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AT&T Business Solutions Delivers on Network Investments in First Quarter 2009

Posted on: Wednesday, 22 April 2009, 12:01 CDT

Portfolio Enhancements Provide Strong Platform for Service Customers in '09

DALLAS, April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Business Solutions added new services and features to its core portfolio during the first quarter 2009 highlighted by the expansion of the AT&T Telepresence Solution and the introduction of a wireless capability to bring smart grid technology to the residential utility market.

These enhancements and others were among the projects earmarked for the approximately $1 billion investment scheduled for 2009 in the AT&T global network along with new services and network-based applications.

AT&T Business Solutions ended the first quarter 2009 by announcing an enhancement to the industry-leading AT&T Telepresence Solution that will allow companies to connect the solution with their existing H.323 compatible legacy videoconferencing systems, offering a cost-effective solution to utilize historically under-utilized systems. As a result, companies that have made prior investments in video-conferencing technology will now be able to extend the life of their legacy systems. AT&T Business Solutions further announced plans to double the number of Cisco TelePresence(TM) rooms deployed at its locations throughout the U.S. and globally.

Also during the quarter, AT&T Business Solutions teamed up with smart grid solutions provider SmartSynch to launch a new suite of service plans for electric utility companies looking to provide the benefits of smart grid technology to the residential sector. The new solution offers utilities a cost-effective, IP-based, point-to-point configuration model in which 'smart meters' communicate directly with the utility over a wireless network. Following that rollout, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) announced it had selected the SmartSynch/AT&T SmartMeter(TM) solution for a 10,000 unit point-to-point trial deployment to residential customers throughout the utility's Texas market.

In addition, the approximately $1 billion global network investment in 2009 propelled the launch of a one-stop solution for managing and monitoring IT infrastructures remotely regardless of the customer's location. The solution, called AT&T Remote Infrastructure Management, delivers the full range of the business unit's IT infrastructure services to a company's location -- whether it is an in-house company data center, remote office, or even third-party center -- along with on-site servicing of equipment if needed. Among the first quarter international projects funded by the 2009 global network investment was the provisioning of AT&T Global Managed Internet Service in India. The service will help meet the growing demand from multinational customers in India for globally consistent Internet access applications.

"The innovative solutions AT&T Business Solutions brought to market during the first quarter of 2009 are proof that AT&T intends to deliver on our promise to help our business customers transform their operations and remain competitive during these challenging economic times," said Ronald E. Spears, President and CEO, AT&T Business Solutions. "The new services and enhancements to our existing portfolio have set us on a strong pace to continue our goal of working with companies to extend the value of their existing investments, while introducing them to leading-edge technology."

AT&T Business Solutions recorded significant sales wins in the first quarter, including an announcement by the unit's AT&T Government Solutions group of a series of three awards, potentially worth up to $50 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide voice and data devices for the nationwide FEMA workforce. In February, AT&T Government Solutions also was designated as one of the companies that can compete for task orders through the federal government's five-year, $50 billion Alliant contract under the General Services Administration (GSA). AT&T Government Solutions is the only company to win the right to compete in all of the GSA's flagship contracts -- Alliant, Networx Universal, Networx Enterprise and SATCOM-II contracts.

Other sales wins included a $5 million, three-year contract with BAE Systems Land & Armaments to use the AT&T Telepresence Solution for "in-person" meetings across BAE's global offices. AT&T Business Solutions also inked a two-year renewal for hosted services in North America with Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software including the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft(R).

AT&T Business Solutions provides networking services and solutions for business customers and organizations globally. Its customers include every company listed in the Fortune 1000; large, medium, and small businesses; wholesale customers; and U.S. governmental agencies.

During the first quarter, 2009, AT&T Business Solutions made the following updates to its enterprise portfolio of services for business customers:

Business Voice

TeleBlock(R) Service: AT&T Business Solutions added the TeleBlock call blocking service to its outbound business voice services. This provides a network-based call screening and blocking feature to help telemarketers avoid calling numbers listed on various Do Not Call lists.

Voice Over IP (VoIP)

Expanded Support for AT&T Voice DNA(R) Phones and LAN Equipment: AT&T Business Solutions has increased equipment options available to AT&T Voice DNA customers. This includes certified new phones from Aastra and Polycom, as well as an integrated access device from Edgewater Networks. In addition, the business unit also certified local area network and network customer premises equipment devices including Adtran NetVanta layer 2 switches and add-on NetVanta WiFi Access Point as well as the Nortel BSGX4e Gateway.

Hosting and Applications Services:

Topline ISV Incubation Center Enhancements: AT&T Hosting and Application Services has enhanced its AT&T Topline ISV (Independent Service Vendor) Program in its Annapolis Internet Data Center with an incubation center that will allow software vendors to test their applications for software-as a-service (SaaS) readiness. The platform also provides a demonstration environment for SaaS enabling technologies for ISVs where they can evaluate other technologies to meet their architecture and go to market needs.

Data Services:

International Private Line: AT&T Business Solutions expanded the global reach and capabilities of its International Private Line service with the following:

• Full- and Half-Channel Services: AT&T Business Solutions extended Full-Channel Service to two new countries - Nicaragua and South Africa, which will support speeds between 64 Kb and STM1(155 Mb) as well as speed expansions to existing Full Channel Service to Guatemala (DS3 and STM1 speeds) and STM4 speed to our Half-Channel Service to China.
• End-to-End STM4/STM16 Non-restorable Service: The business unit deployed the capability to offer End-to-End, Non-restorable Service at STM4 and STM16 speeds for outbound U.S. and country-to-country capability in the EMEA and Asia PAC regions. The solution gives customers lower cost options for non-critical International Private Line applications such as back-up or protection for another circuit.

AT&T Business Solutions First-Quarter 2009 Announcements

During the first quarter 2009, the AT&T Business Solutions unit issued these press releases (from most recent):

AT&T Government Solutions Wins Alliant Contract from General Services Administration (March 30)

AT&T Government Solutions ready to serve Information Technology (IT) needs of federal agency customers through Alliant vehicle

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26667

BAE Systems to Enhance Global Collaboration with AT&T Telepresence Solution (March 30)

Participants around the World Can Instantly Connect for an "in-person" Cisco Telepresence Experience

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26662

AT&T Extends Value of Its Telepresence Solution to Companies' Existing Videoconferencing Systems (March 30)

Company also announces 2009 plans to double number of Telepresence rooms worldwide to 50 within AT&T

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26661

Mednet to Offer Wireless Heart Monitoring with AT&T (March 27)

Easy, Real-Time Wireless Monitoring on AT&T's Expansive 3G and EDGE Network

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26659

AT&T Scores Online Hosting Agreement with the NCAA (March 24)

Consolidating Web Infrastructure and Application Management Under One Provider Gives NCAA Student-Athletes and Administrators Reliable Online Experience

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26641

AT&T to Offer Wireless Smart Grid Technology to Utility Companies (March 17)

AT&T combines new service plans with SmartSynch's SmartMetering(TM) solutions to bring smart grid technology to the home

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26613

AT&T Receives Frost & Sullivan's 2009 North American Managed Security Service Providers Customer Value Leadership Award (March 10)

AT&T Recognized for Delivering Best-in-Class Managed Security Services to Growing Customer Base

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26596

AT&T Wins Three ATLANTIC-ACM 2009 U.S. Wholesale Carrier Excellence Awards

(March 4)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26586

AT&T Named Preferred Wireless Carrier for Educational & Institutional Cooperative Purchasing, Inc. (March 3)

Relationship Brings Cost-Effective Wireless Voice and Data Services to More Than 1,600 Higher-Education Organizations

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26583

AT&T Offers Businesses One-Stop Solution to Build and Run Their IT Operations

(March 2)

Remote Infrastructure Management Service Represents Latest Managed Hosting Innovation from AT&T

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26581

AT&T Study: Houston-Area Businesses More Prepared for Disasters After 2008 Hurricane Season (Feb. 23)

AT&T Conducts First Network Disaster Recovery Exercise of 2009 in Houston

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26555

AT&T to Invest $1 Billion in Global Network, Services for Businesses in 2009 (Feb. 23)

AT&T Accelerating Delivery and Management of On-Demand Network Applications

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26554

AT&T Wins Stevie Award for Technology in 2009 Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service (Feb. 19)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26549

AT&T Delivers Network Services to Sonic Automotive Dealerships Nationwide (Feb. 17)

AT&T Helps Leading Automotive Retailer Increase Backup Data Network Speeds and Improve Customer Applications Performance

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26539

AT&T and Sterling Commerce Accelerate Office Depot's Order-Processing Capabilities (Feb. 17)

Software Automates Order Processing and Assists Compliance Efforts at Office Depot

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26538

AT&T Commences Provisioning of AT&T Global Managed Internet Service in India

(Feb. 12)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26529

AT&T Business Solutions Completes Fourth Quarter with New Features for the AT&T Telepresence Solution and Moves to Expand Its Wi-Fi Capabilities through the Company's Wayport Acquisition (Jan. 28)

Portfolio Enhancements Provide Strong Platform for Growth in '09

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26506

AT&T Government Solutions Announces $50 Million Wireless Solution Award from FEMA (Jan 26)

Department of Homeland Security Agency Award Requires AT&T to Deploy Smartphone and Mobile Computing Devices for FEMA Workforce

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26496

AT&T Business Solutions Wins Four ATLANTIC-ACM Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence Awards (Jan. 23)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26528

AT&T Business Solutions Offers WebTech Wireless Mobile Fleet Management Solution for Government Agencies (Jan. 21)

All-In-One Wireless Solution Eases Purchasing, Billing, Budgeting for Fleet Managers

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26485

AT&T Business Solutions and WebTech Wireless Help Largest U.S. Ports Curb Air Pollution (Jan. 21)

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Adopt Innovative Wireless Vehicle Tracking Solution to Reduce Truck-Related Emissions by up to 80 Percent

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26483

AT&T Business Solutions Alliance Channel Program Honors Top Solution Providers

(Jan. 16)

Solution Provider Champion Award Recognizes Outstanding Performance in Providing Customers with High-Quality Solutions and Services

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26481

Evolving Systems Taps AT&T Business Solutions for Global Networking Services (Jan. 8)

New Contract Expands Two-Way Business Relationship between the Two Companies

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26456

Fujitsu Signs AT&T Managed Networking Services Contract for Telepresence Deployment (Jan. 7)

Global Company Continues Its Commitment to Safeguard the Environment

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26453

AT&T Business Solutions Receives Wholesale Company and Product of the Year Awards from Frost & Sullivan (Jan. 6)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26446

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) 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, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading 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 their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. 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.

(C) 2009 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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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.

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

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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