IBM and AT&T Strengthen Alliance by Offering Advanced Cloud Networking to Businesses
ARMONK, N.Y. and DALLAS, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM and AT&T* are teaming to help businesses manage their networking services more effectively and efficiently.
In a world in which hybrid cloud and IT-as-a-service deployments have quickly become a business imperative, existing networks do not offer the agility and support needed to respond to the demands of today's ever-changing business climate.
AT&T and IBM are working together to help businesses meet these needs. Through the expansion of their strategic relationship, IBM will take advantage of AT&T's new offering AT&T FlexWare, a transformative solution announced this summer that makes it easy to set up and manage virtual network functions (VNFs) on a single device. AT&T FlexWare, formerly called AT&T Network Functions on Demand, is available globally through the AT&T Network on Demand platform. The solution features both software-defined networking and network function virtualization technologies.
By taking advantage of IBM's sales and marketing teams, the two companies are extending their global reach to bring new capabilities and additional cost savings to companies. AT&T will also be able to run applications on IBM's cloud, cognitive, analytics and security infrastructure. In addition to making this available to clients, IBM has begun to roll out AT&T FlexWare in many of its own sites.
AT&T's software-centric network architecture better enables companies to dynamically order, change and provision network services and functions. That means they can quickly respond to business needs and have the right adjustments made in near real-time.
"Working with AT&T, we continually are innovating in ways that not only meet our clients' business objectives, but also strengthen one of the industry's most powerful one-two punches," said Richard Patterson, general manager, Infrastructure Services at IBM. "IBM will use these technologies to support the hybrid cloud evolution and deliver greater services to our clients."
"Today represents the latest step in a long and mutually beneficial relationship between IBM and AT&T," said Steve McGaw, chief marketing officer, AT&T Business Solutions. "By expanding our relationship with IBM, more customers will be able to take advantage of AT&T FlexWare that will adapt and grow with customers' business needs."
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high-speed internet and voice services. We're the world's largest provider of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. We offer the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider.* And we help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.
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*Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; voice roaming; and world-capable smartphone and tablets in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries.
About IBM Global Technology Services
IBM Global Technology Services offers end-to-end IT consulting and business services supported by an unparalleled global delivery network that is transforming its business to lead in an era of Cognitive and Cloud. As a cloud services integrator, GTS is managing the services and underlying infrastructure in an integrated and unified way. It is modernizing clients' IT environments to help them meet the increasingly complex customer demands. GTS provides clients with innovative technology solutions that help them to improve their business processes and in turn, profitability.
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.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.
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