Altura Communication Solution Achieves "Small and Medium Business Expert" Distinction from Avaya

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2006

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Altura Communication Solutions announced today that it has achieved "Small and Medium Business (SMB) Expert" distinction from Avaya Inc. (NYSE:AV), a leading global provider of business communications software, systems and services.

To achieve ranking as "SMB Expert," Altura account executives and systems engineers must demonstrate proficiency in core areas that include customer support, technology knowledge and expertise, sales revenues and marketing support. The program is the first such specialized ranking established by Avaya for North America certified resellers in its BusinessPartner program who serve the SMB market. It includes training that focuses on IP telephony and Avaya solutions, sales and technical training on Avaya IP Office, one of Avaya's leading IP telephony solutions for small and medium businesses. IP Office is a secure, intelligent, and easy-to-use converged voice and data system designed especially for small and medium businesses. Avaya has sold 80,000 IP Office solutions to companies around the world.

Altura provides comprehensive communication systems and support, including VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and converged network integration, consultative services, and ongoing maintenance. Altura's national presence, combined with its commitment to service, provides unsurpassed service and solutions to its customers.

"As a leading converged solution provider in the market, our company is positioned to assist businesses of all sizes," said Bob Blazek, Altura President and CEO. "The 'SMB Expert' distinction from Avaya recognizes our ability to offer unique, customized IP communications solutions that are properly scaled to meet the specific challenges of a small to medium sized organization. Our goal is to continually improve our ability to meet and exceed our customer needs."

Altura has consistently received top honors from Avaya, including the Platinum level of authorization, the highest level of certification that Avaya offers.

"Smaller companies need crystal clear information on the capabilities of IP telephony and the difference it can make to the way they operate their businesses, because whatever change they make can have a huge effect on their bottom line," said Patricia Hume, global vice president, small and medium business solutions, Avaya. "Certified resellers in the Avaya BusinessPartner program who achieve 'SMB Expert' status are sending a message to their customers that they have the professional and technical expertise that's honed for the smaller firm. Because Altura is now qualified as an 'SMB Expert', they have increased credibility with their smaller customers, and it reaffirms Altura's commitment to excellence in serving small and medium firms with the highest standards and with the communications solutions from Avaya specifically designed to meet smaller companies' needs."

About Avaya

Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than 1 million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500[R]. Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet protocol (IP) telephony systems and communications software applications and services.

Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications - and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services - Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya website: www.avaya.com.

About Altura Communication Solutions

Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Altura Communication Solutions sells and services a variety of products, including voice over IP switching systems, unified communication systems, contact centers, multi media conferencing systems, network system management tools, data switching and routing products. The company has nationwide service capabilities and an enterprise customer base of more than 2,500 companies in the financial, education, healthcare and government markets.