MCI Launches Industry's First Network-Based IP VPN Remote Service

Enables Businesses to Transparently Extend Enterprise Networks by Leveraging Intelligence within MCI Network

NEW YORK, CeBIT America, June 18, 2003 - MCI (WCOEQ, WMCEQ) today introduced the industry's first network-based IP VPN remote access solution-enabling companies to securely and seamlessly connect remote and traveling workers to their existing corporate networks via the Internet. Leveraging the interoperability and intelligence resident in MCI's network, this new managed offering is designed to extend the life and capabilities of an organization's corporate network while simplifying network management and reducing costs.

The new IP VPN Remote network-based service, powered by MCI's Secure Interworking Gateway (SIG), uniquely enables enterprises to effortlessly move to an IP-based environment using their existing frame relay, ATM, Private IP and IP VPN networks. A key component of MCI's Convergence Networking strategy to develop and deploy converged services over a common IP platform, SIG enables MCI to bring together its IP and data networks to deliver advanced network-based solutions and new capabilities to business and government customers.

"MCI's continued innovation in the marketplace is designed to give our customers a competitive advantage," said Ron McMurtrie, MCI vice president of Global Marketing. "With IP VPN Remote - Network Based, MCI is enabling a fully managed IP environment while assuming total cost of ownership within our network. By optimizing a customer's network assets and shielding them from technology obsolescence, our SIG-enhanced infrastructure provides the ultimate answer for companies that need to do more with less."

MCI's network-based remote VPN expands one of the industry's most comprehensive managed VPN portfolios and gives businesses greater flexibility and maximum choice in selecting a VPN to meet their needs. ldeal for any size business, the service does not require customers to buy or lease additional hardware, allowing enterprises to reduce capital expenditures and focus on their core business. As a managed offering MCI owns, manages, monitors and updates the secure gateway deployed within its network. Until now, MCI offered a CPE-based remote access VPN offering with equipment that resides at the customer's location.

Individuals can simply access MCI's IP VPN Remote - Network Based offering through a single login. Users initiate remote connections to the Internet using MCI's feature-rich Access Manager software which establishes a secure encrypted tunnel between the user and the interworking gateway. The gateway automatically authenticates the connection, requesting user name and password confirmation from the edge server. Once a user is granted access, communications are routed to a customers' data network via a Permanent Virtual Circuit or an IPSec tunnel.

Zoot Enterprises is among the first companies who will benefit from MCI's IP VPN Remote - Network Based solution. As a full service application provider that serves the nation's top banks and financial institutions, Zoot offers complete credit decisioning and loan origination systems. With MCI's new offering, Zoot plans to connect remote workers to its corporate resources that allow them to securely develop and test software remotely. In the future, Zoot will extend access to its partners and customers to distribute and download updated software applications and enhance customer service.

"MCI is essentially creating an all-new IP VPN solution for us by combining our legacy frame network with its expansive Internet backbone," said Tony Rosanova, vice president of system administration for Zoot Enterprises. "Without having to add new hardware, we will be able to connect employees, partners and customers to company resources while offloading the management of our remote access network. MCI has hit a sweet spot with us by leveraging the intelligence within its network to deliver new capabilities."

Immediately available, the service initially will be offered to domestic and U.S.-based multinationals. MCI plans to later roll out this service in Europe and Asia Pacific. The cost of the service includes remote access charges, based on the number of remote users the customer expects to support, and a port charge.

MCI offers the most extensive suite of managed VPN and data networking services to meet every customer's need and management preference-from traditional private line, frame relay and ATM networks to advanced VPN solutions-all backed by the highest performance guarantees. This approach enables customers to maximize internal resources while enhancing their business continuity efforts and increasing their return on investment. Each solution runs over MCI's award-winning global IP and facilities-based data networks and is a part of the full continuum of integrated communication products and services MCI provides to enterprises of all sizes around the world.

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ), which currently conducts business under the MCI brand name, is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With the industry's most expansive global IP backbone and wholly-owned data networks, WorldCom develops the converged communications products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications in today's market. For more information, go to http://www.mci.com.