GridNet will provide virtual private networks (VPNs) to corporatecustomers, virtual network access point (NAP) services to Internet serviceproviders and Internet interchange services to local exchange carriers suchas the regional Bell operating companies, all over an Asynchronous TransferMode (ATM) fabric. Additionally, GridNet will provide dial-in IP andtransaction services to current WorldCom customers, providing access toboth client hosts and the Internet.

Jon Shantz, Cisco's vice president for the Service Provider Market, said,"GridNet is a leading-edge service provider that understands the breadthand integration of Cisco's product line. We are excited about ourrelationship with GridNet because it demonstrates Cisco's capability tohelp service providers define, deploy and manage the next generation ofdata services."

GridNet is using the existing nationwide and international ATM facilitiesof WorldCom for its new range of services. The new services are alreadyavailable in 80 metropolitan areas and will grow to more than 160 beforeyear's end. "The services GridNet will provide parallel several keystrategies that Cisco embraces, especially in virtual private networks andvirtual NAP services," said O.G. Greene, chief executive officer andpresident of GridNet.

With the rapid expansion of intranet and Internet services, "the Grid,"GridNet's network, is well positioned to provide a broad suite ofvalue-added services to corporate users demanding remote access tocorporate databases and to ISPs looking for nationwide access for Internetservices.

For corporate customers, a suite of VPN services allows telecom managers tohave all the advantages of a traditional leased line network, at lower costand with service and reliability advantages. Telecommuters and businesstravelers can connect remotely to corporate networks remotely with the newconvenient dial-up services.

GridNet is a limited liabilitycorporation majority owned by WorldCom, Inc.WorldCom is one of the largest long distance telecommunications companiesin the United States, offering domestic and international voice, data andvideo products and services to business customers, other carriers and theresidential market. The company operates a nationwide digital fiber opticnetwork in the United States and has worldwide network capacity. Thecommon shares of WorldCom, Inc. trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market's NationalMarket under the symbol WCOM. News and services information are availableat World Wide Web site http://www.wiltel.com.

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the leading globalsupplier ofinternetworkingsolutions for corporate intranets and the global Internet.Cisco's products, including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-up accessservers and network management software, are integrated by the Cisco IOSsoftware to link geographically dispersed LANs, WANs and IBM networks.Company news and product/service information are available at World WideWeb site http://www.cisco.com.Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, California.