IBM to Lead With Innovative, New Services for Communications Convergence

IBM Forms Business Unit, Details Strategy and Unveils Products to Drive Integrated Communications Services

ARMONK, NY - 26 Sep 2006: IBM (NYSE: IBM), the leader in global network consulting, integration and outsourcing services, today announced the formation of a business unit aimed at enabling anytime, anywhere communication over global networks. IBM’s new Integrated Communications Services unit will focus on the delivery of innovative network and communication service products that are asset-based, replicable and standardized for clients ranging from Fortune 500s to small and medium-sized businesses.

The new Integrated Communications Services products represent the next step in IBM’s strategy to deliver traditional labor-based technology services in a manner more similar to the delivery of technology products.

In today’s environment of communications convergence and expanding wireless solutions, IBM’s Integrated Communications Services unit will offer clients a range of solutions that cover the full lifecycle of a service project, from consulting, design, implementation and operation. IBM holds key strategic relationships with major suppliers and network service providers worldwide that provide industry-leading capabilities in the integration and management of complex, multiple-vendor projects. The IBM Integrated Communications Services unit will continue collaborating with partners to deliver next generation services.

With more than 7000 highly skilled global employees, IBM’s Integrated Communications Services will help clients take full advantage of the convergence of information technology and communications with proven methodologies, innovative solutions and advanced management platforms and processes. The unit will be backed by the full range of IBM research, hardware, software and services capabilities.

IBM’s Integrated Communications Services unit includes:

-- Converged Communications Services -- helps clients connect,
communicate, and collaborate by taking advantage of the convergence of
voice, video and data over Internet Protocol (IP) communication standards.
-- Networking Strategy and Optimization Services -- helps align clients’
networking and communications environment to business objectives, key
initiatives and requirements.
-- Mobility, Wireless and RFID Services -- helps clients define and
implement strategy for their mobile, wireless and RFID environments.
-- Network Integration and Management Services -- helps clients re-
engineer, refresh and transition their network infrastructures to reduce
costs; integrate new technologies; expand to new locations; increase
performance, resiliency and availability; and support key business
initiatives.

Today’s announcement includes two new standardized service products offered through Converged Communications Services:

-- Network convergence services -- Clients can purchase this product to
analyze readiness for communication networks that support data, voice and
video. Almost any future application will take advantage of a converged
network, such as: unified messaging, instant messaging, IP contact call
center, and voice, video and web conferencing. Working with IBM, clients
can design, deploy and manage converged communication-ready networks
anywhere, anytime.
-- IP telephony services -- Clients can purchase this service product to
design, deploy and manage IP telephony infrastructure solutions in order to
reduce the costs associated with managing and maintaining separate voice
and data equipment and networks. Working with IBM, businesses can deploy
IP telephony services integrated with business applications to streamline
business processes and increase the productivity of their employees.

Integrated Communications Services from IBM can help clients take advantage of converged communications in every industry. For example, in the banking industry, IBM can help banks achieve greater profitability via enhanced customer service and access, faster integration of infrastructures gained in mergers and acquisitions, and improved business processes including secure transactions and cost-effective regulatory compliance. And in the retail industry, IBM can help make the entire buying and selling experience for consumers more satisfying by creating networking and communications environments that make information available on demand.



IBM’s communications and networking expertise is helping the school district in the City of Syracuse, New York. “Establishing the partnership between IBM and Syracuse City School District, with respect to technology and networking has been invaluable,” said Mary Ellen Killenbec, director of information for the Syracuse City School District. “Not only has IBM helped build the foundations for our networking and communications environment, but they continue to collaborate with us to extend these applications in new and innovative ways.”

“In order for clients to be able to exploit the world of anytime, anywhere communications, they must have the right networking and applications environment integrated with their business processes,” said Laurence Guihard-Joly, vice-president, IBM Integrated Communications Services. “IBM’s global community of industry experts and networking specialists can help clients design and deploy solutions that meet their immediate and long-term business objectives for growth.”

For more information visit www.ibm.com.

Contact Information

Jenna Gable

IBM Media Relations

IBM

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