U.S. Robotics Teams with Network Data Systems to Deploy Cost-Saving IP Telephony Network

Business Wire, April 5, 2001

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2001

USR's new headquarters enjoys big savings with Cisco's AVVID

(Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data)

Network Convergence Solution

U.S. Robotics, provider of the world's No. 1 selling modem brand and an emerging supplier of high-speed Internet access solutions chose Network Data Systems, a Cisco Systems IP- Telephony Certified partner, to implement a converged voice and data network for their new headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois.

When U.S. Robotics needed to relocate 250 plus corporate employees to a new location, they wanted a full-featured networking solution that would be scalable, cost-effective and highly available. U.S. Robotics selected Network Data Systems to help them accomplish this critical task due to their unsurpassed expertise in networking solutions. Network Data Systems offers a broad range of infrastructure consulting services including IP voice, video and data connectivity, security, network management and network infrastructure.

U.S. Robotics and their chosen partner, Network Data Systems took advantage of recent developments in technology that converges both voice and data onto a single IP-standard network via Cisco's AVVID IP-Telephony solution. Together, they developed a compelling business case proving that a multiservice network would deliver superior data and telephony networking functionality far more cost-effectively than two separate networks.

Network Data Systems successfully designed and installed a fault-tolerant network for U.S. Robotics providing a more manageable, more resilient and more scalable infrastructure than other alternatives. Although the desired cutover date for the new installation was very aggressive, the network was delivered on time. To minimize the time required for on-site implementation, they first configured and staged the entire infrastructure in a NDS facility so that, at the USR location, they could literally `snap in' a proven, tested network.

"What impressed me the most", said Lee Mulcrone, Chief Information Officer, US Robotics, "was that both the telephone system and the data network worked the very first day. That is a tribute to the fact that Cisco's IP Telephony works, and that Network Data Systems is a partner that fully understands how to design and implement this sophisticated voice and data technology." About US Robotics

U.S. Robotics (USR) is the provider of the world's No. 1 selling modem brand and an emerging supplier of high-speed Internet access solutions, is recognized by consumers worldwide as offering the standard in quality, reliability and ease of use. Following its re-emergence as an independent company in September 2000, U.S. Robotics reaffirmed its commitment to its analog modem leadership and began extending its product line to cable and DSL modems and wireless networking products for homes and small offices.

Leveraging its popular brand, highly skilled employee base and strategic relationships with major broadband industry players, the company is delivering the next-generation of U.S. Robotics Internet access products to its retail channel partners.

About Network Data Systems

Network Data Systems (NDS) is a leading infrastructure consulting company with competencies in network infrastructure, security, operating systems and management systems. As one of Cisco Systems first partners to receive IP telephony certification, NDS is uniquely positioned to help customers build converged networks of data, voice and video over a single IP network. Its world-class consultants utilize a proven methodology that insures high quality results. With experience in both enterprise and service provider environments, NDS can successfully assess, design, implement and operate large complex networks. For more information, visit Network Data Systems' website at www.network-data.com.