HOUSTON, TX - August 7, 2002 - NextiraOne, LLC, a global leader in providing voice, data and convergence solutions for business telecommunications customers, today announced that it has achieved the IP Telephony Service Specialization from Cisco Systems, Inc.

Achieving this designation from Cisco is recognition that NextiraOne has completed the necessary training, acquired significant field experience and demonstrated proven results with successful IP Telephony customer engagements that include some of the largest and most complex scenarios. For NextiraOne, the IP Telephony Service Specialization is added to its previous list of completed specializations, as the company has achieved Cisco Systems Wireless and VPN Security Specializations.

"As IP Telephony continues to rapidly evolve into a mainstream business solution, it is being deployed in much larger, complex environments that require more in-depth expertise as well as professional services capabilities," said Surinder Brar, senior director of channel marketing for Cisco Systems. "Our IP Telephony Services Specialization recognizes channel partners like NextiraOne that have developed advanced services practices to capitalize on this new growth opportunity."

"We're excited about Cisco's validation of our expertise and capabilities," said Jeffrey Hitchman, NextiraOne vice president, strategic alliances. "We also feel that NextiraOne is distinguished in the IP Telephony marketplace as one of the few qualified Cisco partners with significant voice experience complementing the complete breadth of our services. In addition, our global capabilities allow us to provide enhanced solutions for customers with a worldwide presence."

Resource Requirements
The IP Telephony Services Specialization focuses on the Planning, Design and Implementation phases of the PDIO technology lifecycle. Cisco followed a very rigorous evaluation process and examined several functions across NextiraOne's business. Key focus areas included employee resources, implementation process and documentation, lab infrastructures and direct customer feedback.

NextiraOne maintains technical staff with a high level of expertise to assist customers through all phases of the convergence lifecycle. Resources that make NextiraOne exceptionally well qualified to successfully deliver IP Telephony Services include:

• NextiraOne's engineering organization, led by 17 CCIEs and comprised of more than 90 network consultants.
• During implementation PMP certified project mangers drive the success of installations by leveraging a detailed, structured convergence specific project plan.
• More than 1,900 field technicians perform installation and on-site services.
• Centralized TAC support is provided on a 24x7 basis from several redundant NOC facilities.
• Comprehensive multi-vendor lab facilities located around the US allow NextiraOne to assess sample customer configurations and provide proof-of-concept services.
• Software development experts from NextiraOne's CTI lab are already deploying XML applications on customers' Cisco IP phones.

Post Implementation Day Two Support
NextiraOne is also a leader in providing post-implementation Operational support. NextiraOne's ConvergenceCare^SM support and monitoring plan was developed specifically to answer the Day 2 support requirements of Cisco's Call Manager.

Customer Validation
NextiraOne was also required to document successful customer deployments through a reference account process stipulating customer satisfaction scores of at least 4.5 out of 5. The survey process called for a minimum of 6 IP Telephony customers and also required engagements for Unity Unified Messaging and legacy PBX integration.

"While we've been installing convergence solutions for several years, we're now seeing more customers move beyond toll-bypass and validate the application benefits of full IP Telephony" said Hitchman. "Our large Call Manager implementations for customers such as Marvell Semiconductor and most recently our Call Manager agreement with The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. are a strong testament to our success in guiding customers down this path."

About NextiraOne
Headquartered in Houston, TX and Paris, France, NextiraOne is a leading provider of network solutions and services. NextiraOne delivers world-class solutions and LifeCycle^SM services from planning and design, through the implementation, support, and management of voice, data, and converged communications networks. As a global service organization that carries an extensive portfolio of certifications and product expertise, NextiraOne provides best-in-class technologies from leading partners, such as Nortel Networks, Cisco Systems, and Alcatel. NextiraOne offers consultation and solutions development ranging from contact center applications to network infrastructure outsourcing. NextiraOne is owned by Platinum Equity (www.peh.com), a global organization specializing in the acquisition and strategic management of mission-critical companies. For more information, please visit www.NextiraOne.com.

Contacts:
RBB Public Relations
Robert Gill
(305) 448-7450 x129
robert.gill@rbbpr.com

For NextiraOne:
Shannon DeYoung
Director, Marketing
713-307-4743
Shannon.DeYoung@NextiraOne.com