Convergent Communications Introduces Affordable Broadband Solution , Providing Internet Access, Data and Voice Networking Solution For Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses - T-1 and DSL - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Nov 22, 1999

Convergent Communications, an Enterprise Network Carrier providing single-source business communications solutions, has launched ENS-Connect -- a network connectivity service that, in exchange for a monthly service fee, allows small- and medium-sized businesses to gain a bundled solution that includes high-speed (T-1 and DSL) Internet access, dedicated long-distance service and Frame Relay service, all of which are monitored and pro-actively managed through Convergent Communications' Central Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) and its industry-leading network management capabilities.

"The truly distinct aspect of ENS-Connect is that Convergent Communications assumes all of the hardware and other 'up-front' capital charges typically added on by other providers," said John R. Evans, chairman and chief executive officer of Convergent Communications. "We've taken the elements of accountability and convenience from our signature Enterprise Network Services (ENS) offering and applied them to the Internet access needs and wide area network needs of small-to medium-sized businesses."

Wide area networks are an extension of an organization's local area network (LAN) to other remote-site LANs, allowing the exchange of information throughout the enterprise. Through its ENS-Connect offering, Convergent Communications owns and is responsible for the supporting systems' hardware. This includes IAD (Integrated Access Devices) and routers inside the customer's premises as well as all of the elements associated with high-speed Internet access and wide area services, including the complete design, configuration, firewall security management, installation and operational management of the network.

According to Greg Tennant, senior vice president of product development for Convergent Communications, ENS-Connect is a flexible WAN platform that is a portal to more advanced communications services. "Once customers lay the groundwork with ENS-Connect, they can graduate quickly to more advanced solutions like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), video conferencing and e-commerce applications."

Convergent Communications Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Convergent Communications, Inc., is an Enterprise Network Carrier providing single-source integrated data and voice communications solutions. With operations in 35 markets, the company's services include the design, implementation, support and monitoring of data and voice networks and Internet services. Through its Enterprise Network Services (ENS) offering, Convergent Communications owns, manages, maintains and monitors client data and voice networks under long-term service agreements. FMI: http://www.convergentcom.com.