News Release

Fibernet and Cisco Combine Efforts in First Ever European Multi Services Networking Partnership

Cisco Powered Network to Deliver Advanced End-to-End
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Jul 19, 1999

Cisco Powered Network to Deliver Advanced End-to-End Networking Services to Customers in the UK



LONDON, UK -- July 19, 1999 -- Fibernet Group PLC and Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced that they are combining efforts in an innovative Multi Service Network Partnership to offer a range of New World services including ATM and IP based Virtual Private Networks, Voice over IP and Voice over ATM services to business customers with multiple sites across the UK. This Multi Service Network Partnership is the first Cisco Powered Network agreement of its kind in Europe and will enable Fibernet to offer converged data and voice services on a single network.

With a Cisco Powered Network, Fibernet offers customers reliable, secure and high-performance nationwide managed IP network services. The relationship highlights Fibernet's and Cisco's focus on using intelligent broadband IP networking to deliver enhanced connectivity and network-based applications.

"Cisco shares our vision that the IP network is the foundation for delivering intelligent business solutions, providing our customers with strategic competitive advantages," said Nigel Pitcher, Assistant Director of Marketing, Fibernet. "By working with a leader such as Cisco, we have been able to bring advanced, differentiated networking solutions to market extremely quickly offering the all important IP quality of service controls that customers now demand."

Fibernet will use a variety of Cisco equipment end-to-end to build a multi-service IP infrastructure including the GSR 12000 router, IGX ATM switch and the AS5300.

"Cisco's high-performance, reliable networking solutions enable service providers to offer consistent services," said Paul Mountford vice president of Cisco's Service Provider Line of Business in Europe, Middle East & Africa. "Fibernet's relationship with Cisco will enable Fibernet customers to be confident that their service provider will deliver a high level of network interoperability and performance, as well as new, advanced, and differentiated services."

In the Cisco Powered Network Program, Fibernet will provide services based predominantly on Cisco equipment and software. Fibernet's participation in the program - including use of the Cisco Powered Network logo to brand its services and marketing support materials - demonstrates Fibernet's ability to provide innovative services and industry-leading technology solutions.

About Fibernet Group Plc

Fibernet is dedicated to the design, supply, installation, management and support of high-speed data networks across the enterprise. In the Wide Area, Fibernet owns and operates the TANet national fibre optic network. Leveraging DWDM, SDH, ATM and IP technologies at more than 40 UK Points of Presence, TANet delivers integrated data, voice and video services to multi-sited organisations across the UK. In the Local Area, Fibernet's products include hubs, switches, routers and management products that are integrated with TANet services on behalf of clients to provide resilient, high speed, enterprise wide backbone networks. The company has its headquarters in Berkshire and has sales and support offices in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin. Visit the web-site at: http://www.fibernet.co.uk

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.

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