sold consist of 130,065 shares by the Seahawk Ranch Irrevocable
    Trust, 104,761 shares by The Seahawk Investment Trust and 2,932 shares by
    Western General Corporation. The address for Mr. Jones is 550 Pilgrim Drive,
    Foster City, California 94404.

(14) Includes 865,996 shares that may be acquired pursuant to the exercise of
    stock options. See notes 1 through 12 above.

                                       58
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    The authorized capital stock of Ditech consists of 50,000,000 shares of
common stock, $0.001 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of undesignated Preferred
Stock, $0.001 par value.

COMMON STOCK

    As of July 31, 1999, there were 12,223,940 shares of common stock
outstanding held of record by approximately 143 stockholders. The holders of
common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all
matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of common stock are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available therefore, subject to the rights of the
holders of preferred stock. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of Ditech, holders of the common stock are entitled to share ratably
in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and amounts due to the
holders of preferred stock as described below. Holders of common stock have no
preemptive rights and no right to convert their common stock into any other
securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the
common stock.

PREFERRED STOCK

    The Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences,
privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon such preferred stock,
including dividend rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption, liquidation
preference, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series
or the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by the
stockholders. The Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, can issue
preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect
the voting power of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock
could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control
of Ditech. We have no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF CHARTER DOCUMENTS AND DELAWARE LAW

    CHARTER DOCUMENTS.  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include a
number of provisions that may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or
delaying or preventing changes in control or management of Ditech:

    - First, the Certificate of Incorporation provides that all stockholder
      actions upon completion of this offering must be effected at a duly called
      meeting of holders and not by a consent in writing.

    - Second, the Bylaws provide that special meetings of the holders may be
      called only by (1) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, (2) the Chief
      Executive Officer or (3) Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution
      adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors.

    - Third, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws provide for a
      classified Board of Directors, in which approximately one-third of the
      directors would be elected each year. Consequently, any potential acquiror
      would need to successfully complete two proxy contests in order to take
      control of the Board of Directors.

    - Fourth, stockholders will not be able to cumulate votes for directors
      (under cumulative voting, a minority stockholder holding a sufficient
      percentage of a class of shares may be able to ensure the election of one
      or more directors).

                                       59
<PAGE>
    - Fifth, the Bylaws establish procedures, including advance notice
      procedures with regard to the nomination of candidates for election as
      directors and stockholder proposals.

These provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could discourage
potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control
or management of Ditech. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing
changes in the management of Ditech.

    DELAWARE TAKEOVER STATUTE.  Ditech is subject to the provisions of Section
203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 203"). In general, Section
203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation, such as Ditech upon
completion of this offering, from engaging in a "business combination" with an
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction pursuant to which the person became an interested stockholder,
unless the business combination is approved in a manner prescribed by Delaware
law. For purposes of Section 203, a "business combination" includes a merger,
asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the
interested stockholder, and an "interested stockholder" is a person who,
together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior, did
own) 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

    Following this offering, holders of approximately 3,615,629 shares of common
stock will have registration rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with
those stockholders. Following this offering, the holders of a majority of such
shares of common stock may request registration under the Securities Act of all
or any portion of such shares of common stock on Form S-1, and the holders of at
least 15% of the common stock held by such holders may request registration
under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their shares of common stock
held by such holders on Form S-2 or S-3. In addition, if we propose to register
any of our securities under the Securities Act, the holders of those shares of
common stock are entitled, subject to certain restrictions and exceptions, to
include their shares of common stock in the registration. The underwriters of
any such offering have the right, in certain circumstances and subject to
certain conditions, to limit the number of shares included in the offering. We
are required to bear all registration and selling expenses (other than
underwriters' discounts and commissions) in any such offering.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

    Norwest Bank Minnesota N.A. has been appointed as the transfer agent and
registrar for Ditech's common stock.

                                       60
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market
could adversely affect the market price of the common stock prevailing from time
to time. Furthermore, since not all of our shares will be available for sale
shortly after this offering because of certain contractual and legal
restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of our
common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse could adversely
affect the prevailing market price and the ability of Ditech to raise equity
capital in the future.

    Upon completion of this offering, based on the number of shares outstanding
as of July 31, 1999, Ditech will have outstanding an aggregate of 13,223,940
shares of common stock assuming:

    - the issuance by Ditech of the shares of common stock offered hereby;

    - no exercise of exercisable options to purchase 873,856 shares of common
      stock; and

    - no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase 337,500
      shares of common stock.

    Of these shares, 5,700,000 shares, including the 1,000,000 shares sold by us
in this offering, will be freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act, except for shares held by "affiliates" of
Ditech as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (whose sales
would be subject to certain limitations and restrictions described below) and
the regulations promulgated thereunder.

    The remaining 7,523,940 shares held by officers, directors, employees,
consultants and other stockholders of Ditech were sold by Ditech in reliance on
exemptions from registration requirements of the Securities Act and are
"restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if registered or if
they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rules 144 or 701
promulgated under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. As a
result of and subject to the provisions of the lock-up agreements described
below and the provisions of Rules 144 and 701, additional shares may be
available for sale in the public market as follows, subject to the restrictions
imposed by the federal securities laws on sales by affiliates:

    - 951,705 shares will become available for sale on December 7, 1999 upon the
      expiration of lock-up agreements with our underwriters entered into in
      connection with our initial public offering, subject to the restrictions
      imposed by the federal laws on sales by affiliates;

    - 6,144,947 restricted securities will be eligible for sale 90 days after
      the date of this prospectus upon expiration of the lock-up agreements
      referred to below entered into in connection with this offering;

    - 182,859 shares may become available for sale at various times after
      December 6, 1999 upon the expiration of lock-up agreements with our
      underwriters entered into in connection with our initial public offering
      as Ditech's repurchase option on such shares lapses; and

    - an additional 244,429 shares may become available for sale at various
      times after the 90 days following the date of this prospectus as Ditech's
      repurchase option on such shares lapses.

An additional 232,181 shares may be eligible for sale after December 7, 1999
upon the exercise of stock options and additional shares may become available at
various times thereafter as outstanding options vest and are exercised. In order
to sell shares of common stock under Rule 144, the shares must be held for a
period longer than one year prior to such sale.

    The stockholders and optionholders of Ditech agreed with the representatives
of the underwriters in connection with our initial public offering that they
will not, until December 7, 1999, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract
to sell or grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for, or any rights to purchase or acquire, common stock, without
the prior written consent of Deutsche

                                       61
<PAGE>
Bank Securities Inc. In addition, certain stockholders and optionholders agreed
with the representatives of the underwriters in this offering that, for a period
of 90 days after the date of this prospectus, that they will not, directly or
indirectly, offer, sell, contract to sell or grant any option to sell or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or any rights to purchase or
acquire, common stock, without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank
Securities Inc., in its sole discretion and at any time without notice, may
release all or any portion of the securities subject to these lock-up
agreements. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. has indicated that it intends to waive
the lock-up restrictions with respect to an aggregate of 335,737 shares held by
stockholders who are not selling stockholders, including shares which are
issuable upon exercise of stock options, over the 30 days following the date of
this prospectus. If Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. releases securities subject to
the lock-up agreements, these securities will be available for sale prior to the
expiration of these restrictive periods. Ditech has agreed that it will not,
without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., offer, sell
or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock, options to acquire shares of
common stock or securities exchangeable for or convertible into shares of common
stock during the 90-day period following the date of this prospectus, except
that Ditech may issue shares upon the exercise of options granted prior to the
date hereof, and may grant additional options under its stock option plans,
provided that, without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities
Inc., such additional options shall not be exercisable during such 90-day
period.

    In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate of Ditech,
or person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned
restricted securities that were not acquired from Ditech or an affiliate of
Ditech within the previous one year, will be entitled to sell in any three-month
period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

    - 1% (approximately 132,239 shares immediately after this offering) of the
      then outstanding shares of Ditech's common stock; or

    - the average weekly trading volume of Ditech's common stock in the Nasdaq
      National Market during the four calendar weeks immediately preceding the
      date on which notice of the sale is filed with the Commission.

Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to certain requirements relating to
manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about
Ditech. A person (or person whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to
have been an affiliate of Ditech at any time during the 90 days immediately
preceding the sale and who beneficially owns restricted securities is entitled
to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) without regard to the limitations
described above; provided that at least two years have elapsed since the later
of the date the shares were acquired from Ditech or from an affiliate of Ditech.

    An employee, officer or director of or consultant to Ditech who purchased or
was awarded shares or options to purchase shares pursuant to a written
compensatory plan or contract is entitled to rely on the resale provisions of
Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which permits affiliates and non-affiliates
to sell their Rule 701 shares without having to comply with Rule 144's holding
period restrictions. In addition, non-affiliates may sell Rule 701 shares
without complying with public information, volume and notice provisions of Rule
144.

    We filed a registration statement under the Securities Act registering
shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock option and employee
stock purchase plans, thus permitting the resale of such shares by
non-affiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities
Act. Such registration statement became effective immediately upon filing.

                                       62
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING

    Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the
underwriters named below, through their representatives, Deutsche Bank
Securities Inc., BancBoston Robertson Stephens Inc. and Hambrecht & Quist LLC,
have severally agreed to purchase from Ditech and the selling stockholders the
following respective number of shares of common stock at the public offering
price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover
page of this prospectus:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NUMBER
UNDERWRITER                                                                    OF SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc................................................
BancBoston Robertson Stephens Inc...........................................
Hambrecht & Quist LLC.......................................................
                                                                              ------------
    Total...................................................................     2,250,000
                                                                              ------------
                                                                              ------------
</TABLE>

    The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will
purchase all shares of the common stock offered hereby if any of such shares are
purchased.

    The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and
to dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $      per
share under the public offering price. The underwriters may allow and these
dealers may reallow a concession not more than $      per share to other
dealers. After this public offering of the shares, the offering price and other
selling terms may be changed by the representatives of the underwriters.

    Certain selling stockholders have granted to the underwriters an option,
exercisable no later than 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase
up to 337,500 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price
less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of
this prospectus. To the extent that the underwriters exercise such option, each
of the underwriters will have a firm commitment to purchase approximately the
same percentage of such additional shares as the number set forth next to such
underwriter's name in the above table bears to the total number of shares of
common stock offered hereby. The underwriters may exercise such option only to
cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of common stock offered
by this prospectus. If any additional shares of common stock are purchased, the
underwriters will offer such additional shares on the same terms as those on
which the 2,250,000 shares are being offered.

    The following table summarizes the compensation to be paid to the
underwriters by Ditech and the selling stockholders:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                TOTAL
                                                                                   --------------------------------
                                                                                       WITHOUT           WITH
                                                                       PER SHARE   OVER-ALLOTMENT   OVER-ALLOTMENT
                                                                      -----------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>              <C>
Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by:
  Ditech............................................................   $            $                $
  Selling stockholders..............................................   $            $                $
</TABLE>

    Ditech and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required
to make in respect thereof.

                                       63
<PAGE>
    Ditech and its officers and directors and certain stockholders have agreed
not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock for a
period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written
consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. Such consent may be given at any time
without any public notice.

    In connection with this offering, certain underwriters may engage in passive
market making transactions in the common stock on the Nasdaq National Market
immediately prior to the commencement of sales in this offering in accordance
with Rule 103 of Regulation M. Passive market making consists of displaying bids
on the Nasdaq National Market limited by the bid prices of independent market
makers and making purchases limited by such prices and effected in response to
order flow. Net purchases by a passive market maker on each day are limited to a
specified percentage of the passive market maker's average daily trading volume
in the common stock during a specified period and must be discontinued when such
limit is reached. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the
common stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail and, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

    We and the selling stockholders have been advised by the representatives of
the underwriters that during and after this offering, subject to applicable
limitations, the underwriters may purchase and sell common stock in the open
market. These transactions may include over-allotment and stabilizing
transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in
connection with this offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids
or purchases for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market
price of the common stock; and syndicate short positions involve the sale by the
underwriters of a greater number of shares of common stock than they are
required to purchase from us in this offering. The underwriters also may impose
penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to the syndicate members or
other broker-dealers in respect of the common stock sold in this offering for
their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such securities are
repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or short-covering transactions.
These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of
the common stock, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise
prevail in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq
National Market or otherwise and these activities, if commenced, may be
discontinued at any time.

    The representatives of the underwriters have informed us that the
underwriters do not intend to confirm orders to any account over which they
exercise discretionary authority.

    We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting
discounts and commissions, will be approximately $540,000.

    We are obligated to pay interest under a credit agreement with and granted a
security interest in our assets to BankBoston, N.A., an affiliate of BancBoston
Robertson Stephens Inc., a representative of the underwriters. We are also
obligated to pay rent to BancBoston Leasing Inc., also an affiliate of
BancBoston Robertson Stephens Inc., pursuant to a lease line of credit.

                                       64
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS

    The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for Ditech by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo Alto, California. Attorneys
of Cooley Godward LLP beneficially own 2,300 shares of our common stock. Certain
legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the
underwriters by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo
Alto, California.

                                    EXPERTS

    The financial statements of Ditech as of April 30, 1998 and 1999, and for
each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1999, appearing in this
prospectus and registration statement have been audited by and have been
included herein in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                             CHANGE IN ACCOUNTANTS

    In April 1998, Ditech's Board of Directors determined to change its
accountants and approved the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (formerly
Coopers & Lybrand LLP) to replace the former accountants as Ditech's principal
accountants. Prior to and as of PricewaterhouseCoopers' appointment, there were
no disagreements with the former accountants during the two years ended April
30, 1997 or during the subsequent interim period preceding their replacement on
any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures which, if not resolved to the former
accountants' satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference to the
matter in their report. The former accountants issued an unqualified opinion on
the financial statements of Ditech as of and for the two years ended April 30,
1997. The former accountants' report does not cover any of the financial
statements of Ditech included in this Prospectus. Ditech did not consult with
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on any accounting or financial reporting matters in
the periods prior to their appointment.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.
20549, a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with
respect to the shares of common stock being offered. This prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the registration statement and the
exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to Ditech
and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and to the
exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus
as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of
the registration statement and any other document we file with the SEC may be
inspected and copied by anyone at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The
SEC also maintains a World Wide Web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants, such as
Ditech, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is
http://www.sec.gov.

    We intend to furnish to our stockholders annual reports containing audited
financial statements certified by an independent public accounting firm and
quarterly reports containing unaudited interim financial information for each of
the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Ditech.

                                       65
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PAGE
                                                                                        -----------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.....................................................         F-2

Balance Sheets........................................................................         F-3

Statements of Operations..............................................................         F-4

Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)..........................................         F-5

Statements of Cash Flows..............................................................         F-6

Notes to Financial Statements.........................................................         F-7
</TABLE>

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Ditech Communications Corporation:

    In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements
of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Ditech Communications
Corporation at April 30, 1998 and 1999, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1999,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

May 21, 1999
San Jose, California

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                                 BALANCE SHEETS

                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      APRIL 30,         JULY 31,
                                                                                 --------------------  -----------
                                                                                   1998       1999        1999
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
                                    ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................  $   3,433  $   3,114   $   8,126
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $100
   at April 30, 1998 and 1999 and $100 at July 31, 1999........................      2,190      3,068       3,598
  Inventories..................................................................      2,163      4,606       4,549
  Deferred income taxes........................................................        473        575         706
  Other current assets.........................................................         89         88         301
  Income taxes receivable......................................................        142         --          --
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total current assets.......................................................      8,490     11,451      17,280
Property and equipment, net....................................................      1,228      1,538       1,706
Investment in preferred stock..................................................      7,508         --          --
Other assets...................................................................         48      1,341       3,702
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total assets...............................................................  $  17,274  $  14,330   $  22,688
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                  LIABILITIES

Current liabilities:
  Note payable, current portion................................................  $     563  $   1,125   $      --
  Accounts payable.............................................................      1,212      2,559       2,306
  Accrued expenses.............................................................        892      1,454       1,346
  Deferred revenue.............................................................         --        531         416
  Income taxes payable.........................................................         --        417       1,138
  Obligations under capital lease, current portion.............................         41         61          63
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total current liabilities..................................................      2,708      6,147       5,269
Deferred income taxes..........................................................         91          4          14
Note payable, net of current portion...........................................      7,313      6,188          --
Obligations under capital lease, net of current portion........................         97         76          60
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total liabilities..........................................................     10,209     12,415       5,343
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Redeemable preferred stock:
  Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 17,250 shares authorized, issued
   and outstanding at April 30, 1998 and 1999, no shares at July 31, 1999
   (Liquidation value: $19,579 at April 30, 1999)..............................     18,100     19,241          --
  Series B convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 6,260 shares
   authorized, issued and outstanding at April 30, 1998 and 1999, no shares at
   July 31, 1999
   (Liquidation value: $6,123 at April 30, 1999)...............................      5,661      6,017          --
  Series C preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 7,508 shares authorized, issued
   and outstanding actual at April 30, 1998 and no shares at April 30 and July
   31, 1999....................................................................      7,361         --          --
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total redeemable preferred stock...........................................     31,122     25,258          --
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                             STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

Common stock, $0.001 par value: 50,000 shares authorized and 3,080 and 4,594
  shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 1998 and 1999, and 12,224 shares
  at July 31, 1999.............................................................          3          5          12
Deferred stock compensation....................................................         --     (1,229)     (1,147)
Additional paid in capital.....................................................         75      3,085      43,083
Accumulated deficit............................................................    (24,135)   (25,204)    (24,603)
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total stockholders' equity (deficit).......................................    (24,057)   (23,343)     17,345
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
  Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and stockholders' equity
   (deficit)...................................................................  $  17,274  $  14,330   $  22,688
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,             JULY 31,
                                                             -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                               1997       1998       1999       1998       1999
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenue....................................................  $  14,066  $  12,326  $  25,364  $   5,124  $   9,771
Cost of goods sold.........................................      6,790      5,651     11,858      2,408      4,139
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Gross profit.............................................      7,276      6,675     13,506      2,716      5,632
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing......................................      1,521      2,405      5,759      1,285      1,735
  Research and development.................................      1,072      2,367      3,860        848      1,141
  General and administrative...............................        714      1,279      2,399        441        858
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total operating expenses.................................      3,307      6,051     12,018      2,574      3,734
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from operations.....................................      3,969        624      1,488        142      1,898
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Other income (expense):
  Interest income..........................................         21        175        202         49         63
  Interest expense.........................................       (125)      (768)      (702)      (181)      (172)
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total other income (expense)...........................       (104)      (593)      (500)      (132)      (109)
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Income from continuing operations before income
     taxes.................................................      3,865         31        988         10      1,789
Provision for income taxes.................................      1,522         24        413          4        750
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from continuing operations..........................      2,343          7        575          6      1,039
Discontinued operations:
  Loss from operations (net of income tax benefits of
   $1,037).................................................     (2,751)        --         --         --         --
  Gain on disposal (net of income tax benefit of $364).....      2,843         --         --         --         --
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income.................................................      2,435          7        575          6      1,039
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock to
  redemption value.........................................        187      1,374      1,497        362         99
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders......  $   2,248  $  (1,367) $    (922) $    (356) $     940
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Per share data
  Basic
    Income from continuing operations......................  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11) $    0.11
    Discontinued operations................................       0.00         --         --         --         --
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income (loss) per share............................  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11) $    0.11
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Diluted
    Income from continuing operations......................  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11) $    0.08
    Discontinued operations................................       0.00         --         --         --         --
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income (loss) per share............................  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26) $   (0.11) $    0.08
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Number of shares used in per share calculations
  Basic....................................................     24,772      3,061      3,566      3,269      8,359
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Diluted..................................................     25,224      3,061      3,566      3,269     11,251
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                  STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               COMMON STOCK            NOTES                       ADDITIONAL
                                          ----------------------  RECEIVABLE FROM  DEFERRED STOCK    PAID IN     ACCUMULATED
                                           SHARES      AMOUNT      STOCKHOLDERS     COMPENSATION     CAPITAL       DEFICIT
                                          ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>             <C>          <C>
BALANCES, MAY 1, 1996...................     27,903   $      28      $     (87)              --     $   9,610    $    (1,379)
Exercise of stock options...............      1,050           1             --               --           154             --
Tax benefit on exercise of stock
  options...............................         --          --             --               --           307             --
Collection of stockholder notes
  receivable............................         --          --             87               --            --             --
Repurchase of common stock..............    (26,093)        (29)            --               --       (10,071)       (23,637)
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............         --          --             --               --            --           (187)
Net income..............................         --          --             --               --            --          2,435
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1997................      2,860          --             --               --            --        (22,768)
Exercise of stock options...............        153           2             --               --            21             --
Issuance of common stock................         67           1             --               --            54             --
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............         --          --             --               --            --         (1,374)
Net income..............................         --          --             --               --            --              7
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1998................      3,080           3             --               --            75        (24,135)
Exercise of stock options...............      1,349           1             --               --           910             --
Issuance of common stock................        167           1             --               --           739             --
Repurchase of common stock..............         (2)         --             --               --            (2)            --
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............         --          --             --               --            --         (1,497)
Redemption of Series C preferred
  stock.................................         --          --             --               --            --           (147)
Tax benefit on exercise of stock
  options...............................         --          --             --               --            43             --
Deferred compensation on issuance of
  stock options.........................         --          --             --       $   (1,320)        1,320             --
Amortization of deferred stock
  compensation..........................         --          --             --               91            --             --
Net income..............................         --          --             --                             --            575
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1999................      4,594           5             --           (1,229)        3,085        (25,204)
Exercise of stock options...............         10          --             --               --             8             --
Issuance of common stock, net of
  issuance costs........................      3,450           3             --               --        33,956             --
Repurchase of common stock..............         (3)         --             --               --            (3)            --
Accretion for dividend on Series A and
  Series B redeemable preferred stock...         --          --             --               --            --            (99)
Redemption of Series A preferred
  stock.................................         --          --             --               --            --           (339)
Conversion of Series B preferred
  stock.................................      4,173           4             --               --         6,037             --
Amortization of deferred stock
  compensation..........................         --          --             --               82            --             --
Net income..............................         --          --             --               --            --          1,039
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------
Balances, July 31, 1999 (unaudited).....     12,224   $      12      $      --       $   (1,147)    $  43,083    $   (24,603)
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------
                                          ---------       -----          -----     --------------  -----------  -------------

<CAPTION>

                                            TOTAL
                                          ----------
<S>                                       <C>
BALANCES, MAY 1, 1996...................  $    8,172
Exercise of stock options...............         155
Tax benefit on exercise of stock
  options...............................         307
Collection of stockholder notes
  receivable............................          87
Repurchase of common stock..............     (33,737)
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............        (187)
Net income..............................       2,435
                                          ----------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1997................     (22,768)
Exercise of stock options...............          23
Issuance of common stock................          55
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............      (1,374)
Net income..............................           7
                                          ----------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1998................     (24,057)
Exercise of stock options...............         911
Issuance of common stock................         740
Repurchase of common stock..............          (2)
Accretion for dividend on Series A and B
  redeemable preferred stock............      (1,497)
Redemption of Series C preferred
  stock.................................        (147)
Tax benefit on exercise of stock
  options...............................          43
Deferred compensation on issuance of
  stock options.........................          --
Amortization of deferred stock
  compensation..........................          91
Net income..............................         575
                                          ----------
BALANCES, APRIL 30, 1999................     (23,343)
Exercise of stock options...............           8
Issuance of common stock, net of
  issuance costs........................      33,959
Repurchase of common stock..............          (3)
Accretion for dividend on Series A and
  Series B redeemable preferred stock...         (99)
Redemption of Series A preferred
  stock.................................        (339)
Conversion of Series B preferred
  stock.................................       6,041
Amortization of deferred stock
  compensation..........................          82
Net income..............................       1,039
                                          ----------
Balances, July 31, 1999 (unaudited).....  $   17,345
                                          ----------
                                          ----------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,             JULY 31,
                                                                     -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                                       1997       1998       1999       1998       1999
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.......................................................  $   2,435  $       7  $     575  $       6  $   1,039
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used
   in) operating activities:
    Loss from discontinued operations..............................      2,751         --         --         --         --
    Gain on disposal of discontinued operations....................     (2,843)        --         --         --         --
    Depreciation and amortization..................................         68        175        482         86        350
    Increase (decrease) in provision for doubtful accounts.........         75        (45)        70         --         --
    Loss on disposal of property and equipment.....................          1         --         34         --         --
    Deferred income taxes..........................................       (142)       (18)      (189)        --       (121)
    Amortization of deferred stock compensation....................         --         --         91         --         82
    Change in assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable..........................................        749         58       (948)      (829)      (530)
      Inventories..................................................       (562)      (503)    (2,443)      (999)        57
      Other current assets.........................................        (69)       (58)         1        (22)      (213)
      Income taxes receivable/payable..............................       (848)       705        602          4        721
      Accounts payable.............................................         80       (177)     1,347      1,029       (253)
      Accrued expenses and other...................................       (455)      (246)       562       (264)      (108)
      Deferred revenue.............................................         --         --        531      1,502       (115)
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of
         continuing operations.....................................      1,240       (102)       715        513        909
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations...................      2,623         --         --         --         --
  Purchases of property and equipment..............................       (289)      (823)      (698)      (123)      (288)
  Other assets.....................................................         --         --       (634)        (4)    (3,009)
  Maturity (purchase) of investments...............................        293        221         --         --         --
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of
     continuing operations.........................................      2,627       (602)    (1,332)      (127)    (3,297)
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Issuance of note payable.........................................         --      8,000         --         --         --
  Issuance of subordinated promissory notes........................      8,000         --         --         --         --
  Collection of notes receivable from stockholders.................         87         --         --         --         --
  Repayment of subordinated promissory notes.......................         --     (8,000)        --         --         --
  Repurchase of common stock.......................................    (21,486)        --         (2)        --         (3)
  Principal payments on note payable...............................         --       (125)      (563)      (125)    (7,313)
  Principal payments under capital lease obligations...............         --        (15)       (48)       (23)       (14)
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock........................     17,901         --         --         --         --
  Redemption Series A preferred stock..............................         --         --         --         --    (19,655)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock...........................         --         55         --         --     34,377
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options..........................        155         23        911        230          8
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of
     continuing operations.........................................      4,657        (62)       298         82      7,400
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash used in discontinued operations...........................     (4,856)        --         --         --         --
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...............      3,668       (766)      (319)       468      5,012
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.....................        531      4,199      3,433      3,433      3,114
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period...........................  $   4,199  $   3,433  $   3,114  $   3,901  $   8,126
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

    Ditech Communications Corporation (formerly Automated Call Processing
Corporation) (the "Company") is a Delaware corporation that reincorporated from
a California corporation in April 1999. The Company designs, develops and
markets echo cancellation equipment and optical communications products for use
in building and expanding telecommunications and cable communications networks.
The Company has established a direct sales force that sells its products in the
U.S. and internationally. The Company operates in one business segment.

    Effective March 11, 1997, the Company sold its operations doing business as
Automated Call Processing Corporation ("ACP") and its wholly owned subsidiary,
Globe Wireless ("GW") and subsequently merged with its wholly owned subsidiary,
Ditech Corporation and renamed the Company. The operations of ACP and GW have
been presented as discontinued operations in the financial statements.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    USE OF ESTIMATES

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

    REVENUE RECOGNITION

    The Company recognizes revenue when a product has been shipped, no material
vendor obligations remain outstanding and collection of the resulting receivable
is probable. In the event that revenue recognition is deferred due to
uncertainty about collectibility or the existence of a material vendor
obligation such as installation, the revenue is recognized when the uncertainty
is removed and/or the vendor obligation is fulfilled.

    WARRANTIES

    The Company's products are warranted for one to five years. A provision for
the estimated future cost of warranty is made at the time a sale is recorded.

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

    Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Management
believes that the financial institutions in which it maintains such deposits are
financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to
these deposits. Cash and cash equivalents are held by two major U.S. financial
institutions.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

    Carrying amounts of certain of the Company's financial instruments,
including cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and note payable are considered to approximate fair value based upon
comparable market information available at the respective balance sheet dates.

    INVENTORIES

    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by
using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Appropriate consideration is
given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration and other factors in
evaluating net realizable value.

    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to
five years or, in the case of leasehold improvements, the lease period, if
shorter. Upon disposal, the assets and related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the Company's accounts, and the resulting gains or losses are
reflected in the statements of operations.

    CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

    The Company's products are concentrated in the telecommunications component
industry, which is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Revenues for the
Company's products are concentrated with a relatively limited number of
customers. During the year ended April 30, 1997, two customers accounted for 65%
(54% and 11%) of net revenues. During the year ended April 30, 1998, three
customers accounted for 67% (42%, 14%, and 11%) of net revenues. During the year
ended April 30, 1999, one customer accounted for 42% of net revenues. Net
revenues from customers outside the United States, which were denominated in
U.S. dollars, were 10%, 6% and 13% in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The
Company's accounts receivable was concentrated with one customer at April 30,
1998 (representing 75% of receivables) and four customers at April 30, 1999
(representing 25%, 12%, 12% and 10% of receivables).

    A significant component of one of the Company's products is purchased from a
sole vendor. If the Company was unable to obtain the component at prices
reasonable to the Company, it would experience delays in redesigning the product
to function with a component from an alternative supplier. The Company relies on
two manufacturers for a majority of the Company's products. The Company may
experience delays if it were to shift production to an alternative vender.

    INCOME TAXES

    Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this
method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences by
applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing
assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    The accompanying financial statements at July 31, 1999 and for the three
months ended July 31, 1999 and 1998, together with the related notes, are
unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair
presentation, in all material respects, of the financial position and the
operating results and cash flows for the interim date and periods presented.
Results for the interim period ended July 31, 1999 are not necessarily
indicative of results for the entire fiscal year or future periods.

    PRINCIPALS OF CONSOLIDATION

    In fiscal year 1997, the Company's financial statements included the
accounts of the Company and its two subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and
balances were eliminated in consolidation. See Note 3 for discussion on
discontinued operations presentation for ACP and GW.

    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

    The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("FAS 130"). FAS 130 establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set
of general-purpose financial statements. There was no difference between the
Company's net income and its total comprehensive income for 1997, 1998 and 1999.

    ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

    As prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-based Compensation," ("SFAS 123"), the Company accounts
for grants of equity instruments to employees using the intrinsic value method
described in Accounting Practice Bulletin No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees," ("APB 25"). All other grants are accounted for using the fair
value method described in FAS 123, with appropriate compensation expense
recognition in the statement of operations, where significant.

    RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

    In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" (SOP 98-1). This standard requires
companies to capitalize qualifying computer software costs which are incurred
during the application's development stage and amortize them over the software's
estimated useful life. SOP 98-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SOP 98-1 on
its financial statements and related disclosures.

    EARNINGS PER SHARE

    Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number
of shares of common stock outstanding during the period less shares subject to
repurchase, which are considered contingently issuable shares. Diluted earnings
per share is calculated based on the

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents
outstanding, including the dilutive effect of stock options, using the treasury
stock method, common stock subject to repurchase and the assumed conversion of
all outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock.

    A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of
the historical basic and diluted net income (loss) per share follows (in
thousands, except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,
                                                                        --------------------------------
                                                                           1997       1998       1999
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>        <C>
Historical net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted:
Basic:
  Net income..........................................................  $    2,435  $       7  $     575
  Less accretion on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock............         187      1,374      1,497
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders...............  $    2,248  $  (1,367) $    (922)
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding.................      24,772      3,061      4,044
  Less stock subject to repurchase....................................          --         --       (478)
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Shares used in calculation of basic per share numbers...............      24,772      3,061      3,566
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss) per share.........................................  $     0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26)
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
Diluted:
  Net income..........................................................  $    2,435  $       7  $     575
  Less accretion on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock............         187      1,374      1,497
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders...............  $    2,248  $  (1,367) $    (922)
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Shares used in calculation of basic per share numbers...............      24,772      3,061      3,566
  Dilutive effect of stock options....................................         452         --         --
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Shares used in calculation of diluted per share numbers.............      25,224      3,061      3,566
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
  Net income (loss) per share.........................................  $     0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26)
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

    RECLASSIFICATIONS

    Certain 1997 and 1998 amounts in the Statement of Operations have been
reclassified to conform with the 1999 presentation. These reclassifications did
not change previously reported shareholders' equity (deficit) or net income.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

    Effective March 11, 1997 the Company sold, in their entirety, both the
operating entities of ACP and GW. ACP represented the call processing segment of
the Company's business and GW represented the wireless marine communications
segment of the Company's business. Both had operations that were separate and
distinct from Ditech Corporation and each other. ACP was sold for cash of
$1,210,000, to a limited liability company and a limited partnership of which
the manager and controlling member is a director and shareholder of the Company.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
    All of the common stock in GW was sold for cash of $1,413,000. The sale of
GW was to certain shareholders of the Company, a new investor and entities
controlled by a director and shareholder of the Company. The Company accounts
for its investment in GW Series A preferred stock at the lesser of historical
cost or market. As no liquid market exists for the stock, the Company has
evaluated the recoverability of the investment based on secondary financings
that GW has completed. To date the financings that have been completed indicate
that no impairment has occurred. The shares of Series A preferred stock of Globe
Wireless are nonredeemable, nonvoting and nonconvertible securities. The shares
are entitled to a 6% per annum noncumulative dividend when and if declared by
the Board of Directors of Globe Wireless.

    On April 29, 1999 the Company redeemed its Series C preferred stock by
distributing the Company's investment in GW preferred stock. This distribution
was for full settlement and redemption of the Company's Series C preferred
stock.

    The following summarizes the revenues, operations and gain on disposal of
the entities.

    Revenue from discontinued operations for the year ended April 30, 1997 were
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                   <C>
ACP.................................................................................  $   5,161
GW..................................................................................      2,072
                                                                                      ---------
  Total.............................................................................  $   7,233
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                      ---------
</TABLE>

    Income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations for the year ended
April 30, 1997 were (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
ACP (net of tax benefit of $583)...................................................  $     119
GW (net of tax benefit of $454)....................................................     (2,870)
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     $  (2,751)
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>

    Gain on disposal of discontinued operations during the year ended April 30,
1997 were (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
ACP (net of tax benefit of $305)..................................  $      63
GW (net of tax benefit of $59)....................................      2,780
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $   2,843
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4. BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

    INVENTORIES:

    Inventories comprised (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  APRIL 30,
                                                             --------------------
                                                               1998       1999
                                                             ---------  ---------   JULY 31,
                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                      1999
                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
Raw materials and work in progress.........................  $     484  $   2,362   $   3,014
Finished goods.............................................      1,679      2,244       1,535
                                                             ---------  ---------  -----------
  Total....................................................  $   2,163  $   4,606   $   4,549
                                                             ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                             ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>

    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

    Property and equipment comprised (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                APRIL 30,
                                                                           --------------------
                                                                             1998       1999
                                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>
Furniture and fixtures...................................................  $     118  $     154
Equipment................................................................      1,190      1,680
Leasehold improvements...................................................         25         89
Computer software........................................................        190        250
                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                               1,523      2,173
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization..........................       (295)      (635)
                                                                           ---------  ---------
  Total..................................................................  $   1,228  $   1,538
                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

    Included in property and equipment are assets under capital lease of
$154,000 and $209,000 at April 30, 1998 and 1999, respectively, with related
accumulated amortization of $9,000 and $46,000, respectively. Prior to fiscal
year 1998, the Company did not have any assets under capital lease.

    ACCRUED EXPENSES:

    Accrued expenses comprised (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                APRIL 30,
                                                                           --------------------
                                                                             1998       1999
                                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>
Accrued royalties........................................................  $     171  $     388
Accrued compensation.....................................................        332        624
Accrued professional services............................................         32        420
Other accrued expenses...................................................        357         22
                                                                           ---------  ---------
  Total..................................................................  $     892  $   1,454
                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5. NOTE PAYABLE

    In August 1997, the Company entered into an $8 million loan with a bank in
conjunction with its line of credit (see Note 6), collateralized by
substantially all the Company assets. Interest is based on the bank's Base Rate
plus .25% to 1% or LIBOR Rate plus 2.0% to 2.75%, as allowed based on compliance
with certain covenants and the Company's elected instrument. Based on the
quarterly principal payments the loan will be paid in full December 31, 2002.
The Note has covenants including a minimum quick ratio and minimum quarterly
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. During fiscal
1998, the Company was out of compliance with certain of the notes covenants. In
the second quarter of fiscal 1999 and at April 30, 1999 the Company was out of
compliance with specific financial covenants. The Company has received waivers
from the bank for these instances of non-compliance. The loan was used to repay
the subordinated promissory notes of $8,000,000 to shareholders, which were
issued as part of the recapitalization.

    At April 30, 1999, principal payments consist of the following (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
2000.......................................................  $   1,125
2001.......................................................      2,250
2002.......................................................      2,250
2003.......................................................      1,688
                                                             ---------
                                                                 7,313
Less current portion.......................................     (1,125)
                                                             ---------
                                                             $   6,188
                                                             ---------
                                                             ---------
</TABLE>

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    LEASES

    The Company leases its office facilities under a non-cancelable operating
lease expiring in December 2003. The Company is responsible for taxes, insurance
and maintenance expenses related to the leased facilities. Under the terms of
the lease agreement, the lease may be extended, at the Company's option, and the
lease provides for potential adjustments of the minimum monthly rent upon
exercise of the option(s). The Company also has operating leases on furniture
and equipment from unrelated parties. Additionally, the Company has capital
leased equipment with future minimum payments.

    At April 30, 1999, future minimum payments under the leases are as follows
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,                                                      OPERATING     CAPITAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>
2000....................................................................   $     932    $      73
2001....................................................................         931           58
2002....................................................................         945           23
2003....................................................................         948            9
2004....................................................................         524           --
                                                                          -----------       -----
                                                                           $   4,280          163
                                                                          -----------
                                                                          -----------
Less amount representing interest.......................................                       26
                                                                                            -----
                                                                                              137
Less current portion                                                                           61
                                                                                            -----
                                                                                        $      76
                                                                                            -----
                                                                                            -----
</TABLE>

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    Rent expense for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 was $131,000,
$384,000 and $728,000, respectively.

    LINE OF CREDIT

    At April 30, 1998, the Company had a revolving line of credit of $3 million
collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets. Borrowings under
the agreement bear interest at the bank's Base Rate plus .25% to 1.0% or at
LIBOR Rate plus 2.0% to 2.75%, as allowed based on covenants and the Company's
elected instrument. On August 13, 1998, the Company converted the existing line
into a new revolving line of credit with available borrowings of $2 million or
80% of eligible accounts receivable, whichever is lower, with the same financial
institution. The line of credit is subject to the same covenants as the note
payable to a bank (see note 5). Borrowings under the agreement are at the bank's
Base Rate plus .50% until April 30, 1999 and then are adjustable based on
attaining certain covenants at the bank's Base Rate plus .25% to 1.0% or LIBOR
Rate plus 2.0% to 3.0%. The line expires on August 20, 2000. There were no
amounts outstanding at April 30, 1998 or 1999.

    ARBITRATION

    In January 1998, the Company filed a demand for Arbitration with the
American Arbitration Association in Los Angeles County against Antec
Corporation, the successor-in-interest through merger to Texscan Corporation.
The demand for arbitration alleges that Antec/Texscan breached a contract to
purchase optical amplifier products and seeks monetary damages. Antec/Texscan
have denied liability and, in December 1998, filed a counterclaim against the
Company claiming that the Company breached the purchase contract first and
seeking monetary damages. A decision from the arbitration panel is expected in
June 1999. Although management believes that it has a valid claim to recover
against Antec/Texscan for breach of contract and has meritorious defenses to the
counterclaim, if the case is resolved unfavorably to us it could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The Company
has not accrued for any potential losses as they are not probable and currently
cannot be estimated.

    TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION

    In November 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with a partnership
for the purchase of technology included in its echo cancellation products which
it had previously licensed. The Company issued 166,666 shares of its common
stock, increased the royalty percentage until a triggering event and agreed to
pay $2.96 million upon a triggering event. A triggering event is defined as an
IPO or merger where the Company is not the surviving entity. After the
triggering event the Company is no longer required to pay royalties on the
technology.

    The value of the technology was capitalized at $740,000 and is included in
other assets. The cost will be amortised over a five year life.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

    The Company has authorized and issued 17,250,000 shares of Series A
preferred stock and 6,259,718 shares of Series B preferred stock. Certain former
common stockholders of the Company own a portion of the Series A preferred
stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A and Series B
preferred stock are as follows:

    LIQUIDATION RIGHTS

    The preferred stock has certain liquidation preferences over the common
stock in the event of a liquidating event such as dissolution of the affairs of
the Company or a take-over by another corporation. The liquidation preferences
entitle the Series A and Series B preferred stockholders to receive $1.00 and
$0.86 per share, respectively, in addition to amounts due on unpaid dividends
which have been accrued or declared. The Series A preferred stockholders have
preference over the Series B preferred stockholders in determining the order of
liquidation payout. The preferred stock does not participate in the distribution
of assets remaining after the liquidation preference has been paid.

    CONVERSION RIGHTS

    The Series A preferred stock has no conversion rights. The Series B
preferred stockholders have the right at any time to convert each share of
preferred stock into shares of common stock at the specified conversion rate per
share, which currently is $1.29 per share of common stock. The conversion rate
will be adjusted for stock splits and recapitalization. In the event of a public
offering of the Company's common stock where the net proceeds received by the
Company equals or exceeds $20,000,000 and the offering price is at least $3.89
per share, or in the event of approval from two thirds of Series B preferred
stockholders, all shares of the Series B preferred stock automatically convert
into common stock at the specified conversion rate.

    REDEMPTION RIGHTS

    The Company may not redeem any or all of the Series A and Series B preferred
stock until after February 1, 2004, with a request of the majority of the
outstanding stockholders. The Series B preferred stock may be redeemed only if
there are no shares of Series A preferred stock then outstanding.

    The Company, upon the election of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares, will redeem all of the Series A preferred stock in the event
of a public offering of the Company's common stock. Upon a change in ownership
or fundamental change in the Company and an election by a majority of the
stockholders, the Series A and Series B preferred stockholders may redeem all of
their shares at liquidation value and unpaid dividends. The Series A preferred
has preference over the Series B preferred.

    VOTING RIGHTS

    The Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to vote on all matters with
the holders of common stock as if on an as converted basis and have the right to
elect two directors to the Board of Directors. The Series A preferred
stockholders have no rights to vote.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
    DIVIDEND RIGHTS

    The preferred stockholders will be entitled to receive dividends in
preference to the common stockholders. In addition, Series A and Series B
stockholders dividends shall be on a pro rata basis based on liquidation values
of each. From the date of issuance, cumulative dividends are payable when and if
declared or accumulate as part of the shares' liquidation preferences at 6% per
year, compounded daily.

    The carrying amounts of both Series A and Series B have been increased by
amounts representing dividends not currently declared or paid but which will be
payable under the dividend rights of the respective series of preferred stock.
The increases have been effected by a charge against accumulated deficit.

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

    REINCORPORATION AND REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

    The Company reincorporated in Delaware on April 21, 1999; all amounts have
been retroactively adjusted to effect this presentation. On April 27, 1999 the
Company effected a two-for-three reverse split of the Company's common stock.
All relevant share data has been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split.

    RECAPITALIZATION

    In March 1997, the Company recapitalized its financial structure by
exchanging substantially all of the then outstanding shares of common stock for
cash of $21,486,000 and Series A and C preferred stock. In retiring the common
stock outstanding at that time, the excess of the fair value of the common stock
over the original issuance price of common stock of $23,637,000 was recorded
against retained earnings, which gave rise to the accumulated deficit of
$22,768,000 as of April 30, 1997.

    STOCK OPTION PLANS

    The Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan serves as the successor equity
incentive program to the Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan and the Supplemental
Stock Option Plan (the "Predecessor Plans"). All outstanding stock options under
the Predecessor Plans continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the
1997 Stock Option Plan. The Company has reserved 2,000,000 shares of common
stock for issuance under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Under the 1997 Stock Option
Plan, the Board of Directors could grant incentive or non-statutory stock
options at a price not less than 100% or 85%, respectively, of fair market value
of common stock, as determined by the Board of Directors, at grant date. In
November 1998, the Company adopted its 1998 Stock Option Plan and determined not
to grant any further options under its 1997 Stock Option Plan. In March and
April 1998 the Company increased the number of shares reserved for issuance
under the 1998 Stock Option Plan. The Company has reserved a total of 928,041
shares of common stock for issuance under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, under
terms similar to those granted under the 1997 Stock Option Plan.

    Options under the 1997 Stock Option Plan and 1998 Stock Option Plan may be
immediately exercisable. The options have a ten-year term. Shares issued through
early option exercises are

                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (CONTINUED)
subject to the Company's right of repurchase at the original exercise price. The
number of shares subject to repurchase generally decreases by 25% of the options
shares one year after the grant date, and thereafter, ratably over 48 months.
596,000 shares were subject to repurchase as of April 30, 1999.

    In March 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plan, and reserved 100,000 shares for issuance under the plan. Options
granted under the plan have a 5 year term and are fully vested at the date of
grant.

    All the options associated with the ACP operations were either exercised or
cancelled during the year ended April 30, 1997 (with the discontinued
operations).

    Activity under the stock option plans referenced above was as follows (in
thousands, except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
                                                          ---------------------------------------------------------
                                               SHARES                                                   WEIGHTED
                                              AVAILABLE    NUMBER OF                     AGGREGATE      AVERAGE
                                              FOR GRANT     SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE      PRICE     EXERCISE PRICE
                                             -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  --------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Balances, May 1, 1996......................         693        1,727     $0.15-$1.50     $     339     $     0.20
  Options granted..........................        (255)         255     $0.83-$1.50           281     $     1.10
  Options exercised........................          --       (1,050)       $0.15             (155)    $     0.15
  Options canceled.........................         162         (162)       $1.50             (243)    $     1.50
                                             -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------       -------
Balances, April 30, 1997...................         600          770     $0.15-$0.83           222     $     0.29
  Reservation of shares....................         632
  Options granted..........................        (982)         982        $0.83              810     $     0.83
  Options exercised........................          --         (153)       $0.15              (23)    $     0.15
  Options canceled.........................          33          (33)       $0.83              (27)    $     0.83
                                             -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------       -------
Balances, April 30, 1998...................         283        1,566     $0.15-$0.83           982     $     0.63
  Additional shares reserved...............       1,028
  Reserved shares cancelled................         (95)
  Options granted..........................        (703)         703     $0.83-$9.75         3,110     $     4.42
  Options exercised........................          --       (1,349)    $0.15-$7.50          (911)    $     0.68
  Options canceled.........................          44          (56)    $0.83-$7.50           (67)    $     1.20
                                             -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------       -------
Balances, April 30, 1999...................         557          864     $0.15-$7.50         3,114     $     3.60
  Options granted..........................         (33)          33       $11.00              372     $    11.00
  Options exercised........................          --          (10)       $0.83               (8)    $     0.83
  Options canceled.........................           8          (13)    $0.83-$9.75           (73)    $     5.72
                                             -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------       -------
Balances July 31,1999 (unaudited)..........         532          874    $0.15-$11.00     $   3,405     $     3.88
                                             -----------  -----------                   -----------
                                             -----------  -----------                   -----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (CONTINUED)

    Options outstanding at April 30, 1999 (in thousands, except per share
amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             OPTIONS EXERCISABLE AT
                                                                                 APRIL 30, 1999
                                                                          ----------------------------
                                     WEIGHTED        WEIGHTED AVERAGE                     WEIGHTED
   RANGE OF          OPTIONS          AVERAGE      REMAINING CONTRACTUAL                   AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES    OUTSTANDING    EXERCISE PRICE        LIFE YEARS          OPTIONS    EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>              <C>              <C>              <C>                    <C>          <C>
     $0.15                 33        $    0.15                6.00                33      $    0.15
     $0.83                315        $    0.83                8.31               315      $    0.83
     $1.50                216        $    1.50                9.49               216      $    1.50
     $3.00                 57        $    3.00                9.04                57      $    3.00
     $7.50                  9        $    7.50                9.84                 9      $    7.50
     $9.75                234        $    9.75                9.99               234      $    9.75
                          ---                                                    ---
  $0.15-$9.75             864        $    3.60                9.08               864      $    3.60
                          ---                                                    ---
                          ---                                                    ---
</TABLE>

    The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal
year 1997, 1998 and 1999 was $0.29, $0.29 and $0.60 per share, respectively. The
Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related
Interpretations in accounting for its stock option plan other than that
described above. If compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan had
been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under
those plans consistent with the method of SFAS 123, the Company's net income for
the years ended April 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 would have been reduced to the pro
forma amounts indicated in the following table (in thousands, except per share
amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      APRIL 30,
                                                                           -------------------------------
                                                                             1997       1998       1999
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, as reported.......  $   3,865  $      31  $     988
Less: net expense per SFAS 123...........................................         31         86        128
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations.......................      3,834        (55)       860
Less: pro forma provision (benefit) for income taxes.....................      1,510        (22)       362
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations.......................  $   2,324  $     (33)       498
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from continuing operations as reported............................  $   2,343  $       7  $     575
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income from continuing operations per share:
  Pro forma..............................................................  $    0.09  $   (0.46) $   (0.28)
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
  As reported............................................................  $    0.09  $   (0.45) $   (0.26)
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

    The fair value of options granted under the Company's stock option plans
during 1997, 1998 and 1999 was estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model utilized the multiple option
approach with the following weighted average assumptions used:

                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (CONTINUED)
no dividend yield, expected volatility is zero based on private company status,
risk-free interest rates of 6.48%, 5.90% and 4.74% in 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively, and expected lives of four years. Forfeitures are recognized as
they occur.

    During fiscal 1999, the Company granted options to certain employees under
the 1997 Stock Plan and 1998 Stock Option Plan with exercise prices below the
deemed fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. In
accordance with the requirements of APB 25, the Company has recorded deferred
compensation for the difference between the exercise price of the stock options
and the fair market value of the Company's shares at the date of grant. This
deferred compensation is being amortized to expense over the period during which
the options become exercisable, generally four years. At April 30, 1999, the
Company had recorded deferred compensation related to these options in the total
amount of $1,320,000, of which $91,000 had been amortized to expense during
1999. Future compensation expense from options granted through April 30, 1999 is
estimated to be $330,000, $330,000, $330,000 and $239,000 for the years ending
April 30, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN.

    In March and April 1999 the Board adopted, and the stockholders approved,
the Company's 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") covering
an aggregate of 133,333 shares of common stock. Employees who participate in an
offering period can have up to 10% of their earnings withheld pursuant to the
Purchase Plan. The amount withheld will then be used to purchase shares of the
common stock on specified dates determined by the Board. The price of common
stock purchased under the Purchase Plan will be equal to 85% of the lower of the
fair market value of the common stock on the commencement date of each offering
period or on the specified purchase date. No shares were purchased under this
Plan during fiscal 1999.

9. INCOME TAXES

    The provision for income taxes for continuing operations reflected in the
statements for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 were as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997       1998       1999
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
  Federal....................................................  $   1,308  $      41  $     590
  State......................................................        356          1         12
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
    Total current............................................      1,664         42        602
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
Deferred:
  Federal....................................................       (105)       (19)      (258)
  State......................................................        (37)         1         69
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
    Total deferred...........................................       (142)       (18)      (189)
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
      Total..................................................  $   1,522  $      24  $     413
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
                                                               ---------        ---  ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The deferred income tax provision reflects the tax effect of changes in the
amounts of temporary differences during each year ended April 30, 1997, 1998 and
1999. As of April 30, 1998 and 1999, the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities consisted of (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1998       1999
                                                                            ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>
Deferred tax asset (liability):
  Uniform capitalization..................................................  $     238  $     314
  Depreciation............................................................        (79)      (128)
  Inventory reserves and other, net.......................................        223        385
                                                                            ---------  ---------
    Total.................................................................  $     382  $     571
                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

    The Company's effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal income
tax rate as shown in the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1997       1998       1999
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Tax provision at federal statutory rate..........................       34.0%      34.0%      34.0%
State taxes, net of federal benefit..............................        6.1       13.0        6.1
Other, primarily non-deductible expenses.........................       (0.7)      30.4        1.7
                                                                         ---        ---        ---
    Total........................................................       39.4%      77.4%      41.8%
                                                                         ---        ---        ---
                                                                         ---        ---        ---
</TABLE>

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

    The Company has adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," ("SFAS 131") effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 31, 1997. This statement supercedes Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a
Business Enterprise." SFAS 131 changes current practice under Statement No. 14
by establishing a new framework on which to base segment reporting and also
required interim reporting of segment information.

    The Company markets its products from its continuing operations, primarily
to customers in the United States and in the telecommunications industry.
Management uses one measurement of profitability and does not disaggregate its
business for internal reporting. The Company's revenues, from its continuing
operations, by geographic area are summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  JULY 31,
                                                          ------------------------
                           1997       1998       1999        1998         1999
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
USA....................  $  12,673  $  11,539  $  22,107   $   4,977    $   8,682
Mexico.................        120        345      1,294           5          370
Rest of the world......      1,273        442      1,963         142          719
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                         $  14,066  $  12,326  $  25,364   $   5,124    $   9,771
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

    International sales are entirely comprised of export sales.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    Transactions between the Company and its former wholly owned subsidiaries,
other than the reorganization transactions described in Notes 1 and 3 to these
financial statements, are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         GW         ACP
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>
Year ended April 30, 1997:
  Benefits, goods and services provided/(used)......................................  $     450  $     (30)
  Income tax refund transferred.....................................................         --        420
</TABLE>

12. PROFIT SHARING PLAN

    The Company maintains a 401(k) profit sharing plan for all eligible
employees. Employees may contribute to the Plan based on statutory limits. Any
Company contributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The
Company made no contributions to the Plan during the years ended April 30, 1997,
1998 and 1999.

13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASHFLOW INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1997       1998       1999
                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest paid............................................................  $       7  $     600  $     736
Income taxes paid........................................................      1,072         --         --

Noncash financing and investing activities:
Accretion of preferred stock.............................................        187      1,374      1,497
Acquisition of asset under capital lease.................................         --        154         47
Issuance of Series A preferred stock.....................................      4,743         --         --
Issuance of Series C preferred stock.....................................      7,508         --         --
Redemption of Series C preferred stock...................................         --         --      7,508
Tax benefit on stock options.............................................        307         --         43
Deferred stock compensation..............................................         --         --      1,320
Purchase of technology rights for common stock...........................         --         --        740
</TABLE>

14. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)

    In March 1999, the Company's Board of Directors (i) authorized management of
the Company to file a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission permitting the Company to sell its common stock to the public and
(ii) approved the reincorporation of the Company from California to Delaware.

    In June 1999, the Company completed its initial public offering of 3,000,000
shares of common stock and subsequently sold an additional 450,000 shares
pursuant to the underwriters' over allotment option. As a result, the Company
raised a total of $34.4 million after underwriter fees and other issuance costs.
After completing the offering, the Company used the net proceeds to: redeem all
shares of Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock for $19.7 million;
complete the purchase of the Company's core echo cancellation technology for
$3.0 million; and retired its

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                       DITECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

14. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
outstanding note payable to a bank for $7.3 million. In addition, all
outstanding shares of Series B Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock converted
into common stock at a conversion ratio of 2 shares of common stock for every 3
shares of Series B Preferred.

    LINE OF CREDIT

    In August 1999, the Company modified its line of credit agreement with its
bank to increase the amount available under the line to the lesser of $3 million
or 80% of eligible accounts receivable. The interest rate was also modified to
be the lesser of the bank's prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.25%. As of July 31, 1999,
no amounts had been borrowed against the line of credit.

    ARBITRATION

    In June 1999, the Company received a favorable ruling from the arbitration
panel in the matter related to Antec Corporation's breach of a purchase
contract. Subsequent to the favorable ruling, the Company was notified by
Antec's counsel of its intent to contest the arbitrator's decision. In August,
the Company and Antec reached a final settlement in which the Company received a
minor settlement award. Additionally, the Company and Antec entered into a
patent license agreement. The Company will recognize $1.9 million of revenue in
the Company's second quarter of fiscal 2000 associated with the fixed license
fee payable in fiscal 2000.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                                     [LOGO]
<PAGE>
    YOU SHOULD RELY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT
AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION DIFFERENT FROM THAT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. WE ARE OFFERING TO SELL, AND SEEKING OFFERS TO BUY, SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK ONLY IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE OFFERS AND SALES ARE PERMITTED. THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY SALE OF
OUR COMMON STOCK.
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE
                                                                                            -----
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................................     3
Risk Factors..............................................................................     6
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements...........................................    15
Use of Proceeds...........................................................................    16
Price Range of Common Stock...............................................................    16
Dividend Policy...........................................................................    17
Capitalization............................................................................    17
Selected Financial Data...................................................................    18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.....    20
Business..................................................................................    31
Management................................................................................    44
Certain Transactions......................................................................    54
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................................    56
Description of Capital Stock..............................................................    59
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........................................................    61
Underwriting..............................................................................    63
Legal Matters.............................................................................    65
Change in Accountants.....................................................................    65
Experts...................................................................................    65
Additional Information....................................................................    65
Index to Financial Statements.............................................................   F-1
</TABLE>

           [LOGO]

2,250,000 SHARES

COMMON STOCK

DEUTSCHE BANC ALEX. BROWN

BANCBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS

HAMBRECHT & QUIST

PROSPECTUS

             , 1999


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