BOSTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Verizon's (NYSE:VZ) innovative Managed Communications System does what customers want an integrated voice and data system to do, according to Verizon, which reported today that its Managed Communications Solution (MCS) service powered by Alcatel (NYSE: ALA; Paris: CGEP.PA) technology is its fastest growing portfolio item. Specifically, the MCS service, which has been available nationally for more than a year, provides Verizon's small and medium business (SMB) customers with an innovative and cost-effective solution that meets their complete voice and data needs in a single integrated service package. Verizon said the product, first announced by Alcatel and Verizon at VON two years ago, has emerged as Verizon's fastest growing SMB business communications solution. Based on Alcatel OmniPCX Office and supported by Alcatel Professional Services, Verizon's MCS provides its small/medium business customers with state-of-the-art technology from two industry leaders. Additionally, Verizon's MCS customers are signing up for longer contract terms and buying more network and management services, thus raising overall contract values and revenue significantly. MCS customer surveys confirm increased customer satisfaction, as well. Further enhancing the winning solution, Verizon is now leveraging the functionality included within the newly-introduced version 5.0 of the Alcatel OmniPCX Office solution, and offering its customers new features such as a new PC based attendant console, IP telephony on a local wireless network, new facilities for multi-site SMEs, and a SIP network interface to Verizon's next- generation IP network. All of these new capabilities allow SMBs to embrace the benefits provided by mobility in an enterprise environment, while at the same time leveraging the favourable economics of an all-IP network. According to Steve Thomson, director of product management for Verizon's Business Solutions Group, the service offers Verizon's customers the latest telecommunications technology, which is easy to use and comes at an affordable price. In fact, studies show that this service has the lowest total cost of ownership when compared to similar services from Verizon's competitors. "Our small and medium business customers have the same technology needs as much larger businesses and now we can offer those capabilities with an integrated service from Verizon that meets their budget requirements," Thomson said. "The Managed Communications Solution represents a significant opportunity for business owners who want to focus on their core business, while also arming their employees with the technology that will make them as efficient and productive as possible," said Jean-Luc Fourniou, senior vice president of Alcatel enterprise solutions activities. "By working together with Verizon to enable this offering, we are enabling enterprises to embrace the power that new technologies can offer their business, without having to worry about it being out-of-date before they experience its true benefits." By embracing an MCS offering, SMB customers have the ability to take a rational approach to technology adoption to meet their communications requirements. Businesses save on technical resources by eliminating the need for voice and data management teams, and have the ability to conduct network moves, adds and changes by simply moving a desk telephone rather than moving wires on the frame. Additionally, with both the PBX and the Verizon Network circuit being monitored 24x7, 365 days a year, enterprises are able to concentrate on their core business, secure in the knowledge that their network is being taken care of by experts. The additional level of service and monitoring offered with MCS is critical as many enterprises are striving to keep pace with the new solutions that are rapidly becoming available to improve employee productivity and customer service. About Verizon Verizon Communications Inc., a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 55 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 252,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/ . About Verizon's Managed Communication Solution The Verizon Managed Communications Solution, powered by Alcatel, offers small and medium businesses an all-in-one package of feature-rich, cost- effective telecommunications services through a single point of contact. The complete communications solution includes network services, Alcatel OmniPCX Office equipment installed on premises with 24/7 service, and support from Verizon. Through this offering, enterprises receive a state-of-the-art telephone system, a secure Internet connection, and the ability to concentrate on what they do best -- while Verizon manages the enterprise's network operation and administration. About Alcatel Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com/ DATASOURCE: Alcatel CONTACT: press, Regine Coqueran, HQ, +33-0-1-40-76-49-24, or , or Stephane Lapeyrade, HQ, +33-0-1-40-76-12-74, or , or Charlie Guyer, North America, +1-978-257-3490, or , or investor relations, Pascal Bantegnie, +33-0-1-40-76-52-20, or , or Nicolas Leyssieux, +33-0-1-40-76-37-32, or , or Maria Alcon, +33-0-1-40-76-15-17, or , or Charlotte Laurent- Ottomane, +1-703-668-7016, or , all of Alcatel Web site: http://www.alcatel.com/ http://www.verizon.com/

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