Leading Market Research Firm Ranks Verizon Business as a ’Leader’ Among U.S.-Based Enterprise Providers

New IDC MarketScape Report Cites Company’s Portfolio Strength, Strategy, Innovative Approach

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - The strength of Verizon Business’ voice and data portfolio and forward-looking strategy has earned it a Leader ranking in a new report by analyst firm IDC.

In its inaugural report, “IDC MarketScape: U.S. Enterprise Telecommunications 2008 Vendor Analysis, Doc # 214572, October 2008,” IDC stated that Verizon Business demonstrated the highest ranking in the capabilities criteria, scoring highly in all product categories “due to its range of services, features, and clearly developed solutions ecosystem.”

“Verizon has a strong voice and data product portfolio and strategy and is seen as an innovative company when it comes to bringing new services to market,” stated the report.

For example, IDC noted that Verizon Business boasts “one of the leading VoIP platforms with marketable points of differentiation,” such as the BEST (burstable enterprise shared trunks) capability built into the company’s IP Trunking offering “which is seen as unique in the industry.” The report also highlighted Verizon Business’ “well-developed” Ethernet portfolio, pointing out that the company began offering VPLS in 2007.

Additionally, the report cited Verizon Business’ top-ranking position in enhanced services capabilities, noting that the company has “well-developed managed services capabilities, an exhaustive list of security services gained from its acquisition of Cybertrust, and a leading WAN optimization portfolio.”

Mike Marcellin, vice president - global product marketing, Verizon Business, said: “IDC’s ranking of Verizon Business as a leader among major U.S.-based enterprise providers is testament to our unrivaled capabilities and ability to innovate to stay ahead of customer requirements. This recognition is gratifying as we continue to execute our strategy of bringing those capabilities together into integrated solutions for multinational companies and government agencies.”

Courtney Munroe, group vice president, global telecommunications at IDC, said: “Verizon Business’ high scores for overall capabilities and its comprehensive portfolio can be attributed to its strategy of continually adding innovative services that integrate well with its overall IP offerings.”

IDC MarketScape is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of major service providers in the U.S. wireline enterprise telecommunications market. The report examines current capabilities as well as longer-term strategies and the ability to increase market share. Key criteria evaluated include portfolio of data networking solutions; next-generation network; complementary capabilities such as professional, managed and security services; organizational structure; partnership strategy; and flexible product-delivery options.

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), operates the world’s most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global-network capabilities to offer large-business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company’s customers to do business better. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.