PHOENIX, AZ., December 11, 2000 - Inter-Tel.NET, Inc., a subsidiary of Inter-Tel, Incorporated (NASDAQ NNM-INTL) and a leading packet switched IP long distance carrier, today announced its network expansion of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services based on a Cisco network. These services, which include transport and termination services, a switched 1+VoIP, voice, fax and modem service, and Network Monitoring Operations Center Services, are provided to telecommunication carriers, business enterprises and other service providers. It will enable telephony communications service providers to offer their consumers high quality voice communications. Additionally, Inter-Tel.NET has qualified for Cisco Powered Network status. This designation confirms that Inter-Tel.NET has met the criteria established by Cisco for its Cisco Powered Network Program. Inter-Tel.NET is upgrading its gateway equipment to Cisco AS5300 and AS5800 Voice Gateways, and utilizing multiple 3660 multi-service access routers designed to enhance the service capabilities and capacities of its IP network.
"The addition of Cisco Gateways throughout our worldwide network, when completed, is expected to represent a 100% increase in Inter-Tel.NET's network capacity. Cisco is the worldwide leader in Internet networking, and Inter-Tel.NET plans to use Cisco's IP telephony products to enhance the features of our network," said Todd West, vice president of operations for Inter-Tel.NET. Inter-Tel.NET's deployment of Cisco's market leading products demonstrates Inter-Tel.NET's commitment to deliver security and reliability to its customers.
"We are pleased to be working with a customer such as Inter-Tel.NET," said Kevin Outcalt, senior director of service provider marketing for Cisco. "Their decision to build a network using the industry leading equipment from Cisco is one which should give their customers confidence".
Ross McAlpine, president of Inter-Tel.NET stated, "We are extremely pleased to have achieved the Cisco Powered Network designation for our Voice over IP (VoIP) services. We share Cisco's vision that the IP network is the foundation for building enhanced services over a data network." McAlpine added, "Inter-Tel.NET has established a leadership position delivering a high-quality, cost-effective, international packet switched IP communication network. We serve telecommunication carriers, business enterprises and other service providers, enabling telephony communication service providers to offer their end users high quality global voice, fax and other enhanced services at competitive rates."
