BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- As enterprises increasingly look to modernize and consolidate their voice and data systems, Verizon Business is expanding its already extensive portfolio of managed network services that simplify the transition to Internet protocol (IP) communications.

Verizon Business now offers Managed IP PBX on the Nortel IP telephony platform, combining the reliability, flexibility and simplicity of Nortel's portfolio with Verizon Business' end-to-end network management, PBX expertise and advanced monitoring systems. This new managed IP PBX offering provides large-business and government customers another strong option for smoothly moving to an advanced and integrated IP-based communications system by simply adding a new server and updated software.

The offering will be available to U.S.-based large-business and government customers next month.

[NOTE: An audio podcast discussing the launch of Verizon Business' newest managed service and the benefits to enterprises migrating to a converged IP telephony platform is available at http://www.podtech.net/home/4701/verizon- business-rolls-out-new-managed-option-for-enterprises-moving-to-ip-telephony.] (To view this Web site, please copy and paste the URL into your browser.)

The Nortel-based offerings, leveraging the Nortel Communication Server 1000 IP-PBX, Business Communications Manager and CallPilot platforms, enable advanced voice applications such as "find me, follow me," and integrated communications that allow for multimedia collaboration. They also help companies move to a unified communications platform to simplify and integrate a variety of business communications functions such as voice mail, e-mail and instant messaging. For example, end-users can see who is online, or they can prompt the system to prioritize incoming messages and send alerts to end-user devices.

Verizon Business' support for the offering includes full implementation, as well as management of fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security functions. The company's managed approach enables businesses to help reduce the complexity associated with a converged IP telephony environment.

"Many of our customers want to modernize their voice and data communications infrastructure using IP and are considering managed services as a way to deal with the complexity inherent in that," said Nancy Gofus, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Verizon Business. "As IP transformation continues, this remains a sweet spot for us."

In a separate news release issued today, Verizon Business announced other enhancements to its VoIP portfolio that are designed to make the move to VoIP easier.

Verizon has extensive experience in working with the Nortel platform, having deployed more than 155,000 Nortel PBXs, and currently maintains more than 29,000 Nortel systems. The company also has set up more than 4,800 Nortel IP telephony platforms. Verizon Business supports the managed Nortel IP PBX platform with end-to-end expert technical and support staff who collectively hold more than 1,000 Nortel certifications for design, support, technology and sales. The offering is backed by Verizon Business' industry-leading service level guarantees.

The Managed Service Advantage

Many companies today are realizing that managed services offer the best of all worlds. Managed services can help enterprises overcome the inherent complexity associated with moving voice applications onto data networks, especially since problems on the local or wide area network can be misconstrued as issues with the IP PBX. Enterprises also are finding managed services offer a cost-effective and efficient method for streamlining network management for converged networks, including the integration of headquarters, branch and remote sites. In addition, Verizon Business provides ongoing support that helps reduce requirements for in-house technical support and 24 x 7 monitoring systems.

Verizon Business offers a suite of professional network and security services to help customers successfully deploy and manage their IP telephony platforms. These range from network assessment and design consulting to project management and capacity planning. Other services include network vulnerability and VoIP security assessments to help develop and maintain proper security profiles.

This new Managed IP PBX option joins Verizon's comprehensive portfolio of VoIP services, including IP Flexible T1, IP Integrated Access, IP Trunking, Hosted IP Centrex and Managed IP PBX. These services leverage robust, flexible platforms that provide high-quality voice communications, an expansive national and international footprint and many advanced features - all of which afford customers a smooth, flexible transition to VoIP on their own path and pace. The VoIP services also allow customers to utilize their existing infrastructure, enabling them to mix and match services, whether network or premises-based.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusiness.com/.

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