Verizon's On-Demand Cloud Computing Solution Achieves PCI Compliance for Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, Verizon Computing as a Service, the company's flagship business-class cloud computing solution, has successfully completed a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard audit.  Now, retailers and other organizations that process credit card transactions can move critical payment applications to the Verizon cloud with confidence, knowing that the cloud infrastructure they're using is protected by an industry-recognized set of payment-card security standards.

In 2010, Verizon CaaS, delivered from company cloud centers in the U.S. and Europe, was the first cloud-based solution to successfully complete a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) audit for storing, processing and transmitting credit card information.  To become PCI DSS-validated, Verizon CaaS' physical and virtual infrastructure underwent a comprehensive third-party examination of its policies, procedures and technical systems, as well as an on-site assessment and systemwide vulnerability scan.

"Compliance with industry standards such as PCI DSS is a competitive differentiator for Verizon in the marketplace," said Joseph S. Crawford, executive director, enterprise cloud services, Verizon.  "As the adoption of cloud-enabled IT services continues to accelerate, it is essential that we continue to invest in delivering a secure, PCI compliant-ready cloud environment that supports a broader range of business-critical applications."

The PCI DSS, developed by the founding payment brands of the PCI Security Standards Council, helps facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally.  Intended to help organizations proactively protect customer account data, the PCI DSS is a multifaceted security standard that includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design and other critical protective measures.

Verizon Delivers Broad Portfolio of PCI DSS-Compliant Services

Verizon also offers a wide range of other PCI DSS-compliant services, including its transaction services network, a proprietary data network that enables merchants, credit card processors, banks and other enterprises to quickly receive and process orders.  In addition, two other Verizon services meet PCI DSS requirements: the company's IP application hosting service, delivered via U.S. managed-hosting smart centers that handle the management and monitoring of customers' critical Web infrastructure and applications, and the company's remote application management service.  Verizon also offers PCI-related professional consulting services, as well as the Verizon Online Compliance Program for the Payment Card Industry.

Verizon is a global leader in driving better business outcomes for enterprises and government agencies. Verizon delivers integrated IT and communications solutions via its high-IQ global IP and mobility networks to enable businesses to securely access information, share content and communicate. Verizon is rapidly transforming to a cloud-based "everything-as-a-service" delivery model that will put the power of enterprise-class solutions within the reach of every business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com..

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

####