NEW YORK and PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Telcordia Technologies, Inc., (www.telcordia.com) and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced a strategic alliance to build and deliver end-to-end operations support, network management and business support solutions for communications service providers globally.

Accenture has also been awarded a multi-year application outsourcing contract to provide Telcordia with applications development support services. The agreement will leverage the flexibility and efficiency of Accenture's Global Delivery Network to help Telcordia advance the development of its software applications.

Under the strategic global alliance agreement, Accenture will incorporate Telcordia's OSS applications into Accenture Communications Solutions, Accenture's suite of proven business offerings and assets that can drive high performance for communications service providers. In addition, the two companies will offer their new solutions as preferred products to meet specific customer needs.

Through these new relationships, Accenture will bring its global technology network, business process and broadband experience, and industry-specific assets together with Telcordia's industry depth and innovative product portfolio to help carriers address the challenges and reap the benefits of migration to next-generation IP networks with fully-integrated platforms enabling market differentiation and revenue maximization. The two companies are working closely together to jointly develop, market and deploy solutions to enable telecommunications companies to rationalize their infrastructures and reduce operational costs.

"Both Accenture and Telcordia have a long and proven history of delivering comprehensive solutions that address the converging communications market," said Elisabeth Rainge, director, Next-Generation OSS and Billing, IDC. "Together the two companies bring compelling solution and delivery capabilities with a track record of success with some of the world's largest and most advanced service providers. The breadth and depth of this relationship and the global delivery model for these solutions will benefit carriers worldwide as they seek to bring new services to market in ever-shorter timeframes."

"With shifting industry dynamics and the growing appetite for new services, carriers require the superior assets and experience of industry leaders to offer a proven path to success," said Mike Henderson, president, Global Solutions, Telcordia. "The stakes are high and carriers cannot afford to take risks that could jeopardize their revenue stream, market share or future viability. Accenture brings a deep understanding of the strategies and future direction of communications service providers in the broadband world. Our complementary strengths and solutions can help carriers stay ahead of the changing telecommunications market and emerge stronger than before with a more robust, profitable business strategy."

Telcordia Technologies Inc.

Accenture