• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

AT&T Business Solutions Unit Enhanced Its Enterprise Portfolio With New Services and Features During Third Quarter 2008

Posted on: Wednesday, 22 October 2008, 15:00 CDT

DALLAS, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New services and features for delivering on-demand applications, digital content and enterprise applications across a variety of mobile devices were third-quarter highlights for the AT&T Business Solutions (ABS) unit, AT&T Inc. announced today.

During the third quarter 2008, AT&T introduced AT&T Synaptic Hosting(SM) service, the company's next-generation utility computing service with managed networking, security and storage capabilities. The service is delivered via the AT&T Synaptic Hosting platform that is enabled in five "super" Internet data centers (IDCs) and act as regional gateways to the AT&T network cloud. AT&T Synaptic Hosting supports large-scale computing and applications on demand via virtualized servers and delivers services across AT&T's IDC hosting infrastructure.

In September, AT&T introduced AT&T Mobile Enterprise Applications, a suite of hosted and managed mobile integration solutions and application consulting services designed for companies that want to extend their business-critical information to mobile employees. Supported by the Antenna Mobility Platform(TM) that was developed by Antenna Software, a leading provider of mobile enterprise technologies and solutions, AT&T Mobile Enterprise Applications enables AT&T to expand its delivery of mobile field service automation, sales force automation and information technology (IT) support applications.

Another third-quarter highlight involved AT&T's Intelligent Content Distribution(SM) service being certified with Move Networks to deliver Move-enabled video content to companies and their end-users. This allows media and entertainment companies to use the AT&T network to deliver live and on-demand High Definition programming to computers over the Internet in a true television-like experience.

AT&T also recorded significant sales wins that included a five-year agreement with the Boeing Company for advanced network and wireless services with an estimated value at more than $400 million. Additionally, AT&T signed a five-year deal with the Smiths Group plc that will help Smiths leverage its global scale, delivering improved productivity and cost reductions across the group's five business divisions. Smiths expects to achieve annual savings of at least $5 million on its IT and related communications costs. Also, AT&T and Marriott International introduced an industry-leading technology solution for hotels that transforms multiple communications networks into one converged network for voice and data transmission based on Internet technologies. The solution will improve the guest experience and employee performance, support both wired and wireless services throughout the hotel and speed the introduction of emerging technologies for communications and business applications. The first prototype hotel with a converged network is Marriott's recently opened Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

"Throughout the third quarter, the AT&T Business Solutions team introduced several innovative services designed to help customers manage the complexity of their applications across their enterprises and provide them to employees anywhere, anytime," said Ron Spears, chief executive officer, AT&T Business Solutions. "Our ability to seamlessly deliver high-quality managed application services across wired and wireless networks, with the quality, security and professional services customers expect from AT&T, will continue to drive future enhancements to our core portfolio."

The AT&T Business Solutions unit provides networking services and solutions to companies and organizations globally. Its customers include every company listed in the Fortune 500, large, medium, and small businesses, telecommunications wholesalers, and U.S. governmental agencies.

During the third quarter 2008, AT&T made the following updates to its portfolio of services for business customers:

Enterprise Mobility

Device Protection & Control. To help businesses simplify mobile device management, AT&T introduced an over-the-air solution that allows them to configure, monitor and enhance the security of AT&T smartphones through a single, hosted Web console. Device Protection & Control makes it easy for telecom managers to install software, configure devices, receive diagnostic information and manage policy compliance. The solution is hosted by AT&T, so businesses don't have to invest in, install and maintain new hardware to protect and manage their wireless devices.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Enhancements

-- Expanded VPN Reach. AT&T VPN service is now available to business customers in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

-- Ethernet Access to VPN. Ethernet access to AT&T VPN and Enhanced VPN services is now available to business customers in Luxembourg, Portugal and Poland.

-- Expanded IP DSL Access to VPNs. AT&T IP Digital Subscriber Line customers in Canada and the Asia Pacific region can now access their company's VPN using the AT&T Network-Based IP VPN Remote Access Service and AT&T Virtual Private Tunneling Service. The expansion enables mobile workers for large and small companies to stay connected to their corporate networks regardless of their location around the world.

Data Portfolio

-- 10 Gbps Speed for Ethernet Private Line WAN. AT&T has added a 10 Gbps interoffice channel bandwidth option to its Ethernet Private Line Service for wide area networks (WAN) and Ethernet customers connecting to local area networks at the Layer 1 (physical) level. Now customers have a choice of Ethernet connection speeds, ranging from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps, in up to 100 cities across the U.S. The higher speed also will help Ethernet Private Line customers making point-to-point connections to realize higher performance with low latency and jitter, which is critical to server synchronization and other delay-sensitive network applications.

-- AT&T Managed WAN Acceleration Service. AT&T Managed WAN Acceleration Service enhances connectivity and transport services for AT&T VPN, Enhanced VPN and Managed Router Service clients around the world. It improves network resources through more efficient use of bandwidth, resulting in easier integration with new technologies, improved applications performance and better economies of scale from converged wireless and wireline services. This enhancement complements AT&T's existing asymmetrical application acceleration solutions that are centralized in an AT&T Internet data center.

Traditional Voice

AT&T Hosted Outbound Calling Service. AT&T has introduced a network-based outbound calling service that allows contact center customers to off-load or load balance the demand on their contact center employees through an Interactive Voice Response platform. This new service supports automated collection and automated fraud notification applications. The platform will call out to a programmed list of customer clients and provide a preset voice notification depending on the application being used and the client situation.

Hosting and Application Services

Web Hosting for Small Businesses. In addition to the Web site design services rolled out earlier this year, AT&T has added to its list of professional Web hosting services for small businesses to include support for site and database migrations, one-stop e-commerce site builds, database builds, expanded managed system administration and server administration and code execution monitoring and third-party code debugging and support. In addition, discount plans have been extended to customers who purchase new AT&T services such as AT&T High Speed Internet U-verse(SM) Enabled Business Edition and AT&T Tech Support 360(SM). Discount plans were already available to AT&T access customers.

Customer Experience

AT&T Billing Solutions Enhancements. AT&T offered additional converged billing capabilities that are designed to simplify the billing process and improve accuracy by providing a single detailed invoice for certain AT&T products and services. Also, AT&T Enterprise Alternate Bill Media delivers solutions for customers wishing to simplify and maximize bill management.

ABS Third-Quarter 2008 Highlights During the third quarter 2008, the ABS unit issued these press releases:

AT&T Launches Global 'Next-Generation' Utility Computing Service (Aug. 5, 2008)

AT&T Computing Platform, Global IP Network Delivers 'Pay-For-Use' Service Capabilities to Businesses

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26005

Marriott International and AT&T Introduce Industry-Leading Converged Network Solution for Hotels (Aug. 6, 2008)

Benefits Include: Faster, More Reliable Wired and Wireless Internet Connections; Quicker Deployment of Emerging Communications Technologies

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26011

Boeing Selects AT&T for Multimillion Dollar Network and Wireless Services Contract (Aug. 12, 2008)

AT&T Earns Primary Carrier Status Connecting Landline Voice and Data Services Covering More Than 130 Domestic Boeing Locations and to Support the Wireless Needs of The Boeing Company

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26016

Smiths Group Expects Savings of $25m From Agreement With AT&T (Sept. 18, 2008)

UK-based Global Business Expects $25 million Savings Over Five Years on Communications Costs as Part of Ongoing Business Transformation Programme

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26092 AT&T Enhances Enterprise Mobility Offerings (Sept. 22, 2008)

AT&T Mobile Enterprise Applications Extends and Manages Critical Business Applications From Data Center to Mobile Workers

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26094 AT&T to Distribute Move Networks Video Content (Sept. 23, 2008) Company Reaffirms Progress, Plans for Digital Media Solutions Portfolio http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26112 Other AT&T Announcements Regarding ABS AT&T Joins Microsoft Partner Solutions Center (July 15, 2008)

Facility Offers Location for AT&T to Demonstrate Mobility Expertise and Technologies

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25952

AT&T Named 2008 North America Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan (July 16, 2008)

AT&T Recognized for Leadership in Converged Communications for Consumers and Enterprise Businesses

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25960

AT&T Extends Deadline for College Mobile Applications Developer Contest (Aug. 7, 2008)

'Big Mobile On Campus Challenge' to Award $10,000 Scholarship to Winner http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26012

AT&T Positioned in the Leaders Quadrant in 'Magic Quadrant for Managed and Professional Network Service Providers, Worldwide' Report (Aug. 26, 2008)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26033

AT&T to Deliver Mobile Student Response Solution, Enhancing Higher Education Classroom Experience (Aug. 26, 2008)

Web-Based Application Certified by AT&T, Enabling Real-Time Polling and Distance-Learning Interaction Using Mobile Devices

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26035

AT&T Positioned in the Leaders Quadrant of Magic Quadrant for Web Conferencing (Aug. 27, 2008)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26036

AT&T Receives Market Leadership Award for U.S. Wholesale Metro SONET Services From Frost & Sullivan (Sept. 3, 2008)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26052

AT&T Launches 24/7 Helpdesk Designed to Meet Information Technology Needs of Small Businesses (Sept. 11, 2008)

AT&T Tech Support 360 Service Creates 'Virtual IT Director,' Offering Affordable IT Support for Computers, Software, Wi-Fi Routers and DSL

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26074

AT&T Becomes the First Carrier Listed With the Payment Card Industry to Offer a Portfolio of Business Network Services Evaluated Against Its Data Security Standards (Sept. 17, 2008)

The Set of Business Network and Security Services Enables Payment Card Processing Companies to Comply With Industry Standards

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26090

AT&T Wins Four ATLANTIC-ACM 2008 U.S. Carrier Excellence Awards for Metro Retail Products and Services (Sept. 19, 2008)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26095

AT&T Wins Industry Gold Award for Customer-Centric Approach to Organization Transformation (Sept. 29, 2008)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26128

AT&T Expands Undersea Cable Capacity Via New Trans-Pacific Express Submarine Cable System (Sept. 30, 2008)

New System Linking Asia-Pacific and United States will Enhance Consortium Member AT&T's Global Network

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26135 About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Michael Lordi, +1-908-234-6071, cell, +1-908-329-4854,mlordi@attnews.us, for AT&T Inc.; or Janet Wyles of AT&T, +1-908-234-6067,cell, +1-732-331-6754, wyles@att.com

Web site: http://www.att.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

More News in this Category