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Orange Business Services wins Managed Global Networking Contract from Grand Circle Travel


WEBWIRE

Paris, October 3, 2006




Orange Business Services today announced a three-year managed global networking contract with Grand Circle Travel, a leader in international travel, adventure and discovery for Americans age 50 and older.

Orange Business Services will manage the global communications network for Grand Circle Travel for its worldwide touring operation. The MPLS-based IP VPN will handle the company’s messaging and data flow, including travel reservations, tour itineraries, billing and logistics. The company is also considering converging voice and data across its network.

A customer since 2002, Grand Circle Travel has signed a new contract with Orange Business Services to connect 3,000 associates at its 45 international offices, spread across 18 countries in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Grand Circle Travel is the largest U.S. tour operator for Americans aged 50 and over, organizing travel itineraries to more than 50 countries and 100 tours and cruises. Needing a service provider that matched its own international scope led Grand Circle Travel to Orange Business Services.

“Since we are spread out over the globe, and especially because travel is such a customer-centric business, it is essential that we maintain reliable and secure communications among our employees,” said Tom Cauchon, Vice President of WWIT, Grand Circle Travel. “Orange Business Services has enabled us to efficiently handle the enormous scale of logistics that comes with being a leading travel company. A 90 percent customer retention rate is proof-positive of that success.”

“Our ongoing relationship with Grand Circle Travel underlines what differentiates Orange Business Services in the marketplace,” said Mack Treece, president of the Americas, Orange Business Services. “Just as Grand Circle Travel shares their own special understanding of the world with their customers, we also have a unique grasp of the needs of multinational enterprises. We are proud that our global network is helping Grand Circle Travel guarantee exciting adventures for their customers.”

About Grand Circle

Established in 1958, Grand Circle Corporation is the leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for Americans age 50 and older. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., the company has opened 45 offices throughout Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Grand Circle owns and operates a fleet of 50 ships, from 22-passenger canal barges to the 330-passenger M/S Paul Gauguin. Through its brands: Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, the company offers 100+ extended stay vacations, escorted tours, river cruises, barge trips, ocean cruises and adventure programs. Established in 1992, the Grand Circle Foundation has donated or pledged $35M to educational, cultural and humanitarian endeavors worldwide.

About Orange Business Services

Orange Business Services represents the business communications solutions and services provided by the France Telecom Group as of June 1st, 2006. They were previously sold under the France Telecom, Orange, Equant, Etrali, Almerys, EGT, Expertel Consulting, France Telecom Intelmatique, SETIB and Solicia brands.
The offers include converged voice, data and mobile services as well as IT expertise and managed services, all designed to transform business processes and improve productivity. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries and territories and serves customers in 220. www.orange-business.com



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