DENVER, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q - News) today announced it has secured California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) contract designation for the company's Internet and Web hosting services. The contract designation will streamline Qwest's sales efforts into California state and local government agencies.
Awarded and administered by the State of California, Department of General Services (DGS), the designation allows California state and local government agencies to purchase Qwest services that are included in the CMAS contract and not in conflict with the state's CalNet contract. The contract simplifies the purchasing process and makes it easier for California state and local government agencies to benefit from Qwest's services, which are part of the company's nationwide network.
"Qwest is pleased to win the CMAS designation because it simplifies the sales and purchasing process for providing Internet and Web hosting services to California state and local government agencies," said Clifford S. Holtz, executive vice president of Qwest's business markets group. "We believe the shortened sales cycle means faster service to our customers."
CMAS contracts are awarded and administered by the State of California, Department of General Services. The products, services and prices are primarily based on the federal General Services Administration (GSA) multiple award schedule program, but not exclusively. California contract terms and conditions and procurement codes and policies are added to the GSA's information to establish a totally independent California contract.
CMAS certifications and contracts are administered by the California Department of General Services (DGS) for state and local agencies. For more information, go to http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/cmas/about.htm.
About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q - News) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services to more than 25 million customers. The company's 47,000 employees are committed to the "Spirit of Service" and providing world-class services that exceed customers' expectations for quality, value and reliability. For more information, please visit the Qwest Web site at www.qwest.com.
About Qwest Internet Access
Qwest Internet Access includes virtual private network (VPN) and dial-up services. The VPN service provided through the CMAS contract provides certain features, including without limitation: (1) IP-based tunneling mechanism; (2) integrated Internet access; (3) network address translation and IP address assignments; (4) security profiles implemented through an integrated firewall and (5) routing capabilities over the VPN. The Internet access services listed are available within Qwest's backbone only. Local loops and intrastate long distance to the Qwest backbone need to be acquired from CalNet or the agency's local provider. Voice over IP (VoIP) provisioning and applications in conflict with those on CalNet are not available under this contract.
