Verizon Business Keeps American Tire Distributors on Track with Private IP Services

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Business today announced that it has been selected by American Tire Distributors, one of the nation's largest independent suppliers to the replacement tire market, to provide private Internet protocol (IP) and managed wide area network (WAN) services to connect the company's 73 distribution centers across 39 states. American Tire Distributors is among the increasing number of companies that are updating their legacy data networks to IP to take advantage of its cost-effectiveness, flexibility and scalability.

Under the agreement, Verizon Business will also manage and maintain the tire company's new network.

"Our Private IP services allow business and government customers to realize the benefits of a converged networking solution, including IP-based applications that can help improve productivity and their bottom line," said Steve Young, group president for Verizon Business corporate accounts. "By taking a close look at American Tire's requirements today and how they envision their business evolving over the coming years, we designed a solution that can grow with their business."

Steven Peppard, chief information officer, American Tire Distributors, said, "It is our mission to operate America's most complete and best-managed tire distribution centers coast-to-coast, and to do this we need a secure and reliable network environment. The fast-paced tire industry is expected to accelerate over the next five years. With this managed network solution, Verizon Business is taking the guesswork out of the networking equation, so we can stay ahead of the curve in the tire business."

American Tire Distributors will take advantage of the any-to-any multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) connections, classes of service and inherent security afforded by Verizon Business' Managed Private IP offering. The company also uses Verizon Business' advanced voice and data services for its corporate locations across the United States.

Today, Verizon Business manages nearly 3,400 customer networks in 142 countries, including overseeing more than 25,000 non-Verizon connections from more than 60 network providers around the world. As the former MCI, the company received the 2005 Frost & Sullivan Customer Service Leadership Award and the 2005 InfoWorld 100 Award. Verizon Business has a legacy of service and innovation in network management and offers industry leading service-level commitments for its Managed Network Services.

About American Tire Distributors

American Tire Distributors is one of the nation's largest independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market. American Tire Distributors operates 73 distribution centers servicing 39 states. The company focuses on helping tire and wheel retail dealers compete with larger retailers by offering the most complete, coast-to-coast selection of tires, wheels and related products and value-added services. American Tire Distributors employs over 2,100 employees across its nationwide distribution center network, including 200 people in its Charlotte-area Field Support Center, distribution center and regional hub. For more information, visit www.americantiredistributors.com
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About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

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