SYDNEY, Australia - September 15, 2005 - BarNet, a not-for-profit service provider, is delivering greater flexibility and mobility to its customers in the legal profession through a converged networking solution from Cisco Systems® and Touchbase.

The solution, based on Internet Protocol (IP) networking, helps legal professionals lower the cost of doing business by providing voice and data across one IP network. The IP Communications network uses Cisco® 7960 Series IP phones, Cisco CallManager call-processing software, Cisco Catalyst® switches, Cisco Unity® Unified Messaging software, and Cisco network-security hardware and software.

Director of BarNet, Michael Green, said; "Communicating with clients is an essential function of what barristers and legal professionals do. Technology presents a great opportunity to become more effective in communications. Clients and barristers appreciate the way in which Cisco IP Communications solutions streamline communications and simplify the way we do business with our clients. In addition, the solution allows BarNet to provide resources that support quality-of-life programs, like offering the possibility to keep the business going while on extended parenting leave. We have been able to bring true value and time efficiencies to this group of professionals."

The solution also helps improve productivity by providing highly secure access to critical information in a range of working environments. Legal professionals can gain access to information when they are away from the office using a virtual private network (VPN) with industry-leading security features. The IP solution allows users to access voice mail through Microsoft Outlook, receive voice-mail messages in the form of e-mail messages and respond to e-mail messages using text-to-speech technology, regardless of their geographical location.

Cisco managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Ross Fowler, said; "BarNet needed a solution to meet the current and emerging communications needs of its users and ease the day-to-day pressure of their jobs. BarNet understands the need for IP technologies to create real, measurable benefits and Cisco's IP Communications solution delivers on that."

Cisco worked closely with converged network solutions provider, Touchbase, to provide the solution to BarNet. Magnus Maynard, managing director, Touchbase Australia and New Zealand, said, "This is a great example of how IP Communications can deliver real value to professionals that need the ability to work outside the traditional office environment. After understanding what BarNet wanted to achieve, Touchbase recommended this Cisco IP Communications solution because it exactly meets BarNet's needs."

About BarNet

BarNet was founded in 1998 by a group of Barristers that wanted to deliver hi-tech functionality in a simple to use manner, to a user group not traditionally noted for its adoption of cutting edge solutions. BarNet's clients base has increased and is set to expand even further within the next two years as it offers its services Australia wide. BarNet sees the convergence of voice and data as an important drive in its delivery of flexible and scalable solutions to its diverse client base.