AT&T Wins Networking Contract From Underwriters Laboratories

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- AT&T today announced it has won a multi-million dollar contract from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the undisputed leader in product safety testing and certification, to provide an integrated networking solution supporting UL locations in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

The agreement builds upon an existing relationship in which AT&T provides a comprehensive portfolio of long-distance voice and data services.

AT&T will provide an Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) solution that serves as UL's primary data network -- integrating UL's Northbrook headquarters with 27 locations in the U.S. and overseas, and providing fast, secure online access to the company's mission-critical business applications, including human resources, payroll, financial and operational functions.

The AT&T solution supports UL's customer relationship management applications, helping clients understand the product submittal process, providing assistance as clients work with UL on testing and certification projects, and enabling customer service representatives to respond to requests to UL's Web site.

In addition, AT&T will provide a back-up network that supports applications, such as e-mail and Web browsing. Connectivity between the primary and secondary networks enhances UL's business continuity capabilities by providing automatic routing of traffic from one network to the other to ensure uninterrupted access to its critical applications in the event of a disaster.

"Extending our conformity assessment services to help companies achieve global acceptance for their products is what's driving the future success of our organization," said Mark Sklenar, UL senior vice president and chief information officer. "AT&T's global networking capabilities make it a natural choice for us to work with, as we continue to expand our presence in major world markets."

About Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has evaluated products, materials and systems in the interest of public safety for 110 years. More than 19 billion UL Marks appear on products each year, and more than 18,000 types of products are tested at UL's five U.S. laboratories. Worldwide, the UL family of companies and its network of service providers include more than 60 laboratory, testing and certification facilities.

About AT&T

For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.