Level 3 Launches Enhanced Data Networking Service
LONDON and BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Level 3 Communications, Inc. today announced it has launched an enhanced wide area Ethernet data networking service in the U.S. and Europe. The (3)Flex Ethernet service enables customers to migrate to a simplified networking solution, extending the ease of use and cost effectiveness of transporting data from local area networks (LANs) common in businesses to the wide area networks (WANs) that comprise today’s broadband networks. (3)Flex Ethernet offers customers secure data transmission to and from over 75 major markets in the U.S. and Europe, more than doubling its previous market availability. “(3)Flex Ethernet provides our customers with more flexibility to manage their applications by enabling them to take advantage of the low cost and simplicity of Ethernet technology,” said Charles Meyers, president of IP Services for Level 3. “And by incorporating the new local access capability, we’re now able to provide an end-to-end data networking service that leverages the benefits and wide use of Ethernet technology from the LAN to the WAN. And we can do it with the security and performance of more costly traditional data networking solutions.” The (3)Flex Ethernet service, which replaces the companies’ (3)Packet service, features new capabilities and expanded availability that will enable media and entertainment companies, ISPs, cable operators, enterprises and others to use Ethernet technology to more simply and cost effectively meet their data networking needs. Level 3 will market (3)Flex Ethernet to its service provider customers through its direct sales force, and to enterprise customers primarily through other service providers, system integrators and value-added resellers. The service provides a platform for converging video, voice and data onto one network, and offers customers the capability to connect multi-node, fully meshed networks. The service also provides guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) that can be managed as applications require. “(3)Flex Ethernet simplifies networking, improves operational efficiencies and now can be accessed very easily from just about anywhere a conventional local loop can be ordered,” added Meyers. “Moreover, the service features distance-insensitive, usage-based pricing that allows traffic growth without equipment or network upgrades.” (3)Flex Ethernet is based on multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), a technology that allows data packet transmissions via a short, pre-determined switched path across the Level 3 Network. MPLS enforces traffic separation via tunneling at Layer 2, thereby providing the highest level of network security available and while maintaining protocol independence. About Level 3 Communications Level 3 The company offers information services through its subsidiaries, (i)Structure and Software Spectrum. For additional information, visit their respective Web sites at http://www.softwarespectrum.com/ and http://www.i-structure.com/ . The Level 3 logo and (3)Packet are registered service marks and (3)Flex is a service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Forward Looking Statement Some of the statements made by Level 3 in this press release are forward- looking in nature. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Level 3 believes that its primary risk factors include, but are not limited to: changes in the overall economy relating to, among other things, the September 11 attacks and subsequent events, substantial capital requirements; development of effective internal processes and systems; the ability to attract and retain high quality employees; technology; the number and size of competitors in its markets; law and regulatory policy; and the mix of products and services offered in the company’s target markets. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3′s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. CONTACT: U.S. Media, Josh Howell, +1-720-888-2517, or Paul Lonnegren, Web site: http://www.level3.com/
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