Broadwing Provides $8.7 Million IP VPN Solution for Center 7; Leading ASP Gains Access to Award-Winning IP Backbone Through Broadwing's Data Centers

Business Wire, Sept 12, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2000

Broadwing Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc. (NYSE:BRW), today announced it has signed a three year, $8.7 million contract with Center 7, Inc. Broadwing is providing Center 7, an Application Service Provider (ASP), dedicated, secure IP VPN services, collocated web hosting capabilities and 155 Megabits per second (Mbps) private line access.

Center 7 is a privately-held company that designs, develops and delivers business opportunity through the integration of e-business, ERP and enterprise management technologies. These solutions are available through Center 7's HotFramework(TM) services, which structures, supports and completes the rapid assembly, testing and deployment of customized solutions.

In order to offer these state-of-the-art Internet services effectively, Center 7 requires fast, reliable IP network access. Under the terms of the agreement, Center 7 is utilizing Broadwing's award-winning Internet Backbone through its eClass(TM) IP VPN Services. This deal makes Center 7 Broadwing's first OCx level eClass customer, validating next-generation IP VPNs in the high bandwidth space. Broadwing's eClass IP VPN Services provide Center 7 with carrier-grade, intelligent IP transport to enable full network convergence for all of its data, storage and Internet applications.

"Broadwing's eClass sets the standard for next-generation, enhanced IP VPN services. eClass provides fast, reliable and secure data transfer over a single platform," said Rick Pontin, president and COO of Broadwing Communications. "By offering eClass and quality web hosting to Center 7, Broadwing is giving them the scalable high-speed bandwidth they need to offer their customers customized, cutting edge ASP solutions."

Broadwing is also providing Center 7 collocated web hosting in its Salt Lake City and Austin data centers. Center 7 is utilizing Broadwing's data centers as hosts for their enhanced Internet technologies, such as Management Services, Storage Services, Shopping Cart, Security Services, and Payment Services.

"At Center 7, we create customized solutions for our clients, and then guarantee their uptime and availability," said Kelly Phillips, CEO and president of Center 7. "Broadwing helps us accomplish this task by providing faster and more reliable solutions. Broadwing's eClass IP VPN Services give us a proven, virtual network without the need for additional equipment or configuration."

About Broadwing

Broadwing Communications is a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc. (NYSE:BRW). Broadwing combines unparalleled customer service with the industry's most advanced and flexible 18,000 mile next-generation fiber optic network and award-winning IP backbone, to create data and Internet solutions that are innovative, reliable, and provide businesses a competitive advantage. Broadwing will be the first provider with a fully deployed optical network and sets the standard for customer accountability with the industry's only Installation Guarantee. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and Austin, Texas with 6,000 employees in 56 sales and service offices across the country, Broadwing can be found on the Web at www.broadwing.com.

About Center 7

Center 7, formed by the Canopy Group, a venture capital company of Novell founder Ray Noorda, designs, develops and delivers business opportunity through the integration of e-business, ERP and enterprise management technologies. These solutions are available through Center 7's HotFramework(TM) services, which structures, supports, and completes the rapid assembly, testing and deployment of customized solutions.

Center 7 assures customer success by reducing the complexity of computing and simplifying business, technical and financial constraints. Customers realize timely, successful access to leading-edge technologies in a pay-as-you-grow model, assuring that the solutions meet their financial and technology needs. For more information, please visit www.center7.com.

Trademarks

Center 7 and HotFramework are service and trademarks of Center 7, Inc. All other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective owners.