Wacker Chemie Picks MCI

ASHBURN, Va. -- MCI today announced that Munich, Germany-based Wacker Chemie GmbH (pronounced Vauker), a leading global provider of chemicals and semiconductor operations, has selected MCI as its primary global communications provider. Under terms of the multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement, MCI will design, build, and fully manage a new global VPN network for Wacker to carry data and voice traffic among 70 facilities located on four continents. Wacker will use its new network infrastructure to consolidate operations, foster greater internal communication, and increase returns on its existing network investments. MCI will help Wacker to integrate legacy systems with its new VPN solution, which will be comprised of MCI's IP VPN, global frame relay and private line services. In addition, Wacker will use MCI Internet access, audio and videoconferencing, and voice services to help it better communicate internally and with business partners. Wacker's technology team challenged five leading communications providers to propose a solution that would consolidate Wacker's fragmented IT communications environment, streamline operations, and increase Wacker's return on their technology investments. MCI stood apart from the competition. It presented a unified and innovative solution that leverages MCI's global network with a wide range of services that will support voice traffic, financial and groupware applications as well as enable real-time applications that deliver immediate solutions for Wacker's global customers. "Wacker can rely on MCI to manage its communications while focusing on its core business," said Blair Crump, MCI senior vice president of Commercial Accounts. "Our expertise delivering managed global solutions that blend private and public IP networking will help Wacker achieve new business capabilities while maximizing efficiencies."MCI