Laurel Networks to Offer Fujitsu EF&I Services to Carriers

Business Wire, Oct 16, 2002

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

Fujitsu Network Services, a division of Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., and Laurel Networks Inc. today announced the signing of a Services Agreement to offer Fujitsu Engineering, Furnishing and Installation services (EF&I) to carriers that purchase Laurel Networks service edge routing solutions.

Laurel's ST200 Service Edge Routers are evolving carrier architectures from multiple data networks to a single packet-switched architecture to enable profitable delivery of all types of switched and routed data and IP services at the edge of carrier IP/MPLS networks. This unmatched service agility allows carriers to evolve their service portfolio to meet changing market requirements with significantly lower capital and operations costs.

"Fujitsu has long been one of the most trusted and respected EF&I vendors in the telecom industry," said Pat Vogelsang, director of customer service, Laurel Networks. "Their comprehensive experience in the customer support arena will allow the world's largest service providers to rapidly deploy Laurel solutions across a range of locations to create flexible, profitable service offerings."

Fujitsu provides a full range of network services, including engineering, project management, network design, network operations and systems integration, as well as installation and maintenance of any manufacturer's telecommunications equipment. Fujitsu Network Services meets the strict requirements of the RBOCs and is a certified supplier of EF&I services to carriers nationwide.

"Fujitsu is excited about providing Laurel Networks with our comprehensive line of EF&I services. With the help of our in-house technical experts, we will collaborate with Laurel Networks to ensure their carrier customers receive fast and efficient deployment of the ST200," said Ken Madsen, senior vice president, Fujitsu Network Services. "Our strategy is to broaden our capabilities and package our EF&I services for manufacturers who want to leverage our vast global network and experience."

About Laurel Networks

Laurel Networks is leading the creation of The New Service Delivery Architecture to enable profitable delivery of data and IP services at the edge of carrier IP/MPLS networks. Laurel's service edge routers and service management software are evolving carrier architectures from multiple data networks to a single packet-switched architecture with minimal capital investment. Combining carrier-class routing, data switching, advanced QoS and high availability, Laurel service edge routers support both routed and switched services. This unmatched service agility allows carriers to evolve their service portfolio to meet changing market requirements. Laurel Networks was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.laurelnetworks.com.

About Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. delivers next-generation optical transport and photonics solutions optimized for metropolitan, regional, long haul and ultra long haul, high capacity applications. The company's comprehensive consulting and network services offer support at any network development, deployment and maintenance stage. The company is the leading optical transport equipment vendor in the metro market and has increased its share in the long haul market. Fujitsu Network Communications is a division of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), a provider of comprehensive IT and networking solutions for the global marketplace. For more news and information, please visit http://www.fnc.fujitsu.com.