LONDON -- Nortel (NYSE:NT) (TSX:NT) today announced Enterprise Assurance Services, an innovative plan to provide a simplified, modular and flexible services portfolio for Nortel 'channel partners' in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Part of Nortel's on-going commitment to developing programmes that address the business needs of its channel partners, the Enterprise Assurance Services portfolio includes Premier Support Contract Plus (PSC+), a new top level service package. PSC+ will position Nortel's EMEA channel partners to offer customer services with a flexible pricing structure that can be customized to meet unique needs.

"Over the last few years, we have asked our channel partners to build new business models focused not only on hardware volume but also on services and solutions," said Judith Gleeson, channel strategy and Enterprise Networks operations leader, EMEA, Nortel.

"We have developed the Enterprise Assurance Services portfolio and PSC+ in particular to help them deliver the services customers need today while allowing them to boost productivity and improve return on investment," Gleeson said. "PSC+ is a key step in our goal to create the channel model of the future."

PSC+ is available to registered members of Nortel's EMEA Partner Programme who have reached an agreed level of accreditation. It allows them to offer a range of services that complements existing business strategies and product portfolios without adding extra cost.

PSC+ contract holders receive a set of services including downloadable software support, online access to technical information and knowledge tools, swift delivery of replacements and repaired parts, and assignment of a dedicated Nortel Service Manager to address service queries and other related matters.

Nortel Networks Ltd.