Verizon Business Boosts Virtual Private Network Portfolio With Private IP -- Layer 2

New MPLS-Based Service Provides More Flexible Networking Capabilities and Eases Next-Generation Network Transition for Frame Relay and ATM Customers

November 6, 2006 - BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Verizon Business today introduced Private IP -- Layer 2, a wide area networking (WAN) option that provides advanced multi protocol label switching (MPLS) capabilities to businesses and enables them to retain the same control of their networks that they have with traditional frame relay and ATM services.



The new service is immediately available in the United States and is set to roll out in 2007 throughout all 116 countries where Verizon Business currently offers Private IP today.



“This offering is a significant addition to our virtual private network portfolio and builds on our global MPLS deployment strategy,” said Tom Roche, vice president of marketing for network voice and data services with Verizon Business. "The flexibility, efficiency and simplicity of Private IP -- Layer 2 are ideal for financial services, health care and manufacturing customers, for example, who have invested in layer 2 technologies and are now looking to harness the power of MPLS.



“In addition to its commercial applicability, this layer 2 VPN solution meets important criteria for the General Services Administration’s Networx program to help federal agencies make the transition to next-generation services,” Roche said.



With Private IP-Layer 2, businesses will be able to interconnect multiple locations via an MPLS VPN to achieve a more cost-effective and flexible networking environment. Frame relay and ATM users will find a service that switches traffic based on layer 2 identifiers like their current offering, but that also takes advantage of the traffic-engineering and performance benefits of MPLS.



While many enterprises have embraced IP-based VPNs, some prefer to continue to maintain control of their network routing rather than sharing routing tables with a service provider. With both layer 2 and layer 3 MPLS VPNs available, Verizon Business can meet the broad needs of the enterprise market with a single, private network infrastructure.



Built to support common protocols such as frame relay, ATM and Ethernet, Verizon Business’ Private IP-Layer 2 utilizes Virtual Private Wire Service (VPWS) standards and delivers a multi-site layer 2 VPN with sites connected via pseudowires over an MPLS backbone.



“Verizon Business is hitting an important sweet spot in the marketplace, where many enterprise customers remain heavily implanted in Layer 2 networking,” said Courtney Monroe, vice president, IDC. “As the first major carrier out of the gate to offer a compelling Layer 2 MPLS service offering, Verizon Business is building on its success delivering Private IP MPLS VPNs with another next-generation network option for their customers’ existing frame relay and ATM networks.”



Verizon Business customers benefit from having their critical data safely delivered over a global, private network service backed by stringent service level agreements (SLAs), with QoS options available early next year for Private IP-Layer 2.



Verizon Business delivers industry-leading data and IP services to help business and government customers transform their business operations. Using Verizon Business’ advanced local-to-global network, companies have the power to achieve their enterprise communications goals. Whether through traditional data services (Private Line, Frame Relay and ATM) or advanced IP network services (Private IP or IP VPN Dedicated service), Verizon Business is helping companies transition to an IP world.



Verizon Business is a recognized leader in delivering advanced communications and information technology (IT) services for large-business customers around the world. In April, the company was awarded the 2006 “Highest Customer Satisfaction With Large Enterprise Data Service Providers” by J.D. Power and Associates in its annual study of small, mid-size and large-business customers.



About Verizon Business



Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.



J.D. Power and Associates Disclaimer: Verizon Business received the highest numerical score among data service providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Data Services StudySM. Study is based on 3.138 total responses measuring 6 providers and measures opinions of consumers utilizing telecom services at small/midsize and large enterprise U.S. businesses. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in January 2006. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cc.

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Maria Montenegro

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Verizon Communications

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