HOUSTON - Jan. 12, 2005 - In a move to give customers enhanced access to its expertise in IP, converged and traditional networking solutions, NextiraOne has shifted its focus to bring sales and service delivery decision-making authority closer to those customers. The company has appointed general managers to head its new National Markets, Western, Eastern and Central business units. Larry Underwood has been selected as the vice president and general manager of the National Markets business unit.

"Our National Markets business unit has some of our largest accounts, and it was absolutely necessary that we put someone in charge who would be able to understand the intricacies of providing excellent service to multi-market customers," said NextiraOne CEO Dale Booth. "Larry Underwood was the obvious choice for this position. His experience in dealing with large multi-national enterprises and his commitment to customer service ensure that our National Markets customers will be well served."

As the vice president and general manager of the National Markets business unit, Larry Underwood will have responsibility for sales and service delivery for national and global accounts as well as the systems integrator and telecom carrier channel partners. Prior to NextiraOne, Underwood served as vice president of sales and business development for LongBoard. He also held numerous senior management positions with Tachion Networks, Lucent/Ascend, 3Com and MCI. He began his career in telecom as a switching systems technician for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1981.

About NextiraOne
NextiraOne North America is a leading provider of integrated enterprise network, IP telephony, voice and data solutions and services that enable effective business communications. Built on a foundation of telecommunications industry experience dating back to the 1970s, the company's expertise ranges from planning to the implementation, support and management of traditional, IP and converged voice and data communications networks. NextiraOne also provides solutions featuring best-in-class technologies from leading manufacturers and vendors. The company offers consultation and solutions development ranging from contact center applications to network professional services. The NextiraOne companies enjoy a rich history that has been woven from the fabric of Williams Communications Solutions, Milgo Solutions, Racal-Datacom, Timeplex and Executone. For more information, please visit www.NextiraOne.com.

NextiraOne is owned by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global acquisition firm specializing in the strategic operation of mission-critical services and solutions businesses according to a unique M&A&O^SM model of value creation.

Contact:
Sadie McCrary
Media Relations Representative
M/C/C for NextiraOne
972-480-8383 ext. 222
Sadie_McCrary@mccom.com