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MCI Helps Businesses Advance Private Data and IP Networking Companies Can Now Expand Corporate Networks With Broadband to Securely and Affordably Link Remote Offices ASHBURN, Va., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) today unveiled two new additions to its Secure Interworking Gateway (SIG) Services suite to help business and government customers extend their enterprise networks by securely combining the power of private and public IP networking. Both new services -- Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access -- take advantage of the interoperability, intelligence and security built into MCI's network to effectively and affordably bridge the benefits of private and public IP communications. "MCI continues to raise the intelligence and interoperability of our network," said Nancy Gofus, MCI senior vice president of Product Management. "This comprehensive suite of secure gateway services meets the growing requirements companies have to advance their capabilities in an IP world." With Broadband VPN Interworking, MCI Frame Relay and Private IP customers can now connect smaller remote offices with low-cost secure broadband connectivity using DSL and cable access. MCI's Broadband VPN Interworking also provides built-in redundancy with dual SIG ports for continuous network operation, as well as a low-cost failover solution for Private IP customers to improve business continuity. Ideal for companies with a highly distributed workforce, such as retailers, customers can cost-effectively connect multiple locations to enhance communications with corporate headquarters, while taking advantage of advanced technology, such as in-store kiosks, to better serve customers. With Secure Internet Access, businesses can now securely connect their Frame, ATM and Private IP networks to the Internet for Web access and email through an MCI network-based firewall. Since the equipment is network-based, customers benefit from reduced cost of ownership while relying on MCI to protect their networks from common Internet-based security threats and attacks. The service also helps ensure stability and predictability of a customer's corporate wide area networking environment. "These additions to the Secure Interworking Gateway (SIG) suite of services allow customers to tie together their private and public IP communications seamlessly," said Brian Washburn, principal analyst at Current Analysis, a Virginia-based industry analyst firm. "MCI is using the intelligence built into its network to help customers streamline their own networks more affordably." MCI's SIG platform was designed to provide vast scalability and resiliency and is ideal for any size business. Enabling enterprises to transition to new technology with ease, customers do not need to buy or lease additional hardware. As a network-based solution, MCI owns, manages, monitors and updates the gateways deployed within its own infrastructure and ensures seamless delivery of customer traffic from origination to destination. By outsourcing this function to MCI, customers can better focus on their core business. The new services are available immediately to U.S-based customers with plans to roll-out Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access in Europe and Asia Pacific later this year. MCI's SIG Services Suite MCI's offers a complete suite of SIG services, enabling customers to take advantage of a one-solution approach to bridge the gap between private and public IP networks with built-in security. This approach allows for more streamlined network management, lower costs and reduced capital expenditures. Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access join a comprehensive portfolio of SIG Services, including Network-Based Remote Access and Dedicated VPN Interworking, formerly VPN Gateway. About MCI MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With one of the most expansive global IP backbones and wholly-owned data networks, MCI develops the converged communications products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications in today's market. For more information, go to http://www.mci.com/ . DATASOURCE: MCI, Inc. CONTACT: Media, Janet Brumfield of MCI, Inc., +1-800-644-NEWS, Web site: http://www.mci.com/

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