Verizon Business Completes Installation of Advanced Communications Network for Argonne National Laboratory

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Business has upgraded the communications network for Argonne National Laboratory, one the U.S. Department of Energy's largest research centers.

Verizon Business, through its Federal Network Systems (Verizon FNS) company, a leading service provider for the federal government, has completed installation of a new converged, Internet protocol (IP) network for this legendary laboratory. This network can handle large amounts of traffic -- voice, data and video - while eliminating the need for multiple networks for voice and data.

In the case of Argonne, Verizon FNS upgraded the existing network to IP and installed a new private branch exchange (PBX) with advanced switching gear located in the customer's own facilities.

Verizon FNS will continue to operate and maintain the new network while assisting Argonne in extending the network's advanced capabilities for analog, digital and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services as well as unified messaging and automatic call distribution (ACD). By converting to IP, Argonne will see increased flexibility to make changes to its systems or add users as needs change.

"IP networking provides Argonne with more flexibility to move traffic more efficiently over one network while controllingoperating costs,'' said Wesley E. Jordan, vice president of Verizon Federal Network Systems with Verizon Business. "Verizon Business is continuing to work with customers like Argonne to help manage the transition of their traditional data networks to IP to meet their specific needs while taking advantage of advances in communications technologies and world-class service.''

Chartered in 1946, Argonne is a direct descendant of the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory. In 2003, Argonne began exploring options for replacing its 18-year-old PBX system and concluded that a converged telecommunications network would meet requirements for expansion and more advanced features.

Verizon FNS worked closely with Argonne to develop and implement a four-phase transition plan designed to reduce the project's impact on existing operations while ensuring continuity of service for Argonne's researchers.

Chuck Zimmerman, telecommunications services manager for Argonne's Computing and Information Systems Division, said: "Verizon FNS managed the execution exactly according to this timetable, thus minimizing the project's impact on the laboratory and maintaining continuity of service during the transition period."

About Argonne National Laboratory

The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory is one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary research centers, conducting basic and applied scientific research across a wide spectrum of disciplines ranging from high-energy physics to climatology and biotechnology. Since 1990, Argonne has worked with more than 600 companies and numerous federal agencies and other organizations to help advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for the future. Located on 1,500 wooded acres about 25 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois, Argonne is operated by the University of Chicago for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For additional information, visit the Argonne Web site at www.anl.gov.

About Verizon Federal Network Systems

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Verizon's Federal Network Systems (FNS) designs, implements, secures, operates, and maintains some of the largest networks for some of the world's most demanding public- and private-sector customers. FNS provides advanced network management tools to support diverse network types, from circuit switching, to IP or ATM based networks, to networks utilizing emerging technology. Verizon FNS' engineering expertise is derived from some of the industry's best and brightest internetworking technical experts, who understand how to deliver the best consulting, management, and outsourcing solutions. As a component of Verizon Business, FNS draws upon the corporate-wide resources, global reach, and diverse telecommunications capabilities to provide complete network solutions, integrated with world-class security expertise. For more information visit www.verizon.com/fns.

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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