Houston, TX - December 9, 2002 - NextiraOne, LLC, a Platinum Equity company and leading network solutions and services provider of voice, data and converged technology, today announced that it has achieved Advanced Technology Provider status for IP Telephony Remote Network Operations (ATP-IPT/RNO) from Cisco Systems, Inc. This ATP designation recognizes NextiraOne for having the ability to provide remote network monitoring and management, including problem resolution ownership, of the Cisco IP Telephony and underlying LAN/WAN infrastructures.

"ATP partners are instrumental in helping Cisco penetrate new growth markets," said Surinder Brar, senior director of Worldwide Channels Marketing at Cisco Systems. "ATP channel partners, like NextiraOne, are hand selected by Cisco to develop the knowledge and skills that enable them to ensure the successful deployment or management of new growth technologies."

This signifies that NextiraOne has completed rigorous training and knowledge validation requirements for becoming a provider for the remote management of Cisco IP telephony solutions.

Combined with the existing Cisco Systems specializations that NextiraOne has previously achieved, this new ATP designation places NextiraOne at the forefront in providing the complete lifecycle of services, from planning and design, to implementation, maintenance and management solutions for Cisco Systems IP Telephony, Wireless, Security and Data products.

"NextiraOne is pleased to receive Cisco Systems' validation of its expertise and Day 2 support capabilities," said Jeffrey Hitchman, NextiraOne vice president, strategic alliances. "This certification also distinguishes NextiraOne in the converged communications marketplace as one of the few qualified Cisco Systems partners with significant voice experience complementing the complete breadth of our lifecycle services. In addition, our global footprint enables NextiraOne to provide enhanced solutions for customers with a worldwide presence."

Resources that make NextiraOne exceptionally well qualified to successfully deliver and support converged communication services include:

• NextiraOne's engineering organization, led by 17 CCIEs, with more than 90 network and 1,900 field technicians who perform design, installation and on-site services
• Project and Program Management certified engineers driving the success of installations Comprehensive Day 2 support including centralized TAC support: performance/alarm monitoring, remote diagnostics to solve network problems, outsourcing on a 24x7 basis and configuration/application management
• Comprehensive multi-vendor lab facilities located around the U.S. enable NextiraOne to assess sample customer configurations and provide proof-of-concept services
• Software development experts from NextiraOne's CTI Lab deploying XML applications on customers' Cisco Systems IP phones

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.

About Platinum Equity
Platinum Equity (www.peh.com) is a global acquisition firm uniquely specialized in the operation of mission-critical technology companies. Since its founding in 1995, Platinum has completed 40 privately funded transactions, leveraging a multi-billion-dollar revenue base derived from the continued growth of its portfolio. With an established infrastructure in North America, Europe, Asia and South America, Platinum employs a workforce of more than 15,000 serving over 500,000 customers worldwide.

Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems Inc. in the United States and certain other countries.

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