Swisscom and Verizon Business Enter Strategic Alliance

ZURICH, Switzerland - Verizon Business, a leader in the delivery of global Internet protocol-based enterprise communications, and Swisscom, Switzerland's leading telecommunications provider, today announced an alliance that will provide enhanced global service and support capabilities to Swiss multinational companies and companies with operations in the Swiss market.

Swisscom and Verizon Business have established a preferred partnership that will deliver network and information and communications technology services and solutions to their customers. Swisscom customers with multinational operations will gain seamless access to Verizon Business' expansive global network and solutions; Verizon Business customers with operations in the Swiss market will likewise be able to benefit from Swisscom's extensive local market expertise, dense infrastructure and customer service organization. Customers that are served by both companies will benefit from an enhanced customer experience, with a streamlined service offering around the globe including integrated networks, convergent services, seamless processes and comprehensive customer services.

Under the alliance, a specialist team drawn from both companies will be created to serve joint Swisscom and Verizon Business multinational customers. The new team will offer customers a single point of contact to fulfill both their local and global communications requirements.

Swisscom is an acknowledged leader in the delivery of enterprise communication services within the Swiss market, while Verizon Business is recognized for its extensive global networks and ability to deliver integrated communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Additionally, both companies deliver security and IT outsourcing solutions.

"This alliance will significantly enhance our ability to meet the global communications needs of multinational customers based in, or operating in, the Swiss marketplace," said Urs Schaeppi, head of corporate business and a member of Swisscom's executive board. "Simplifying infrastructure management is a key concern for CIOs who are being asked to streamline costs, yet enhance performance. In Verizon Business, we have a partner with the global knowledge, reach and breadth of capabilities to perfectly complement our own deep local experience and close customer relationships. We look forward to bringing both companies' expertise to bear in the service of our joint customers." 

Blair Crump, Verizon Business group president, international and premier accounts, said, "The Swiss market is unique in terms of the high proportion of multinational corporations with local headquarters. To ensure operational integrity both locally and with dispersed global sites, these corporations have exceptionally high expectations of both their in-country and global communications infrastructure. This alliance is all about helping our joint customers to more effectively serve their own customers; we will be able to focus each company's operations to better serve their customers' needs."

Both Swisscom and Verizon Business will continue to operate as usual within the Swiss market and globally to serve their respective customers not affected by this alliance.

About Swisscom Corporate Business
Whether voice or data, mobile or fixed network, individual products or integrated solutions: as a leading independent business communications provider, Swisscom (Switzerland) Ltd Corporate Business supports its customers with the planning, implementation and operation of their IT and communications infrastructures (ICT). The division offers services which help customers optimise their work processes: cost-effective modern solutions and services which leave customers more time to focus on their core business. Swisscom Corporate Business can provide all this from a single source: individual, professional and reliable – for voice and data solutions in the areas of multimedia, security and alarm systems. ICT convergence is ensured through innovative products and solutions to maintain market leadership in business communication in the future. For further information, please visit www.swisscom.ch.

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.

####