Level 3 Launches New Service Solution to Simplify Network Complexity and Improve Application Performance for Enterprises

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced that it is now offering a new wide area networking (WAN) solution for enterprises. The solution offers a comprehensive approach to enterprise networking needs, including an integrated portfolio of Level 3's advanced services, to better enable enterprises to optimize the performance of critical business applications. As part of this solution, Level 3 is packaging services such as dedicated Internet access (DIA), multi-protocol label switching (MPLS)-based virtual private network (VPN), Ethernet and managed services as well as extending its professional services portfolio to support business needs behind the customer premise equipment, whether it be network design, onsite project management or simply staff augmentation.

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"Providers need to step up their focus on managed and professional services, because simplification and standardization are crucial components of succeeding in today's rapidly interconnected, global marketplace," said Robert F. Mason, Network and Communications Services Research Director, Gartner, Inc. "In order to remain competitive, enterprises need to emphasize solutions that optimize application performance and improve productivity across their lines of business."

Given the rising adoption of virtualization, mobility and cloud applications, enterprises are increasingly struggling with complex networks whose architecture hampers overall business productivity and efficiency. Enterprise application data flows have changed, and outdated network architectures can increase latency, or traffic delays, dramatically, resulting in reduced application performance. The increasing amount and complexity of network traffic for businesses requires comprehensive solutions that can prioritize and accelerate essential applications and enhance their performance.

"Level 3 has a proven and experienced team of network professionals that is dedicated to continually improving its advanced network services in order to offer our customers a comprehensive solution to meeting their various business challenges," said Paul Savill, senior vice president of Data, Transport and Infrastructure Services for Level 3. "By building in features such as WAN optimization and professional services, our new WAN offering is an integrated package designed to help enterprises improve the performance of their critical applications, consolidate network management and, ultimately, succeed in their market."

Level 3's new WAN solution includes multiple components that offer an integrated approach to solving complex network management. The package includes: improved WAN assessment and design that incorporates professional services, varying levels of managed services for customer equipment, network-based firewalls to speed up access to cloud applications, WAN optimization that offers increased visibility into application performance, and a full portfolio of Level 3's advanced, award-winning data services. In addition to these components, new Ethernet access options with competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and cable partners extend Level 3's reach to help enterprises lower total costs while maintaining end-to-end service level agreements (SLAs).

For more information on Level 3's WAN solution, visit http://www.level3.com/Solutions/business-need/Smart-WAN.aspx.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.Level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.  Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo  are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.  Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.  Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to:  the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. 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 press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Level 3 Communications, Inc.