U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Taps Verizon Business for Data Networks

As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expands its role under the new health care reform law, Verizon Business, under a new $169 million agreement, will provide a reliable, secure foundation to support operations and an expected increase in demands on the agency.

Verizon Business will manage and secure the agency's Internet protocol (IP) and data networks, which provide an essential and reliable platform for day-to-day operations, whether it's processing Medicare claims or providing health care on tribal lands via telemedicine.  As the department prepares to deliver on new demands, Verizon Business will provide an array of security capabilities, such as managed firewalls and intrusion detection, as well as a virtual private network that enables the agency's employees to securely gain remote access to information and collaborate more effectively via voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), Web and video conferencing.

The new award, which deepens and extends Verizon's long-standing relationship with the agency, was made under the U.S. General Services Administration's Networx Universal contract.  Verizon Business had been providing many of the services under GSA's Federal Telecommunications Service 2001 (FTS2001) contract, the predecessor to the Networx program.

"Recent changes in federal law are expanding the mission of the Health and Human Services Department, and the agency needs a network it can depend on," said Susan Zeleniak, group president, Verizon Federal. "The department has a long history of turning to technology to make government run more efficiently, and we're looking forward to working with Health and Human Services as it moves into the next era of public health."

Verizon Business is the largest provider of communications services to the U.S. federal government and one of the largest providers of advanced communications and information technology services globally. 

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions.  We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment.  Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

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