Verizon Business' Enterprise VoIP Strategy Ranked No. 1 by Independent Research Firm

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Verizon Business ranks first in overall strategy for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), according to a recently released Forrester Research study.

The study, "Forrester Wave™: US Enterprise-Class VoIP Services, Q1 2007," found that "Verizon Business is best in class on overall voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) strategy, leading others on technology strategy, planned performance and customer service enhancements, and price."

The findings are particularly significant since businesses are increasingly seeking help transitioning from traditional telecommunications services to IP communications.

"This recognition reinforces our strong performance in this emerging growth area of the telecommunications market," said Tom Roche, vice president of marketing for network voice and data services with Verizon Business.  "Verizon Business’ expansive global IP network and comprehensive suite of VoIP services enable our customers to make the move to VoIP and leverage IP communications to achieve their specific business goals at their own path and pace."

According to the Forrester Wave™ report, Verizon Business "offers the broadest portfolio of VoIP services; this provider is the only one among its peers to offer session initiation protocol (SIP) trunking, hosted VoIP services, managed IP private branch exchange (PBX) services, IP conferencing, IP toll free, and hosted IP contact center services today.  Verizon Business leads its peers on VoIP reliability, scalability, and sales capabilities."  

"When taken all together, these factors make Verizon Business a good choice for customers that seek a flexible array of both inbound and outbound VoIP services today and that want a provider that has one of the strongest commitments to enhancing service performance in the months ahead," the report said.

Verizon Business was among the select companies that Forrester invited to participate in its Q1 2007, Forrester WAVE report, "US Enterprise-Class VoIP Services."  For its study, Forrester evaluated the strengths and weaknesses across 123 criteria of five nationwide facilities-based service providers. 

VoIP Portfolio

Verizon Business’ portfolio of VoIP services includes five product offerings:  IP Flexible T1, IP Integrated Access, IP Trunking, Hosted IP Centrex and Managed IP PBX.  These services leverage robust, flexible platforms that provide a high-quality voice experience, extensive national footprint and rich feature set, all of which afford customers a smooth, flexible transition to VoIP.  It also allows customers to utilize their existing infrastructure, enabling them to mix and match solutions, whether network or premises-based.

Verizon Business delivers world-class data and IP services to help business and government customers transform their business operations.  Using Verizon Business’ advanced local-to-global network, companies have the power to achieve their enterprise communications goals.  Whether through traditional data services (Private Line, Frame Relay and ATM) or advanced IP network services (Private IP or IP VPN Dedicated), Verizon Business is helping companies transition to an IP world and optimize their IP applications through a comprehensive range of professional and managed services and an experienced work force. 

Verizon Business is a recognized leader in delivering advanced communications and information technology (IT) services for large-business customers around the world.  The company was awarded the 2006 "Highest Customer Satisfaction With Large Enterprise Data Service Providers" by J.D. Power and Associates in its annual study of small-, mid-sized and large-business customers.

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), 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 technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

J.D. Power and Associates Disclaimer: Verizon Business received the highest numerical score among data service providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Data Services StudySM. Study is based on 3,138 total responses measuring 6 providers and measures opinions of consumers utilizing telecom services at small/midsize and large enterprise U.S. businesses. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in January 2006. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cc.

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