DALLAS, -- November 17, 1999 -- Sprint (NYSE: FON) and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced the availability of three complete Internet access packages for businesses. The Sprint and Cisco offer, called Enterprise Internet Access Solutions, will provide businesses of all sizes with a convenient solution for connecting to the Internet. These solutions, the product of a relationship that brings together Sprint's advanced network technologies along with Cisco's best-in-class networking expertise, allow customers to select high-quality, scalable services that meet their business needs today and in the future.
The three comprehensive Internet access solutions are designed to meet low, medium, and high-end bandwidth needs: Businesses with minimal bandwidth requirements (128Kb connection), or those looking to expand their current Internet applications beyond basic services (T1 connection), and companies who want to conduct online commerce through a dedicated connection (DS3 connection). Additionally, each of these packages will give businesses everything they need to access the Internet at one fixed price, alleviating business issues over highly volatile usage costs. In addition to Sprint's and Cisco's award-winning customer service, Internet access customers' e-business data transmissions will also benefit from the reliability of Sprint's SONET ring network, providing exceptional survivability and service consistency. Also, as business grows, Sprint will provide seamless migration to higher connectivity.
Sprint and Cisco Announce Internet Solutions
With the teaming of Sprint and Cisco, businesses of all sizes can now realize the benefits of a simplified, cost-efficient network solution that frees their staff to focus on their core business strategies. This new teaming of Sprint and Cisco will also result in faster deployment of Internet access services in a more reliable, secure and scalable manner. The companies will assure interoperability between all network and customer premise equipment (CPE) elements, and provide the highest service guarantees for end-to-end availability.
The digital economy has forced companies to become e-businesses and expand their reach to customers, suppliers and partners through the Internet," said Tammy Cancela, vice president of Large Business Marketing for Sprint. "Reliable, efficient and secure Internet access is an essential part of any e-business strategy and this combination will give business customers unmatched expertise in providing the foundation upon which they can improve their business processes through the use of applications for enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, e-commerce and other applications."
Sprint will provide customers with the necessary CPE to be configured and installed as part of the service. Each customer will receive a Cisco router tailored specifically to their needs and access method, and on projected future growth of their businesses networking needs. As enterprises grow, Cisco will continue to ensure that customers are aware of the latest networking technology developments.
Specific features of this offer are:
- Assessment of the appropriate Internet connection package, based on business needs
- Installation and maintenance of the dedicated Internet connection and CPE
- Assured interoperability and reliability of hardware and network connection
- Fixed price, no usage costs
- Service guarantees offering 99.9% - 100% end-to-end availability
- 7x24x365 customer service for technical support and troubleshooting
- Standard with the packages is Primary and Secondary Domain Name service, IP address registration, and a Network News Feed
Sprint and Cisco Announce Internet Solutions
"Sprint and Cisco have proven track records for technology excellence and customer satisfaction," said Larry Lang, vice president of Service Provider Marketing for Cisco. "These new offerings give businesses a superior solution for their data networking needs, along with a team of experts in delivering, developing and supporting mission-critical IP solutions."
Information regarding the Sprint and Cisco IP package solutions can be found on the Web at www.sprint.com/ipbundle. Companies already connected to the Internet will want to see how they can connect to Sprint's industry-leading IP backbone and benefit from aggressive service-level agreements that ensure reliable operation, quick access and enhanced communication capabilities.
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company - at the forefront of integrating long- distance, local and wireless communications services, and one of the largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 20 million business and residential customers.
