Verizon Enters Growing Market for Data Storage Services to Meet Disaster Recovery Needs of Large Businesses

NEW YORK --Large businesses concerned about preserving and maintaining access to their data in the event of a crisis or disaster can now obtain custom-designed storage backup and data retrieval from Verizon. The new offering combines the power and reliability of Verizon's advanced networking services with storage systems, software and services from EMC Corporation, the world leader in information storage.

For the first time, Verizon is able to offer customers a new choice for business continuity through its ability to resell EMC's market-leading automated networked storage systems and software. The alliance unites Verizon's pervasive metropolitan networks and advanced data networking capabilities with EMC's advanced storage technologies.

Verizon recently designed and implemented such an infrastructure for Amscot Financial, a financial services company based in Tampa, Fla. The storage solution automatically mirrors and replicates Amscot's data to an off-site data center, which the company built as a backup to its primary center after the September 11th terrorist attacks two years ago.

In addition, the design includes a new network that links the company's primary and backup data centers and supports 51 Amscot offices in nine counties throughout central and southern Florida. Verizon Select Services Inc. provides Verizon's long distance service.

"Verizon listened to our requirements and developed a cost-effective solution that exceeded our expectations for an ambitious disaster recovery plan to connect Amscot's data centers," said Michael Horrocks, director - information technology, Amscot Financial. "Verizon brought in EMC, and the team presented a cost-effective proposal that surpassed the competition."

Edward F. McGuinness, senior vice president - marketing, Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, said, "Information security, disaster recovery and business continuity continue to be primary concerns for many businesses today. Verizon's launch of EMC storage solutions is an important development since it meets pressing customer requirements for unparalleled business continuity --and there is a large and growing market for this service."

IDC, a premier global market intelligence and advisory firm, reported recently that worldwide spending for storage services is increasing by 6 percent a year and will reach almost $30 billion in 2007.

"The demand for networked storage and services continues to grow as organizations seek to pull greater value from their resources and to protect their information with a consolidated infrastructure," said BJ Jenkins, EMC's vice president, telecommunications, media and entertainment. "Verizon and EMC have developed a flexible, reliable offering that can meet and, in the case of Amscot Financial, exceed expectations. Together, Verizon and EMC can help customers protect their information and simplify storage management while increasing productivity."

Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group manages the design, operation and maintenance of end-to-end total network integrated solutions for large business and government customers across the United States. With over 13,500 employees in 43 states, Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group offers a complete range of basic and advanced communications products and services to meet the voice, video, data and IP-related needs of its customers. For more information on products and services available through Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, visit www.verizon.com/enterprisesolutions.

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $67 billion in revenues and 221,000 employees. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 137.6 million access line equivalents and 34.6 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with 14.6 million long-distance lines. The company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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