The Colmar UIT chooses Alcatel IP telephony solutions to train its students in converged voice and data networks

Paris, November 24, 2005 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that the Colmar University Institute of Technology in France has chosen Alcatel IP telephony solutions as a basis for training students in VoIP (Voice over IP). The students also benefit from training that provides qualifications in converged networks, which are certified by Alcatel. This new Colmar UIT training provides students with easier access to careers in enterprise networking and communications, while helping Alcatel’s Business Partners place qualified, skilled job candidates.

In September 2004, the Colmar UIT created a professional “company voice and data systems integration” qualification for its baccalaureate +3 (graduate) level. The new training program covers the current technological and financial aspects of convergence of voice and data networks for enterprises. As part of these efforts, the Colmar UIT decided to train its future communication solutions integrators in converged IP networking skills based on the requirements expressed by its integration partners.

Colmar UIT has equiped its training classrooms with Alcatel’s IP telephony solutions, relying on seven Alcatel OmniPCX Office IP telephony platforms, as well as Alcatel DECT phones and Alcatel IP Touch application phones. For management and administration of the Alcatel solutions, the UIT is also equipped with the Alcatel OmniVista 4760 management platform. With a focus on converged technologies, these future specialists will be able to handle both voice and data applications on a single network.

Students can also learn traditional company telephony functions, as well as familiarize themselves with all the IP functions of the Alcatel OmniPCX Office. Additionally, UIT students can create CTI applications (Computer Telephony Integration), which many companies deploy today as a way to improve productivity and customer service.

“Thanks to Alcatel IP communication solutions, students at the Colmar UIT are trained on equipment found in many French companies and are able to obtain Alcatel certification. This helps ensure that they will quickly obtain a professional position,” commented Jérôme Soistier, Managing Director, France, Alcatel enterprise solutions.

Alcatel is also playing a role in the training of teachers to ensure that students achieve a recognized level of expertise. Today, the UIT benefits from the training and certification structure of the Alcatel University at Brest, which provides access to an e-learning platform for self-study and assessment. As a result, students can train themselves online and achieve their training at Colmar, followed by certification under the control of a training manager. Specifically, students can train for their Alcatel Certified Field Expert (ACFE) level and Qualified Field Professional (AQFP) certificates at Colmar UIT. For this first qualified class in June 2005, 16 out of the 25 students achieved ACFE certification and 9 obtained the AQFP.

“We created the program for this professional degree to meet most of the requirements of our local partners, installers and integrators of telecommunication solutions”, said Jacques Garinet, manager of the professional networks and telecom degree at the Colmar UIT. “Certification is an additional motivation for our students. In addition to a diploma, we give them true professional recognition.”

Proud of this success, the Colmar UIT plans to increase the scope of the training of its students to cover all Alcatel products. The purchase of two Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprises, as well as the training of two instructors on this platform, are planned for the start of the new academic year.

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 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

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Aurélie Boutin-Guezennec

Paris Hq Corporate Press Department

Alcatel

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