Houston, TX - December 10, 2002 - NextiraOne, LLC, a Platinum Equity Company and leading network solutions and services provider of voice, data and converged technology, today announced the completion of a large-scale network transformation project for Sarasota County, Florida. Over the course of sixteen months, NextiraOne designed, engineered and installed a converged voice and data network that enhances the County's operations, improves internal administrative functions, and streamlines communications with residents who look to the County for assistance by phone and Internet.

"NextiraOne has provided a complete and powerful network solution to bring Sarasota County to the leading edge of 21st century technology, and that means better services and lower costs for our 277,000 residents," said Robert D. Hanson, CIO of Sarasota County. "NextiraOne's innovative plan allows us to use the County's existing fiber to unite our voice and data network, reducing our ongoing telecommunications expenses, saving the County hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in leased line costs, and creating a network with significant growth capacity."

Sarasota County encompasses more than 600 square miles on Florida's west coast, including the incorporated cities of Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Longboat Key. Sarasota County has been recognized by Money Magazine as one of the top 20 places to retire.

Providing key services to residents and businesses, Sarasota County government is comprised of seven business centers, ranging from Public Works to Emergency Services. With more than 4,400 employees operating from as many as 32 locations, the County's telecommunications needs are vast, and its ability to provide consistent, fast and reliable services to residents depends upon a powerful voice and data system.

In 2000, Sarasota County began the process of completely rebuilding its communications infrastructure. In 2001, the County turned to NextiraOne to provide a total telecommunications solution, from design and engineering to installation and on-site management. NextiraOne's team of experts created and implemented a high-capacity, state-of-the-art converged network solution for Sarasota County. Utilizing Nortel Networks* equipment and a customized design, NextiraOne transformed out-of-date technology and disparate systems into an integrated and efficient network.

"NextiraOne worked closely with experts in Sarasota County government to design and install a system that places heavy emphasis on speed, cost-savings and capacity for future growth," said Rick Snyder, senior vice president, professional services for NextiraOne. "By choosing NextiraOne for this communications project, Sarasota County selected a partner with the right combination of expertise and experience with the latest technology to design the communications network that will serve their needs long into the future."

A highly skilled team of 28 NextiraOne consultants and engineers developed and implemented the project, including a voice specialty team, a data specialty team and an optical specialty team who worked together to provide the County with all the benefits of converged technology.

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.

*Nortel Networks is a trademark of Nortel Networks.

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