SAN JOSE, Calif. -- January 28, 1998 -- U S WEST Communications and Cisco Systems Inc. today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a strategic alliance to support U S WEST's plans for deploying next-generation network services to businesses and consumers nationwide.
U S WEST has designated Cisco as its strategic vendor for data network infrastructure and for resale of customer-premise equipment (CPE). U S WEST will extensively use Cisco equipment in a nationwide build-out of an integrated voice-data network, and in its integration services for customers.
U S WEST will install Cisco BPX wide-area network ATM switchesin over 80 points of presence (POPs) around the United States by the end of 1998. Deployment in the first of these POPs has already begun. This will enable U S WEST to offer ATM and Internet access services to large business customers nationwide. Previously, U S WEST announced that it intends to deploy over 200,000 Cisco dial ports for its consumer and business Internet and dial access services over the next five years. U S WEST will deploy Cisco AccessPath dial access systems, including the Cisco AS5200 and Cisco AS5300 universal access servers.
The advanced network infrastructure enabled by Cisco will be used by U S WEST in four areas:
- extension of data services to consumer markets;
- creation of new network-enabled services for small businesses and teleworkers;
- expansion of corporate data services nationwide; and
- integration of voice and data networks.
The two companies also will explore collaboration in developing and deploying advanced technologies in several areas, including: voice-data integration; frame relay services; ATM backbone switching architectures; network publishing; and IP telephony.
Because of its commitment to reliable, secure and high-performance Internet services, U S WEST has been designated a Cisco Powered Network. The relationship highlights U S WEST's focus on using intelligent broadband IP networking to deliver enhanced connectivity and network-based applications to its customers.
In the Cisco Powered Network Program, U S WEST will provide services based predominantly on Cisco equipment and software in its out-of-region data network. U S WEST's participation in the program - including use of the Cisco Powered Network logo to brand its services and marketing support materials - demonstrates U S WEST's ability to provide innovative services and industry-leading technology solutions.
"U S WEST is making a major commitment to bringing advanced network services to consumers and small businesses, as well as large companies," said Solomon D. Trujillo, President and Chief Executive Officer of U S WEST Communications. "Partnering with Cisco will accelerate our time-to-market for these new services and increase the quality and range of services we offer to our customers."
John Chambers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, said, "Next-generation networks like the ones being deployed by U S WEST will help enable the Internet generation of applications and services. Cisco is pleased to be working with U S WEST to bring these advanced services to market."
About U S WEST
U S WEST Communications (NYSE:USW) provides a full range of telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS and data networking -- to more than 25 million customers in 14 western and midwestern states. The company is one of two major groups that make up U S WEST, a company in the connections business, helping customers share information, entertainment and communications services in local markets worldwide. U S WEST's other major group, MediaOne Group, is involved in domestic and international cable and telephone, wireless communications, and directory and information services. U S WEST has proposed splitting the two groups into separate public companies sometime after mid-1998, pending shareowner and other approvals."
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information areavailable athttp://www.cisco.com.
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