U S WEST Teams with Digital, HP, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, and Sun to Create Next-Generation Network-Based Applications and Solutions for Home & Office Customers
PR Newswire - February 17, 1998 16:48
USW NOVL SUNW %TLS %MLM %CPR %PDT V%PRN P%PRN
Network Applications to Reshape Internet Services Landscape by Cutting
Networking Cost and Complexity; Consumers and Businesses Gain Access to
Services from Entertainment to E-Commerce
DENVER, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- U S WEST Communications (NYSE: USW) today
took a giant step toward creating the next-generation of network-based
applications and solutions that will give business and residential customers
Internet access to a wide-range of new network applications all conveniently
delivered to customers' homes or offices via U S WEST's national data
network.
U S WEST has signed agreements with six industry leaders in networking
applications, services and integration that will enable it to embed data
applications and services directly into U S WEST's next-generation data
network, which it is developing with Williams, Intermedia, Qwest and Cisco
Systems. U S WEST will offer these new applications directly through its
network, giving customers access to the services as needed from their work or
home, and freeing them from having to manage and maintain networks and servers
themselves.
"Our goal at U S WEST is to continue to deliver products and services
designed to simplify our customers' home and work activities. With
applications like directory services, electronic billing, virus scanning and
site blocking embedded in our network, customers have access to the service
and applications they need, when they need them," said Solomon D. Trujillo,
president and CEO, U S WEST Communications. "Customers no longer have to
purchase expensive software to run specific applications. They can now access
these services and solutions from U S WEST's nationwide next-generation
network."
Under the new relationships:
* Microsoft(R), Oracle and Sun Microsystems and are working with U S WEST
to develop and deploy Windows NT(R) Server, Java and Unix network-based
applications for businesses and consumers. These applications will include
e-mail hosting, multimedia intranets, electronic billing and collection,
digital content distribution, supply chain management, and entertainment
services;
* Novell and U S WEST will work to deliver a directory-enabled network
platform to manage the applications portfolio that will provide directory,
Domain Name Server (DNS), proxy cache, secure Internet and remote intranet
access with single login capabilities, and, with cooperation of other
alliances, site blocking and virus scanning.
* Hewlett-Packard Company with VeriFone will collaborate with U S WEST to
create next-generation network applications and IP management systems for
service differentiation and Quality-of-Service management.
* Digital Equipment Corporation will partner with U S WEST to integrate
business customers' existing proprietary networks with its national IP-based
network, providing integrated support for key back office applications and
scalable IP network services. Digital will also work with U S WEST in the
areas of Internet planning and design, Virtual Private Network solutions and
Local Network Applications.
These data applications will be offered to customers nationwide as they
become available in the second half of 1998, thanks to U S WEST's recently
announced alliances with Williams Communications, Qwest, Cisco and Intermedia.
U S WEST's existing hosted applications services based on Lotus Development
Corporation's Notes and Domino technologies will also be integrated into this
applications portfolio.
"By embedding IP-based applications in our network and making them
available as a service, U S WEST customers will no longer have to take the
time or make the capital commitment to implement and manage these solutions on
their own," said Joe Zell, president of U S WEST !NTERPRISE Networking. "Our
consumer and business customers will soon have application choices to simplify
their operations or lower their total cost of ownership for applications
support and will avoid the 'planned obsolescence' inherent in the current
model."
New Approach for IT Customers
While streamlining applications management, subscribers to U S WEST's
network will be able to use the latest applications and technologies from HP,
Microsoft, Oracle, Sun and Novell hosted on one customized and managed
national network, avoiding the cost and difficulty of deploying and upgrading
network applications themselves.
Some hosted services currently available through U S WEST include
e-commerce and collaborative computing. Additional rental and subscription-
based applications will be available in the second-half of 1998. These
applications services will be fully customized to meet the needs of businesses
as diverse as healthcare, education and government, as well as a myriad of
other consumer needs.
These new services can also be linked with U S WEST's consumer Internet
product, U S WEST.net, which can be turbocharged with U S WEST's MegaBit
Services ADSL high-speed Internet and data access service. On Jan. 29, U S
WEST announced plans to deploy both of these new products in more than 40
cities across its 14-state region by June 1998.
U S WEST's National Data Network
Earlier this year, U S WEST announced a series of network alliances which
allow it to offer these network services nationwide. Its alliance with
Williams Communications gives U S WEST access to more than 18,000 miles of
Williams' fiber-optic backbone architecture to support data-networking and
long distance voice needs outside its region. Qwest will also provide U S
WEST with access to an additional 16,000 fiber miles by 1999.
In addition, U S WEST's recently announced alliance with Intermedia
immediately extends U S WEST's data-networking and Internet services
nationally, and its relationship with Cisco Systems gives U S WEST advanced
data-switching and other capabilities to power its next-generation national
network.
More detailed information on each of the partnerships is attached.
About U S WEST Communications
U S WEST Communications (NYSE: USW) provides a full range of
telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS and data
networking -- to more than 25 million customers in 14 western and midwestern
states. The company is one of two major groups that make up U S WEST, a
company in the connections business, helping customers share information,
entertainment and communications services in local markets worldwide. U S
WEST's other major group, MediaOne Group, is involved in domestic and
international cable and telephone, wireless communications, and directory and
information services. U S WEST has proposed splitting the two groups into
separate public companies sometime after mid-1998, pending shareowner and
other approvals.
U S WEST !NTERPRISE is the data-networking arm of U S WEST Communications,
providing data-communications services nationally since 1995. U S WEST
Communications, Inc. can be found on the Internet at uswest.com.
Digital and U S WEST
Digital Equipment Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance,
Web-based computing solutions, will work with U S WEST to integrate business
customers' existing proprietary networks with U S WEST's national IP-based
network. U S WEST and Digital will also look to develop:
* High performance Internet and intranet-based solutions including
consulting, planning, design, implementation, upgrade and migration services
for businesses and consumers;
* Virtual Private Network solutions with Digital's AltaVista Tunnel --
secure, cost-effective private networks that significantly reduce network
operations and management costs;
* Network and Desktop integration and maintenance services, including
Microsoft NT(R) scalability, integration and implementation; and
* Local Network applications providing very high bandwidth between
customers and providers of information and services at a local community
level.
U S WEST and Digital will continue to work very closely in the electronic
commerce space to enhance U S WEST's !NTERACT Procurement Services portfolio
with Digital's EDI and network applications initiative.
"As customers move more of their business to the Internet, they are
demanding scaleable, high-performance IT infrastructures and proven
implementation experience that will help them win in an increasingly networked
world," said Robert B. Palmer, Digital chairman, president and chief executive
officer. "By combining Digital's Internet expertise, world-class services and
leading AltaVista technology with US West's leadership in ISP planning and
telecommunications industry offerings, we will provide our customers with
secure, innovative Internet business solutions."
About Digital
Digital Equipment Corporation, recognized for product and service
excellence, is a leading supplier of high-performance, Web-based computing
solutions that help enterprises compete in the global marketplace. Digital
gives its customers a winning Internet advantage through a comprehensive
portfolio of Internet solutions based on award-winning systems, advanced
networking infrastructure, innovative software, and industry applications --
including those from business partners. The expertise and experience of
Digital employees help customers plan, design, implement, manage and support
Internet solutions in countries throughout the world. For the latest company
information, visit Digital on the World Wide Web at: digital.com
and/or newsdesk.com.
Information about Digital and its services can be found on the World Wide
Web at digital.com. For additional information, please contact:
Chuck Malkiel
(508) 467-1996
chuck.malkiel@digital.com
HP and U S WEST
HP and its wholly owned subsidiary VeriFone will collaborate with U S WEST
to create next-generation network applications and IP management.
Applications and services currently being explored include:
* VeriSmart(TM), VeriFone's open and flexible smart card technology
infrastructure, and a range of smart card applications and services such as
electronic cash, secure access to financial accounts, digital certificates and
digital identifications;
* PC-DSL software and hardware integrations - U S WEST and HP will explore
a turnkey solution which incorporates U S WEST's MegaBit Services into HP's
consumer and small business PCs;
* U S WEST and HP will combine their core competencies to develop and
implement carrier-grade Internet Service Management Solutions. These
solutions will include end-to-end manageability of select Internet
applications and services, plus the integration of management technologies.
"The promise of readily available network-based applications and services
for electronic commerce is amplified by combining the strengths of HP and U S
WEST," said Glenn Osaka, vice president and general manager of HP's Extended
Enterprise Business Unit. "As HP builds the electronic world, our work with
partners such as U S WEST will be crucial to helping businesses, consumers and
suppliers electronically interact and transact with one another."
"By combining HP and U S WEST's core competencies, we will deliver
innovative Internet measurement and management services and application
solutions that will make the promise of the Internet a reality," said Tom
White, vice president and general manager of HP's Communication Test Solutions
Group.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing,
Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and
measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality
and support. It is the second-largest computer supplier in the world, with
computer-related revenue in excess of $35.4 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.
HP has 121,900 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal
year.
VeriFone, Inc., ( verifone.com ) a wholly owned subsidiary of
Hewlett-Packard Company, is the leading global provider of secure electronic
payment solutions for financial institutions, merchants and consumers.
VeriFone has shipped more than six million electronic payment systems, which
are used in over 100 countries.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web
at hp.com. For additional information, please contact:
Brad Pick
(408) 447-7809
brad_pick@hp.com
Microsoft and U S WEST
Microsoft and U S WEST will create and deliver unique, differentiated
commercial-grade applications on Microsoft Windows NT(R) Server hosted in U S
WEST's next-generation, IP-based network, allowing business and consumer
customers to access Microsoft Windows NT(R) Server applications and services
from U S WEST's national network. Applications to be deployed currently
include:
* Intranets including multimedia e-mail, news and chat, and collaboration
services;
* E-commerce and commerce enabled Web hosting services;
* Multimedia services including IP voice, fax, video and conferencing;
* "Telecom Dashboard " for Web-based access and provisioning to telephony
services such as caller ID and call forwarding; and
* Access and authentication services including Virtual Private Networks.
U S WEST will support browser-based access including Microsoft Internet
Explorer to these services. And U S WEST and Microsoft will collaborate in
the promotion and adoption of high-speed technologies including MegaBit
Services, based on xDSL, to access network-based services.
"Microsoft is excited to be working with U S WEST to create next-
generation network services based on Microsoft Windows NT(R) Server. This
allows U S WEST to take advantage of technology from Microsoft, as well as a
range of products developed by third parties on the Windows NT(R) Server
platform," said Cameron Myhrvold, vice president, Internet Customer Unit,
Microsoft. "And we applaud U S WEST's deployment of xDSL services which
greatly enhances user experience for Internet access and telecommuting."
Information about Microsoft and its products can be found on the World
Wide Web at microsoft.com. For additional information, please
contact:
Francine Plaza, PLAZApr -- for Microsoft
(561) 477-9762
plaza_pr@gate.net
Novell and U S WEST
U S WEST and Novell and will deploy applications and solutions using next-
generation directory enabled network services based on award-winning Novell
products and technologies such as NetWare(R), Novell Directory Services(TM),
ManageWise(R), and Border Manager. The applications being considered include:
* Web acceleration, controlled access to the Internet, intranets and
extranets;
* Service directories, authorization and security services to facilitate
single login functionality to multiple networks from U S WEST.net's Points-of-
Presence;
* Customer controlled service management and service provisioning; and
* Site blocking and virus scanning.
This directory enabled network will support US WEST's further entry in
hosted services by providing a common platform for enabling such network
applications including remote LAN access; hosted groupware; virtual private
networking and integrated news, e-mail and web hosting.
"Novell shares US WEST's vision of a new generation of directory enabled
network-based applications and services. These solutions must be built on a
solid, high performance networking services foundation which is manageable and
secure. As the world's leading networking software company, Novell is excited
to be partnering with US WEST on this innovative strategy," said Ronald R.
Palmeri, vice president of Novell Strategic Relations.
About Novell
Founded in 1983, Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of
network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for
distributed network, Internet/intranet and small-business markets, as well as
the network computing industry's most comprehensive education and technical
support programs. Information about Novell and its complete range of products
and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at novell.com.
Novell, Netware, GroupWise and ManageWise are registered trademarks and
NDS and Novell Directory Services are trademarks of Novell, Inc. All other
registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective holders.
For additional information, please contact:
Ron Palmeri
(408) 577-7512
ronald palmeri@novell.com
Oracle and U S WEST
Oracle and U S WEST plan to develop and deploy mission-critical business
applications over the network, allowing businesses to gain access to low-cost,
network hosted applications in lieu of installing them at the business
premise.
Applications may be accessed by businesses and their customers over the
network from any browser. No desktop hardware upgrades are required -- PCs
and NCs the customer may have on-site today are supported. Hosted
applications U S WEST and Oracle plan to explore include:
* Financials -- Internet-based General Ledger and Accounting via browser-
based access, without extensive support from an in-house information systems
group;
* Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management -- to streamline schedules,
inventory and reliability of finished goods, linking production to orders
rather than forecasts;
* Human Resources -- focused on payroll, resource management and career
management;
* Electronic Bill Payment -- businesses will be able to deliver and
collect payments on bills electronically;
* Electronic Commerce -- for businesses to electronically market and sell
their products and services via Oracle-based Web sites hosted on U S WEST's
network;
* Digital Content Distribution for companies that want to securely
distribute digital assets over the Internet including software, documents,
videos and music.
"We are pleased to be teaming with U S WEST to bring leading business
applications to the market over the Internet," said Ray Lane, president and
COO of Oracle Corporation. "We have been focused on supporting high
performance, browser-based access to our applications for some time, and
delivered the unique capability with Release 10.7 NCA of Oracle Applications.
There is a healthy segment of the market that will opt for network-based
applications for the cost savings and simplicity delivered. This is a
strategic direction for Oracle and U S WEST."
About Oracle
Oracle Corporation is the world's leading supplier of software for
information management, and the world's second largest software company. With
annual revenues of more than $6.3 billion, the company offers its database,
tools and application products, along with related consulting, education and
support services, in over 140 countries around the world.
Information about Oracle can be found by calling (650) 506-7000 or
visiting Oracle's World Wide Web site at oracle.com. For
additional information, please contact:
Kevin McGuirk
(650) 506-8273
kmcguirk@us.orcale.com
Sun Microsystems and U S WEST
The Sun Microsystems relationship will enable U S WEST customers to access
Java-based applications from U S WEST's network. Consumers will benefit from
new services being explored that include:
* A filtering service for the home which will allow parents to manage
where their children can go on the Internet;
* The Java Home Receptionist, a Java-enabled screenphone that provides
Home Receptionist functionality today integrated with Internet applications
such as stock information, home banking services, family member calendaring
and weather reports;
* "Smart Home" services for managing home security, climate control,
grocery shopping and other activities; and
* High-speed entertainment and Internet services through TV set-top boxes
utilizing Java technologies and DSL access.
Small business solutions, hosted in a JAVA-based service provider
architecture, include business calendaring, Web-information filtering, work
group and enterprise business applications and custom franchise application
hosting.
"Thanks to this strategic relationship between U S WEST and Sun, consumers
and small business will for the first time gain access to an ever-expanding
range of Java-based network-resident applications that will enhance both
household and business activities," said Chris Hurst, vice president of
worldwide telecommunications and cable industries at Sun Microsystems, Inc.
"We're talking about everything from Internet 'filtering' programs that
parents can use to restrict Internet access for their kids, to Java-enabled
screen phones with Web displays, to small business productivity solutions.
Sun looks forward to making available to U S WEST the full range of our
network computing solutions -- from Java to Solaris to our scalable servers --
as they create these next-generation network-based services."
About Sun
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The
ComputerTM," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc., (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its
position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for
enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more
than $9 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150
countries and on the World Wide Web at sun.com. For more information,
please contact:
Karen Hedlund
(212) 614-4012
karen_hedlund@bm.com
SOURCE U S WEST Communications
/CONTACT: Jennifer Jones, U S WEST !NTERPRISE, 303-965-3706,
jjjones@uswest.com; or David Beigie, U S WEST Communications, 303-896-5528,
dbeigie@uswest.com/
/Company News On-Call: prnewswire.com or fax, 800-758-5804,
ext. 103985/
/Web site: uswest.com
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