Emerson Selects WorldCom to Provide Next-Generation Data Networking Solution to Link Its Global Operations
IP VPN Solution to Enable Emerson to Deploy Key E-Business Programs and Improve Communications with Offices Around the World
CLINTON, Miss., April 16, 2002 - WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM), the leading global business data and Internet communications provider, today announced that Emerson (NYSE: EMR) has selected it to build and manage an 800-site Internet Protocol virtual private network (IP VPN). Emerson, a leader in technology and engineering products and services, will use its IP VPN to ensure secure communications and greater operational efficiency among the company's offices located throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Emerson's next generation network will provide the underlying infrastructure to support the company's deployment and implementation of key online business processes involving procurement, consolidated accounts payable, customer relationship management, logistics planning, and supplier integration. By utilizing WorldCom's data communications network, Emerson will be able to achieve greater cost efficiencies and increased network security, performance and reliability. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"WorldCom has the proven IP networking expertise, the right VPN solutions, and the worldwide IP network reach and reliability necessary to meet our specifications," said Greg Carmichael, Emerson vice president and chief information officer. "This high-speed common interface will allow us to, for the first time, create a collaborative environment where we can seamlessly and efficiently access sales representatives and customers located throughout various regions of the world."
Emerson's customized IP VPN will also provide employees access to the company intranet and the Internet as well as offer Emerson University training and professional development courses online.
As a result of this agreement, Emerson has designated WorldCom as a "Tier 1 Strategic Provider," a distinction granted to only 10 suppliers worldwide. This designation is given to companies that are able to provide a global solution and satisfy at least 85 percent of Emerson's requirements in a selected technology area.
"WorldCom is honored to be a 'Tier 1 Strategic Provider' to Emerson," said Jim DeMerlis, WorldCom vice president of Network Services Product Management. "This distinction demonstrates Emerson's confidence in our state-of-the-art services, the performance and reliability of our facilities-based global IP network, and the expertise of our people."
WorldCom offers global data networking services to meet every customer's need and management preference - from traditional private line, frame relay and ATM networks to advanced CPE-based and network-based VPN solutions - with a wide array of dedicated, dial and fixed wireless access services, and comprehensive technical sales consultant support. Each WorldCom data networking solution runs over the company's worldwide facilities-based network and is part of the full continuum of business communications products and services WorldCom provides to enterprises of all sizes around the globe.
About Emerson
St. Louis-based Emerson (www.gotoemerson.com) is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliances and tools. Sales in fiscal 2001 were $15.5 billion.
About WorldCom Group
WorldCom group (NASDAQ: WCOM), an operating unit of WorldCom, Inc., is a pre-eminent global communications provider for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries with annualized revenues exceeding $21 billion. With one of the most expansive, wholly-owned IP networks in the world, WorldCom provides innovative data and Internet services for businesses to communicate in today's market. For more information, go to http://www.worldcom.com.
