UUNET Launches ISP Program Creating Cost-Effective Turnkey Internet Solution

Fairfax, Va., -- UUNET, an MCI WorldCom Company, today announced a new program enabling U.S. ISPs and companies in vertical markets to enter or expand in the ISP market. UUNET's ISP Program was developed in conjunction with Cisco, IBM, ISP Alliance, and Lucent and aims to provide companies in the cable, telecommunications, public utility, finance and other industries with a variety of turnkey Internet solutions. The ISP Program allows companies to provide these solutions to its customers leveraging UUNET's global network. "Companies in vertical markets and ISPs now have the opportunity to grow their existing business model by adding a value-added Internet service into their business offerings," said Brad Wise, vice president of channel sales, UUNET. "These companies will be able to leverage the UUNET network and offer their customers quick access to all the benefits of the World Wide Web, while creating an Internet portal that can be branded with their logo and customized content."

Program Details and Availability

The ISP Program is a unique business model that allows for the outsourcing of Internet operations so businesses can provide access plus value-added Internet services such as e-mail, domain name registration, newsreader accounts and technical support to their customers without the expense of building their own infrastructure. The program also includes discounted software and hardware, marketing and consulting services, technical support, and flexible pricing models that can help new and existing businesses grow and become profitable in this market. Flexible financing and outsourcing options (network infrastructure, IT infrastructure and help desk/backoffice services) will allow the ISP to concentrate on increasing its subscriber number and growing customer satisfaction and retention. The ISP Program was developed based on needs expressed by our current ISP customers to help them grow and become more successful. This program differs from the company's other private label programs because the end users are connected to UUNET through their ISP's connection instead of being connected directly to UUNET. Members of the ISP Program can choose between managing their ISP business themselves or outsourcing their Internet services management. If they choose to manage their business themselves, bandwidth, hardware, marketing and call center services can be purchased on an as-needed basis. Both models offer flexible pricing according to the customer's needs. The ISP Program is available immediately throughout the United States.

Participating Technology Vendors

UUNET is working with several companies on this initiative to provide businesses with stackable solutions to meet their business needs, whether it's hardware, call center support or marketing. These companies understand the needs of the ISP market and have worked together to provide a competitive package for use by ISPs or businesses entering the market. Cisco has partnered with UUNET to help its service provider customers quickly seize new market opportunities and roll out innovative New World services. Cisco's solutions for wholesale Internet access provide the ideal foundation for UUNET to help ISPs expand their business "Cisco is pleased to partner with UUNET to help its service provider customers quickly seize new market opportunities and roll out innovative New World services," said Larry Lang, vice president of marketing for Cisco's service provider line of business. "Cisco's solutions for wholesale Internet access provide the ideal foundation for UUNET to help ISPs expand their business." IBM servers and software offer a portfolio of e-business-enabling products. IBM has identified three IBM product bundles to package with UUNET Internet connectivity and outsourcing options targeted to ISP's. These complete bundles will help 2nd & 3rd tier ISP's as well as non-traditional ISP's (cable, utilities, rural telephone companies) grow and scale their services and increase subscriber rates. ISP Alliance is a leader in the Internet services business and has been successful due to its commitment to provide true value-add solutions to its customers. They bring a unique business model and extensive knowledge of the rural market to the program. "This industry unique program will make it easier than ever before for companies to launch or grow their ISP business. We look forward to working with UUNET in making an ISP services business a reality for more and more companies," said Julie Caruso, executive vice president, ISP Alliance. Lucent Technologies designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private data networking systems. Its market leading products enable ISPs to address rapid growth and continuing price pressure in the consumer Internet access market. "Customers are looking for additional services that allow them to get everything they need in one place. Together with UUNET we are helping address the need for expanded business services and one-stop shopping," said Mike Albers, senior vice president, Lucent Technologies.

Customer Testimonial

Richmond Telephone, a regional telecommunications company serving nearly 1100 customers, wanted to offer its customers additional value-added services and found that becoming an Internet Service Provider through the ISP Program was simple and cost-effective. Richmond Telephone's goal is to provide Internet service to residents and businesses in Berkshire County and eventually move into other counties in and around Massachusetts. "We didn't have the time or resources to build our own Internet operations," said Lorinda Ackley-Mazur, president, Richmond Telephone. "We talked with other ISPs about obtaining a service that would allow us to resell their access, but it was very expensive. The ISP Program offered us a cost-effective plan that made our decision a lot easier. We are very excited about the new program and about working directly with these technology vendors."