Acquisitions, Cloud Computing Offer and Innovative Mobile Applications Highlight Fourth Quarter 2009 for AT&T Business Services

DALLAS, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Business Solutions, the business unit within AT&T* offering services for business customers, completed a successful fourth quarter 2009 highlighted by the acquisition in October of VeriSign's global security consulting business.

Acquiring VeriSign's security consulting business aligns its experience in comprehensive risk assessment with AT&T's suite of network-based cybersecurity services and will enable AT&T to more quickly develop and bring to market capabilities to address the evolving security needs of businesses around the world.  In addition, the acquisition now enables AT&T to deliver a comprehensive suite of Payment Card Industry (PCI) related solutions to its clients.  In other merger activity, AT&T in the quarter completed its acquisition of Centennial Communications Corp., a move that enhanced AT&T's network coverage across the Midwest and Southeast United States and in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

The business unit further expanded its cloud computing portfolio with the announcement in November of AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service(SM).  The global, cloud- based offer is designed to give companies of all sizes simple on-demand access to scalable computing capacity in which customers pay only for the amounts they use. The service provides companies with a self-service approach for using IT solutions without having to worry about over-building or under-investing in the capacity needed to handle their traffic demands. AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service is the third addition to the AT&T family of Synaptic Services that includes Synaptic Hosting(SM) and Synaptic Storage as a Service(SM).

Also during the quarter, AT&T announced plans to work with TerreStar Networks to offer an integrated smartphone mobility solution that will combine primary cellular wireless connectivity with the ability to connect to a satellite network as a backup, using one phone number and one smartphone device.  The AT&T integrated solution will redefine the mobile satellite services experience by providing users with easy access to both cellular and satellite networks through a cutting-edge handset that is both smaller and more feature-rich than previous satellite devices.

Other fourth quarter highlights included:

• A $120-million contract extension for AT&T Government Solutions to support U.S. Postal Service facilities across the country under the Postal Advanced Telecommunications Network (PATN) contract.
• The rollout of AT&T Security Event and Threat Analysis and AT&T Security Device Management, two new managed security services that enable customers to engage AT&T security professionals selectively to provide customized security support.
• Expansion of AT&T's efforts with smart grid technology by announcing a teaming agreement with Silver Spring Networks to deliver 3G wireless communication services to Silver Spring's utility customers throughout the U.S.
• The bundling of AT&T Tech Support 360(SM) with select Lenovo PCs, enabling small and midsize businesses to get industry-leading devices and access to live, U.S.-based 24/7 technical support with a single purchase.
• Deployment of a new node in Kuwait City that will provide AT&T's global customers with improved connectivity in the Middle East and allow local Kuwaiti companies better access to global markets via AT&T's worldwide network.

Additionally, AT&T Business Solutions made the following updates to its enterprise portfolio this quarter:

Voice Over IP (VoIP)

Joint AT&T/Avaya Customer Sales Center for Small to Medium Businesses:  AT&T and Avaya launched a dedicated customer sales center to serve the enterprise needs of their joint small and medium business customers.  The sales center serves as a common "front door" for one-stop shopping for customers' equipment and network needs.  Also, AT&T advanced SIP services and AT&T Mobility Services customers can use the center to purchase Avaya's IP Office solution and find out more about benefits the combined solutions provide whether on the road, in the office, or at home.

IP Telephony

Cisco Certifications:  AT&T has renewed two IP Telephony certifications from Cisco:

• Cisco Master Unified Communications Specialized Partner certification.
• Cisco Gold Certified Partner designation that recognizes AT&T's broad range of expertise having achieved four advanced specializations -- Unified Communications, Routing & Switching, Security, and Wireless LAN technologies.

Managed IP Telephony Support on Cascaded Routers:  AT&T has added capabilities to its IP Telephony and local area network services that support cascaded – or linked – routers at the customer premise.  Customers now can link multiple on-site routers containing features such as conferencing, transcoding, remote survivability, PSTN gateway connectivity and Cisco Unified Border Element (CUBE) functionality.  Customers can use these capabilities with AT&T Managed Wide Area Network Services such as AT&T IP Flexible Reach, AT&T Enhanced Virtual Private Network, AT&T Managed Router Service and Managed Internet Service Plus.

Data Services

New Options for Serial Component and High Definition Video Transport:  AT&T added four new options to its Serial Component and High Definition Video Transport services to give broadcast customers greater flexibility in their network design solutions.  Among the additions are interfaces allowing customers to handoff a SMPTE 310M digital (19.39 Mbps) video signal, or an NTSC (National Television System Committee) transmission stream.  Other supported interfaces include HD-SDI, SDI, SDTI, and DVB-ASI.

Mobility

AMP Component of AT&T Mobile Enterprise Applications Platform (MEAP) Achieves SAP Certification:  The Antenna Mobility Platform (AMP) v.4.0 component of AT&T's Mobile Enterprise Applications Platform (MEAP) has been certified by SAP AG for integration with SAP® applications via enterprise services. Through the certified integration, AT&T's MEAP can integrate with SAP solutions by using an open standards-based platform and architecture. This provides customers with the ability to access and interact with their key SAP processes and data directly from their AT&T mobile device, delivering improved applications interoperability, increased flexibility and reduced total cost of ownership.

Collaboration

AT&T Telepresence Solution Available via Enhanced VPN:  In addition to the AT&T Virtual Private Network architecture, AT&T Telepresence Solution is now available as a standard offer to customers using AT&T Enhanced Virtual Private Network service.  

Essential Management Option for AT&T Telepresence Solution:  AT&T Telepresence Solution customers can now enjoy an Essential Management Option, giving them a choice between basic and premium management of their AT&T Telepresence Solution.

Hosting, Cloud, and Application Management Services

Expansion of the Lithia Springs, GA Internet Data Center (IDC):  AT&T completed a facility expansion to the Lithia Springs IDC outside of Atlanta to meet the storage and hosted server needs of customers in the region where they are experiencing growth.  AT&T's IDCs encompass 2.6 million square feet of space.

Participation in Cisco's Unified Computing System -Advanced Technology Partner Program:  AT&T has joined Cisco's Data Center - Unified Computing System -Advanced Technology Partner program.  Cisco's Advanced Technology Program is a certification program that recognizes AT&T's expertise in designing, implementing and supporting data center networking infrastructure and data center storage networking solutions.  The program will add another Cisco certification to AT&T's already diverse suite of data center solutions and will offer AT&T customers an even wider selection of data center solutions to best meet their unique requirements.

Digital Media Solutions(SM) Footprint and Portal Enhancements:  AT&T increased its competitive position with the top five Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers by enhancing the AT&T Intelligent Content Distribution Service(SM) (ICDS) footprint in Mexico and Southeast Asia to include Secure Socket Layer (SSL).  In addition, AT&T improved customer experience and reporting flexibility by adding self-provisioning features on the AT&T ICDS Reporting Portal.

ABS Fourth Quarter 2009 Announcements

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

AT&T BusinessDirect Once Again Leads the Pack in Analyst Firm's Review of Customer Web Portals (December 16, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30263&mapcode=

AT&T Wins MEF Carrier Ethernet Service Provider Award (December 15, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30252&mapcode=

1-800-FLOWERS.COM Enhances Retail Experience with AT&T (December 15, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30251&mapcode=

TeleNav Asset Tracker from AT&T Now Available for Enterprises and Government Agencies (December 15, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30250&mapcode=

AT&T Government Solutions Awarded $120-Million Contract Extension from the U.S. Postal Service (December 10, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30218&mapcode=

First All-Weather Device for Billboards is Certified to Run on AT&T Wireless Network (December 9, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30214&mapcode=

AT&T Forms Business Sustainability Advisory Council (December 9, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30201&mapcode=

AT&T Announces Teaming Agreement with Silver Spring Networks (December 8, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30195&mapcode=

AT&T Helps Vital Transportation Improve its Operations (December 8, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30194&mapcode=

AT&T Continues Supporting Christina Noble Children's Foundation to Help Underprivileged Children (December 7, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30191&mapcode=

AT&T's Undersea Cable Capacity Grows with Asia America Gateway Submarine Cable Network (December 3, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=29023&mapcode=

AT&T and Lenovo Unveil Lenovo PCs Bundled with AT&T Tech Support 360 for Small and Midsize Businesses (December 3, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=29022&mapcode=

AT&T Small Business Technology Makeover Contest Jumpstarts Five Winning Small Businesses (December 2, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=28275&mapcode=

AT&T and NYC & Company Announce Two-Year Integrated Advertising and Marketing Agreement (November 30, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27631&mapcode=

AT&T Wins Capacity Magazine's 'Best U.S. Metropolitan Wholesale Offering' Award (November 24, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27586&mapcode=

AT&T Telepresence Solution Helps Cerner Connect Clients, Associates Around the Globe (November 23, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27579&mapcode=

Wound Technology Network Teams with AT&T to Faciliate Treatment of Chronically Wounded Patients in Their Homes (November 19, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27571&mapcode=

AT&T Recognized for Excellence in New Product Innovation by Analyst Firm Frost & Sullivan (November 19, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27569&mapcode=

AT&T and Kore Telematics Team to Simplify M2M Device Network Certification Process (November 18, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27563&mapcode=

AT&T Unveils Network-Based "on Demand" Computing for Companies of All Sizes (November 16, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27547&mapcode=

AT&T Recognized by Leading Analyst Firm with 'SMB Excellence Award' for Small Business Web Experience (November 12, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27531&mapcode=

AT&T Keeps United Road Services Trucking with Mobile Resource Management Solution (November 12, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27530&mapcode=

AT&T Supports Parikrma Humanity Foundation to Improve Quality of Education for Under-Served Children in India (November 11, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27517&mapcode=

AT&T to Offer Rave Mobile Safety Application for Higher Education Institutions (November 11, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27491&mapcode=

Cummins Signs with AT&T for Network Integration Services (November 9, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27458&mapcode=

AT&T Completes Acquisition of Centennial Communications (November 6, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27446&mapcode=

AT&T Wins Prestigious 2009 Nemertes Pilothouse Award (November 4, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27420&mapcode=

AT&T Global Network Extended to Kuwait Through Agreement with Qualitynet and NavLink (November 3, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27409&mapcode=

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Streamlines the Way its Mobile Workforce Works with AT&T (November 3, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27406&mapcode=

AT&T Announces Winners for 2009 Big Mobile on Campus Challenge (November 2, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27397&mapcode=

AT&T Wins 2009 Computerworld "Enterprise Intelligence" Award (October 29, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27500&mapcode=

AT&T Announces $12 Million Contract with the U.S. Department of Justice for Victim Notification System ( October 29, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27377&mapcode=

AT&T Upgrades Internet Security Suite with Award-Winning Mcafee Anti-Virus Software (October 29, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27376&mapcode=

Independent Research Firm Cites AT&T as a Leader in Managed Global MPLS Services (October 28, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27359&mapcode=

Aggressive Outreach to Small and Midsize Businesses Highlight Third Quarter for AT&T Business Solutions (October 22, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27296&mapcode=

AT&T Supports Efforts to Help Protect U.S. IT Infrastructure During Cyber Security Awareness Month (October 21, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27297&mapcode=

AT&T Announces an Additional Contribution of US $25,000 to Telecoms Sans Frontieres (October 21, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27292&mapcode=

AT&T Extends Mobile Enterprise Applications Platform to Consumer Goods and Hospitality Industries (October 19, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27247&mapcode=

NYK Taps into AT&T Global Network (October 15, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27240&mapcode=

AT&T Unveils Dell Notebooks and Netbooks Geared for Small Businesses (October 14, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27239&mapcode=

AT&T to Conduct Network Disaster Recovery Exercise in San Diego (October 14, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27232&mapcode=

AT&T Delivers Innovative Mobile Applications to the College Classroom and Beyond (October 14, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27231&mapcode=

AT&T and Centennial Communications Announce Justice Department Clearance for Acquisition of Centennial by AT&T (October 13, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27228&mapcode=

AT&T Scores Two Atlantic-ACM Wholesale Metro Carrier Excellence Awards (October 13, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27227&mapcode=

AT&T Adds Event, Threat Analysis and Device Management to Managed Security Service Offerings (October 13, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27219&mapcode=

AT&T Connects New Zealand's Giant Rugby Ball to the World (October 12, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=30256&mapcode=

SAS Selects AT&T for Networking Services in Latin America (October 8, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27215&mapcode=

Plastipak Enhances Mobile and Global Networking Functions Through Recent $2.25 Million Contracts with AT&T (October 8, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27213&mapcode=

AT&T and Numerex Team to Address M2M Enterprise Needs (October 7, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27210&mapcode=

AT&T to Manage Global Network Services for MEI (October 1, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27190&mapcode=

AT&T Acquires VeriSign's Global Security Consulting Business (October 1, 2009)

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27183&mapcode=

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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. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

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