Nortel Networks Unveils Converged Networking Solutions

ATLANTA, GA - Nortel Networks [NYSE/TSX: NT] has unveiled new communications solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses and support for enterprise branch offices. By simplifying network infrastructures, Nortel Networks hopes to offer small- and medium-sized businesses a consistent, reliable and secure user experience, minimize total cost of network ownership and eliminate many communications barriers that exist among customers, partners, suppliers and employees. "To support our primary operations at the theatre and seamlessly connect our administrative offices with a single IP network that did not disrupt our existing ticket sales operations, we required a very flexible solution," said Michael Fox, comptroller of Ford's Theatre, a working theatre and museum located in Washington, D.C. "We needed a reliable, high-performance IP telephony system that allowed paging services in two locations simultaneously. Nortel Networks Business Communications Manager provides not only the performance we require, but is able to accommodate many unique features that address our specific needs and enables us to reduce operational costs as well." Nortel Networks Business Communications Manager Release 3.5 integrates voice features with Quality of Service (QoS), secure network access, unified messaging and call routing, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), and product enhancements that support. It supports applications, enhanced networking, security, management and investment protection. "This comprehensive suite of customized, market-leading products is designed to enable small- and medium-sized businesses to leverage their existing telephony investments to migrate to an all-IP network while sidestepping time-consuming and costly integration issues," said Greg Merritt, vice president, marketing, Enterprise Networks, Nortel Networks. "As part of our 'One network. A world of choice.' enterprise technology vision, this portfolio also demonstrates that we are fully committed to delivering a breadth of convergence choices to all of our enterprise customers." Also from Nortel

A4 Health Systems Selects Sprint and Nortel Networks for Converged Voice, Data, Wireless Contact Center Services OVERLAND PARK, KS - A4 HEALTH SYSTEMS®, a provider of Electronic Medical Record solutions, has selected converged voice, data and wireless contact center services from Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) and Nortel Networks [NYSE/TSX: NT]. Through an existing strategic alliance the two companies will help A4 enhance customer access to contact center agents and provide the reliable, high-speed communications services needed to deliver advanced healthcare information management services to more than 1,100 physician and hospital customers nationwide. "The $1.3 trillion healthcare market has a 14 percent share of the gross domestic product, but is one of the least automated sectors in the economy," said David Bond, executive vice president, Ambulatory Division, A4 HEALTH SYSTEMS. "A4 is on a mission to change that. Collectively, Sprint and Nortel Networks solutions will provide a combination of network assets - wireless and wireline - and the business expertise to help us engage our customers, strengthen our position in the marketplace and enable better management of clinical, financial and administrative processes within every healthcare setting." Under a multiyear agreement between Sprint and A4, Sprint and Nortel Networks Succession will deliver converged voice and data services, including an Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) that will enhance the quality, security, reliability and efficiency of the A4 network. The converged network will also enhance collaboration with applications such as unified messaging, and make those applications easier to use regardless of location. "A4 is working to ensure that its customers are among the most efficient and effective in the industry and that their customers have access to both traditional and emerging technologies," said Marilyn Midyette, regional vice president, Sprint Business - Southeast. "We've worked with Nortel Networks to develop a portfolio of services designed specifically to meet the same objective, and at the same time, we are focused on meeting the particular needs of key industries, such as healthcare companies. Our ability to be a one-stop shop for wireless and wireline services, combined with our complementary view of the future of healthcare, makes this an excellent match."