OPTUS AT FOREFRONT OF CONVERGED COMMUNICATIONS WITH NEW VOICE AND INTERNET SERVICES

Following the successful launch of its Optus Evolve Internet Protocol (IP) network in October 2007, Optus Business today added two new services to its IP portfolio with the launch of Optus Evolve Voice and Optus Evolve Internet.

The Optus Evolve portfolio utilises leading-edge IP network technology to provide customers with a platform for current and future converged applications.

John Simon, Managing Director, Optus Business said "While organisations have been moving down the path of converging applications on their networks for some time, until now true convergence has been difficult to achieve and manage effectively. Optus Evolve Voice enables Australian businesses to remove their traditional reliance on voice connections from the 'incumbent' by merging voice and data over a single, converged IP access point," Mr Simon said.

Optus Evolve Voice gives customers a single access point for their voice and data needs using an IP trunk to connect to the phone network. This provides a simpler, more scalable and cost effective solution for customers looking to get the most out of their IP investment.

Recent research* from Optus found that IP trunking, while relatively new to the market, is attracting significant interest with almost half (49%) of the survey's respondents intending to adopt IP trunking in the next 12-18 months. According to the research findings, the potential benefits of IP trunking are clearly understood to revolve around scalability and simplicity, two key features of the new Optus Evolve Voice solution.

Optus Evolve Internet meanwhile provides a high quality, fast and reliable Internet link via the Optus Evolve network. Modular in design, Optus Evolve Internet offers customers choice with respect to speed, bandwidth and access modes. It also features improved reporting and a single web portal to monitor performance.

"Optus Evolve was built to support the delivery of business critical applications throughout an organisation by providing a robust platform for the implementation of converged applications.

When delivered in conjunction with unified communications solutions from our ICT Services arm Alphawest, organisations can expect to drive collaboration, improve productivity and lower costs," Mr Simon said.

*Research conducted in May 2008

About Optus Evolve
Optus Evolve is an IP-based MPLS network designed to help businesses adapt and benefit from the converged communications landscape of the future. Purpose-built, it features a new simple modular, end-to-end IP network with streamlined processes and greater bandwidths than previously available.

It allows customers to replace legacy networks with a single easy to manage network platform that delivers outstanding business efficiencies, including faster data speeds and simpler network management.

Business can generate considerable advantage by making interactions between sites faster and more cost effective, streamlining IT administration and giving staff secure offsite access to core applications and data.

The offering also delivers greater flexibility of choice for customers to address the need for bandwidth with features and affordability.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Greene
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 1132