CABLE & WIRELESS OPTUS CERTIFIED TO JOIN CISCO POWERED NETWORK PROGRAM

Australia's leading integrated communications company, Cable & Wireless Optus, has joined Cisco Systems' Cisco Powered Network (CPN) marketing and technology program.

The CPN accreditation is effective immediately and signifies that Cable & Wireless Optus provides high-performance, robust and secure Internet Protocol-based services using Cisco's leading-edge networking solutions. Service Providers achieving CPN status for particular services must also maintain industry-leading levels of service quality and customer satisfaction.

"Offering 'Cisco Powered' solutions tells customers that our services have been created end-to-end using high quality, easy to manage Cisco infrastructure which won't let them down," said David Stokes-McKeon, Director E-Solutions, Cable & Wireless Optus.

Cisco has accredited three business-oriented Optus Private IP (OPI) services as Cisco Powered Networks. These are OPI Direct Access, OPI Secure Office and OPI Managed Network Services. The OPI family is a range of advanced secure IP services that enable enterprise customers to create large, secure private IP-based corporate networks, which in turn support a rich array of intranet and extranet applications.

Now within the CPN program, Cable & Wireless Optus will also receive superior technical support, training and marketing assistance from Cisco. This includes being able to use the CPN logo in its marketing and sales activities, direct sales support from Cisco and being listed among the elite group of carriers worldwide that operate Cisco Powered Networks.

"We are delighted to welcome Cable & Wireless Optus to our CPN program, said Mr Kurt Hansen, General Manager of Cisco's Telecommunications and Service Provider group.

With Cisco Powered Network services such as Cable & Wireless Optus OPI, business customers can be assured of access to new innovative services, faster deployment of next generation applications, easier technology migration, lower cost of ownership, and a more reliable, scalable, and secure network. This is a powerful benefit to Cable & Wireless Optus and its customers," Mr Hansen said.

By continuing to work with Cisco (and drawing on the expertise of its parent company, global player Cable & Wireless), Cable & Wireless Optus also plans to create a range of next-generation IP-based services. These will be advanced IP-based Virtual Private Network (VPN) services that offer customers a choice of service levels, Multi-Protocol Label Switching, and other key functions.

"If you want to establish a network that will help develop your e-business strategy and grow it for the future, Cable & Wireless Optus provides businesses with virtual private networks to create these new business practices and revenue opportunities," said Mr Stokes-McKeon.

About Cable & Wireless Optus

Cable & Wireless Optus is Australia's leading integrated communications company - serving around four million customers each day. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, business network services, Internet and satellite services and television.

Since commencing operations in 1992, Cable & Wireless Optus has invested more than $7bn in the construction of fixed, mobile and satellite networks, including central business district and suburban local access networks. These networks provide the company with an advanced technology platform capable of delivering integrated communications, information and entertainment services.

Cable & Wireless Optus is a member of the Cable & Wireless Group, a leader in global communications operating in more than 70 countries around the world.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. See www.cisco.com for further information.

Contacts:
Melissa Favero
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 5030