ATLANTA, August 22, 2001 BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today introduced BellSouth. Complete Frame, the latest addition to BellSouth's suite of innovative, integrated data solutions. Complete Frame allows companies to streamline and expand existing networks by combining frame relay data transport, customer premises equipment (CPE) and network management services. This convenient, one-stop solution allows customers to rely on BellSouth as the single provider to install and maintain the integrated data solution.
BellSouth is delivering the end-to-end solution to business customers as a comprehensive, packaged offering that allows companies to build or expand networks without incurring the added expense of growing an IT staff to support the expansion. As part of the Complete Frame solution customers can rely on BellSouth's experienced team of network management professionals to monitor, isolate and troubleshoot network problems.
"Our customers want to expand their data networks by implementing solutions that are cost-effective and easily managed," said Joan Kratz, vice president of BellSouth Business. "BellSouth is committed to combining our industry-leading network services and equipment to provide integrated data solutions that companies can rely on to meet the increasing demands of an e-business economy."
"With twenty-two locations throughout the Southeast, we rely on constant, reliable data communications to share critical information among offices," said Don Blalock, chief financial officer of Plymart Inc. a lumber and building supply company with locations in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. "Because BellSouth provides the complete solution, I no longer work with multiple vendors who understand just one piece of my entire data network. Complete Frame also allows me to turn over the network management to BellSouth, allowing me to reallocate IT spending and invest in growing new revenue."
Complete Frame combines BellSouth's # 1 ranked frame relay service*, intelligent PVCs that automatically re-route data traffic when a service interruption occurs, choice routers and BellSouth's Managed Router Service. The comprehensive offering creates a high-performance Wide Area Network (WAN) solution that ensures mission critical data flows freely and securely, allowing customers to expand e-business applications.
Complete Frame offers:7 BellSouth Frame Relay - Speeds ranging from 64 Kbps to 45 Mbps
7 BellSouth Installation and Maintenance
7 CPE - Pre-configured routers
7 eMRS - BellSouth's 24x7 Enhanced Managed Router Service
"BellSouth is dedicated to providing solutions that help businesses build a fully integrated data network that meets their e-business needs," said Mark Kaish, vice president of BellSouth data product management and equipment services. "BellSouth is continuing to deploy technologically advanced, data solutions that support BellSouth's commitment to providing our customers the tools needed to build a converged network."
Two-thirds of the traffic on BellSouth's network today is data. As BellSouth continues its evolution to a data-centric communications company, it is continuing to enhance and expand its data integration portfolio.
The list of enhancements developed in 2001 include:7Subrate T3 - Industry-leading frame relay development offering bandwidth-on-demand up to 45 Mbps
7AVVID - Architecture for VoIP applications and voice, video and data integration
7Managed Security Enhancements - Additional security features for Dedicated Web Hosting and Managed Security Services
BellSouth has woven its suite of data integration solutions into the foundation of its carefully constructed e-Platform. BellSouth's e-Platform consists of a state-of-the-art network with over 3.6 million miles of fiber optic cable, two world-class e-business centers, a team of highly trained network management professionals and key alliances with industry-leading communications technology companies.
"Forming key relationships with leading companies is one way BellSouth is enhancing its data networking portfolio," added Kaish. "BellSouth's relationships with companies like Cisco and IBM enable BellSouth to deliver complete solutions that strengthen BellSouth's e-Platform and allow us to provide integrated data solutions that streamline and optimize our customers' business operations."
Agreements with companies such as Cisco Systems and IBM support BellSouth's commitment to providing a strong foundation on which customers can build a converged voice and data network. In addition, BellSouth recently achieved Gold Channel Partner status from Cisco. BellSouth's completion of Cisco's rigorous partner training demonstrates that BellSouth's team of sales and technical experts offers customers the consultative and implementation skills needed to guide businesses along the path to building a converged network. BellSouth also earned IBM's Hosting Advantage, enhancing BellSouth's Web Hosting platform. The IBM relationship enables BellSouth to deploy data solutions to a national marketplace.
More information about BellSouth's complete portfolio of data integration solutions can be found at www.bellsouth.com.
* 2001 North American Carrier Survey, Network Magazine
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, GA, serving more than 45 million customers in the United States and 16 other countries.
Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data and e-commerce solutions to business customers, including Web hosting and other Internet services. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services, including BellSouth. RealPagesSM.com.
BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative wireless data and voice services.
