To: Steve Fancy who wrote (3511 ) 7/5/2001 6:01:42 PM From: zbyslaw owczarczyk Respond to of 3891 Waat major Marconi(Fore System: ATM+IP) customers are buying: Cable and Wireless Selects Alcatel for Convergence of Global Data Backbone Joint standards work ensures move to MPLS core network with Alcatel 7670 RSP Paris, June 25, 2001 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that Cable & Wireless (NYSE: CWP) plans to consolidate its global data network backbone using Alcatel's carrier class 7670 Routing Switch Platform (RSP). Cable & Wireless' and Alcatel's joint leadership in defining application-enabling mediation of ATM with MPLS in standards bodies predicates today's announcement. The mediation application ensures service-transparency of Frame Relay and ATM traffic onto an IP/MPLS core. This technique, a key feature in creating a converged MPLS core network, results in operational and capital savings. Cable & Wireless' operational efficiencies are further improved with Alcatel's network management system that enables seamless management of services across an MPLS network with no impact on service level agreements. "Alcatel has demonstrated solid industry-leadership through its ability to work with us on this initiative," said Phil Green, senior vice president, Global Operations, Network Plan, Design and Build, at Cable & Wireless. "We look forward to making our converged core vision a reality along with all of our vendor partners." "Alcatel's proactive initiatives in defining MPLS mediation standards, rapid development and the abilities of the 7670 RSP made them a very attractive candidate for converging our data traffic over an MPLS core," said Green. "another factor in our decision was Alcatel's 5620 Network Management System - it makes end to end provisioning very easy and the network views really simplify management issues." "Cable & Wireless has always kept one eye on the future through its work on industry standards. That's why the endorsement of our product is a great encouragement for converged core evolution," said Yves Lemaitre, Alcatel's VP Core Networks Marketing. "We're eager to continue our work with them on innovating the converged networks of the future." Today's announcement further entrenches Alcatel as a key supplier to this global telecommunications giant. Cable & Wireless already uses Alcatel 7470s as an ATM backbone throughout its global network and, in January, the carrier awarded Alcatel a multimillion-dollar contract to build and maintain a dense wave division multiplexing network to span the Atlantic Ocean. About Cable & Wireless Cable & Wireless is a major global telecommunications business with revenue of over £8 billion (US$11 billion) in the year to 31 March 2001 and customers in 70 countries. Cable & Wireless' focus for future growth is on IP (Internet protocol) and data services and solutions for business customers. It is developing advanced IP networks and value-added services in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in support of this strategy. With the capability of its global IP infrastructure and its strength in key markets, Cable & Wireless holds a unique position in terms of global coverage and services to business customers. For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to www.cw.com. About Alcatel Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 130,000 employees and sales of EURO 31 billion in 2000, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. Contact press@www.alcatel.com Last fall BT decided to buy new switches from ALA not Marconi. What was interesting, ALA is selling to Marconi , which is BT integrator. This is how good Marconi products are.........