Qwest Communications and Switchboard to Offer Web-Based Calling Services
Business Wire - March 29, 1999 07:35
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 1999--Qwest Communications International Inc. and Switchboard, Inc., the popular Internet subsidiary of Banyan
Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ:BNYN), announced today an agreement that allows customers to automatically place calls from the Internet. Qwest will be providing
web-based click-to-conference technology as well as other Internet-based communications services via Switchboard's web site at www.switchboard.com. The new
services offer customers a user-friendly environment to easily locate and contact individuals and businesses across the U.S.
The agreement calls for Switchboard and Qwest to jointly market a suite of Internet-based communications services to Switchboard's local merchant advertisers to
promote electronic-commerce activity. These services will allow businesses to enhance their web sites with links providing toll-free connections customers can use to
transact business, receive customer support or make inquiries. Switchboard will also be offering customers the ability to sign up for Qwest long distance calling plans.
"Communications services will play a large role in helping many local merchants initiate e-commerce activities. Our agreement with Qwest represents another critical
element in the execution of our local merchant strategy focused on delivering new and innovative solutions which help bring together merchants and consumers," stated
Dean Polnerow president of Switchboard.
"Online directory sites such as Switchboard are essential as they enable users to maximize the power of the Internet as a communications vehicle," said John Taylor,
senior vice president of consumer markets for Qwest. "Qwest is pleased to be working with Switchboard to deliver valuable web-based communications tools for
businesses and consumers."
About Switchboard, Inc.
Switchboard (www.switchboard.com) is one of the leading white and yellow pages directories on the Web and among the 40 most visited Web destinations according
to Media Metrix, the foremost Internet traffic monitoring service. More than 40 million times each month, Switchboard helps consumers find the information they need,
whether it is locating a long lost friend or the nearest restaurant, hotel, or automobile dealer. Switchboard is the 1998 winner of the Local Internet Service Award for
best national directory service. Offering comprehensive information, unmatched speed and innovative features, Switchboard is the on-line directory selected by Alta
Vista, Bell Atlantic and GeoCities. Switchboard Incorporated is a majority held subsidiary of Banyan Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:BNYN). Switchboard is a registered
trademark of Switchboard Inc.
About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc. (Nasdaq:QWST) is a leader in reliable and secure broadband Internet-based data, voice and image communications for
businesses and consumers. Headquartered in Denver, Qwest has more than 8,000 employees and 80 sales offices in North America, Europe and Mexico. The Qwest
Macro Capacity (SM) Fiber Network, designed with the newest optical networking, will span more than 18,500 route miles in the United States when it is completed
by mid-1999, and the additional 315-mile network route recently announced will be complete by the end of the year. In addition, Qwest and KPN, the Dutch
telecommunications company, are forming a venture to build and operate a high-capacity European fiber optic, Internet Protocol-based network that has 2,100 miles
and will span 9,100 miles when it is completed in 2001. Qwest also has nearly completed a 1,400-mile network in Mexico. For more information, please visit the
Qwest web site at www.qwest.com.
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.
Readers are referred to the documents filed by Qwest with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual
results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including potential fluctuations in quarterly results, dependence on new product development,
rapid technological and market change, failure to complete the network on schedule and on budget, financial risk management and future growth subject to risks,
Qwest's ability to achieve Year 2000 compliance, and adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment. Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or
confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof
or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.
CONTACT: Qwest Communications
Qwest Media Contact:
Christy Weiner, 303/992-2085
E-mail: christy.weiner@qwest.com
or
Qwest Investor Contact:
Lee Wolfe, 800/567-7296
E-mail: IR@qwest.com
or
Switchboard Incorporated
Switchboard Contact:
Elaine Haney
Director, Product Marketing
508/898-1746
|
