Kodak Renews U.S. Voice Services With Nortel

Extension Through 2008 Includes Upgrade to IP-Enabled Communication Server

Eastman Kodak Company has agreed to a three-year renewal of an existing agreement with Nortel for management of its U.S. voice network.

The renewal, signed earlier this year, calls for Nortel to continue managing Kodak's U.S. network of PBXs and telephone services through 2008. It also includes upgrading an existing Meridian* SL-100* switch to an IP-enabled Communication Server 2100. This upgrade will allow Kodak to provide VoIP capability when cost-effective for requirements such as worker mobility.

Kodak, which has outsourced its voice network to Nortel since 1995, will continue to benefit from Business Made Simple through lower capital and operating costs. Kodak will also gain an infrastructure better prepared for future technologies without sacrificing previous investments.

"Nortel's extensive experience in providing these Network Managed Services for Kodak has provided a unique understanding of how to efficiently and cost-effectively address their communications needs," said Dietmar Wendt, president, Global Services, Nortel.

"We will continue to provide cost savings by operating and managing Kodak's U.S. network," Wendt said. "And we'll work with Kodak to address both current and future needs - including migration to VoIP if and when it makes sense - without requiring them to take on the costs associated with buying, implementing and operating new equipment."

Nortel provides network management and maintenance for Kodak's voice network, including remote fault monitoring with proactive network surveillance, customer-defined service level agreements for response and resolution, moves and changes, comprehensive customer reporting, and dedicated service management.

Nortel Network Managed Services provide multi-vendor, multi-technology network and performance management, assisted operations, hosted solutions and managed security across wireless and wireline data and voice networks. These services are focused on helping customers transition from legacy networks to converged solutions and next-generation technology. Network Managed Services are part of the Nortel Global Services portfolio, which offers a full range of network application, implementation, and support services for end-to-end multi-vendor networks.

Nortel's Communication Server 2100 is a carrier-grade, IP softswitch for large campuses and geographically dispersed enterprises. Scalable from 5,000 to 200,000 ports, Communication Server 2100 can be used to implement a pure IP network, or to add IP capability in a hybrid network architecture that preserves previous investments in TDM equipment.

By Nortel