STERLING, VA., Nov. 23, 1999 - Network Access Solutions (NASDAQ: NASC), one of the nation's leading broadband solutions companies, today announced it is working with Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, to offer businesses enhanced business-class Internet access services. NAS has also been awarded Cisco Powered Network (CPN) certification.
The Cisco Powered Network certification represents NAS' next step towards introducing an enhanced business-class Internet access service as Cisco routers are integrated into the NAS CopperNet. service portfolio. As a result, NAS will become the first broadband solutions company to include customer premises equipment (CPE) in a fully managed, bundled service for a monthly recurring service fee. The new NAS service includes CPE, staging, installation, maintenance, monitoring, Internet connectivity and transport in a single service bundle. Customers can, therefore, rely on NAS for complete end-to-end support.
"As a participant in the Cisco Powered Network Program, NAS joins a select group of service providers worldwide that Cisco supports to achieve industry-leading levels of network quality and customer satisfaction," said Jon Aust, NAS chairman and CEO. "With this important 'stamp of approval,' we are in an excellent position to give our customers access to an enhanced business-class Internet service within the next 90 days."
The NAS service uses Cisco 2600 and 3600 series modular access routers and Cisco 7200 high-performance multi-function routers to incorporate quality of service controls and greater traffic management capabilities into the network to deliver flexible, cost-effective business-class Internet services to customers. The new managed Internet service is designed to support corporate data applications such as e-mail, file transfers and web access. Companies can use the service to replace traditional T-1 service with SDSL access.
"Our relationship with NAS will enable NAS customers to access a high level of network interoperability and performance and advanced New World services such as integrated high-speed distribution, Internet access, voice and video streaming," said Larry Lang, Cisco vice president of service provider marketing. "As a certified Cisco Powered Network service, NAS customers can be confident they are receiving cutting-edge technology and service."
"Cisco certification is an important milestone for NAS, and provides the next step towards the roll-out of a series of broadband and IP-based services that reduce transport costs and improve network management, reliability and security," said Aust. "We are constantly looking for new ways we can use our CopperNet. DSL network to offer value-added broadband services to our customers. We're able to meet many of these needs by bundling Cisco's world-class equipment into our service portfolio."
About NAS
Network Access Solutions (NAS) is one of the nation's leading broadband solutions companies. Founded in 1995, the company provides an unparalleled portfolio of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and broadband networking services in the Bell Atlantic region. The Bell Atlantic region is home to 35% of the world's data communications traffic and the densest collection of businesses in the U.S. By September 30, 1999, NAS had equipped 267 central offices (CO's) with DSL technology 15% ahead of schedule, and is well positioned to meet its intended goal of 360 CO's by year end 1999. NAS will then have access to 85% of the business population in the Northeast, and will be uniquely positioned to address the growing demand for broadband services in this market.
NAS recently announced it was experiencing significant customer growth due to the unique "value" strategy it has chosen as a foundation for its business. NAS gives customers access to a deep DSL network footprint and a robust broadband services "bundle." NAS' hallmark DSL service-CopperNet.-provides high-speed, "always on" local, metropolitan and wide-area connectivity. CopperNet is a seamless, cost-effective replacement for traditional T-1 and ISDN lines, and can save companies of all sizes as much as 70% in local facilities expenses. NAS' value-added broadband solutions portfolio includes network consulting, integration, management and security services. The NAS network supports traditional and packet-based services such as ATM, frame relay, and IP.
In June, 1999, NAS raised $84 million in an Initial Public Offering that included an $11 million investment from SBC and Telefonos de Mexico.
For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.NAS-corp.com.
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet.Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include those described under "Risk Factors" in NAS' June 1999 IPO Prospectus, which include, among other things, (i) the Company's ability to successfully market its services to current and new customers; (ii) the extent of increasing competition; (iii) trends in regulatory, legislative and judicial developments; and (iv) the Company's ability to manage growth of its operations. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
