News Release

Colt Receives Cisco Powered Network Accreditation for its Internet Hosting & Dedicated Internet Access Services

LONDON, UK - 29th of March 2000 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today
cisco_building_corporate_002-jpg-1889882-1-0
Mar 29, 2000

LONDON, UK - 29th of March 2000 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced that Internet services offered by COLT Telecom Group plc (COLT) have achieved Cisco Powered Network accreditation. This applies to the dedicated Internet access and Internet hosting services that COLT provides for enterprises across Europe. To achieve accreditation, COLT has demonstrated that the appropriate networks for these services operate using at least 85 per cent Cisco hardware and software technology. The Cisco Powered Network program enables accredited service providers to demonstrate a high level of service quality and reliability to their customers.

COLT is uniquely positioned in the fast growing European service provider market. It has built and operates twenty city networks and is in the process of constructing its pan-European inter-city network, thereby guaranteeing end-to-end quality of service to customers. COLT, which provides Internet and telecommunications services to enterprises, new and emerging "dot com" companies and governmental customers, offers a portfolio of innovative, premium services - delivered via its access networks and COLT Internet Solution Centres. Being able to demonstrate the technical strength and quality of these services is a key part of COLT's long-term strategy to further build its customer base as its networks continue to expand. The Cisco Powered Network logo will be used widely within COLT's marketing activities, including customer seminars, direct mail, trade shows and press advertising.

"COLT operates in a highly competitive marketplace where a high level of service is expected as a given, and by focusing on quality we attract the most forward-thinking, ambitious customers. The Cisco Powered Network program will enable us to maintain this success in the future and differentiate ourselves in the marketplace as it becomes even more competitive," says Rob Mainor, Managing Director Internet, of COLT Telecom Group.

The Cisco Powered Network program offers the definitive independent mark of quality. "Our aim has always been to give Internet users a means to choose their Internet Service Provider based on proven quality," explains Paul Mountford, Vice-President, Service Providers EMEA, Cisco Systems, Inc.. "We set stringent criteria for eligibility, so the Cisco Powered Network logo carries a great deal of weight in the marketplace. A company such as COLT, with its emphasis on service, reliability and technical innovation is an ideal member of the Cisco Powered Network Program".