Designated Premier Partner by Cisco Systems
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- May 5, 1999 -- Norstan, Inc. (NASDAQ: NRRD) todayannounced the formation of a new business unit, Multiservice NetworkingSolutions. This new organization will design and install world-class networkinfrastructure solutions necessary for Norstan customers to capitalize on theconvergence of voice, video and data. In addition to voice, video and dataintegration services, Norstan also will provide customers other networksolutions through its infrastructure support service offerings. Michael J.Theisen will head this new organization as vice president of MultiserviceNetworking Solutions, reporting to Norstan President and CEO David R. Richard.
In making the announcement, Richard said: "As we look toward the future, wewill continue to increase our presence in the multiservice networking arena. Under Mike Theisen's leadership, we will consolidate several areas of Norstanexpertise in voice, video and data into a single unit that will focus on newopportunities in network application and development."
Norstan's Multiservice Networking Solutions organization will include Norstan'sexisting Call Center Solutions and Conferencing Services groups, itsPhoenix-based tele-education and tele-medicine business, and NorstanConsulting's network infrastructure support services teams. Unified Messagingand Multiservices/Voice Over Internet Protocol services will be developed.
"We're looking forward to building our consulting and delivery capability inthis exciting new communications area," said Theisen. "By providing ourcustomers with the best and most up-to-date infrastructure, such as backbonenetworks from Cisco Systems and others, we help our customers better servetheir customers; position them for future growth; and, make them more competitive. In the process, we expect to generate more businessapplications from Norstan Consulting and drive technology product sales forNorstan's Communication Solutions organization."
Norstan Teams with Cisco Systems
In a related announcement, Norstan's David R. Richard also reported thatNorstan has been designated a Premier Partner by San Jose-based Cisco Systems. Through this new business relationship, Norstan will offer multiservicenetworking solutions to Cisco customers. Specifically, Norstan's newMultiservice Networking Solutions group will work directly with Cisco'sInstallation and Implementation Services to provide customers with a variety ofvoice, video and data solutions to meet their business needs. Customersbenefiting from the Cisco-Norstan collaboration are those installing orexpanding Cisco LANs, WANs and global WANs, in industries including banking,manufacturing, retailing, finance, healthcare and others."Cisco Systems offers the industry's broadest range of hardware products usedto form information networks or create access to those networks," saidRichard. "Norstan is an end-to-end business consulting and technology partnerto global customers seeking sustained competitive advantage. This newrelationship with Cisco will enable Norstan to provide strategic advisoryservices, enterprise relationship management and planning, e-commerce andapplication development and infrastructure services to Cisco customers."
Commenting on the report, Clayton Reed, Cisco System's vice president ofservice, sales and marketing, said: "Since it was founded more than 25 yearsago, Norstan has evolved into a technology services market leader and hasdemonstrated a high degree of competency in delivering data, voice and videosolutions to their customer base. As Cisco continues to drive solutions in theconvergence of data, voice and video, the partnership with Norstan enhances ourability to deliver a higher level of value to a wider range of customers."
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.Norstan and Cisco Systems and associated product names are trademarks orregistered trademarks of Norstan, Inc. or Cisco Systems in the United Statesand/or other countries. The use of the word "partner" or "partnership" doesnot imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any of its resellers.
Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
