MCI DELIVERS GLOBAL MESSAGING POWER AND NEW FUNCTIONALITY TO LOTUS CC:MAIL USERS; MCI Connect for cc:Mail opens communications to 60 public messaging services, including the Internet and MCI Mail

Business Wire, May 9, 1995

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 1995--MCI and Lotus opened new channels of communication for their customers today as the companies unveiled MCI Connect for cc:Mail at the Electronic Messaging Association conference here.

The service, provided by MCI, offers the more than seven million users of Lotus cc:Mail and cc:Mail Mobile e-mail systems a cost-effective and simplified way of exchanging information regardless of the type of computer or operating system used.

"As an early implementor of public electronic mail, we think it's imperative to continuously implement new programs and technologies to help our customers communicate better both inside and outside their organizations," said Martha Hanlon, MCI Business Markets director of electronic commerce product and service management. "MCI Connect for cc:Mail offers its customers a global communications network with unprecedented reliability and functionality."

"MCI is recognized for its large-scale worldwide messaging services," said Jay Gallinatti, director of marketing for Lotus cc:Mail. "As users of electronic mail increasingly focus on connectivity outside their local area networks, we are please to have MCI provide our customers with seamless access to one of the world's most extensive and robust messaging networks. MCI Connect for cc:Mail is an appropriate option for organizations that prefer not to maintain their own messaging backbones."

Electronic Mail Turned Up a Notch

MCI Connect for cc:Mail allows both LAN-based and remote cc:Mail users to send and receive e-mails, faxes, telexes and graphical attachments with other people who have electronic mailboxes on 70 public messaging services including MCI Mail, the Internet, CompuServe, AT&T EasyLink and SprintMail. Lotus cc:Mail users will save time because virtually all electronic correspondence is handled at the PC level. Just as important, according to Hanlon, additional user training is minimal since MCI Connect for cc:Mail provides the same easy-to-use addressing method with which cc:Mail users are familiar.

Lotus cc:Mail users who are in far-flung locations will benefit by using MCI Connect. They save money because their computers can connect to other LAN users via a local call. In addition, MCI's international network and customer service mechanism will ensure that their global connectivity needs are met. Mobile cc:Mail users have all the functionality of their LAN-based counterparts -- including the ability to manage all electronic communications from one cc:Mail interface.

Cost-effective Installation and Streamlined Message Management

LAN administrators can easily set up MCI Connect systems without purchasing and maintaining costly gateways, leased telephone lines and banks of modems. Since all traffic is handled at an MCI hub, LAN administrators are freed from the burden of managing their document transmission traffic to and from their LAN post offices. In addition, security is enhanced because fewer people have direct access into an organization's LAN.

Organizations that have already implemented traditional leased lines for cc:Mail communications between nationwide and global LANs can implement MCI Connect for cc:Mail as a back-up. Should these leased lines fail, LAN administrators are assured that their cc:Mail users can continue exchanging messages with minimal interference.

MCI provides a full range of messaging options to businesses and consumers via three key electronic mail services: MCI Mail, e-mailMCI, and Friends & Family Mail. With MCI Mail, electronic mail users can leverage the breadth and reach of the global MCI network -- both for access and for connectivity with MCI's other services and initiatives.

More than 50 million people worldwide send over six billion electronic mail messages each year.

MCI Connect for cc:Mail will be available next month. For most users, there is no subscription fee -- only a $10 monthly usage requirement. cc:Mail users can take advantage of a billing program that rates messages on monthly volume, rather than per-message or per-recipient.

In addition, multiple-address messages are rated as a single message, cutting the costs of corporate broadcasts. Companies interested in MCI Connect for cc:Mail should contact their local MCI representatives.

MCI, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has grown from its core long distance business to become the world's third largest carrier of international calling and a premier provider of data communication over the vast Internet computer network. With annual revenues of $12 billion, the company today provides a wide array of consumer and business long distance and local services, data and video communications, on-line information, electronic mail, network management services and communications software.

Lotus Development Corp. (NASDAQ:LOTS), founded in 1982, provides software products and support services that meet the business needs of individuals, workgroups and enterprises. Lotus' extensive range of products form the foundation for the company's Working Together strategy, which focuses on integrating applications, platforms and people. The company's first product, 1-2-3, is the most popular personal computer software application in the world, with more than 20 million users. Lotus markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center.