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BT Ignite Announces UK's First Business Driven Technology Platform To Deliver Business Transformation

April 19, 2002 - The first key component of the UK's first ICT business platform architecture was today announced by BT Ignite, BT Group's international solutions and broadband business.

BT Ignite's transform solution - BT Transform - is a new information and communications technology (ICT) business platform based on Internet Protocol (IP) technology that will enable UK businesses to access a broad portfolio of voice, data and video services and applications via a single, broadband network. BT Ignite Solutions' customers will be able to use BT Transform to "transform" their businesses simply and cost-effectively through rapidly deploying new business processes, applications and services.

At the core of BT Transform is BT Ignite's advanced IP VPN (Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network) technology. Working with Cisco Systems and building on BT Ignite's existing UK network of 150 points of presence, BT Transform will introduce Gigabit Ethernet over optical fibre, a highly flexible broadband access technology.

BT Transform reinforces BT's position as the market leader in IP in terms of investment, deployment and reach to create the largest IP VPN platform in the UK.

BT Transform will offer flexible bandwidth provision and first class quality of service, which allows customers to cost-effectively trial and deploy new technologies via the "pay as you require" (Application Service Provider) model, as and when they are needed.

Applications and services available via this platform, such as hosting, storage, business video and managed VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will be provided by BT Ignite, from its broad capability portfolio, as well as from selected best-of-breed technology partners. Initial capabilities within the BT Ignite portfolio include the new desktop data solutions pioneered by BT Ignite Solutions, the e-business and communications solutions unit within BT Ignite, which enable organisations to benefit from truly flexible working while at the same time reducing the total cost of ownership of the desktop.

Neil Rogers, president, BT Ignite Solutions, said:"BT Ignite's transform solution will become the first choice business platform for enterprise clients in the UK. Our customers will be able to use the platform to rapidly exploit new business opportunities and achieve greater flexibility and agility within their businesses.

"We have listened to our customers' needs and BT Transform builds on that understanding to provide a standardised roadmap to more features, functionality, flexibility and scalability as well as providing access to more services and products both now and in the future."

Steve Northledge, operations director, Cisco Systems, said: "The combination of Cisco's Ethernet to the Business (ETTB) solution with direct optical fibre helps provide business customers with the next-generation of broadband connectivity. Using Ethernet as a broadband transport technology opens up simple and scaleable Gigabit connectivity to businesses."

Additional benefits for customers include:

On tap, high-speed bandwidth which will allow access to a host of business applications, such managed desktop services
Access to a "utility" model where resources can be mass-customised and time to market can be radically reduced
Opportunities to use new business models that were not previously possible owing to cost and bandwidth constraints

This launch will mark the next step in the evolution of BT Ignite's solutions and continues investment in its existing IP VPN offering in the UK and Europe to create an extensive range of IP-based broadband services.

Notes to Editors

The full range of applications available to BT Ignite customers via this platform will include:

Directory-enabled networking
Quality of Service services
Storage and Business Continuity services
Security services
Advanced Voice
eCRM services
Internet services
Content Delivery services
Selected ASP and Process outsourcing services
IP VPN services
Professional services

About BT Ignite

BT Ignite - BT Group's international solutions and broadband business - is a leading provider of communications services to business and wholesale customers around the world. From e-commerce consultancy and solutions through to core networks and Internet connectivity, BT Ignite delivers across the entire IP value chain with a unique blend of content hosting, application service provision, systems integration and outsourcing capabilities. BT Ignite has established a strong European footprint and controls its own infrastructure. It serves customers through local sales and service support teams, with 54,000 route kilometres of fibre connecting 275 cities and over 20 content hosting centres. BT Ignite delivers worldwide services via its solutions operations and BT Global Business, in conjunction with other partners where required.

About BT Ignite Solutions

BT Ignite Solutions is the e-business and communications solutions unit within BT Ignite. The business provides solutions to help its clients to optimise customer value in an IP enabled world. Providing consultancy, e-business, e-CRM and network-centric applications, BT Ignite Solutions delivers and manages solutions on behalf of many of the world's largest and most respected organisations. BT Ignite Solutions is the largest provider of managed and outsourced network and IT solutions in the UK. It has more than 27,000 customers ranging from mid-sized companies to multi-national organisations in 92 countries across the globe.

For more information, visit: www.btignitesolutions.com

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, equipment is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

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